House of Tan Teng Niah: A Colorful Heritage Site | Singapore Purple Travel Guide
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Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideThe House of Tan Teng Niah is a vividly painted villa located in the heart of Little India. Built in 1900, this two-story building is the last surviving traditional Chinese villa in a district that is now predominantly Indian. It is famous for its intricate architecture and its stunning, multicolored facade, which has made it one of the most photographed and
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Why You Should Visit
Visiting this house offers a unique look at the multicultural history of Singapore. It serves as a visual reminder of a time when Chinese and Indian communities lived and worked side-by-side in the Serangoon area. The brightly painted exterior—a riot of pastel pinks, vibrant yellows, and deep blues—contrasts beautifully with the surrounding spice shops and flower garland vendors of Little India. It is a perfect, quick stop for photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
What is Special About It?
- The Last of Its Kind: While Little India was once an industrial zone home to many Chinese-owned villas, urban redevelopment in the 20th century saw almost all of them demolished. This house is the sole remaining example of a ‘towkay’ (wealthy businessman) residence from that era.
- The Psychedelic Palette: Interestingly, the house was originally painted a plain white. The ‘technicolor’ restoration occurred in the 1980s and 1990s. While some historians debate the accuracy of the colors, the vibrant paintwork was intended to reflect the ‘candy trade’ that the owner was involved in and the lively spirit of the Little India neighborhood.
- Intricate Symbolism: Above the entrance, you can see a gilded nameplate with the calligraphic inscription ‘Siew Song’ (meaning ‘Elegant Pine’), which represents longevity and resilience.
Architecture and History
- The Rubber King: Tan Teng Niah was a prominent Chinese businessman who owned several confectionery and rubber factories in the neighborhood. Legend has it that he built this eight-room villa specifically for his wife.
- A Hybrid Style: The architecture is a ‘Straits Eclectic’ mix. It features traditional Southern Chinese design elements, such as a bamboo-tiled roof and decorative timber eaves, blended with European colonial influences like the swinging ‘pintu pagar’ (half-doors) and the ornate, tall windows.
- Conservation Success: In 1991, the restoration of the house was awarded an Honourable Mention by the Singapore Institute of Architects. Today, the building is protected under landmark status by the National Heritage Board.
- The Five-Foot Way: The second story of the house overhangs the first, creating a 5-foot (1.5-meter) wide covered pedestrian walkway that provides shade and shelter, a classic feature of Singaporean heritage architecture.
Self-Guided Information
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Opening Hours |
The exterior is Always Open (24 hours). You should visit during the mid-morning for the best natural light. |
Admission Fee |
Free. The house is currently used for commercial purposes, so the interior is generally not open to the public. |
Getting There |
It is a 2-minute walk from Little India MRT Station (DT12/NE7). Take Exit E and walk toward the courtyard area. |
Nearby Murals |
After viewing the house, explore the surrounding alleys to find famous murals like ‘Cattleland 2’ which celebrate the history of the cattle trade in the area. |
Traveler Tip
Because the house is situated in a relatively small courtyard, you should bring a wide-angle lens to capture the entire building. If you are hungry, the famous Tekka Centre is just across the street, where you can find some of the best Biryani and Teh Tarik in the city after you finish your photography session.
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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
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