Katong District
Katong District
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Neighborhood: Marine Parade
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.0
263 reviews
Excellent
91
Very good
116
Average
48
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Off their P
Manchester, UK4,021 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
For many years, we had stayed in the centre of the city and most often in Clarke Quay. . Whilst this definitely has its appeal we won’t be staying there anymore as we’ve discovered a new and interesting area.
The hotel was bang in the middle of it and we loved it. public transport isn’t the best we getting into the centre but taxis and buses are frequent and I believe they are building an MRT station nearby. The bars, restaurants and shops are unique and have their own charm in amongst historic buildings, this really is an interesting place and we are looking forward to getting back as soon as possible.
The hotel was bang in the middle of it and we loved it. public transport isn’t the best we getting into the centre but taxis and buses are frequent and I believe they are building an MRT station nearby. The bars, restaurants and shops are unique and have their own charm in amongst historic buildings, this really is an interesting place and we are looking forward to getting back as soon as possible.
Written March 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tea & Trails
Japan102 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
Katong is my favorite place in Singapore, with its charming classical houses and colors that are quintessentially Singaporean. Since the new Marine Parade MRT station opened in 2024, access from the city center has become much easier. Cafe hopping and enjoying Laksa are also great activities to try when visiting this area.
Written September 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nilintentum_reliquit
Melbourne, Australia2,599 contributions
Jul 2017
East Coast and Joo Chait roads are filled with traditional houses with colourful facades, some with intricate design. Plenty of refreshment stops along the way so this area makes a very pleasant walk with plenty of photo opportunities.
The Laksa at 218 East Coast road is raved about by the locals.
Thanks for the vote if you found this review helpful.
The Laksa at 218 East Coast road is raved about by the locals.
Thanks for the vote if you found this review helpful.
Written July 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kim buay p
Singapore, Singapore13,011 contributions
Dec 2020
Katong is the name of an exotic sea turtle which is now extinct. After the First World War, this area became an affluent place to live and a popular choice among the emerging middle class. It used to be close to the sea until land reclamation took place.
1) A good starting point for a walk along East Coast Road in Katong district would be Kuo Chuan Ave with its black and white conservation houses. However it is now cordoned off for residents only.
2) At 150 East Coast Road, on the wall on the side of Yong’s Teochew Kueh is a mural titled "Turtle Cape" showing a large turtle swimming on a blue wall. Further down is a row of 11 unique single-storey shophouses, an adaptation of the Anglo-Malay bungalows. With the coastline so close by, each of these houses have a staircase in front so that the living quarters were built on raised ground as a form of protection against the rising tides. The lower basements are likely to be storerooms for excess furniture. One owner told me that she converted the basement into three more bedrooms.
3) The Katong Antique House has lovely Japanese tiles decorating its exterior.
4) Santa Grand Hotel is adorned in Peranakan style maintaining its conservation status. Inside are two tiles that echo the delicate designs of Nonya porcelainware. These tiles are based on Chinese motifs with phoenix among peonies. For Chinese Peranakans, the Phoenix is very auspicious while peony is known as “the king of the flowers”. The green shapes represent “scholar’s rocks” which are often found in Chinese gardens.
5) Around the corner from Peranakan Culture, there is second mural titled “Decorative Tiles”. Along the yellow walls of the narrow alley are very colourful tiles painted in the shape of a pair of wings. The tiles here are meant to reflect the Peranakan culture as many affluent Peranakan shophouses are adorned with decorative tiles in the exterior unlike western decorative tiles which are displayed indoor. With the TV series called The Little Nonya, the film set featured authentic Peranankan style and revived an interest in the decorative tiles.
6) At the back alley of Rumah Bebe is another mural of a row of dancing ladies wearing the traditional Nonya Kebaya. There are also some other traditional motifs often used in Peranakan decor, like the peony flower and the Chinese-style lion.
7) The fourth mural is at the back of Kim Choo Kueh Chang store depicting a girl dressed in the Nyonya Kebaya holding up some balloon dumplings against a white wall.
8) Built in 1920s, the Red House is a conserved building once used to house an old-time bakery selling confectionery to the residents in the area and is now occupied by a bakery and café “Micro” selling sourdough bread and pastry.
9) The former Joo Chiat Police Station is conserved and is now a part of Hotel Indigo. The hotel features a unique modern design inspired by the Peranakan culture, paying homage to the heritage of this lively neighbourhood.
10) Built back in 1928 and restored to its former glory, Rumah Bebe embodies Peranakan culture at its finest. It is lavishly decorated with exquisite chinaware, one-of-a-kind handcrafted beaded shoes, racks of kebayas and all things Peranakan. They provide guided in-house tour to explain the Peranakan way of life. The exterior of these shophouses should also be admired. Although the pilasters are based on European architecture, the pilasters are covered with flowers particular to this region. Below the windows are ornate panels with flower motifs reflecting Chinese style of decoration.
11) There are many cafes and coffee shops offering a wide varieties of food here. At Katong Shopping Centre, there is a well known boneless Hainanese chicken rice stall in the food court and another shop selling banana pies and other pastries.
However it is recommended that the walk should not be done on a Monday as many shops are closed on that day.
1) A good starting point for a walk along East Coast Road in Katong district would be Kuo Chuan Ave with its black and white conservation houses. However it is now cordoned off for residents only.
2) At 150 East Coast Road, on the wall on the side of Yong’s Teochew Kueh is a mural titled "Turtle Cape" showing a large turtle swimming on a blue wall. Further down is a row of 11 unique single-storey shophouses, an adaptation of the Anglo-Malay bungalows. With the coastline so close by, each of these houses have a staircase in front so that the living quarters were built on raised ground as a form of protection against the rising tides. The lower basements are likely to be storerooms for excess furniture. One owner told me that she converted the basement into three more bedrooms.
3) The Katong Antique House has lovely Japanese tiles decorating its exterior.
4) Santa Grand Hotel is adorned in Peranakan style maintaining its conservation status. Inside are two tiles that echo the delicate designs of Nonya porcelainware. These tiles are based on Chinese motifs with phoenix among peonies. For Chinese Peranakans, the Phoenix is very auspicious while peony is known as “the king of the flowers”. The green shapes represent “scholar’s rocks” which are often found in Chinese gardens.
5) Around the corner from Peranakan Culture, there is second mural titled “Decorative Tiles”. Along the yellow walls of the narrow alley are very colourful tiles painted in the shape of a pair of wings. The tiles here are meant to reflect the Peranakan culture as many affluent Peranakan shophouses are adorned with decorative tiles in the exterior unlike western decorative tiles which are displayed indoor. With the TV series called The Little Nonya, the film set featured authentic Peranankan style and revived an interest in the decorative tiles.
6) At the back alley of Rumah Bebe is another mural of a row of dancing ladies wearing the traditional Nonya Kebaya. There are also some other traditional motifs often used in Peranakan decor, like the peony flower and the Chinese-style lion.
7) The fourth mural is at the back of Kim Choo Kueh Chang store depicting a girl dressed in the Nyonya Kebaya holding up some balloon dumplings against a white wall.
8) Built in 1920s, the Red House is a conserved building once used to house an old-time bakery selling confectionery to the residents in the area and is now occupied by a bakery and café “Micro” selling sourdough bread and pastry.
9) The former Joo Chiat Police Station is conserved and is now a part of Hotel Indigo. The hotel features a unique modern design inspired by the Peranakan culture, paying homage to the heritage of this lively neighbourhood.
10) Built back in 1928 and restored to its former glory, Rumah Bebe embodies Peranakan culture at its finest. It is lavishly decorated with exquisite chinaware, one-of-a-kind handcrafted beaded shoes, racks of kebayas and all things Peranakan. They provide guided in-house tour to explain the Peranakan way of life. The exterior of these shophouses should also be admired. Although the pilasters are based on European architecture, the pilasters are covered with flowers particular to this region. Below the windows are ornate panels with flower motifs reflecting Chinese style of decoration.
11) There are many cafes and coffee shops offering a wide varieties of food here. At Katong Shopping Centre, there is a well known boneless Hainanese chicken rice stall in the food court and another shop selling banana pies and other pastries.
However it is recommended that the walk should not be done on a Monday as many shops are closed on that day.
Written January 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mbaas
Halle (Saale), Germany371 contributions
Dec 2012 • Friends
Katong is one of these suburbs outside the city center that give you the sense of an older, less glitzy Singapore. I often hear people complain that Singapore is like Dubai or Las Vegas but people often forget the long history the city has. Katong is one of those areas where a lot of Peranakan Chinese had their businesses and as a result it is one of the few areas left with original shophouses. Increasingly people are having these refurbished, fresh coat of paint, giving the whole area an extra dimension. It is lovely to wander around here, discovering architectural gems as well as incredible food places. East Coast Road is known as Food Paradise, a large concentration of excellent mostly low-end eating places. Of course it is one of the best places to sample Peranakan food. It is also one of the few neighborhoods with rather easy access to the beach. All in all it makes an excellent day or afternoon out of the city center, wandering around, eating, having a chilled beer and enjoying the relative quiet of an old area with lots of heritage and character.
Written December 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mbaas
Halle (Saale), Germany371 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
We live in Katong ourselves and consider it one of the more attractive neighborhoods of Singapore. What a lot of visitors underestimate is the amount of heritage that is available here, from beautiful shop houses to temples and otherwise. The best way to visit the area is to take a taxi or bus to 112 Mall (the actual name is i12, or I Want To). Skip the mall itself but make your way either onto East Coast Road or Joo Chiat Road. Joo Chiat Road runs all the way to Geyland which is another area worth checking out, especially for the Malay food. Katong with a high number of tick-off must-sees... the best way is to simply explore, have some good food and enjoy the architecture.
Written June 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EarthlingOnline
Worldwide3,742 contributions
Oct 2013 • Family
Is this a place for a visitor?
It was, 4 decades ago when I first visited Singapore. I stayed in a YMCA, located in a former private mansion (on Meyer Road) near Katong Park HDB complex. With newfound mates, we would visit the food complex for meals, snacks, drinks, and chat. Or go in the other direction into "town" to shop - for example, at the then brand new and "pioneering" Katong Shopping Centre - or to eat, for example at a local steamboat place around the corner. Somewhat later, the Katong Mall was a local attraction.
Since then, land reclamation has moved back the seacoast, and the area has morphed - IMHO not for the better, at least for the visitor. Katong Mall has been torn down for redevelopment into another mall. Katong Shopping Center seems even more downmarket and of little interest unless you live nearby. Etc.
I could no longer imagine this area entering my bucket list for bringing visitors, unless I lived in this area and was bringing them to my home neighbourhood. With local family, which does not live in this part of the city, it occasionally (but only occasionally) crops up - mostly if we decide to take a bus rather than the MRT past the area and that particular bus passes through Katong. We might then "tap off" the bus for awhile and mosey around before continuing on to our destination.
So, a synopsis:
1. For residents of Katong - it's home and thus essential.
2. For locals not resident in Katong proper, YMMV. Perhaps you have discovered, or could discover, a haunt or two here to make the place more enjoyable for you. Or, perhaps, not.
3. For visitors, an ordinary neighbourhood which decades ago might have been potentially more vibrant for the visitor. But, perhaps, not now a destination for you. And not, perhaps, more characterful than many other areas in the city.
It was, 4 decades ago when I first visited Singapore. I stayed in a YMCA, located in a former private mansion (on Meyer Road) near Katong Park HDB complex. With newfound mates, we would visit the food complex for meals, snacks, drinks, and chat. Or go in the other direction into "town" to shop - for example, at the then brand new and "pioneering" Katong Shopping Centre - or to eat, for example at a local steamboat place around the corner. Somewhat later, the Katong Mall was a local attraction.
Since then, land reclamation has moved back the seacoast, and the area has morphed - IMHO not for the better, at least for the visitor. Katong Mall has been torn down for redevelopment into another mall. Katong Shopping Center seems even more downmarket and of little interest unless you live nearby. Etc.
I could no longer imagine this area entering my bucket list for bringing visitors, unless I lived in this area and was bringing them to my home neighbourhood. With local family, which does not live in this part of the city, it occasionally (but only occasionally) crops up - mostly if we decide to take a bus rather than the MRT past the area and that particular bus passes through Katong. We might then "tap off" the bus for awhile and mosey around before continuing on to our destination.
So, a synopsis:
1. For residents of Katong - it's home and thus essential.
2. For locals not resident in Katong proper, YMMV. Perhaps you have discovered, or could discover, a haunt or two here to make the place more enjoyable for you. Or, perhaps, not.
3. For visitors, an ordinary neighbourhood which decades ago might have been potentially more vibrant for the visitor. But, perhaps, not now a destination for you. And not, perhaps, more characterful than many other areas in the city.
Written January 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Casey_An
Hong Kong, China606 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
Katong is an area used to be famous for its Katong laska (spoon-fed laska). It is inbetween of two popular roads: Joo Chiat Road for food and the East Coast Road for the seafront. If you are a foodie, you would certainly enjoy walking along Joo Chiat Road and see all sort of local cuisines being found available here. Moreoever, Koon Seng Road is a side road off Joo Chiat Road which is still remained the traditional Peranakan style houses at the beginning of road. I extremely interest in the beautiful tiles that they used to display the main gate. I found them very close to the work made by the Portuguese in Macau.
Written August 30, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy Yang
Singapore35 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
Foreigners visiting Singapore may want to drop by East Coast Road. Along the short stretch of road (maybe 800m), you will find all types of cuisine - all neatly lined up in restaurants/cafes along the road. Plus in 112 Katong Mall - situated on same road (just cross the road).
For local food, visit
i. Alibabar Coffee Shop
You must try Fried Hokkien Noodles. A small size plate costs only S$5. We enjoyed it so much my partner (from UK) ordered another plate after his fish and chips! The fish and chips was really yummy too. Fried just right - not oily, or soggy. The black pepper chicken chop was great too. I think no more than S$15/dish. Needless to say, we over ate.
ii. 328 Katong Laksa
Short strands of white noodles (locally referred to as bee hoon) with bits of prawns and thin strands of fish cake cooked in coconut, lemon grass, prawn paste - a rich broth, cooked just right. For me it wasn't that spicy. So they gave a packet of chilli sauce. A small bowl costs about S$4.70.
My suggestion is to order small size ones so that you can sample these local food which are really amongst the best in Singapore. They are located within walking distance hence making it convenient and time-saving.
Take note that Singapore restaurants close early, on average about
9-10 pm. Last order is likely to be more than half hour earlier.
Service is average. Don't expect top notch service excellence. Just be grateful you are served (yes, I am being honestly sarcastic).
For local food, visit
i. Alibabar Coffee Shop
You must try Fried Hokkien Noodles. A small size plate costs only S$5. We enjoyed it so much my partner (from UK) ordered another plate after his fish and chips! The fish and chips was really yummy too. Fried just right - not oily, or soggy. The black pepper chicken chop was great too. I think no more than S$15/dish. Needless to say, we over ate.
ii. 328 Katong Laksa
Short strands of white noodles (locally referred to as bee hoon) with bits of prawns and thin strands of fish cake cooked in coconut, lemon grass, prawn paste - a rich broth, cooked just right. For me it wasn't that spicy. So they gave a packet of chilli sauce. A small bowl costs about S$4.70.
My suggestion is to order small size ones so that you can sample these local food which are really amongst the best in Singapore. They are located within walking distance hence making it convenient and time-saving.
Take note that Singapore restaurants close early, on average about
9-10 pm. Last order is likely to be more than half hour earlier.
Service is average. Don't expect top notch service excellence. Just be grateful you are served (yes, I am being honestly sarcastic).
Written May 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FallingPig
Perth, Australia1 contribution
Jun 2014 • Family
I stayed on East Coast Road as an overnight stop on my way from Perth to London. It was great. Loved the markets and the shopping centre and close to the coast. From the hotel you could see the beautiful roofs of the old buildings.
Written June 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
This is Mrittika from India.
Am visiting Singapore from 23-Feb'15 till 1-Mar'15 for vacation along with my parents. Would like to know about the entry fee per adult for this destination. Let me know the popular restaurants or cafés onsite? Also, how do I get there using public transportation from Hotel Park Sovereign-Albert?
Thanks.
Written January 15, 2015
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