On this walk, we will visit East Coast and Geylang. We will pass through the famous colorful houses of Joo Chiat, visit a Hindu temple, and taste delicious Vietnamese, Malay, and Chinese food.
About East Coast and Geylang
East Coast and Geylang, situated in the eastern part of Singapore, are two culturally rich districts with unique identities. East Coast is a primarily residential area that houses local families, expatriates, and middle- to upper-class communities.
It is home to East Coast Park, Singapore’s most prominent beach. On this walk, we will explore the Joo Chiat area, which has traditional shophouses, and we will walk towards Geylang, a vibrant, multicultural community nearby.
This walk starts at Marina Parade MRT station and ends at Aljunied MRT station. Depending on how long you wish to spend in the places of interest, it takes two to three hours. The length of this walk is approx. 6km. We took the metro, the brown line, but several buses got there. Download the map and use it in Google MyMaps (not to be confused with Google Maps) or apps such as Outdoors Active or Maps Me.How to get there?
Map with route
Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple
After walking a few meters from the Marina Parade metro stop, we arrived at the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar temple. The air was filled with the scent of incense and the sound of prayers. At the door were a couple who had already visited the temple and were putting on their shoes. They kindly told us that we should leave our shoes since only bare feet were allowed to enter.
They also told us that entry was free for everyone. Upon entering, we were struck by the vibrant colors and the intricate statues. The ceiling was meticulously painted with typical Indian details, and in the middle, there was a place to pray and light candles; we saw a very old lady who could barely walk, helped by two younger people who took her to light a candle. It was very nice to see with what faith and respect the believers visited the temple.
Joo Chiat Boutique shops
We ventured onto Joo Chiat Road, a lively street with charming boutique-style shops. Despite its narrowness, the street was abuzz with activity, accommodating a steady flow of two-way traffic. Our attention was immediately captured by a cozy store offering a unique collection of rattan items and furniture.
A short distance away, we stumbled upon another store, a treasure trove of house decor, from Sicilian sculptures to exquisite chandeliers. These small, unique shops stood out in a city where large chain stores reign, offering a distinct and memorable shopping experience.
Koon Seng Road Colourful Houses
Undoubtedly, this is the most photographed place in the area; everyone likes it for its vibrant colors! Shophouses in Singapore are iconic architectural structures that blend Asian and European influences, dating back to the early 19th century.
They were designed for residential and commercial use, with shops on the ground floor and living quarters above. Today, many shophouses are conserved for their historical significance. They house trendy cafes, boutiques, and offices, adding character to the city’s urban landscape. Another place with many beautiful shophouses now inhabited is Emerald Hill on Orchard Road.
Eurasian Heritage Gallery
At the Eurasian Heritage Gallery, we learned about the history of European immigrants who came to Singapore, married local people, formed their families, and had children.
In the gallery, you can read about illustrious people from England, The Netherlands, France, Portugal, and Italy who contributed to Singapore’s history. Many streets and avenues have been named in honor of them. The gallery on the 4th floor is small, and entry costs S$4 for non-resident foreigners.
Common Man Coffee Roasters
The façade of this shophouse is beautiful; have you seen the dragons on top?
This chain of cafes is located in several places in Singapore and offers a varied menu, especially in Western style, along with pastries and good coffee. It is almost always very crowded, especially if you want to sit inside with air conditioning; there is a long line to get in.
Lap vegetarian restaurant
A stone’s throw away from Common Man Coffee Roasters is “Lap.” Vietnamese cuisine is a top pick for us, and this nationally recognized vegetarian restaurant offers a taste of Vietnam at a fraction of the cost of other Western-style cafes.
Indulge in the delicious typical Vietnamese coffee and pair it with a crispy Bánh mì. The service is top-notch, making it a must-visit for those on a budget!
Everitt Road-Joo Chiat shophouses
After walking a little, we arrived at a row of two-story terrace houses. The houses are in impeccable care. While we passed through their passage, we came across a sign that said they sold fresh homemade sourdough bread—what a surprise!
When we knocked on the door, a friendly dog greeted us, and a kind gentleman attended to us. He made the bread himself. We tried it when we got home, and it was delicious. I recommend Yeast Coast Bakery if you want to buy homemade bread!
Hat of Cain
While we didn’t step inside, the store’s captivating entrance decor piqued our interest.
A glance at the Google reviews reveals that it’s a haven for Panama hats, a specialty that seems to set it apart. This boutique, nestled in the heart of the area, certainly adds a unique character and charm to the surroundings!
The Intan
The Intan is a private museum that offers a deep dive into Peranakan culture through over 5,000 unique artifacts, including tiffin carriers, intricate embroidery, and beadwork shoes.
Visits to The Intan are by appointment only, ensuring an intimate and engaging cultural journey.
Wisma Geylang Serai
With modern architecture, this center offers the community a peaceful space to socialize, relax, and participate in other activities. Upon entering, our attention was caught by the giant screen showing a children’s movie.
There were families with children, but there were also older people who rested and enjoyed the movie. There are also some food stalls and clothing stores, especially women’s clothing in Muslim style.
Joo Chiat Complex
At the entrance of this shopping center, a colorful plaza with benches on the sides is located. Inside, you can find shops selling fabrics, curtains, and cushions to decorate the house and many shops specializing in Muslim-style women’s clothing.
Putu Piring Coconut Delight
We walked using the bridge to the street’s other side and tried a delicious dessert!
In the large Hawker Center on the right-hand side, you will find a small food stall specializing in Putu Piring, a popular dessert in the Malay community made from flat rounds of rice flour steamed and filled with palm sugar. The dessert is sprinkled with grated coconut.
When you taste it, the contrast in flavors is intriguing- it melts in your mouth, and the sweetness of the sugar that has turned into a soft cream contrasts with the otherwise neutral flavor. It’s a unique and delightful experience for your taste buds!
Former Queen’s Theatre
This theater in Geylang was built in the 1930s and has been closed since 1982. Its façade is well-preserved, and the entrance has beautiful and elegant lanterns.
When we entered, we saw offices and employment agencies for domestic workers.
Rochor Beancurd House
This small place specializes in Beancurd. We took the opportunity to take a break and sat on the tiny stools facing the street. The soy milk with ice, a refreshing elixir amid the sweltering heat, was a delightful choice.
We paired it with the typical Youtiao (Chinese doughnut). To conclude our meal, we savored a typical dessert made of very soft beancurd with beans, enhanced by a sweet syrup.
Final thoughts
Walking through the East Coast and Geylang has been a journey of contrast and vibrant colors. The Joo Chiat area is a hub of creativity, with boutique shops offering unique finds and trendy cafes. The Hindu temple, a serene oasis amidst the bustling city, is a place of tranquility that immerses you in its rituals and beliefs.
I enjoyed learning about the fascinating history of the European immigrants who came to Singapore many years ago.
My recent visit to this part of Singapore has inspired me to go beyond the Instagrammable and colorful shophouses and delve into the exquisite and typical desserts in the area. It was a diverse walk that allowed me to experience the richness of different cultures!