Beach Road, Singapore is an important aspect of Singaporean culture for it was once designated as part of a European town. Branching out from the junction where it meets Republic Avenue and Crawford Street to the junction that connects those wanting to access Stamford Road, this is the entirety of Beach Road. With plenty to do, and see and accommodation options to factor in, here is why this particular part of Singapore should be included in your bucket list.

As per the revelations of the Jackson Plan that reflected the vision of Stamford Raffles, a majority of Beach Road was dedicated to establishing a European community. Against such a backdrop, the earliest constructions which saw the light of day were exclusively European dwellings of which most were stylish and well laid-out bungalows. Moreover, the Singapore Club which served as an honourary organization and meeting place for expatriates employed in European companies was born within an annex of one of the residences that once lined Beach Road.

Upon the commencement of land reclamation activities in the 1840s, Beach Road would cease to be a coastal road. With further reclamation taking center stage in the 1880s, the said region’s appeal as a residential enclave diminished and as a result, the Hainanese community set up their homes in and around Beach Road.

What was once the biggest market in all of Singapore, Clyde Terrace Market was a mix of sheds and huts that mushroomed into existence with the advent of the 1860s in Kampong Glam. While the building was subjected to widespread restructuring to keep abreast with the needs of the hour, the Market would soon be demolished in 1983. In place of it stands the 37-story twin-tower project titled ‘The Gateway’ that was the brainchild of I.M. Pei.

Though, presently seen forming a part of the South Beach mixed-use development initiative, the buildings that housed the headquarters of the Singapore Volunteer Corps and the Singapore Military Forces are a priceless representation of how life once was in the Lion City.

Totalling 7 stories the famed Kheng Chiu Building was built in the year 1962. As of now, the Hainanese clan association called the ‘Kheng Chiu Hwee Kuan’ and the Kheng Chiu Tin Hou Jong Temple are found within its four walls.

Accessing Istana Kampong Glam which was once the official residence of the country’s Malay Royal Family and Bendahara House were only possible through Sultan Gate which was situated off Beach Road.

Unveiled by former Prime Minister, the late Lee Kuan Yew on the 15th of February 1967, the serenely positioned Civilian War Memorial comes across as a worthy inclusion on your travel itinerary. Dedicated to those who paid the ultimate price during the Japanese occupation of Singapore between 1942 – 1945, this monument features 4 columns, each measuring 68 meters in height which symbolizes the unifying of cultures and races. The attraction was gazetted as a national monument in 2013.

Considered the work of the then-colonial government during the 1930s, Singapore’s Beach Road Police Station is said to have been part of extensive expansion plans that were envisioned for the local police to meet the needs of a growing populace. Denoting elements of colonial values and tastes, the building was in operation up until 2001 after which it was accorded a conservation status a year later. At the dawn of 2003, Beach Road Police Station was conferred with the title of a historical site.

Present Geographical position in Beach Road, Singapore | Image via Wikimedia Commons

As of now, Beach Road extends across Kallang, Rochor and Downtown Core respectively and acts as one of the boundaries of the historic site of the Kampong Glam Conservation Area. Further, for those wanting to capture the very essence of the region including Bugis Street, Arab Street and Raffles City Shopping Mall, then it would make good sense to consider staying at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road, Singapore which offers some of the most comfortable and luxurious Singapore serviced suites to retire to after a day out exploring.