Not much information could be gathered about the hotel, except that it was a walk-in hotel of the 1970s. There seemed to be news about its revival. Hopefully, this post will be updated when more news come about.
However, along the street where it sits — Armenian Street — a few landmarks in structure and history mark our heritage. More will be explored when a trip is done there.
More entroit means more unfinished business.. here’s to clear some more about the places before the list (hopefully) piles up..
Brief history
Before the 20th century, Marsiling housed a few villages, along with rubber plantations and wasteland, as well as provision shops and farms. Kampong Lorong Fatimah existed therein for about one and a half centuries. Kampong Sungei Cina, Lorong Marsiling, Hock Choon Road, Marsiling Avenue, Lorong Chikar, Genista Lane, Lorong Serindit, Lorong Chenangau and Lorong Salor Ayer connected to the main roads, but these do not exist anymore.
The name was derived from the Chinese names Maxiling, Maxilin or Maxileng. There is no information on how this name came about, though.
There were 3 to 4 forts built in Punggol, as part of British defence, during their colonial period here.
Landmarks
Katong has always portrayed a laid-back pace whenever my bus passes through that area; a chance would not be missed to take a good glance through the details of the buildings, or spotting out a fading trade hidden in the rows of shophouses, hidden by the shadows of the second storey units, that stood out closer to the road, as if in an attempt to win a chance to get an afternoon suntan.
1. “Butterfly House” - 23 Amber Road
Having heard long about the fate of Amber House, or Cashin Mansion, we’re finally here to witness the grandeur at our own pace; I had been worried about missing this masterpiece before the facelift. Though not entirely accessible now, we could still make out the butterfly-shaped arch that stretched its ends at the back of the house.
Brief history
Designed in 1912 by Regent A. J. Bidwell, the house was built by A. W. Cashin. One side of the house faced Amber Road, while the other, with the distinctive arch, faced the sea before the coastline was pushed out by reclamation in the 1960-70s. The arched design allowed wind to pass through most parts of the house, thereby enhancing ventilation.
Following the news on and off, a portion of the house facing Amber Road has finally been given conservation status on 03 Sep 2007.
News about the Butterfly House
2. Former Grand Hotel - 25/26 Still Road South
The Grand Hotel landmarked the other end of Katong, along Still Road South. The grayed and peeling building would appear insignificant by the trees that lined the pavement. It seemed inaccessible and abandoned, but we could still get a glimpse of the interior — the corridors were sheltered by arches and we were surprised to see a couple of laundry lines up to dry the clothes. An old man, not a security guard, spotted us snapping, and shooed us away.
Brief History
Built in 1917 by Moonar Khadir Sultan, an Indian cattle merchant, the entire compounds was split into 2 by the construction of Still Road South. Also known as Karikal Mahal, there were originally four houses. 26 Still Road South was gazetted for conservation on 01 Dec 2003.
News:
In all, the trip ended “well-harvested”. The trip back to Katong in future, should include some work on culture etc. Hope to complete the rest of the previous places soon.
It seems like the early dwellers have technology greater or more advanced than us. Based on what I’ve read, these ancient civilizations are far more advanced than us — or is it because we think we are more advanced, with modernization?
Pretty subjective.
Prior to the latest on Indianna Jones, the interest in lost civilizations got sparked again — there’s quite a lot to read from National Geographic’s site; I would be more than keen to understand how the culture was like in those days.
Our much awaited sunrise shoot at Changi Point finally materialized. With a fresh mind and a clear sky, we were thankful that the sky made our trip a fruitful one.
1. Boardwalk
The second part was on-the-fly; had always wanted to see how the hospital looked but never thought of venturing up alone.
Comprising of 3 blocks — 24, 37 and 161, the hospital was erected between 1930 - 1935 by the British. Built on Barracks Hill, the place comprised of a torture chamber used by the Japanese during their occupation. In 1976, the last block 161 was added to link the former 2 blocks.
In 1997, the hospital was relocated to its present premises at Simei and renamed as Changi General Hospital.
More info will be updated.
Festivals mark our heritage and our culture. It also reminds us of our roots, serving as a valuable gateway of education for the future generations by carrying them onward.
Having mingled with the folks at work, 2 festivals were mentioned, 1 being ati atihan, and the other being sinulog, which are held in the month of January in the Philippines at different weeks.
This leads me to think of possible travel plans to experience culture at different places. Probably that is what is the real meaning of “travel”.
Moved Tanglin Village, Disused Malayan Rail Line and Cheng Hoon Teng to new section “Attractions?”
Not much to post yet but was unable to find the Marsiling Tunnels as planned.Saw the waterpipes that were strangely guarded by idols of Monkey Gods, and various other Chinese and Hindu deities.History of Marsiling can be found here
Visiting the Substation for a screening of short films for the Mitre Spell, I chanced upon a derelict building next to Wilmer Place.
Watching the building in a sort of awe, I was not impressed that the corridor was cordoned off. A silent sigh emerged within, never hitting the vocal box, daunting upon me as a feeling of regret — though it was only the second trip to Armenian Street, where I first met the powerstation-turned-artshouse — it was crowded along its dark corridors with lunch crowds from the nearby offices or university.
Right now, like a dark, gaping hole screaming itself silly but nobody can hear, saying “Save me! Save me! Save me from demolition”. The signs of life there were the weeds offspringing from the mud that found their comfort corners around it, and the numerous stray cats that looked at you like hungry children in third world places.
To be continued..
