Walk down memory lane along Petain Road and take a peek into the lives and stories of the early Peranakans. Soak in the architectural details of 19th century Peranakan houses. The rich tapestry of Peranakan history, cultural brilliance, exquisite details of the architectural facades and ornate tiling are all part of the unique Singapore story.

Make your way down the historic Neil Road and do not forget to stop and admire the intelligently conserved and restored shop houses of yesteryear. Neil Road was part of a nutmeg plantation owned by Dr. Montgomerie. In 1858, the Municipal Council renamed the road in honour of Colonel Neil who served with the Madras Fusiliers in India and was one of the heroes of the 1857 Indian Mutiny. Neil Road, then being located within a plantation, developed much later than the surrounding parts of Chinatown.

A conserved three-storey neo-classical building built around 1924 at 89 Neil Road was once the Eng Aun Tong building where the famous herbal ointment Tiger Balm was manufactured.

At 147 Neil Road is a house that was once owned by Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan
Yew’s grandfather, Lee Hoon Leong, who had bought it in 1920.

As you allow your mind to travel back in time, shut your eyes and imagine the jinrikishas and trishaws plying the road, skilled craftsmen making a sale or two and the cacophony of a bustling nightlife.

A quick and brisk walk will lead you to the tranquil Spottiswoode Park Road. This road was named after a notable merchant Charles Spottiswoode, who lived in the area. You will be drawn quite quickly to the eye-catching shophouses which includes one of the oldest units that displays a historic mural of the city on its façade. Along with your curious and inquisitive minds, you will discover a “secret pathway” that will lead you to the much treasured murals by local and international artists.

No trail is complete without a stopover in Chinatown! Lanterns, food peculiar to the Chinese, enamel ware, porcelain bowls with goldfish and
rooster painted on them, intrinsic Chinese cutlery, crystals, hand fans, jewellery, preserved fruits and nuts – just to name a few that will entice
and transport you to the magical oriental world.

Did you know that the Armenian Street borrowed its name from the nearby Armenian Church and was built by George Drumgoole Coleman
in 1835, making it the oldest church in Singapore? The street is essentially tucked between Coleman Street and Stamford Road. The street
covers a short distance that starts from Coleman Street and ends at the junction of Stamford Road and Waterloo Street. The road houses a
couple of historic landmarks which includes The Substation and the Old Tao Nan School which is the Peranakan Museum, part of the Asian
Civilisations Museum.


The best way to round-up your Peranakan experience is to dine at a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, True Blue Cuisine. The restaurant is located in a cleverly conserved shophouse on Armenian Street. It is truly a “living heritage” where antiques, private collection of pictures and touted as the best place to have pineapple tarts await your arrival! Baba Ben, owner of True-Blue Cuisine will give you an exclusive and nostalgic tour of his family's private gallery. Lunch awaits the famished at True Blue Space.

Lunch includes :
- Nonya Laksa
- Ginger Tea
- Kueh Kueh of the day
- Dessert (Cheng Teng)