Pearls Hill, or Mount Stamford as it is popularly called, is a small hill in Singapore. Located close to Chinatown, it is one of the few surviving hilly regions in the country. It is the home of prominent buildings such as Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Seaman’s hospital and the Pearl’s Hill Prison. There is an interesting story behind why the prison is in Pearls Hill. This is because it is in proximity to Sepoy Lines. Sepoy Lines provided additional security for the prison. The history of Pearls Hill runs deep. Not surprisingly, the places to visit near Pearls Hill are a reminder of Singapore’s colonial history. Make sure to stop by Pearls Hill to be acquainted with history.
The Chinese had occupied and settled in Pearls Hill in 1819. This was before Sir Stamford Raffles’ arrived in the same year. There was a general air of despondence. Captain James Pearl, the captain of the ship which took Sir Stamford Raffles to Singapore which the latter founded, began acquiring plot after plot on the hill. This went on for a while until Captain James Pearl owned the hill within a span of 3 years. Pearl’s built his abode on the top of the hill and soon enough asked the Chinese to work for him. The Chinese grew vineyards on the hill for the Captain. This is how the history of Pearls Hill goes. This house is one of the most popular attractions in Singapore today. Who could have guessed?
The hill was named Mount Stamford by Captain Pearl to appease Sir Stamford Raffles. When Raffles heard about the possession of the hill by Captain Pearl without his approval, he was furious. Interestingly, soon enough, Raffles relented and the hill went back to Captain Pearl. No one knows what transpired. Captain Pearl was upset by Sir Raffles’ reaction and renamed the hill as Pearls Hill.
5 Amazing Places To Visit Near Pearls Hill
We have shortlisted 5 must-visit places to visit near Pearls Hill in Singapore for a fun-filled getaway. These places will help you get in touch with your soul. You are in for a treat. You will have the time of your life and will not be disappointed by anything that this region in Singapore offers you. Scroll through and pick your favourite:
1. The Intan
For its Intan Signature Tea Experience, it won the Singapore Tourism Award for best tour experience in 2016. The Intan (meaning ‘rose-cut diamond’) is also Singapore’s smallest museum and offers a glimpse into the local Peranakan culture- a result of Chinese immigrants marrying locals from the Malayan straits.
Owned by Mr. Alvin Yapp, it is nothing like your usual museum, as it was privately owned and used to be his home. It has put up for display a wide array of antiques that offer an exclusively wholesome and unique glimpse into Peranakan culture.
Address: 69 Joo Chiat Terrace, Singapore 427231
Contact: +65 6440 1148
Read More: 12 Places To Visit In Geylang In 2022 That Will Steal Your Heart
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2. Sri Sivan Temple
A Hindu temple, it was built in the name of the presiding deity, Lord Shiva. It also reflects the Indian populace that has settled in Singapore and offers a glimpse into their style of architecture and religious beliefs. The temple has undergone reconstruction several times, one of which was due to the damage caused by the Second World War.
Along with poojas being conducted every day, many Hindu festivals such as Maha Shivratri, Navratri, Guru Peyarchi, etc. are celebrated every year with much pomp. So, make sure you include this temple amongst the places to visit in Geylang and experience its unique octagonal structure.
Address: 24 Geylang East Ave 2, Singapore 389752
Contact: 67434566
Read More: 10 Things To Do In Pasir Ris That Will Blow Your Mind Away
3. Khadijah Mosque
It was built according to the wishes of Indian woman trader and philanthropist Khadijah Mohammed, who left behind more than 50,000$ to build a mosque and shophouses as part of her wakaf (endowment to the Muslim community), in 1915.
Kelvin Ang, director of conservation management at the Urban Redevelopment Authority, says: “That the mosque was built in the South Indian style is very rare. And that a woman’s will was carried out at that time was even more of a rare occurrence.”
The mosque also departed from conventional features of contemporary Middle Eastern mosques of its time, in that it does not have a minaret or a dome when it was built.
Address: 583 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389522
Contact: +65 6747 5607
Read More: 10 Top Things To Do In Bedok That Make It A Great Getaway Spot In Singapore
4. Geylang Serai Market
Treat yourself to the diverse range of cuisines available at the myriad of restaurants that are located in this market. The market is only 5 minutes away from MRT Paya Lebar. It is lined with two-story buildings and sells Middle Eastern products, mainly halal, such as cosmetics, spices, batiks, scarves and vegetables.
You can also try some snakes and turtle eggs if you have the gut for it. You can also treat yourself to some authentic yet cheap Malay food in it vast food court. The market is, thus, a bustling microcosm of the multi-racial diversity of cultures that populate not just Geyang, but Singapore as a whole.
Opening Hours: Early morning
Location: 5 minutes from MRT Paya Lebar
5. Chinatown
This new Chinatown is different and separate from the official Singapore Chinatown. Considering the official Chinatown too touristy, the increasing number of Chinese immigrants made their own to reflect more authentically the concept of Tang Ren Jie.
The famous painter Xu Bei Hong had made the Nanyan Huang Clan Association his residence for a while. It is home to an increasing number of businesses owned by Chinese immigrants and also has many Chinese restaurants serving authentic cuisines.
We hope you liked our blog on some of the best places to visit near Pearls Hill. If you come across any other place that we didn’t mention on the list, make sure to tell us in the comments section. Book your trip to Singapore at the earliest with TravelTriangle to avail exciting deals and discounts. You will have a fun filled getaway, we promise. Are you ready for an adventurous ride? Pack your bags and let’s embark on this brilliant journey. You will have a great time!
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Experience the world through captivating stories of adventure and travel. As a senior content writer, I bring my passion for exploration to life, crafting tales that take you on a journey. With my words, you’ll feel the thrill of discovery and the joy of experiencing new cultures. Let me turn your imagination into a reality with stories that inspire you to explore and embrace the world.
