“Casuarina cape” is what Tanjong Rhu means in Malay. This name comes from the Casuarina equisetifolia trees that once graced its shores. Today, we explore Tanjong Rhu. This subzone in Kallang has a rich history. It has transformed dramatically over the years.
Tanjong Rhu’s story starts with shipbuilding. Captain William Flint started a boat-building company here in 1822. Soon, others followed. Shipyards became a defining feature of Tanjong Rhu. They built various vessels. These included patrol boats, warships and tugboats. The Singapore Marine Police Force and the Ceylon Navy were among their clients.
By the early 20th century, Tanjong Rhu was a shipbuilding hub. Bugis traders from Celebes anchored their boats here. They traded in the Kallang Basin until the early 1960s. These boats were known as mosquito boats.
However, this industrial activity came at a cost. By the 1980s, Tanjong Rhu faced pollution. Industrial and domestic waste filled the water. The Singapore Government stepped in. It launched a massive relocation exercise. The goal was to transform Tanjong Rhu into a residential area.
Land reclamation began in 1992. Shipyards were relocated. Luxury condominiums replaced them. Today, Tanjong Rhu is known for its waterfront residences. These include Costa Rhu, Pebble Bay and Water Place.
But Tanjong Rhu is not just about luxury living. It’s also a sports and recreation hub. The Singapore Sports Hub is located here. It includes the National Stadium and the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The old National Stadium once stood here. It hosted 18 National Day Parades.
Other sports facilities dot the area. There is the Kallang Tennis Centre. There is also the Kallang Netball Centre. Tanjong Rhu offers many options for sports enthusiasts.
Tanjong Rhu also has some public housing. These HDB flats are along Kampong Arang Road and Kampong Kayu Road. They connect to the Singapore Sports Hub via Stadium Way.
Tanjong Rhu has a dark chapter too. In 1993, an entrapment operation targeted homosexual men. This was known as the “Fort Road Incident”. The men faced harsh punishments. This incident remains controversial. It led to scrutiny of police tactics.
Today, Tanjong Rhu is well-connected. Several MRT stations serve the area. These include Stadium, Mountbatten and Tanjong Rhu stations. Bus services 11 and 158 also serve the residents.
The name Tanjong Rhu has appeared on maps since 1604. Emanuel Godinho de Erédia’s map called it “Tanjon Ru”. It means “casuarina cape”. This reflects the area’s natural heritage.
As you explore Tanjong Rhu today, remember its transformations. From shipbuilding hub to residential enclave. From polluted waters to waterfront living. Tanjong Rhu stands as a testament to Singapore’s ever-changing landscape.