Want to explore a district that embodies Singapore’s dynamic history? Then you’ve come to the right place here in Bendemeer. Bendemeer is a subzone within Kallang. It presents physical evidence of Singapore’s progress. This progress has occurred over the past 50 years.
Bendemeer’s story is quite interesting. It is a mosaic of Singapore’s history. It shows the country’s chronological development. Bendemeer also traces the origins of its immigrant communities. The area is divided into three main sections. These are Serangoon Road, Whampoa, and Geylang Bahru.
Let’s start with Whampoa. This area was a settlement for Chinese traders in the early 1900s. Whampoa got its name from Hoo Ah Kay. He was a Chinese immigrant. People called him Whampoa because he ran Whampoa and Co. Hoo Ah Kay was the only Chinese man elected to the Executive Legislative Council of British Singapore. This earned him prestige.
Now, consider Serangoon Road. Serangoon Road was and still is an area for Indian immigrants. It is also known as Little India. Serangoon Road has changed very little. It retains the charm of the last century. Temples like Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple are still used today.
Geylang Bahru is the newer part of Bendemeer. It is a residential estate with HDB flats. Geylang Bahru is clean and well-organized. Many industrial buildings are here. These buildings deal with automotives and vending machines. You can find new and used motorcycles. The Singapore Civil Defence Force Headquarters is also located here.
Bendemeer itself got its name from Bendemeer House. Bendemeer House was formerly called the House of Whampoa. It was a mansion built in 1840 by Hoo Ah Kay. In 1964, the government acquired the building. They also acquired the 30-acre estate. This acquisition was for the Kallang Basin project. The building was demolished in 1964. It made way for urban development.
Before its demolition, Whampoa House was known for its fruit tree plantations. A Chinese garden was maintained by Cantonese horticulturists. It had rockeries, aquariums, and topiaries. There was also a mini-zoo. The zoo had animals like bears and peacocks.
Whampoa was known for his hospitality. His gardens were a gathering place for the local Chinese community. During Lunar New Year, the garden became a wonderland. It had merry-go-rounds, food stalls and goods stalls. Whampoa often hosted naval officers and important guests.
After Whampoa’s death, Seah Liang Seah bought Whampoa House. He renamed it Bendemeer House.
Today, Bendemeer includes public and private housing. Educational institutions are here too. These include Hong Wen School and Bendemeer Secondary School. You’ll also find the Boon Keng MRT station. Other notable places include Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital and the Central Sikh Temple.
So, as you explore Bendemeer, remember its rich past. Think about the immigrants who shaped this area. Bendemeer is a blend of old and new. It is a testament to Singapore’s progress. It’s a place where history comes alive.