Fancy a trip back in time? Serangoon offers a unique blend of history and modernity. Serangoon is a planning area and residential town in Singapore’s North East Region. It covers approximately 10.1 square kilometers.
Serangoon’s story is intertwined with Singapore’s rapid transformation. In the mid-19th century, Serangoon was known for its fertile soil. It became a favored location for fruit and spice plantations. Rubber estates followed at the turn of the century.
Serangoon Road is one of Singapore’s oldest roads. An 1828 map called it “the road leading across the island”. This road connected settlements to Serangoon Harbour. The harbour was a vital access point to lumber and quarry trades. These trades thrived in Pulau Ubin and Johor.
In the 1820s, the area evolved into an industrial hub. Brick kilns and cattle farming dominated the landscape. Indians primarily carried out these activities. By 1826, thousands of Indians had migrated to Serangoon Road. They worked as construction workers and farmers. Most were South Indian Muslims or middle-caste Hindus. Narayana Pillai, an Indian, is said to have established Singapore’s first brick kiln. Cattle farmers found the area ideal. Abundant water and grassland made it suitable for their trade.
The government discontinued kiln businesses and cattle farming. This happened in the 1860s and 1936 respectively. Many Indians chose to remain in Serangoon. By 1880, a large Indian population had settled there. The area became a recognizable Indian enclave.
Look around at the terrace shophouses. Their architecture reflects different periods. They range from the early 1840s to the 1960s. Some buildings feature smooth surfaces. This was achieved using Madras chunam. This traditional plasterwork involved egg white, shells, lime, and sugar. These ingredients were mixed and applied. Crystal stones polished the hardened surface.
Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple is one of Singapore’s earliest Hindu temples. It is located on Serangoon Road. Narasingham built the temple in 1885. He purchased the land from the East India Company.
Today, Serangoon Road is part of the conserved Little India area. It was gazetted in 1989. The area remains a hub for the Indian community. Weekends and festivals like Thaipusam and Deepavali bring the street to life. Both tourists and locals gather here. Access to Serangoon Road improved in 2003. The North East Line of the Mass Rapid Transit opened.
“Hou gang lu” is the Chinese name for Serangoon Road. It means “back of the port road”. In Hokkien, it is “au-kang”. In Cantonese, it is “hau-kong”. Both mean “back creek”.
Some say the road is named after a Malay word. “Ranggong” is a Malay name for a stork-like bird. Others believe it comes from “di-serang dengan gong”. This Malay phrase means “to attack with gongs or drums”. This might refer to gongs used to scare animals.
Serangoon has transformed from verdant grounds to a new town. The opening of the North East Line shortened travel time to town. It now takes only 15 minutes. The estate boasts modern infrastructure and amenities.
Serangoon is celebrated as a diverse neighborhood. It embraces ethnic and religious diversity. The community shares harmonious relationships.