Discover Joo Chiat: Top 8 Experiences You Shouldn't Miss

8 Best Things to Do in Joo Chiat

1. Visit the colorful Peranakan Houses ❤️ Must Visit

Peranakan Houses are the highlight of visiting Joo Chiat and probably one of the most photogenic areas of all. Peranakan is a term that refers to a person of mixed Chinese and Malay heritage. Most Singaporean Peranakans trace their origin to 15th-century Malacca, where their ancestors were believed to be Chinese traders who married local women.

This ethnic group flourished in Singapore, bringing with them their unique culture as well as the colorful Art Deco-style houses that you see here today. These houses are typically 2 to 3 storeys tall, with the ground floor used as a commercial shop.

Its colorful exterior and unique decor are what make these houses so interesting to see. If you look at them carefully and closely enough, you will notice that each Peranakan house features a variety of iconic Peranakan tiles across its walls and floors.

These tiles, with their floral motifs and vibrant colors, are believed to bring longevity and wealth to the family, and you will see them at almost every house around here. Be sure to keep an eye out for them.

The place does attract quite a lot of photographers, so if you would like to have the whole area to yourself for a bit, go there as early as you can. I was there by 8:30 AM, and there were very few people around.

Where to Stay in Singapore?

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Jyu Capsule Hotel

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Oasia Hotel Downtown, Singapore by Far East Hospitality

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Sofitel Singapore City Centre

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2. Check Out Joo Chiat Visitor Centre

If you want to learn more about the unique culture of the Peranakans, you can visit the Joo Chiat Visitor Centre located on East Coast Road near Joo Chiat. They have an exhibition on the second floor that you can enter for free, as well as a souvenir shop with unique items you can buy on the ground floor.

The exhibition displays many unique aspects of the Peranakans, with the iconic Peranakan tiles featuring different floral motifs covering much of its staircases. On the second floor, you will find a collection of antique Peranakan furniture, decor, and even attire that should give you a glimpse of what it was like to live in Joo Chiat back in the day.

If you are looking for a souvenir that is unique to Joo Chiat, like a small replica of the Peranakan tiles, then be sure to check out the souvenir shop on the ground floor. The visitor centre is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day.

3. Take Photos with the MedleyAlley Mural

Not too far from Joo Chiat visitor center, you will find an awesome street art called MedleyAlley Mural, located on a narrow alleyway where you can get some really cool perspective photos of yourself.

The murals were painted by local artists Nicia Lam, Yullis Lam, Novena Angela, and Valerie Neo. It consists of a mosaic of many Peranakan tiles, each with different imagery, all combined into a butterfly wing. With the right camera, you can capture some really cool forced perspective shots here, so be sure to check it out while you're in Joo Chiat.

4. Eat the Best Laksa in Singapore at 328 Katong Laksa 🥘 Best Place to Eat

Did you know that one of the best laksa places in all of Singapore is located in Joo Chiat? 328 Katong Laksa, a small restaurant located along East Coast Road next to Joo Chiat, serves one of the creamiest, most aromatic laksa, a local Singaporean/Malaysian dish of spicy coconut curry noodle soup, I have ever tried.

How popular is this place, you ask? Well, the moment you enter, you will see a familiar face: the owner of the restaurant in a photo with Gordon Ramsay, plastered all over the walls in a newspaper clipping.

He came here to learn from Madam Lucy Koh, the owner of the laksa shop, and to participate in a cook-off challenge as part of the TV show Singtel Hawker Heroes Challenge, broadcasted in 2013. There were three challengers on the show: Jumbo Seafood Restaurant, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, and 328 Katong Laksa.

I tried their famous laksa, and I have to say, I've never tasted laksa quite like this. The laksa here features a creamy coconut milk broth infused with so many aromatic spices; the aroma alone will make you drool. The dish is served with cut-up noodles and fresh seafood, and you eat it with a soup spoon. It was delicious!

If you are looking for a place to try some local lunch in Joo Chiat, be sure to drop by and check out 328 Katong Laksa. The restaurant is open from 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM every day.

5. Check Out Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple

Right next to 328 Katong Laksa, you will also find the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, a beautiful Hindu temple built in the 19th century to honor Lord Ganesha for the local Hindu community in Joo Chiat. The temple is easily recognized by its incredible yellow gate adorned with intricately detailed deity carvings on its roof.

Inside, you will find many images of Hindu deities, stunning sculptures, and a lively prayer session, everything you would expect from a Hindu temple. It's definitely worth a visit if you want to see some really cool architecture in Joo Chiat.

The temple is open from 6:30 AM to 12 PM and again from 6:30 PM to 9 PM every day, and entry is free. If you want to visit the temple, make sure you are not wearing skirts or shorts as they are prohibited inside.

6. Drop by the Red House

Previously a confectionary and a community landmark, the Red House, located on the East Coast Road, is a well-preserved historical building that was once the social glue that held the community together. Back in the day, the locals would often use it as a social space to mingle with one another while enjoying the bakery's offerings.

Nowadays, a local cafe has breathed new life into the Red House with a modern take on cafe culture, while still maintaining the cultural heritage of the place with its iconic red exterior and beautiful colonial architectural style.

You can drop by here to see the building or you can check out MICRO Red House Coffee Shop and try some of their offerings. The cafe is open from 5:30 AM to 5 PM from Wednesdays to Sundays. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

7. Try the Crispiest Croissant at Petit Pain

I happened to stumble upon Petit Pain quite accidentally as I was exploring Joo Chiat. I found a long queue of people standing in front of the bakery well before it opened. Intrigued, I decided to join the line and see what the fuss was about.

As it turned out, Petit Pain is one of the most popular bakeries in Joo Chiat, renowned for its crispy croissants. I love croissants and have tried many in my lifetime, but none compare to how incredibly crispy and delicious the croissants from Petit Pain are!

Seriously, if you love croissants, you gotta try one from Petit Pain. There's nothing quite like it. After one bite, I knew right away why people were lining up to buy croissants from here.

They sell 2 types of croissants, classic and chocolate croissant. They also have other types of European breads like Baguette, Brioche, and Campagne that you can buy. The croissants are also reasonably priced at 3.6 SGD for a classic and 4.2 SGD for a chocolate croissant.

They only bake them fresh 3 times a day at opening time, 12 - 12:30 PM, and 2 - 2:30 PM, so if you want to try the freshly baked croissants, be sure to get there during these periods. They open from 11 AM to 4 PM from Wednesdays to Sundays. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

8. Sip a Coffee at Common Man Coffee Roasters

If you are looking for a cozy cafe to enjoy a cup of coffee and talk to people, I highly recommend Common Man Coffee Roasters, one of the coziest cafes here with its streetside outdoor seating area and indoor area equipped with AC.

They have a variety of coffees as well as a plethora of all-day breakfast and brunch menus you can choose from. The food prices lean towards the more expensive side of things but the coffees are pretty reasonable.

I really love the vibe here. You will see many kinds of people sitting in the cafe, from digital nomads to social butterflies, and it really gives me that creative youth energy that Joo Chiat exudes. The cafe is open from 7:30 AM to 10 PM every day, except on Mondays when it closes at 5 PM. Be sure to check out the cafe while you explore Joo Chiat!

How to Get to Joo Chiat, Singapore?

You can easily reach Joo Chiat Road by taking the new Thomson-East MRT line and getting off at Marine Parade Station. From there, you can walk north for about a block and you should see Joo Chiat Road with the beautiful Sino-Portuguese houses running along it.

What to Pack for Singapore?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Singapore:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Singapore in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: 12go is a great place to look for bus and train schedule and buy tickets online in Southeast Asia that would otherwise not have been available in English online.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Singapore

I hope this travel guide helps you plan your trip to Singapore. If you are looking for more articles about this small country, here are a few you might find interesting:

• For a complete Singapore backpacking itinerary, check out: 3 Days Singapore Backpacking Itinerary for Solo Travelers.
• Singapore is not overrated. Don't let people convince you otherwise. There is so much to do and see in this country. Here are the 11 Unique Things to Do in Singapore.
• Are you planning to travel to Singapore as part of a big Southeast Asia trip? Check out our 3-month backpacking itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Watch a travel video I made about Southeast Asia here: Asia Alive, A Southeast Asia Travel Video.
• Not convinced by my words about Indonesia and Southeast Asia? Check out my photographic journey through the subcontinent: 64 photos that will inspire you to visit Southeast Asia.
• Wondering where you want to go next? Check out Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
• To see all articles about Singapore, visit the Singapore Travel Guide page.
• Looking for more travel guides for Southeast Asia? You can find more on my Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.