Walk, Chat, Explore: Geylang Serai, Joo Chiat & Katong

Join us as we explore the Geylang Serai, Joo Chiat and Katong districts!

We will start by walking a short stretch of Geylang Serai, which would be of particular interest to foodies looking to snack on local tit bits, or those who would like to get knick knacks, or to just soak in the atmosphere.

We will then walk down the historic Joo Chiat Road, which has become popular in recent times with Instagrammers for its cool murals and restored old architecture.

But the locals know that it has much more than that, and we will zig zag our way through the side streets and alleys to find hidden sites, historical places, old-school shops and, favourite local eateries, pass through the "Little Vietnam" area, admire the Peranakan architectures, and also other notable sights.

At Katong, we will be rewarded by another laid-back area with some historic buildings and scenes.
We will stop by the Vintage Flea Market at Katong Square for those
interested in curios, and a Peranakan place for those interested in
tit-bits.

Just a minute up from there and we would be at Marine Parade Road, where the sea used to come up to ages ago. Do you know that there are still signs of the former seafront here?

After, all that walking and it would be natural to re-energize and at one of the food places. We will head to the famous Marine Parade Central Hawker Centre to fill up and chit-chat.

Those are looking for a final relaxation of the day can then head to the beach, which is just at the back, to sit by the sea and chat or meditate while listening to the waves.

Meeting Point: Kinex Shopping Mall front lobby at corner of Tanjong Katong Road and Geylang Road
Mall address: 11 Tanjong Katong Road Singapore 437157. It is a short 3 min walk from Paya Lebar MRT. Many bus stops nearby.
Meeting Time: 5.30 pm (Introductions and orientation to the area). You should plan to come earlier to find the meeting point.
Walk Start Time: 5.45 pm.
Late Comers: Catch up using the Live Locator in the Telegram Channel*.
Route: Geylang Road, JooChiat Road and side streets etc.
Attire: Dress for comfort and walking.
To Bring: A water bottle and a cap (in case of sun/drizzle). A energy snack might be useful too (or grab one on the go) if you are not used to a late 7.30pm dinner:)
Total walking distance: About 2km
Total walking and sightseeing time: about 2hrs
Optional Dinner and Chat: about 1hr.
In case of heavy rain, the event might start later or be postponed.

*Telegram Channel:
Join Walk, Chat, Explore SG https://t.me/+rIuiiEM9j6oyNzI1
for updates. The Live Locator will be posted in this channel.
Please NOTE: Due to the number of participants and ongoing activity, the guide will not

Kindly update your attendance status if there is a change in your plans.

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Take this Quiz to see how much you already know about the area!:

Quiz:

1. In the 1970's the famous Singapura Theatre used to screen Hindi shows (among others). Where was it located?
2. Traders from Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia used to trade at Changi market. What is that place now called and what does it specialize in?
3. After whom is Joo Chiat Road named, and why?
4. What is the significance of the dueling painter's mural on Everitt Road?
5. Where is the "3 in 1" (Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism) temple located in Joo Chiat?
6. Where is the former President Nathan's house located?
7. Where can you buy cane furniture in Joo Chiat?
8. Where is "Little Vietnam"?
9. Where in Katong is one of the oldest Hindu Temple?
10. Where on East Coast Road can you find a row of colorful terrace houses raised above the ground (with storage area below the houses). Why were they constructed that way?
11. What has the old Joo Chiat police Station been converted into?
12. What is the "Red House" been converted into?
13. What was the first Heritage town in Singapore?
14. Why is Ceylon Road so named?
15. What was the Joo Chiat area like a 100 years ago?
16. Where was the original sea shore?
17. Where can you view and buy Peranakan heritage items?
18. Why have so many bars, cafes, boutiques, and western food outlets opened in Joo-Chiat-Katong?
19. What are the local's favourite eating places in JooChiat-Katong-MarineParade?
20. When will the MRT line open in Marine Parade?
21. What is the origin of the word "Katong"?
22. Who was known as the "King of Katong"?
23. What is the origin of the name "Geylang?"
24. What is the name of the popular Peranakan spicy noodle soup?
25. Where is the best place to try the dish mentioned above?