As I walked down Balestier Road some time back, I discovered that there were more to the area than lighting and wife's biscuit shops (or the occasional Hotel 88 - eek, hate it) ; The area is an interesting juxtaposition of architecture from different periods in Singapore: art deco shophouses, singapore electic style shophouses, HDB, transitional period houses, etc. etc.
Balestier actually 'documents' our heritage. It's one of the few areas that has a heritage trail written on it by our National Heritage Board. Go here to see the heritage trail details. You can learn about the origins of the various architecture on the website.
I had a nice walk that day. The shophouses were occupied by traditional businesses like traditional bakeries, a sheet metal bending shop and a bird shop. These sights and sounds are extinct in the HDB estates and city. Have a walk down Balestier if you have the time and indulge yourself in its slow rhythm of life. You may like to have a bowl of the famous Bak Ku Teh while you're there too. :)
See more photos below.
How to get there?
Bus services available: 21, 124, 125, 130, 131, 145, 186
Nearest MRT: Novena, Toa Payoh (You may take bus service 131 from Novena MRT or bus service 139 or 145 from Toa Payoh MRT Station.)
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