Visiting Emerald Hill Singapore

Emerald Hill Road is a petite neighborhood just across Singapore’s shopping district, Orchard Road. Surprisingly, the Hill is calmly nestled among the hustle and bustle of the malls and traffic. And because of this, it has become a popular detour for tourists and locals who’d like to just take a serene walk in the afternoon or take a break from shopping at the Orchard. 

Emerald Hill’s Significance in Singapore’s History

Beginnings of Emerald Hill

It is believed that Emerald Hill was once a rainforest until Chinese immigrants arrived and turned the land into a pepper plantation. After the plantation died down, Postmaster General William Cuppage took legal ownership of the land in 1837, where he established his nutmeg and fruit orchard. Unfortunately, his business operations failed in the 1860s but he continued living there until he died in 1872.

Cuppage’s two houses, along with the rest of the land, were passed on to his two daughters. Soon after, lawyer Edwin Koek, his son-in-law, bought the land where he built another house and turned it into another orchard. Sadly, his orchard was also unsuccessful, and he eventually went bankrupt. Koek ended up selling the land in 1891 to Thomas Rowell. 

The Peranakans’ Architectural Influence

The area was sold to Seah Boon Kang and Seah Boon Kiat, and the duo decided to demolish the old houses. The demolition paved the way for the construction of the new terrace houses we know today, which were built by occupants who were mainly Peranakans. The Peranakans perfectly incorporated vibrant Chinese architecture with European architectural elements into their houses, creating the Sino-Baroque style.

The homes feature intricately carved timber windows and half-length timber doors called Pintu Pagar and along the walkways are beautiful Peranakan tiles. A conservation program was announced in 1985 to preserve over 150 of what is now considered to be some of the greatest exhibitions of the Straits Chinese style of housing.

The Shophouses Today

Due to the conservation efforts, many of the homeowners have also restored their houses. Most have retained the original Sino-Baroque architectural designs on the exteriors of their abodes but have incorporated a more modern style in their interiors. Today, tours and visitations to these houses are allowed upon special request.

Best Restaurants and Bars in Emerald Hill Singapore

A number of these houses have remained residential, while some of them were turned into restaurants and bars which are now frequently visited by tourists and locals alike for their fabulous vibe, wonderful food, and a plethora of alcoholic drinks both traditional and international. The bars usually open at 5:00 p.m., so you can start your stroll just before that and then head to your chosen bar or restaurant to have a snack or a drink. 

It’s actually very easy to go to this quaint neighborhood, thanks to its close proximity to major sites.

Direction from Somerset MRT Station via Orchard Road

1. Head on Somerset Road toward Killiney Road until you reach the first stoplight.
2. Turn left to Killiney Road, walk straight until you reach the second stoplight.
3. Turn left onto Orchard Road and walk straight, passing by Cuppage Road, until you reach the third stoplight by Emerald Hill.
4. Turn right onto Emerald Hill Road.

Conclusion

Emerald Hill is simply the best place to quickly unwind from the overwhelming energy of Singapore. May it be a stroll or a full-on night out at the bars, the time you’ll spend here will surely be worthwhile!

For a more in-depth guide on what to do in the Garden City for your next trip, check out our 5-day itinerary here!