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A Guide to the Intan That Will Figuratively Transport You Into a Vibrant Era of Singaporean History
Whenever a tourist asks me for a suggestion on where to go for some Singaporean culture, I always feel the need to take a deep breath. It’s as if I’m compelled to give a long-winded explanation of how Singapore is a mixed bag and a melting pot of cultures.
Lately, though, I find myself simply recommending The Intan. I tell them to expect a museum trip like no other, interestingly because the owner resides there and takes you through the entire thing.
The Intan houses over 5,000 Peranakan collectibles and owner Alvin Yapp personally walks all visitors through his house-turned-exhibit. He even hosts activities such as a tea experience and a dinner to fully immerse his guests in the culture.
What’s great about it is that the term ‘Peranakan’ itself means a mixture of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian heritage. So, in a way, it encapsulates one of my favorite things about being Singaporean.
If you also want to experience this rich blend of Singaporean culture, I’ve got you covered. Keep reading if you want to know what The Intan is all about.
Where Is The Intan?
The Intan is located at 69 Joo Chiat Terrace, Singapore. It can be found on a road of the same name (Joo Chiat Road), which is in the eastern region of Singapore.
How to Get to The Intan
Via MRT: Take the MRT to Paya Lebar Station, which is on both the East West Line (EW8) and the Circle Line (CC9). From there, you can just ask locals for directions to The Intan. It should be less than a 10-minute walk away.
Via Bus: There are several bus lines with routes that can take you to The Intan. You can choose between buses 33, 33B, 30, 7, 93, and 172.
Most of these buses have Joo Chiat bus stops, which should be a short walk away from The Intan.
Via Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: Whether you’re using a taxi or a ride-sharing app like Grab or Gojek, Singaporean drivers can take you straight to The Intan without any questions.
It’s a very popular tourist destination so drivers are familiar with the best route to travel there.
What to Do in The Intan
Peruse the Peranakan wares
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Entering The Intan is what I imagine stepping out of a time machine feels like. The impressive collection within is an insightful glimpse into how the Peranakans once lived.
You can feast your eyes on the vibrant day-to-day tools once used by the people of a bygone era. From the intricate beading on their embroidery to the clever craftsmanship of their chairs, there’s much to marvel at.
Far from your usual stuffy museum tour, Alvin offers friendly yet informative storytelling on all the Peranakan antiques he’s carefully collected over the years. It’s so intimate that it’ll be a challenge walking away from The Intan without learning anything.
Experience how the Peranakans had tea
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Ready to dive into one of the most delicious parts of being Peranakan? The Intan offers a tea session that boasts authentic Peranakan flavors.
During this hour-long activity, you get to choose from a selection of snacks such as Kueh Dada and Nyonya Kueh. All of these are served on exquisite Peranakan crockery.
It’s also a chance to have a one-on-one with the gracious host. Alvin is more than happy to entertain any questions and conversations about his collection and Singaporean culture.
Taste Peranakan cuisine
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For a more immersive venture, you can opt for the home dining experience and have a hearty Peranakan lunch or supper.
Alvin will serve seven classic Nyonya Mains paired with steaming white rice combined with the distinctive indigo blue of the Bunga Telang (Butterfly Blue Pea).
If you consider yourself an adventurous and discerning tourist, go for this experience as a traditional Peranakan meal in a historical setting like this is one you simply can’t find anywhere else.
Where to Eat near The Intan
Joo Chiat Oyster House
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Address: 328 Joo Chiat Road, #01-05
Phone: +65 8814 8445
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
If you’re in search of one of the best oyster spots in Singapore, then you don’t have to look any further than Joo Chiat Oyster House. They’ve got the freshest oysters and the most delectable cocktails that just keep their regulars coming back for more.
In the morning, this restaurant is an unsuspecting coffee and brunch spot for those looking to take it slow. At night though, it turns up the ambiance and transforms into a haven for those with refined taste.
With oysters shipped from Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture, it’ll be hard to find flavors like this anywhere else in the country.
Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant
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Address: 11 Joo Chiat Place, #01-03 Katong
Phone: + 65 6275 1002
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Ever heard the quote “No good thing ever dies”? Chilli Padi Nonya is proof that it’s true.
This restaurant is what you would get if you give traditional Peranakan cooking a modern twist.
It has truly become a staple among Joo Chiat locals searching for that distinct Nonya taste. Tourists should acquaint themselves with it too because you don’t get Michelin-endorsed for being anything but the best.
If it’s your first time ordering here, make sure to get their signature dish: the Ayam Buah Keluak. One bite of this savory chicken meal and you’ll see what makes Peranakan culture so special.
Long Phung
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Address: 159 Joo Chiat Road
Phone: +65 6440 6959
Pricing: $
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Apart from being the Peranakan center of Singapore, Joo Chiat is also home to the most sought-after Vietnamese diner in the country. Long Phung is a local favorite Vietnamese restaurant that serves all of the cuisine’s staples.
If you’re not sure what to order, follow in the footsteps of their regulars. Their classic beef pho and spring rolls are as authentic as the ones people fly to Vietnam for.
Take note though, brace yourself for a wait if you want to eat during peak meal times at Long Phung. The restaurant is so popular that it’s common to see a queue forming just shortly after it opens at noon.
Where to Stay near The Intan
Hotel 81 Sakura
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Address: 181 Joo Chiat Road
Phone: +65 6247 8181
Pricing: $
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Hotel 81 Sakura is the picture-perfect lodging for the busy traveler. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also a stone’s throw away from several bus stops and an MRT station.
Guests that are constantly on the go won’t have to worry about their meals either. There’s a vast array of choices nearby, including cafes, convenience stores, and restaurants.
Don’t get me wrong though, this hotel is far from just a place to sleep. The picturesque exterior would look great on any Instagram feed, so take as many snaps as you can.
Santa Grand Hotel East Coast
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Address: 171 East Coast Road
Phone: +65 6344 6866
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
For guests whose ideal Singaporean stay involves lots of rest and relaxation, the Santa Grand Hotel East Coast is the way to go.
Each step within this hotel screams luxury, with the pool being the crowning glory of the entire place. Trust me when I say that a dip in this pool is enough to melt all your worries away.
The staff also goes above and beyond for each guest they encounter. Seriously, they’re even willing to decorate your room depending on the holiday—all you have to do is notify them of the special occasion beforehand.
The hotel is easily accessible from the majority of attractions located on the East Coast. So whether it’s a trip full of sightseeing or rejuvenating days for taking it slow, this hotel is for you.
