Step back in time to the convergence of Malay and Chinese cultures in Singapore’s heritage area and Peranakan heartland, Katong. If you’re searching for where to stay in Singapore, spending time in this historical area will give you a valuable insight into the city mostly known for its modern buildings, futuristic hotels and fancy expat lifestyle. And we’ve found a fabulous Singapore hotel right here…only 10 minutes from the airport and 15 from the city.
Peranakan culture evolved back in the 15th to 17th century (during the Ming Dynasty of China), when the Chinese settlers married the local Malay women, creating a mixture of each cultures’ traditions, style and cuisine, and the Katong area is home to beautiful examples of this aesthetic.
Here you’ll find the beautiful Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, notable for two reasons. The first is that its rooms are some of the most beautiful we’ve stayed, all paying homage to the Peranakan style, with gorgeous colours, tapestries and wall art and meticulous attention to detail.
The second follows on from this tribute to the local culture and that is because Hotel Indigo’s mission is to support and anchor itself within the communities it operates in. From the moment you arrive at the hotel and notice its living wall entryway – styled on the entrances of Peranakan houses – you’ll start learning about the Peranakan culture.
The lobby is designed to feel like part of the neighbourhood with colourful tiles in Peranakan style creating a mosaic behind the front desk – which is open ended, encouraging staff to step out from behind the counter to interact with guests during check in.
Right now the hotel offers double rooms suitable for singles, couples and young families and interconnecting rooms for larger families and groups.
The rooms:
We just loved our room. It was just beautiful and had an amazing view out over Katong from a full length window that spanned the wall – including the shower! There is such beautiful attention to detail with traditional art and trinkets on the walls and in cabinets, traditional games, lolly jars and a bowl, bath crystals and scrub for a DIY footspa. Each room also comes with a mobile phone for complimentary calls which you can use in and out of the hotel. We just adored our room.
The rooftop pool:
The views out from the rooftop pool and lounge are are just stunning, over colourful rooftops which due to the area being heritage listed are height restricted. It’s a gorgeous spot, day or night.
Breakfast and dining at Baba Chews:
Breakfast was delicious with a small buffet of high quality cereals, yoghurts and fruit and a dining menu to choose from. I ordered poached eggs and a coffee and they were delicious. The restaurant is also in a heritage building – the old police station, built in the 1920s.
Lobby:
Focusing on the Peranakan aesthetic this area is also gorgeous with the ‘me stations’ equiped with computer and subtly hidden for privacy, a mama shop selling works of local artisans and a communal table used for art and design classes hosted by local artisans. From the lamp shades to the chairs and the homewares, it’s all gorgeous.
The surrounding area:
Staff will give you a map so you can explore the surrounding area…the streets lined with colourful perenekan houses, old shop houses, traditional sweet shops and the modern new restaurants and stores popping up. From chicken rice and cereal prawns to acai bowls and gelato, it’s all here. And there’s also a massive modern movie theatre – Em got to see the Black Panther with her Godfather after we all ate dinner at a fabulous seafood shop on the side of the road and a few Tiger beers.
So if you’re after a Singapore culture fix and want to learn about and admire a beautiful aesthetic from a traditional heritage area, make sure to stop at the Hotel Indigo Katong. It’s just beautiful.
OTHER OFF THE BEATEN TRACK SINGAPORE ACTIVITIES: Visit Pulau Ubin and ride bikes around this traditional jungle island – and finish off with a beer and an overwater cafe.
NOTE: The hotel is only 10 minutes from Changi Airport and 15 minutes from Singapore’s Orchard Road and Clarke Quay.