Telok Ayer History: From an immigrant Chinese settlement to hip cafes & restaurants

Most people walk past Telok Ayer without realising they’re tracing the edge of what used to be Singapore’s southern coastline. Before land reclamation pushed the sea out, this was the landing site for thousands of Chinese immigrants in the 19th century—many of whom built the temples, clans, and streets still standing today.

But Telok Ayer isn’t stuck in the past. Between rows of conserved shophouses, you’ll find specialty coffee joints, cocktail bars, indie boutiques, and startup offices—sometimes all in the same block. It’s not just heritage you’re walking through; it’s a living, breathing evolution of Singaporean culture, where ancestral altars share space with oat milk lattes.

Let’s take a walk down Telok Ayer, starting with its history before we hit the street.

History of Telok Ayer

Telok Ayer was once Singapore’s southern shoreline — the name itself means “Bay of Water” in Malay. Before land reclamation began in the late 19th century, boats docked here, and the area served as the main landing point for early Chinese immigrants. It quickly became a vibrant enclave for traders, artisans, and settlers, especially the Hokkien and Teochew communities.

In 1822, Sir Stamford Raffles designated Telok Ayer as the area for Chinese settlement under the Jackson Plan. This led to the establishment of key community institutions — places of worship, clan associations, and schools — many of which still stand today. These include the Thian Hock Keng Temple (Singapore’s oldest Hokkien temple), Nagore Dargah (a memorial shrine built by Indian Muslims), and Al-Abrar Mosque. The architecture reflects not just religious diversity but also the cultural exchanges that defined early Singapore.

As the port shifted and the shoreline extended outward, Telok Ayer’s function evolved. By the mid-20th century, it became more commercial, with shophouses housing trading firms and small industries. In recent decades, thanks to URA’s conservation efforts, many of these shophouses have been restored — now home to cafes and design studios — giving the area a new lease on life.

You can see an illustration of this tucked away behind the ornate Thian Hock Keng Temple where a mural showcases the former shoreline, a powerful visual testament to the dramatic expansion of Singapore’s land over time.

Telok Ayer has transformed into a vibrant enclave where history and contemporary culture coexist seamlessly. The district’s conserved shophouses now host a diverse array of establishments, reflecting Singapore’s multicultural tapestry.

Telok Ayer Temples & Mosque

Telok Ayer’s cultural and heritage significance stems from its role as the 19th-century landing point for many Chinese and South Indian immigrants. This made it a key area for the establishment of their communities and religious practices, evident in the presence of Thian Hock Keng Temple (Hokkien), Al-Abrar Mosque (Tamil Muslim), and Nagore Dargah (Indian Muslim).

The area also became a focal point for clan associations, which helped preserve cultural traditions.

Telok Ayer Park

Amidst the urban landscape, Telok Ayer Green provides a tranquil space adorned with sculptures that pay homage to the district’s immigrant roots. This park serves as a reminder of the area’s evolution from a coastal landing site to a bustling urban neighborhood, offering a space for both remembrance and relaxation.

URA Blair Plain Conservation Area

URA’s 2019 Master Plan wants to preserve these historic shophouses within the Blair Plain Conservation Area, while boosting pedestrian links and green spaces. Adaptive reuse will keep Telok Ayer’s charm but also add vibrancy with new uses and better connections to the rest of the city.

Blair Plain is a conservation area in Singapore, notable for its well-preserved urban residential terrace houses and shophouses, showcasing a unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and European architectural influences. Gazetted in 1991, the area offers a tangible glimpse into early 20th-century urban living, with its distinct architectural styles reflecting the diverse cultural interactions of the time. Its conservation status protects this historical and architectural heritage within Singapore’s modern landscape

Telok Ayer’s Conservation Shophouses

Telok Ayer’s conserved shophouses are among the most coveted commercial properties in Singapore, prized for their heritage charm and prime CBD location. These properties, often with 999-year leaseholds, blend historical significance with modern utility.

Recent Transactions and Market Trends

In August 2024, a shophouse at 42 Club Street sold for approximately S$13.25 million, translating to S$11,180 per square foot (psf). A pair of adjoining shophouses at 132 and 134 Telok Ayer Street, offering a combined floor area of about 8,000 sq ft, were listed with an indicative price of S$42 million, or S$5,250 psf - according to EdgeProp.

For businesses seeking a presence in this historic district, rental options vary. A 6,420 sq ft F&B space, for example, is available at S$45,000 per month, equating to S$7.01 psf. However smaller office units, around 800 sq ft, are listed between S$4,300 to S$4,900 per month, depending on specifications and location - states the Singapore Real Estate Exchange.

Despite a quieter shophouse market in 2024, with total transaction values declining by 38.9% year-on-year (according to EdgeProp), Telok Ayer’s properties remain resilient. Their unique blend of cultural heritage and strategic location continues to attract discerning investors and tenants.

Nestled within the bustling heart of Singapore’s city center, Telok Ayer stands as a compelling example of living heritage. The neighborhood’s history is deeply embedded in its very architecture, with each conserved shophouse and historic temple whispering tales of the past.

Yet, Telok Ayer actively embraces the present, seamlessly integrating modern businesses and lifestyles. This dynamic equilibrium between honoring its roots and adapting to contemporary life ensures the area remains a vibrant and relevant part of Singapore’s evolving urban fabric, making it a district of enduring interest.