Mention Pasir Ris and the first things that come to mind these days are chalets or Downtown East. But bet you didn’t know about Pasir Ris’ colourful past, with a history dating back to the 1800s that even the most loyal Eastie may not know about.

The National Heritage Board recently launched the Pasir Ris Heritage Trail, comprising a 27 heritage sites and seven trail markers for visitors to discover how the ’hood has been a favourite R&R getaway since the last century, and learn about kampong communities and heritage. There are a total of three thematic trails, spanning 3.5km to 5.6km, which you can explore on foot in one to one-and-a-half hours. You do it at your own time, own target — just download a companion guide and map online, put on your walking shoes, and look out for markers along the way. And it’s all for free.

But if you’re more of an armchair explorer, or want to prep for your Pasir Ris sojourn, look no further.

Back in the 19th century, wealthy families would build holiday bungalows here for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. This two-storey, 12-bedroom bungalow by the coastline belonged to prominent entrepreneur Joseph Elias, and was redeveloped in 1952 into the first hotel in the ’hood, which was known as... Pasir Ris Hotel. Guess Singapore’s creative flair for naming buildings had its roots from way back.

Photo: Courtesy of Singas.co.uk

A bird’s eye view of the 35-room hotel in 1958 ​​​​​​​

…Where hotel guests could swim and canoe, as this snapshot from 1967 shows. The waterfront hotel shuttered in 1983.

Photo: Courtesy of Singas.co.uk

The kitschy resort had an even kitschier moniker: the Golden Palace Holiday Resort. It was an 11-acre resort which featured a fishing and boating pond converted from a former sand quarry — yes, the very same one that you’re fishing at in the park this weekend with your family.

The resort was a popular recreational spot for families in the 1970s.

As you mosey along the Pasir Ris Heritage Trails, you’ll come across this mosaic and terrazzo elephant playground which was first built as part of the former Telecoms (millennials, that’s what Singtel was known as back in the day) chalet complex. Today, it's now within the Home Team (NS) Pasir Ris Chalet.

For more info about Pasir Ris Heritage Trail, go to https://www.roots.sg/visit/trails.
Photos: Courtesy of NHB, NMS