A Visit To The Last Kampong in Singapore

I was only a few months old when my family was relocated to a rental 1-room HDB in Telok Blangah where they still stay today. I had never experienced any Kampong living but the spirit was definitely strong back then when everyone knew everybody within the same neighbourhood and as kids, we would play and grow up together. Surely different from these days, where electronic devices rule. 

The entire plot of land is owed by Ms Sng!

Because of frequent flash floods, the kampong was also known as Selak Kain in Malay, which meant 'hitching up one's sarong (skirt)' because that was what one had to do! Look at the water level indicator near the entrance of the kampong.

To have a look and feel of how rustic living is like, one need not travel far. Just a trip over to our neighbours in the north and there will be lots to explore. But given the restrictions now due to Covid, one cannot even travel across the causeway. You may have already heard of the last remaining Kampong on mainland Singapore, but have you been there? 

You know what 1954 stands for?

Banana trees aplenty!

Some very old household items here. Bet the kiddos these days do not even know what these are!

I still remember seeing this old electric meter in my old house!

We visited the Kampong Lorong Buangkok on the invite of Let's Go Tour, and had a wonderful and educational Kampong Tour experience led by Mr Kyanta Yap who was really humorous. But as tour groups are still restricted to 5 pax, my two youngest ones were not able to join in the fun. 

This type of cabinet is in every house last time, we still have one!

Stacci taking a rest in the house. It is quite cool inside despite the relentless heat outside!

Feels like home to me! I can totally stay here!

The kiddos learning some of the games of the olden days. Five stones!

Pick up sticks!

And even zero-point! Games we play during recess!

Nice photo with the friendly Miss Sng for keepsake!

Taking a rest in the house of one Malay family where we also had homemade “sng pow”, or ice-pops!

To be absolutely honest, you can just walk into the Kampong and no one will stop you, but take note that the entire village is private property hor, dun play play. You should not just walk in and peep into other people's house right? So go sign up for the tour and experience it fully. Find out more about what kampong living is like, learn about our history and get to know the very friendly landlord of this last Kampong. You might be tempted to stay on. Well, at least I did!

Lots of nooks and crannies for you to take great photos!

Thank you for having our family for the tour!