Ann Siang Hill Park

"The Ann Siang Hill area presents a tranquil retreat amidst the vibrant energy of Chinatown, inviting visitors to explore its rich history. As you wander through the colorful shophouses, you can gain a deeper understanding of the lives of Singapore's early immigrants. This area is strategically located next to the former Telok Ayer Bay and was one of three hills collectively referred to as Telok Ayer Hills, alongside Mount Wallich and Mount Erskine, both of which have since been leveled. In its early settlement days, Ann Siang Hill was known for its clove and nutmeg plantations, established by Charles Scott, who was the first to cultivate these crops in the area. The hill was well-irrigated, benefiting from an underground spring, which provided water for both agriculture and the community through a well located on the hill. Unfortunately, devastating blights affected the clove and nutmeg plantations across the island, leading many plantation owners to abandon their lands. Following Scott's departure, the plantation changed hands before being sold to Chia Ann Siang in 1873. Under Chia's ownership, Ann Siang Hill underwent significant transformation, as shophouses began to emerge, attracting Chinese and Straits Chinese residents and businesses. This shift marked the evolution of the area into a bustling urban district, with only Scott's original plantation house remaining as a testament to its agricultural past. Today, Ann Siang Hill stands as a reminder of Singapore's historical roots, blending the past with contemporary life in the heart of the city."