Tan Teng Niah House

Amid the bustling streets of Little India, surrounded by the scent of jasmine, incense, and spices, stands one of Singapore’s most eye-catching buildings — the Tan Teng Niah House.

Painted in a riot of bright blues, yellows, reds, and greens, this colorful two-storey villa seems to belong to another time, yet fits perfectly into the lively mosaic of modern Singapore.

It’s more than just an Instagram favorite — it’s a rare piece of heritage that tells a story of multiculturalism, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit that built the city.

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The Story Behind the Colors

The Tan Teng Niah House was built in 1900 by Tan Teng Niah, a Chinese businessman who owned several sweet-making factories in the Serangoon area.

At a time when most residents of Little India were South Indian traders and workers, Tan Teng Niah stood out as one of the few Chinese residents in the district. He constructed this ornate house as a private residence for his wife, blending Chinese, Malay, and European design elements — a reflection of the cross-cultural influences that shaped early Singapore.

The house stood for decades as a quiet reminder of a bygone era, surviving the city’s rapid modernization and the passing of generations.

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A Restoration of Heritage

By the late 20th century, many of the old villas around Little India had disappeared. In the 1980s, the Singapore Preservation and Monuments Board stepped in to restore the Tan Teng Niah House, repainting it in vivid colors and preserving its intricate architectural details.

Today, it remains one of the last surviving Chinese villas in Little India — a cherished link to the area’s past and a symbol of Singapore’s commitment to preserving its multicultural roots.

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Architectural Charm

The Tan Teng Niah House is a masterpiece of architectural fusion — where East meets West, and tradition meets creativity.

Chinese Roots

The structure features curved roof eaves, ornate carvings, and calligraphy plaques with Chinese inscriptions — typical of Southern Chinese architecture. One such inscription reads “Siew Song”, which means “elegant pine”, symbolizing resilience and longevity.

European and Malay Influences

• The louvered wooden shutters, stucco arches, and balcony railings reflect European colonial styles of the early 1900s.
• The color palette — once muted, now vibrant — mirrors the bright tones often found in traditional South Indian homes, blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
• The façade’s wooden façade panels and decorative motifs echo Malay craftsmanship and tropical design sensibilities.

Every corner of the house tells a visual story — an architectural conversation between cultures that defines Singapore itself.

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The Colors of Life

The explosion of color that now defines the Tan Teng Niah House wasn’t part of its original appearance but was added during its restoration. The goal was to celebrate the cultural vibrancy of Little India and make the building a beacon of heritage amid the modern cityscape.

Each hue carries meaning:

• Red and gold represent joy and prosperity.
• Green and blue evoke harmony and growth.
• Yellow symbolizes vitality and optimism.

Together, they make the house a symbol of the diversity and energy that pulse through Little India.

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Tan Teng Niah House Today

Today, the house stands proudly at 37 Kerbau Road, just steps away from the main shopping and dining streets of Little India. It’s no longer a residence but a popular cultural landmark and photo spot, attracting visitors from all over the world.

The building’s courtyard and interior are occasionally used for art exhibitions, cultural tours, or events celebrating Singapore’s heritage. Outside, the constant flow of visitors — cameras in hand — adds to the joyful atmosphere that surrounds it.

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Visitor Information

Address: 37 Kerbau Road, Singapore 219168

Nearest MRT Station: Little India (Downtown & North-East Lines)

Opening Hours: Open to the public for exterior viewing anytime (the interior is not permanently open to visitors).

Entry Fee: Free

Best Time to Visit:

• Morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Soft natural light for perfect photos.
• Evening (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Golden hour glow against the colorful walls.
• Festivals (Deepavali, Pongal, Thaipusam): The surrounding streets come alive with lights and celebrations.

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Exploring Around Little India

After admiring Tan Teng Niah House, take time to explore the vibrant neighborhood it calls home. Just a short walk away, you’ll find:

• Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple – one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples, dedicated to Goddess Kali.
• Tekka Centre – a bustling wet market and hawker center offering authentic Indian and Malay dishes.
• Campbell Lane and Serangoon Road – packed with shops selling spices, saris, gold jewelry, and traditional snacks.
• Indian Heritage Centre – a modern museum chronicling the history and contributions of Singapore’s Indian community.

Together, they paint a living portrait of Singapore’s cultural diversity — vibrant, harmonious, and ever-evolving.

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Fun Facts

• Tan Teng Niah House is believed to be the last remaining Chinese villa in Little India.
• Its colorful façade has made it one of the most photographed buildings in Singapore.
• The building once faced the original Rochor Canal, where Tan Teng Niah ran his sweet-making business.
• The mix of Chinese and Indian influences reflects Singapore’s early spirit of multicultural cooperation.
• The house became globally famous after appearing in travel magazines and influencer posts as “the rainbow house of Singapore.”

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A Living Symbol of Multicultural Singapore

The Tan Teng Niah House stands not just as a piece of history, but as a metaphor for Singapore itself — a country built on diversity, unity, and reinvention.

What began as a private family home is now a public celebration of identity and coexistence. Its bold colors speak of joy, its heritage speaks of endurance, and its story reminds us that beauty often emerges when cultures come together.

In a city that constantly moves toward the future, this bright little house in Little India continues to whisper gently of the past — with every color, every carving, and every smile it inspires.