Singapore's TidbiTs

Half a Century of Books, Art, and Resilience In the heart of Singapore’s civic district stands a building that doesn’t shout for attention. No flashy glass façade, no luxury brands – just a modest 1980s complex that has quietly become one of the city’s most cherished cultural landmarks. For over four decades, Bras Basah Complex – affectionately known as the “City of Books” – has been a haven for readers, artists, musicians, and dreamers. Its story is also the story of Singapore’s evolving cultural soul. The Birth of a “Book City” Bras Basah Complex was completed in 1980 , built by Singapore’s Housing Development Board (HDB) as a bold experiment: to preserve the old bookshop tradition that had thrived along Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, which were being redeveloped. The entire project cost about S$13 million and comprises two...

Singapore Tradition & Culture Where Peranakan Soul Meets Kampung Spirit Katong is one of Singapore’s most beloved neighbourhoods—a vibrant mosaic of colourful shophouses, legendary laksa, intricate beadwork, and living heritage. But beneath its postcard-perfect streets lies a deeper story: one of melting-pot villages, mutual aid, and a philanthropic legacy that still pulses through the community today. How Katong Got Its Name The name Katong comes from the Malay words tanjong (cape) and katong —which refers to an extinct species of sea turtle that once nested along this coastline. The area was originally a seaside retreat for the wealthy, dotted with sprawling villas and mansions. Land reclamation in the 1960s and 1970s pushed the shoreline further south, at current Eas...