Sims Avenue East, Singapore
Koon Seng Road is a short yet historically significant street in Singapore, stretching about 650 metres from Dunman Road in the southwest to Still Road in the northeast. It lies in Marine Parade Planning Area, within Postal District 15, and serves as a boundary line separating Geylang Planning Area to the north from Marine Parade to the south. The road is equidistant from Eunos MRT Station on the East West Line and Marine Parade MRT Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line.
Street Description
Koon Seng Road is renowned for its picturesque Peranakan heritage shophouses that line much of the street. These houses are painted in pastel shades, adorned with ornate ceramic tiles, wooden shutters, and decorative facades. The street itself is relatively narrow, with low traffic, creating a quiet and nostalgic atmosphere. It intersects smaller residential lanes and is located near East Coast Road, a vibrant corridor of eateries, shops, and cultural landmarks.
History
Koon Seng Road dates back to the early 20th century, when the Katong area developed into a residential enclave for wealthy Peranakan families. The road was named after Cheong Koon Seng (1877–1934), one of the first Straits Chinese to be nominated to the Legislative Council of Singapore. He was a prominent figure in the community, known for his contributions to education and society. The name Koon Seng is pronounced /kuːn sɜŋ/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
Character of the Street and Surroundings
The road retains much of its old-world charm, with shophouses dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. Many of these have been conserved under Singapore’s heritage conservation efforts. The surroundings are primarily residential, but with easy access to nearby commercial hubs, including Joo Chiat and Katong, which are known for their food culture and lifestyle amenities. The street itself is quieter compared to its busier neighbours, making it a desirable residential address for those seeking both charm and convenience.
Interesting Sights and Attractions
Koon Seng Road is a favourite destination for photographers and tourists seeking a glimpse of heritage Singapore. The row of conserved shophouses here is one of the most photographed streets in the city. Within the vicinity, visitors can also explore:
- Katong and Joo Chiat district, famous for Peranakan culture and cuisine.
- Shopping and dining along East Coast Road.
- The nearby East Coast Park, offering recreational spaces by the sea.
Real Estate along Koon Seng Road
As of 2025, real estate in and around Koon Seng Road is highly sought after, particularly for its conservation shophouses. Prices for these properties can exceed S$4 million for a unit of about 2,500 sq ft (232 sq m)1. Rental prices for conserved shophouses typically range from S$8,000–S$12,000 per month, depending on the size and condition. In comparison, condominiums in the nearby Marine Parade area range from S$1,800–S$2,500 per sq ft for new launches, placing them above the average residential cost in Singapore.
Transport and Connectivity
The road enjoys excellent connectivity. It is situated about a 10-minute walk from Eunos MRT Station on the East West Line and the upcoming Marine Parade MRT Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line. Other nearby stations include Tanjong Katong MRT Station and Marine Terrace MRT Station, both along the Thomson-East Coast Line. Bus services also operate along East Coast Road and Dunman Road, with stops within walking distance that connect residents to the city centre and other parts of eastern Singapore.
Fun Fact
Koon Seng Road is often featured in international travel guides and blogs as one of the most Instagrammable streets in Singapore. Its pastel Peranakan shophouses have become iconic, representing the city’s blend of history, culture, and modern living. The street has also appeared in several lifestyle magazines and film backdrops, solidifying its status as a cultural landmark.
Quick Facts
- Location: District 15, Marine Parade
- Length: About 650 metres
- Connects: Dunman Road to Still Road
- Nearby MRT Stations: Eunos (East West Line), Marine Parade (Thomson-East Coast Line)
- Known for: Peranakan heritage shophouses
- Real Estate: Conservation shophouses priced around S$4M
- Fun Fact: One of the most photographed streets in Singapore
References
- The Straits Times – Koon Seng Road, the pastel-hued street that draws crowds
- Honeycombers Singapore – Guide to Koon Seng Road
- PropertyGuru Singapore – Property Prices 2025
Map of Sims Avenue East, Singapore
Page Details
This page was created on 6 September 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Streets of Singapore Directory
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