By Thulaja, Naidu Ratnala written on 01-Aug-2003
National Library Board Singapore

Comments on article: InfopediaTalk

Amber Road is an L-shaped road that connects the junction of Haig Road and Mountbatten Road to Tanjong Katong Road. The road was named after Amber Elias, an early 20th-century property owner. Popular landmarks on this road include the Chinese Swimming Club.

History
In 1921, a stretch of road running between Grove Road (now discontinued) and Tanjong Katong Road was named Amber Road after a renowned property owner, the Elias family. Amber Elias was the mother of Joseph, Ezra and Issac Elias, members of a well-known Jewish business family. Other places named after her are the Amber Building on Malacca Street and Amber Mansion on Orchard Road.

Amber Road was the scene of two tragic events in Singapore history. During the Japanese Occupation, the beach across from the road was the site of Operation "Sook Ching", an operation carried out to purge suspected anti-Japanese elements in which many Chinese males were slaughtered by Japanese soldiers. Amber Road was also one of the worst-hit areas during the Maria Hertogh Riots that took place in 1950.

Landmarks
Located in the coastal area of Katong, Amber Road was full of old houses. Many rich Chinese towkays built beachfront bungalows along the road. Modelled on houses in India, these bungalows were designed to protect the occupants from the tropical heat. These single-storey bungalows had wide eaves to provide shade from the sun and protection from rain. The bungalows were also equipped with shutters that ensured privacy and breeziness. To provide under-floor ventilation, the bungalows were raised above the ground and fitted with high ceilings. The toilets, bathrooms, servants' quarters and kitchens were often separated from the main house and connected to the house by covered walkways.

A house that was once prominent on Amber Road was Mandalay Villa, built in 1902 by Lee Choon Guan. Measuring 53,000 ft2, Mandalay Villa was a beautiful bungalow with two huge angsana trees, intricate carvings and a distinctive façade. During the Japanese Occupation, a large portion of the house was destroyed by a bomb, and the house was used as a Japanese General's residence. It was sold between the late 1970s and early 1980s and demolished to make way for a condominium project.

Another prominent landmark on Amber Road is the Chinese Swimming Club, which survived the war and still stands today. It was established in 1905 by a group of six Chinese as a counterpart to the Singapore Swimming Club, which had been set up by the British for Caucasian members. The Chinese Swimming Club was an institution for Chinese Peranakan members, and was a gathering place for many Katong residents. The Chinese Swimming Club was renovated in 2003 to introduce new facilities such as a 12-lane bowling alley, eight badminton courts and five swimming pools.

Kampong Amber, a Malay fishing village or kampong, used to exist in the area between East Coast Road and Amber Road. The hawkers from Kampong Amber sold cheap local dishes such as mee rebus, lontong and nasi lemak at less than three cents a portion. The villagers lived side by side with wealthy Chinese towkays, most notable of whom was the wife of Lee Choon Guan. The people of Kampong Amber would stage birthday celebrations for Mrs Lee every year. When kampongs were phased out in the 1970s and 1980s, Kampong Amber also disappeared. High-rise flats were later constructed at the site.

The Sea View Hotel used to stand in Amber Close along East Coast Road, towards the end of Amber Road. Opened in 1969, the 18-storey hotel was a popular landmark and was once called the "jewel of Katong" for the luxury it provided to its guests. It was closed in 2003 due to financial problems. The Jin Fu Apartments, built in 1985, was put up for en-bloc sale in 1995. Made up of 18 apartments, it was located next to the Chinese Swimming Club.

Other residences on Amber Road include Amber Towers, Amber Point, Amber Apartments, Amber Lodge, Parkway Mansion, Parkway Apartments and Orchid Mansion. Some old two-storey houses featuring interesting architecture can still be found along the road.



Author
Naidu Ratnala Thulaja



References 
Dunlop, P. K. G. (2000). Street names of Singapore (p. 4). Singapore: Who's Who Publications.
(Call no.: RSING 959.57 DUN)

Edwards, N., & Keys, P. (1996). Singapore: A Guide to buildings, streets & places (pp. 291, 302). Singapore, Kuala Lumpur: Times Books International.
(Call no.: RSING 959.57 EDW)

Jafri, M. (1993, January). A Katong story. Marie Claire, 20-22.

Jiang, G. (1998, July 14). It was absolute madness. The Straits Times, Home Focus, p. 28.

Kong, L., & Chang, T.C. (2001). Joo Chiat: A living legacy (pp. 49, 111, 122-123). Singapore: Archipelago Press.
(Call no.: RSING 959.57 KON)

Low, E. S. L., & et al. (2002). Life in Katong (p. 3). Singapore: National Library Board.
(Call no.: RSING 959.57 LIF)

Savage, V. R., & Yeoh, B. S .A. (2003). Toponymics: A study of Singapore street names (p. 36). Singapore: Eastern Universities Press.
(Call no.: SING 915.9570014 SAV)

Tan, C., & Tan, C. (1999, October 19). Five latest offerings could raise $ 513m. The Straits Times, Money, p. 54.

Teo, G. (1998, June 1). It all began 90 years ago with 6 pals. The Straits Times, Home Focus, p. 31. 

Teo, G. (2003, August 26). Laidback and rundown, Sea View Hotel will soon close. The Straits Times, Life!


Further readings
Singapore Chinese Swimming Club: 88 years and beyond. (pp. 46-50). (1988). Singapore: Singapore Chinese Swimming Club.
(Call no.: RSING 797.200605957 SIN) 

Amber Road apartment owners unite for en bloc sale. (1995, November 08). The Straits Times, p. 39.

En bloc sale for East Coast apartment. (1995, November 08). The Business Times, p. 3. 



The information in this article is valid as at 2003 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.