Take a deep dive into Peranakan culture at Sentosa Sensoryscape

Straits Times

23-05-2025

The Peranakan House is part of the Peranakan Reimagined show, a tribute to the artistry and elegance of Peranakan designs. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
SINGAPORE – With the music of the 1940 Indonesian keroncong hit Bengawan Solo setting the mood, visitors to Sentosa Sensoryscape will rediscover heritage through a contemporary lens in a new Peranakan Reimagined show.
The show pays homage to the Peranakans, recognising their culture as a vital part of Singapore's identity, while reinterpreting it for modern audiences through immersive art, performances, culinary events and projection mapping.
Ms Thien Kwee Eng, chief executive of Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), says the vibrant and colourful exhibition promises to captivate the senses and elevate every visitor's experience.
'Through this showcase, we reaffirm our commitment to creating engaging experiences and delivering memorable moments for all our guests,' she says.
There are more than 10 installations, as well as close to 20 events and dining arrangements, planned for Peranakan Reimagined.
Sentosa Sensoryscape is a 350m two-tier linkway designed as a day-to-night island experience. It presents a 'phygital' – physical and digital – celebration of the senses.
From the outset at Beach Station, the trail's element of sensorial surprise awaits visitors who will see a transformation in the area linking Resorts World Sentosa in the north with the island's southern shoreline.
Installations and experiences line the walkway, culminating in an after-hours experience called The Peranakan House, which weaves in a 'sixth sense' of the imagination through immersive displays and a choreography of lights.
Even the island resort's cable cars have been transformed with panels depicting familiar Peranakan tile designs – also called majolica tiles – as part of the 10th anniversary of the Singapore Cable Car's Sentosa Line.
The three-month show, which launched on May 23 and will run till Aug 31, is a collaboration between SDC and Mount Faber Leisure Group.
One key contributor to the concept is Ms Regina Chia, SDC's senior assistant director of brand experience and marketing, who was inspired by the visual and cultural language of the Peranakans , from their intricate craftsmanship and bold batik motifs to the sounds and stories passed down through generations .
Ms Regina Chia, Sentosa Development Corporation's senior assistant director of brand experience and marketing, was inspired by the visual and cultural language of the Peranakans.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
She wanted to highlight how this vibrant culture continues to evolve, bridging past and present while inspiring new expressions for generations to come.
'When I started out on this project, I reached out to my closest contacts from the different Peranakan communities,' Ms Chia, 53, tells The Straits Times.
'They went on to connect me with other contacts, demonstrating the warm and hospitable nature of Peranakans in Singapore. The showcase was made possible through the close collaboration of passionate individuals and partners, who brought unique perspectives and knowledge to the table.'
The showcase began to take shape after partnering with advocates of Peranakan culture such as Baba Chia , co-founder of the Peranakan Mansion Singapore in Joo Chiat, and Baba Richard Tan.
Ms Chia also reached out to organisations such as the Gunong Sayang Association and the Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association of Singapore.
Together with her team, she set about presenting the community's rich traditions through not only a traditional approach but also the lens of modern design and technology.
Ms Chia adds: 'Sentosa Sensoryscape, with its purpose-built design centred on sensorial experiences, allows us to bring Peranakan culture to life in unexpected and meaningful ways.'
ST looks at the highlights of the Peranakan Reimagined show .
Singapore Cable Car's Sentosa Line revelry
The Sentosa Line cable cars feature Peranakan-inspired exteriors such as pastel hues and majolica tile motifs.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
The Sentosa Line cable car cabins feature striking Peranakan-inspired exteriors such as pastel hues and intricate majolica tile motifs from the historic shophouses of Koon Seng Road, once home to Singapore's Peranakan community.
Developed with Mr Alvin Yapp of The Intan Peranakan Home Museum, these heritage-inspired cabins turn the skies above Sentosa into a moving tribute to Peranakan culture.
The tile motifs on the cable cars are from the historic shophouses of Koon Seng Road, once home to Singapore's Peranakan community.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
Info: Singaporeans and residents get a special one-for-one Sentosa Line promotion between May 23 and Aug 31, including a Sentosa Line round trip for two at $4 (usual price: $4 for an adult and $3 a child). There is also a one-day unlimited ride for two, priced at $14 (usual price: $27 an adult; $22 a child). The promotion is available only for tickets purchased at the Sentosa Line at Sensoryscape Station Ticketing Counter, or at Sensoryscape's Guest Service Centre.
Scented Sphere's Rempah and Riang: Secret Sauce of Peranakan Fare
Guests can experience Peranakan cuisine at Scented Sphere's Rempah And Riang showcase.
PHOTO: SENTOSA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
At Scented Sphere, guests can experience a tapestry of Peranakan aromas and flavours. Commonly used Peranakan herbs and plants are displayed within and behind the sensory garden's vessels.
On display are various ingredients in Nonya cuisine, such as laksa leaves (daun kesum), blue pea flowers (bunga telang), curry leaves and pandan leaves. There is also a replica of a Tok Panjang ('long table' in Malay), featuring recipes and information about traditional herbs and plants.
Field of Beaded Bloom at Tactile Trellis
An installation of beaded Peranakan slippers at the Field of Beaded Bloom at Tactile Trellis.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
Within the Field of Beaded Bloom at Tactile Trellis, guests can look forward to an immersive day-to-night experience, where the garden's 198 panels have been transformed with vibrant designs inspired by the intricate beadwork of kasut manek, traditional Peranakan sandals.
One interactive installation to check out is a p air of larger-than-life beaded Peranakan slippers, where guests are invited to touch and experience the ornate beadwork.
At night, a light show at Tactile Trellis brings batik motifs to life through digital light art displays.
From giant installations to mosaic magic
An installation of tiffin carriers at a stop along Sentosa Sensoryscape.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
Dotted throughout the 350m thoroughfare are larger-than-life installations at resting nooks that showcase everyday objects Nonyas and Babas still use today.
These include objects such as kamcheng (traditional Peranakan containers), with their intricate craftsmanship that alludes to the elegant lifestyles of the Peranakans.
Meanwhile, Gilded Mosaic features hundreds of reflective mosaic tiles that form a pixellated image when viewed closely or through a camera, offering fresh perspectives.
An installation of a kamcheng (traditional Peranakan container).
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
The Peranakan House at Lookout Loop
This 7.2m-tall Peranakan-inspired house transforms into a projection-mapped canvas by night.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
The main attraction of the showcase is a 7.2m-tall Peranakan-inspired house that transforms into a projection-mapped canvas by night.
A grand reimagination of a traditional Peranakan home, this larger-than-life centrepiece is adorned with intricate detailing and bold colours as a tribute to the artistry and elegance of Peranakan designs.
After dark, the installation comes alive with a new experience featuring dynamic multimedia storytelling and projection artwork, illuminating the rich textures of Peranakan life, from intricate motifs and architecture to beloved cuisine. These can be admired from different angles while strolling along Lookout Loop.
Info: The projection show runs daily from May 23 till Aug 31 every 15 minutes from 7.30 to 9.30pm .
Sentosa Shop @ Sensoryscape
Staff of Sentosa Shop @ Sensoryscape modelling some of the sarong kebaya ensembles available for rental.
PHOTO: MOUNT FABER LEISURE GROUP
Visitors can rent k ebayas and batik shirts for adults and children, and enjoy a Peranakan makeover at Sentosa Shop @ Sensoryscape. Rates for a two-hour rental start at $48 for women's kebayas and $38 for girls', and $35 for men's batik shirts and $30 for boys'. There is also complimentary use of props such as a hand fan and umbrella for women, subject to availability.
Also on sale is a selection of kebayas and beaded sandals curated by Mr Raymond Wong from Rumah Kim Choo, a shop in East Coast Road dedicated to showcasing Peranakan culture.
Other Peranakan-themed goods include scarves, plus an exclusive collection of Singapore Cable Car's Sentosa Line Peranakan-themed cable car illustrations on tea towels, tote bags, tumblers, coasters and notebooks by local illustrator @yenidraws. Prices start at $12.90 for a coaster.
More ways to soak up Peranakan traditions
Scentopia
Discover the heritage of the Peranakans through the Allure of Oriented Aromas series at Scentopia's Peranakan Perfume Making Workshop, which costs $80 a person. The hands-on session blends culture and creativity, where workshop participants can concoct a 50ml keepsake of their own signature scent.
Good Old Days
Savour the flavours of Peranakan cuisine at Good Old Days, the island's popular eatery that offers local and Asian favourites outside Beach Station.
Its two-course Peranakan Bento set meal ($26) features Nonya favourites such as ayam buah keluak (Nonya chicken and gravy made from buah keluak nuts), ikan chilli garam (fish cooked in a salt-and-chilli gravy) and chinchalok omelette (omelette made with fermented krill).
Rumours Beach Club
Rumours Beach Club marks SG60 with a taste of tradition, where every dish tells the story of Peranakan heritage. Its Hae Bee Hiam Ngoh Hiang is a blend of coriander, radish and carrot, wrapped around minced pork and prawns, fragranced with five spice and topped with hae bee hiam (dried chilli prawn paste).
There is also Grilled Scallop with Curry Laksa Butter, which has three pieces of grilled half-shell scallops with roe, topped with torch ginger flower, curry laksa butter and toasted coconut flakes. It comes with a side of homemade shrimp sambal. The Peranakan Heritage Feast Set is priced at $71.94.
Quentin's Bar & Restaurant
Its Peranakan Tasting Menu, priced at $48++, is a curated Peranakan Set Lunch showcasing the depth and elegance of Nonya flavours. From Ayam Buah Keluak and Babi Tahu (braised pork in dark sauce) to the Gula Melaka Lava Cake, each dish is a tribute to Peranakan culinary traditions centred on a balance of spicy, savoury and sweet tastes.
Designer and lifestyle journalist Chantal Sajan writes on design and architecture.
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