Kreta Ayer Road


Kreta Ayer Road is a one-way road located in Chinatown within the Outram Planning Area in Singapore. The road links Neil Road to New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street, and is intersected by Keong Saik Road.

Etymology and history

In the olden days, water drawn from a well near Ann Siang Hill was taken down in bullock carts, hence the name Kreta Ayer, which means "water cart" in Malay. The Hokkiens refer to this area as gu chia chui, ad the Cantonese call it ngow chay shui also meaning "bullock water cart". Kreta Ayer Road was officially conferred in 1922.
Kreta Ayer Road defines for the Chinese in Singapore, the Chinatown area. For the Chinese, the Chinatown area is referred also as tua poh or "greater town" district. In the 1880s, Kreta Ayer was the red light district of Chinatown. The Chinese traveller, Li Zhongjue, observed in 1887 that the street was a place of restaurants, theatres and brothels and where "filth and dirt are hidden".

Interesting Landmarks

Hok San Association has the oldest lion dance troupe in Singapore, it was established in 1920 and located at No. 21 of the shophouses along Kreta Ayer Road. Chinese Buddhist Association is founded in 1927 and located at No. 23 of the shophouses along Kreta Ayer Road. It was established after the visit of Venerable Tai Xu to Singapore in 1926, and is the first Buddhist organisation established in Singapore. Kwan-In Welfare Society Free Clinic is located at No. 7 of the shophouses along Kreta Ayer Road, it was established in 1976 after Venerable Fa Quan offered the venue to Kwan-In Welfare Society to set up a free TCM clinic. Evergreen Buddhist Culture Service, one of the only two Buddhist bookstores in Singapore was established in 1979 at Pearl Centre and is currently located at Blk 333 along Kreta Ayer Road.