The Intan

Embrace the rich heritage of the Peranakans – descendants of Chinese immigrants who married local Malay women from the Straits Settlements – with a tour of this shophouse residence of collector Alvin Yapp, 40, located along Joo Chiat Terrace.

In February 2011, the National Heritage Board awarded The Intan private-museum status and from April onwards it will host Dreaming the Past, a site-specific play by The Necessary Stage about a young Nonya’s journey to understanding her roots.

The Intan tour lasts 90 minutes for tea or three hours for dinner, and Alvin’s mother prepares the authentic Nonya dishes. ‘The worst thing to ask a Peranakan boy is to recommend a Peranakan restaurant, because mother’s cooking is always the best. And also because we don’t eat Peranakan food outside,’ he says.

At first Yapp was staying in a condominium in Marine Parade, where friends would invite themselves, and bring their friends and relatives. He moved to this shophouse three years ago. He started displaying his extensive collection of Peranakan furniture, costumes and trinkets after returning from living abroad five years ago, although he emphasises this is ‘not a full-time job, it’s merely a hobby’.

The Intan has also hosted private parties, book launches and small concerts.

Cost: $45 per person, with tea, for a minimum of eight people; and $100, with dinner, for a minimum of eight.

For more Peranakan walks, talks and tours, read our story 'Strait out of the past'.