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 located along Joo Chiat Terrace. In February 2011, the National Heritage Board awarded The Intan private-museum status.
Visits are strictly by appointment. You can choose guided tours such as The Intan Tea Experience or The Intan Home Dining Experience. “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 in 2008. He started displaying his extensive collection of Peranakan furniture, costumes and trinkets after returning from living abroad, although he emphasises this is “not a full-time job, it’s merely a hobby.”
The Intan is a heritage space that can accommodate up to 40 guests. It can host weddings and private photoshoots, corporate meetings, and celebrations and anniversaries.
