House of Tan Teng Niah Little India Singapore
A vibrant, historic Chinese villa in Little India, Singapore, known for its stunning colors and unique Straits Chinese architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
House of Tan Teng Niah Little India Singapore
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, historic Chinese villa in Little India, Singapore, known for its stunning colors and unique Straits Chinese architecture.
"A burst of color and heritage in the heart of Little India!"
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The vibrant facade is incredibly photogenic! Visit during daylight for the best shots.
🚶♀️ Easy to Find
Located in Little India, just a short walk from Little India MRT Station, Exit E.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Facade
Exterior
An explosion of colors and intricate details, this villa is a visual feast and a photographer's paradise.
Unique Architectural Blend
Exterior
Admire the rare Straits Chinese architecture, a beautiful fusion of Southern Chinese and European styles.
Last Surviving Villa
Exterior
Appreciate its historical significance as the last remaining Chinese villa in the vibrant Little India.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Splash of Color in Little India
Quick Stop, Big Impact
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The vibrant facade is incredibly photogenic! Visit during daylight for the best shots. 
🚶♀️ Easy to Find
Located in Little India, just a short walk from Little India MRT Station, Exit E.
🚫 No Entry Inside
It's a private property, so you can only admire its beauty from the outside. +1
🆓 Free to Visit
Enjoy this colorful landmark without any admission fee.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The vibrant facade is incredibly photogenic! Visit during daylight for the best shots.
🚶♀️ Easy to Find
Located in Little India, just a short walk from Little India MRT Station, Exit E.
🚫 No Entry Inside
It's a private property, so you can only admire its beauty from the outside. +1
🆓 Free to Visit
Enjoy this colorful landmark without any admission fee.
⏱️ Quick Stop
Perfect for a brief, colorful detour while exploring Little India.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the House of Tan Teng Niah's vibrant colors and unique architecture, calling it a photogenic gem in Little India. While the inability to enter the private property is noted, the stunning exterior is widely considered worth the visit for its historical significance and visual appeal.
"This house impressed me through its wonderful colors. At least from the distance 😂. The colors are peeling and when you are close to it the beauty of it fades. But overall I was happy to see it. Unfortunately you are not allowed to visit inside, at least when I was it had signs with “no entry”. I took a peak from outside because the door was open. It looks beautiful inside but is clear that no one takes proper care of it."
Andreea Daniela Dinulescu
"A burst of color and heritage in the heart of Little India!
The House of Tan Teng Niah is easily one of the most photogenic spots in Singapore—an explosion of colors, intricate woodwork, and undeniable charm. Built in the early 1900s by Chinese businessman Tan Teng Niah for his wife, it’s the last surviving Chinese villa in Little India and a beautiful blend of Southern Chinese and European architectural influences.
Just a heads-up: you can’t go inside, as the house is now private property used for commercial purposes. But the vibrant exterior alone is worth the visit. It’s free, open all day, and just a short walk from Little India MRT station.
Whether you’re a fan of heritage architecture, a photographer, or just passing by—this is a quick, colorful stop that won’t disappoint. A great reminder that sometimes, beauty is meant to be admired from the outside."
Ej Josue
"One of the most colorful and eye-catching spots in Little India! The Former House of Tan Teng Niah stands out with its vibrant facade and unique history — a Chinese-style house right in the heart of an Indian neighborhood. Built by a Chinese businessman in the early 1900s, it’s a rare reminder of the multicultural roots of Singapore. Great photo spot and a fun, quick stop while exploring Little India!"
Wisanu Tuntawiroon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the MRT to Little India Station and use Exit E. From there, it's just a short 5-minute walk.
Yes, it's very accessible. Being close to the Little India MRT station makes it convenient to reach via Singapore's efficient public transport system.
While driving is possible, parking in Little India can be challenging. Public transport is generally recommended for ease of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee. The House of Tan Teng Niah is a heritage landmark that you can admire from the outside for free.
Unfortunately, you cannot go inside as it is private property and not open to the public for tours. +1 You can only appreciate its stunning exterior.
Since it's an exterior view only, it's accessible all day, every day. The best time to visit for photography is during daylight hours.
📸 📸 Photography
The best time for photography is during daylight hours when the vibrant colors are most striking. Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds.
Experiment with different angles to capture the full facade and its intricate details. The street in front offers a good vantage point.
Absolutely! Its unique, colorful architecture makes it one of the most Instagrammable spots in Singapore, perfect for vibrant photos.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Built in 1900 by Chinese businessman Tan Teng Niah for his wife, it's the last surviving Chinese villa in Little India and a testament to Singapore's multicultural heritage. +1
It's a beautiful example of Straits Chinese architecture, blending Southern Chinese elements with European influences, featuring carved wooden shutters and floral motifs.
The vibrant colors are a key characteristic of its unique Straits Chinese architectural style, designed to be visually striking and reflect the cultural fusion of the era.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity to talk about different cultures and architectural styles in a fun, accessible way. Since you can't go inside, it's a low-commitment activity that won't require much time, perfect for keeping younger attention spans engaged. The ease of access from the MRT also makes it a convenient stop for families on the go.
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
+2 Its unique Straits Chinese architecture offers a visual contrast to the typical Singaporean cityscape, making your photos stand out. Visit during daylight hours for the best lighting to capture the vivid hues.
Remember, it's a private residence, so focus on capturing the exterior beauty. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Its proximity to the Little India MRT station makes it easily accessible without needing expensive taxis or ride-shares.
It's a perfect, quick stop that adds value to your exploration of Little India without impacting your budget. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Straits Chinese Architecture
+1Built in 1900 by a wealthy Chinese merchant, Tan Teng Niah, for his wife, this villa stands as a testament to the prosperity and cultural integration of the Chinese community in Singapore at the time. It's significant not just for its beauty, but also as the last surviving Chinese villa of its kind in the bustling heart of Little India, offering a unique visual contrast to the surrounding Indian heritage sites.
While visitors cannot enter the house as it is private property, its exterior is a feast for the eyes. The intricate carved wooden shutters, detailed floral motifs, and the overall eight-room structure with its covered veranda are all elements that draw admiration. It's a living piece of history that continues to captivate visitors and photographers alike.
Photography Tips for the Rainbow House
Don't just stick to one angle; explore different perspectives to capture the intricate details of the carved wooden shutters and floral motifs.
While the house itself is the main subject, consider incorporating elements of the surrounding Little India streetscape to provide context. Remember, the house is private property, so all your photography will be from the exterior. Many visitors find the house to be highly 'Instagrammable', making it a popular spot for social media content.
+1 The sheer visual impact of its colors and unique architecture ensures that almost any shot taken here will be striking. It's a quick, rewarding stop for anyone looking to add a splash of color to their Singapore travel photos.
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