Channel Your Inner Little Nyonya & Dress Up In Peranakan Kebaya At This Heritage Hotel In Singapore
Looking for a staycation that’s equal parts Insta-worthy and culturally enriching? Well, you’re in for a treat. Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong has rolled out an ultra-chic Peranakan Dress Up Experience that will have you channelling your inner Little Nyonya and twirling in gorgeous, colourful kebayas. Oh, and did you know? This hotel also has pet getaway packages, so you can even take your furry companions with you.
We headed down for a night to check out this hidden gem in Katong for ourselves, and let’s just say: this is now our new favourite neighbourhood hotel! Here's how our 24 hours of R&R went down:
King Standard Heritage View With Bath
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First things first: the hotel room. We checked into Hotel Indigo’s King Standard Heritage View room, and wow, talk about merging modern comforts with rich heritage!
Every part of the space is designed to pay homage to Katong’s vibrant past, and you’ll notice it as soon as you walk in. Think Peranakan-style tiles, local-inspired artwork, and tasteful splashes of bright colours everywhere.
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There are plenty of amazing amenities in store, from a giant 'wardrobe' minibar that's filled with nostalgic snacks, to the retro mugs and silverware provided for guests.
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Our room also came with a sprawling view of Katong's charming shophouses, and the best part? The luxurious bathtub that was calling my name after a long day of exploring.
If you're looking for some serious downtime, sinking into that deep tub with a glass of wine is the ultimate staycation mood. The bed was like sleeping on a fluffy cloud, and we woke up feeling super refreshed.
Dinner at Baba Chews
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What’s a staycay without indulging in some scrumptious food? Luckily for us, the Peranakan Dress Up Experience includes $50 dining credits per night's stay. These can be used at Baba Chews Bar and Eatery, Hotel Indigo Garden, or Rooftop 88.
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We decided to have our dinner at Baba Chews Bar and Eatery, since it's pretty well known as a foodie hotspot in Katong — and after our meal, I can totally see why! Their menu blends Modern Asian cuisine with nods to traditional Peranakan dishes, and it’s safe to say our taste buds were living their best lives.
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Some must-try items include the flavourful Kueh Pie Tee and Kong Bak Bao, and of course, the Dry Bak Kut Teh, which is hands-down one of the most delicious pork rib dishes we have ever had. No exaggeration.
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To end off our meal, we just had to order the Our Style Chendol, filled with irresistible treats like red bean mousse, pandan jelly, gula melaka, and popcorn. A perfect pick for anyone who has a serious sweet tooth (guilty!).
Cocktails at Rooftop 88
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After stuffing ourselves silly at dinner, it was time to unwind with drinks at Rooftop 88. Picture this: a rooftop bar that boasts panoramic views of the entire Katong-Joo Chiat precinct where the traditional meets the modern. Sipping on our cocktails, we got to soak in the stunning cityscape while lounging by the brightly lit rooftop pool.
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The vibe here is so laid-back and cool. It’s the kind of spot where you can sit back, relax, and watch the sunset fade into the night sky. It's the perfect way to end the evening, and I certainly felt like I’d unlocked a secret hangout in the heart of Singapore’s east.
Breakfast buffet at Baba Chews
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After a good night's sleep, the next morning started off with — yes, more food! Breakfast at Baba Chews was a buffet extravaganza, and the variety is what dreams are made of. Whether you're a fan of classic omelette or prefer something a little more local (hello, kaya toast!), they’ve got it all.
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Guests can grab items from the cold buffet in typical self-service fashion, while also ordering hot selections from the breakfast buffet menu. The latter allows for more customisation options and keeps the dishes piping hot!
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When it comes to buffets, more is more, so we made it a point to try a little of everything. The standouts here include the Buttermilk Berry Pancake, Eggs Benedict, Teochew Porridge, and flaky Croissants. If you’re the type to fuel your morning with a hearty breakfast, this spread will leave you stuffed and satisfied for your day of exploring.
Peranakan dress-up at Rumah Kim Choo
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Let’s get to the main event: the Peranakan Dress-Up Experience. As part of the package, we had an hour to rent traditional Peranakan costumes from Rumah Kim Choo, a third-generation family business famous for its dedication to preserving Peranakan heritage.
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Located right across the road from Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, this store boasts rows of gorgeous kebayas and batik sarongs in vibrant colours. However, do take note that the dress-up experience does not include make-up, hairstyling and photography services.
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Ladies are advised to bring their own innerwear for the kebaya as they can be quite sheer, and to wear the provided beaded shoes for photo-taking purposes only (not for walking around). We also found that many of the kebaya sizes run on the smaller side (I typically wear size M but had to go for a size L-XL here) so do come prepared before your visit.
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After picking out two outfits — we got a cheery yellow kebaya with delicate floral embroidery and a modern kebaya set in white with lace details — we transformed into full Peranakan fashionistas, complete with intricate beaded slippers and tropical floral hairstyles to match.
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The best part? Access to their photogenic shophouse for a mini photoshoot! Rumah Kim Choo’s space is like stepping back in time, with its old-world charm, detailed furnishings, and vintage decor.
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The natural lighting coming from the windows looks rather flattering on camera, and time flew by while we posed for pictures. Those who love creating memories (or just can't pass up a good Instagram moment) will certainly adore this part!
Verdict: a chic and fun escape from city life
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After a whirlwind 24 hours, it was sadly time to check out, but not before one last glance out at Katong’s charming streets. With a 12pm check-out, there’s no need to rush and we were able to savour every last moment of this beautiful staycation.
Whether you’re a culture buff or just looking for a chic escape from city life, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong’s Peranakan Dress-Up Experience is a unique way to unwind and see Singapore in a different light. Plus, who doesn’t want to live out their Peranakan princess dreams for a day?
GirlStyle exclusive offer
That's not all — because we've got an exclusive promo to share, just for our readers! Enjoy 20% off Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong’s Peranakan Dress Up Experience on bookings made from now until 31 October 2024, for stays through 31 December 2024.
Ready to live out your Peranakan princess dreams? Simply email your reservation request to [email protected] and use the promo code GSDRESSUP20 to unlock this special deal. It's high time to plan that unforgettable heritage staycay!
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