The Venue: Alkaff Mansion

Stuart suggested I write about things in Singapore. So I decided I should write about my wedding Venue!

We chose this venue because it feels so special compared to so many others, and wanted to stay away from the typical hotel ballroom. And I am completely inlove with the colonial style of the place!

I started reading up on the history of the place. And its amazing! I always thought it could be owned by some high ranking colonial officer. Aparently, the Alkaffs are an Arab family (who knew! so diverse!) whose ancestors arrived in Singapore from Yemen in 1852 and ran a profitable business trading in sugar, coffee and spices between India and Indonesia. As their fortunes expanded, they ventured into the property business, building and buying houses, bungalows and mosques such as the Alkaff Mosque!

Alkaff Mansion was built in 1918 by Syed Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Alkaff, a nephew of Syed Shaikh Alkaff, the first Alkaff to arrive in Singapore. The mansion was constructed on a piece of land covering two hills in Telok Blangah Green.

Sited atop the hill, the two-storey Tudor-styled bungalow looked out on a 19-hectare park and commanded a sweeping view of Keppel Harbour. The hill was then believed to be the highest point in Singapore on which a bungalow sat.

In the 1930s, Alkaff Mansion became widely known as a gathering place for notable members of society. The Alkaffs fraternised with many distinguished personalities, including Syed Ibrahim bin Omar Alsagoff, Rajabali Jumabhoy and British colonial officials. One example of the many high society events held at the bungalow was a grand garden party held in 1932 to celebrate the appointment of Haji Shaikh Yahya bin Ahmad Afifi, general manager of Alkaff and Co., as a Justice of the Peace.

Located on Telok Blangah Hill, which together with Mount Faber, forms part of the Southern Ridges in the southwest of Singapore. As both hills were important battle sites during the Japanese invasion of Singapore, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) awarded the area conservation status on 9 June 2005. According to URA’s conservation guidelines, Alkaff Mansion’s façade, including the canopy, porch, windows and balustrades, must be retained and restored as part of any redevelopment!

ITS A SACRED LOCATION OMG.

(source: National Library Board)

The nearest MRT stop to the venue is Telok Blangah Station, Redhill Station or Harbourfront Station. It is even located in the more tourist locations in Singapore, so guests can go around before the reception! Gotta check these attractions out!

Mount Faber Board Walk:

One of the conserved "forest" in Singapore, there is a boardwalk which allows you to walk through Mount Faber comfortably! (Yes, Alkaff Mansion is in Mount Faber)

Henderson Waves:

I managed to work with the guy who designed this masterpeace. Its a freakin sweet structure that spans across the hills. You get the ocassional visits by monkies!

Vivo City:

Probaby one of the biggest Malls in Singapore, and it has EVERYTHING.

The best part, they have a roof top deck with a water park, that overlooks Sentosa Island!

Sentosa Island:

This island is basically filled with tourist attractions. Resort Hotels, Universal Studio, Water World, etc! You can take the cable car over, or even just walk across!