Kampong to City Fun Facts

Did you know? Kampongs didn’t have taps or showers—people drew water from wells!
Did you know? Families used kerosene lamps and oil lanterns at night—no electricity!
Did you know? Chickens and ducks roamed freely around homes, and some people even had goats!
Did you know? Kids in kampongs played with five stones, marbles (goli), and climbed trees—no smartphones!
Did you know? Houses were built on wooden stilts to keep them cool and safe from floods.

Did you know? Over 80% of Singaporeans live in HDB flats today!
Did you know? MRT trains travel underground and above ground, carrying over 3 million people daily!
Did you know? Today’s playgrounds are designed with recycled rubber and safety in mind.
Did you know? Food delivery robots now serve meals at some hawker centres—just like sci-fi!
Did you know? Some HDB rooftops have solar panels and community gardens where people grow herbs and vegetables.

Did you know? The trishaw used to be the main way to get around town—now we have MRTs and e-scooters!
Did you know? Wet markets were once the only place to buy food. Today, you can get groceries delivered in 30 minutes!
Did you know? From cooking over firewood to using induction stoves, Singapore’s kitchens have come a long way!

Cooking Traditions:
Then: In kampongs, families cooked on open charcoal stoves and used traditional clay pots.
Now: Modern kitchens in HDB flats use induction or gas stoves, and many homes have built-in ventilation systems for safer cooking.
Playtime Evolution:
Then: Children played with simple, homemade toys—like using five stones, goli (marbles), and playing classic games outside.
Now: Urban playgrounds offer interactive and safe play areas, and digital devices sometimes blend with physical activities in smart classrooms.
Transportation Revolution:
Then: Trishaws and bicycles were the primary ways to move around in kampongs, with bumboats transporting goods along the waterways.
Now: Millions of Singaporeans rely on the efficient MRT system, e-scooters, and even electric taxis for their daily commute.
Marketplaces Transform:
Then: Wet markets were the social hubs where families shopped for fresh produce daily.
Now: Besides traditional markets, many residents now enjoy online grocery deliveries, while modern hawker centres offer a variety of culinary delights with speedy robot servers.
Green Innovations:
Then: Open spaces and natural elements were abundant around kampong houses.
Now: Many modern buildings have rooftop gardens and vertical greenery, blending nature with urban living to promote a sustainable environment.