Skip to main content

Rojak Librarian

The Rojak Librarian is a blog that covers a range of topics related to Singapore's history, culture, and heritage. I wrote many articles on Bukit Brown, exploring the cemetery's past and present, the lives of the early pioneers buried there and the social and cultural significance of the site. I also cover about nature and birdwatching.

Search This Blog

Home
Bukit Brown
Bidadari Christian Cemetery
Rojak Librarian+
Sitemap

Home
Bukit Brown
Bidadari Christian Cemetery
Rojak Librarian+
Sitemap

Home
Bukit Brown
Bidadari Christian Cemetery
Rojak Librarian+
Sitemap

Showing posts with the label Hill 4

Posts

Teo Nye Chan and family (Bukit Brown)

Block 4 Div B +0 Hill 4

Block 4 Div B Hill 4

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Lim Leong Geok (Bukit Brown)

Block 4 Div A exhumed +0 Hill 4

Block 4 Div A exhumed Hill 4

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Alice Lim (Bukit Brown)

Block 4 Div A Died Young Hill 4 +0 school

Block 4 Div A Died Young Hill 4 school

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Miss Helen Lee (Bukit Brown)

January 15, 2025

Block 4 Div A Died Young +0 Hill 4

Block 4 Div A Died Young Hill 4

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Madam Teo Cheo Neo (Bukit Brown)

January 15, 2025

Block 4 Div A +0 Hill 4

Block 4 Div A Hill 4

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Yeo Hood Yew and family (Bukit Brown)

December 08, 2024

Hill 4 +0 Yeo Clan Burial Ground

Hill 4 Yeo Clan Burial Ground

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Wong Geok Yin (Bukit Brown)

December 07, 2024

Block 4 Div A decorative tiles Died Young + Hill 4

Block 4 Div A decorative tiles Died Young Hill 4

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Mrs. Tay Kim Hock nee Madam Tan Geck Liew (Bukit Brown)

December 07, 2024

Block 4 Div A +0 Hill 4

Block 4 Div A Hill 4

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Lee Teck Puay (Bukit Brown)

October 20, 2024

Block 4 Div A +0 Hill 4

Block 4 Div A Hill 4

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Ong Wah Ting (Bukit Brown)

October 20, 2024

Block 4 Div A +0 Hill 4

Block 4 Div A Hill 4

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Goh Wong Chun (Bukit Brown)

October 20, 2024

Block 4 Div C +0 Hill 4

Block 4 Div C Hill 4

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Lau Kim Tuan (Bukit Brown)

October 08, 2024

Block 4 Div A +0 Hill 4

Block 4 Div A Hill 4

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Tan How Thiam (Bukit Brown)

September 11, 2024

Block 4 Div A +0 Hill 4

Block 4 Div A Hill 4

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Tee Goh Sow (Bukit Brown)

September 11, 2024

Block 4 Div A +0 Hill 4

Block 4 Div A Hill 4

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Madam Tan Cheng Neo (Bukit Brown)

September 09, 2024

Block 4 Div A +0 Hill 4

Block 4 Div A Hill 4

Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps

Labels

Bukit Brown968
Hill 3323
Hill 1185
Hill 4169
Died Young150
decorative tiles135
Block 3 Div D133
Block 4 Div A117
Hill 298
Block 3 Div B89

Show more Show less

Rojak Librarian (Peter Pak): Advocate for Conservation of Bukit Brown Cemetery. Heritage and Nature Enthusiast.

Total Pageviews

Subscribe to Youtube Channel

Subscribe to Instagram

Resource Guide on Bukit Brown

History from the Hills (2013)

Newspaper mentions (2014)

Newspaper mentions (2017)

Tuesday Report (2018) 星期二特写 | 行脚。发现第4集：武吉布朗之旅

Newspaper mentions(2022)

Grave Matters-The Greater Bukit Brown(2023)

Newspaper mentions(2024)

Newspaper mentions(2024)

The Stories Behind: Birdwatcher turned grave hunter reunites families with forgotten tombs of their ancestors(2022)

Rojak Librarian+ (other Rojak matters)

Archive

2025 56

2024 188
- December 18
- November 12
- October 26
- September 32
- August 21
- July 7
- June 11
- May 15
- April 14
- March 16
- February 7
- January 9
2023 168
- December 10
- November 7
- October 12
- September 20
- August 10
- July 9
- June 31
- May 18
- April 5
- March 12
- February 12
- January 22
2022 237
- December 11
- November 15
- October 20
- September 6
- August 15
- July 15
- June 12
- May 6
- April 17
- March 37
- February 54
- January 29
2021 326
- December 19
- November 47
- October 36
- September 24
- August 27
- July 31
- June 25
- May 20
- April 17
- March 28
- February 26
- January 26
2020 113
- December 13
- November 21
- October 13
- September 11
- August 8
- July 7
- June 6
- May 8
- April 6
- March 6
- February 6
- January 8
2019 52
- December 1
- October 2
- September 5
- August 4
- July 8
- June 7
- May 4
- April 4
- March 6
- February 4
- January 7
2018 53
- December 2
- November 4
- October 4
- September 5
- August 9
- July 9
- June 3
- April 2
- March 5
- February 5
- January 5
2017 52
- December 1
- November 1
- October 1
- September 2
- August 4
- July 7
- June 8
- May 3
- April 8
- March 6
- February 4
- January 7
2016 52
- December 4
- August 2
- July 8
- June 3
- May 8
- April 11
- March 10
- February 5
- January 1
2015 43
- December 4
- November 5
- October 3
- July 1
- June 5
- May 1
- April 6
- March 6
- February 6
- January 6
2014 92
- December 6
- November 5
- October 7
- September 5
- August 5
- July 11
- June 8
- May 10
- April 8
- March 8
- February 9
- January 10
2013 99
- December 8
- November 9
- October 9
- September 4
- August 4
- July 10
- June 8
- May 8
- April 9
- March 10
- February 10
- January 10
2012 78
- December 7
- November 6
- October 10
- September 5
- August 2
- July 5
- June 4
- May 8
- April 7
- March 9
- February 8
- January 7
2011 44
- December 7
- November 8
- October 2
- September 1
- July 2
- June 5
- May 6
- April 6
- March 3
- February 1
- January 3
2010 29
- December 4
- November 4
- October 8
- September 8
- August 3
- April 2
2008 2
- February 1
- January 1
2007 10
- November 1
- August 4
- June 4
- April 1
2006 11
- November 1
- August 1
- June 3
- March 1
- February 3
- January 2
2005 45
- November 3
- October 3
- May 1
- April 13
- March 25
2004 6
- September 3
- August 3

Show more Show less

Popular Post

Mrs. Choa Kim Keat nee Tan Hoon Neo (Bukit Brown)

Madam Tan Hoon Neo is the wife of Mr Choa Kim Keat. She passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on 1 February 1935 in 149 Neil Road. She is survived by 1 son, Choa Joon Hean, 2 daughters, 1 adopted daughter and 25 grandchildren. On her tomb, her date of birth is listed as 11 Day of 2nd Chinese Moon. The names of her children and grandchildren listed on the tomb are as follows; Son: Choa Joon Hean Daughters: Choa Yong Neo, Choa Poh Neo, Choa Hah Neo Grandchildren: Choa Watt Chiang Eric, Choa Watt Seng Walter, Choa Kwee Neo Jean, Choa Kim Neo, Nancy Tan Hoon Neo is the daughter of Mr. Tan Kim Ching, grand daughter of Mr. Tan Tock Seng. Mrs. Choa Kim Keat nee Madam Tan Hoo Neo Husband: Choa Kim Keat Choa Kim Keat was the only son of Choa Kai Hoon who came down from Malacca to Singapore and joined Choa Boon Buan & Co. (chop Khye Guan Tong), a Commission Agent in Boat Quay. Choa Kai Hoon eventually succeeded his brother Choa Chuan Ghio as the Manager ( branc...

Earliest known photograph of Bukit Brown Cemetery Temple ?

As i was searching for more online resources, i come across this rare photograph from the Lee Brothers Studio Collection with the following caption, A Chinese funeral. The coffin being carried into the hearse by several coffin bearers. The date provided was 1911-1935. If you look closer at the temple just behind the hearse, a lot of it structural features seems to match closely of the one in Bukit Brown including the position of the offerings burner. You can see how clear the background of Hill 1 was too assuming this place is indeed Bukit Brown (See also my other post: Bukit Brown Cemetery temple - a hope for its resurrection, posted on 2 July 2021). What do you think ? Do you agree with me that the above picture was possibly taken in Bukit Brown ? Leave a comment with your opinion or thoughts ! The coffin being carried into the hearse by several coffin bearers (source: NLB ) Close-up of the temple (partially covered by hearse) Known Old Photographs for Comparison...

Qing Ming with the descendants of Mr. and Mrs. Lim Hwee (Bukit Brown)

It was a stab in the dark request from the great grandson of Mr. Lim Hwee who was searching for his great grandfather tomb since last year. The key information was provided in his unsolicited message to me. Mr. Lim Hwee passed away at the age of 68 and was buried on 10 September 1935. The location of burial - Pauper 4 Division 2, plot 1111 . My instinct led me to believe that his request was sincere and from the heart (and this wasn't a scam attempt). We started a conversation and long story short, within the same week, I met Vincent Lim (the great grandson of Mr. Lim Hwee) together with his parents, uncle, his sister and brother at the tomb of Mr. Lim Hwee. I found out that they had visited Mr. Lim Hwee before but due to COVID and the fog of time, they could not find the tomb in recent years. It was a celebration of filial piety and desire to reconnect with his great grandfather and i do believe that heaven played its part in getting us to be instruments of a bigger grander...

Qing Ming with the descendants of Mr. Seow See (Bukit Brown)

Mr. Seow See came from Kinmen like many young Chinese migrants to Nanyang searching for a better live and prospects. He settled in Singapore and did what he was skilled at, fishing. Mr. Seow See was a fisherman. He was a Singapore Pioneer that left a legacy of love and filial piety remembered by those present today, with the youngest being the 6th generation of Seow ! Mr. Seow See passed away at the age of 80 and was interred in Block 3 Division B, plot 1B at Bukit Brown on 26 June 1932. Today, i am so fortunate to be able to bump into his descendants during their Qing Ming ritual. Earlier on they were cleaning the tomb and removing all undergrowth that has almost covered the tomb of Mr. Seow San. I only managed to catch up with them when they finishing burning the paper offerings and were about to leave. I was pleasantly surprised when they greeted me with warmth and shared so easily the stories of their ancestors. I was also allowed to take the group photo that you are see...

Miss Ong of Lao Sua

If you happen to walk on original Lorong Halwa trail that leads to the so-called "Avatar Tree" and beyond, you might encounter the tomb of Baby Miss Ong. She was only 2 years old when she passed away in 1960. Her tomb number is No. 1076. A few years ago, Miss Ong would have a fellow "peer" buried nearby, Mary Chua (died on 10 May 1951 at the age of 5, but Mary Chua has since "moved house" at the wishes of her brother . Back to Miss Ong, her "house" this year has a new coat of paint that you can miss ! I was told her brother, now in his mid-70's recently came down and gave her little sister a loving new striking paint. This is so touching to see. Miss Ong ( 2 years old, 1958-1960) Tomb of Miss Ong (2 years old, 1958-1960) taken at April 2025

Qing Ming at the tomb of Lee Peng Seng (2025)

I left Bukit Brown today knowing a bit more about Mr. Lee Peng Seng thanks to his grandchildren present today during their Qing Ming visit to Bukit Brown. What i can see for sure is a man and the legacy he left behind. It was a legacy of love and filial piety that have lasted almost a hundred years and hopefully. His grandchildren and 1 great grandchild was present today and i am grateful in their generosity in sharing what they know about him and especially the rare photos of him and his family. Lee Peng Seng was a merchant who came to seek for fortune like many others before him. The grandchildren present do not have much details about the name of his chop (company) nor who Lee Peng Seng parents are but they do have with them, a wealth of photos which some were shared with us. This included pictures of 2 of his wives. From the number of photos shared, i guess the Lee Peng Seng was well to do with the ability to manage his company as well as a growing family. The family photo tha...

Qing Ming 2025 - Revisiting Chew Geok Leong

Chew Geok Leong’s tomb in Bukit Brown stands out for its painted and imposing Sikh guards. A former Qing official who fled China, Chew Geok Leong settled in Singapore and opened a Chinese medical practice and shop. He planned his “live” tomb meticulously, commissioning it from China. The vibrant Sikh guards, ranked as 'Naik,' represent “Home Guard” and “City Guard.” The tomb celebrates Chew Geok Leong's legacy and i was told that his ties to a total of 6 generations of Chinese physicians (the last one being his son, Chew Siew Hai ). It's very heartening to witness descendants of Chew Geok Leong paying respects to him. They (especially Cecilia Chong and her uncle James Chew) have been supporters of the Bukit Brown cause for many years and i am very fortunate to be able to bump into Cecilia as she went about paying respects to her ancestors. There were such beautiful and well selected offerings for Mr. Chew Geok Leong, her daughter, Madam Chew Chwee Eng and son-in-law, ...

Tan Swee Hoe and family (Batu Pahat)

Sometime back in August 2012, i wrote an article about Tan Swee Hoe who is buried in Bukit Brown. Tan Swee Hoe came to Singapore as a young boy and worked his way up, eventually becoming one of founders of Ho Hong Bank, and later a director of Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) after it merged with it. He was also for two terms, the president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Batu Pahat, shareholder of Ho Aik Steamships. Tan Swee Hoe was a member of the Council of State, Johore and received a title S.M.J (Setia Mahkota Johore) from the government of Johore in 1929 for his contributions. He owned several property in Singapore and Batu Pahat. Tan Swee Hoe In January 2014, i was fortunate to make a trip with like minded friends to Batu Pahat to visit one of the properties he owned as well as a temple he contributed too and finally the grave of his son. Tan Swee Hoe's mansion First on my wishlist was Tan Swee Hoe's mansion on 160 Jalan Kluang, Batu Pah...

The school in the jungle off Kheam Hock Road (Chin Chung Public School)

I have long known that there was a school that existed near Bukit Brown since its mentioned back when there was an exhibition about Bukit Brown ( Bukit Brown: Documenting New Horizons of Knowledge 2014 ). The name of the school was called Chin Chung Public School (振中学校) and it's address was No 25, Jalan Berahi, off Kheam Hock Road, Singapore 11 (The postal code was only 2 digits !). The interest came back recently when Soh Ah Beng, a friend and fellow explorer showed me his school report card and that spurred me to ask this question, where is the original location of the school and is it still there? Today's discovery was a very exciting one because we manage to find out the foundations of Chin Chung Public School was very much still intact and the road that led to the school was still intact as well ! Chin Chung Public School Report Card of Soh Ah Beng Chin Chung Public School no longer exist but the foundation and the steps leading to the school from Jalan Berahi is ...

Choa Joon Hean and family (Bukit Brown)

In Hill 2, now forever scarred by the 8 lane highway, the tomb of Mrs. Choa Joon Hean ( nee Cheong Swat Leh ) is a unique tomb which is guarded or flanked by a pair of angels which looks like angels you would likely find in a Christian Cemetery rather than a Chinese one. Both husband and wife are buried side by side. The name Choa Joon Hean may not ring a bell to everyone, but the name Kim Keat might. Do read on if you are keen to find out more. Mrs Choa Joo Hean Close up of the Angel Mr. Choa Joon Hean worked for many years with the Overseas Assurance Corporation. He was the son of Choa Kim Keat. Choa Joo Hean was also the Patron of the The Lunar Athletic and Musical Party. Mr. Choa Joon Hean passed away at age of 51 at 149 Neil Road on September 14, 1945. He is survived by: Sons: Choa Watt Chiang (Eric), Choa Watt Seng (Walter), Daughters: Choa Kwee Neo (Jean), Choa Kim Neo (Nancy) Grandson: Choa Choon Eng (Victor) Choa Joon Hean, President of the Lunar ...

Support My Efforts

Rojak Librarian +

Heritage in S'pore and M'sia

All things Bukit Brown
Singapore Tombstones Epigraphic Materials 新加坡墓碑铭集录
Bukit Brown Cemetery
Bukit Brown Trails
Burial Registrar
Bukit Brown Documentation of Graves
Singapore Heritage Society
Clarity Compass
Bukit Brown Tomb
Historic Chinese Architecture in Singapore
Good morning yesterday
Oceanskies
Remember Singapore
Yesterday.sg
Bits & Pieces
Overseas Chinese in the British Empire

Nature Groups in S'pore and M'sia

Bird Ecology Study Group(Singapore)
Nature Society Singapore
Malaysian Nature Society
Singapore Environment Council
S'pore Bird Group
S'pore Butterfly Interest Group
Wild Singapore
Raffles Museum of Bio-Diversity's Habitatnews-
Nature Photographic Society (Singapore)
Oriental Bird Club
Butterfly Circle Checklist

Nature in S'pore and M'sia

Focus Ubin
National Parks(Singapore)
Mangrove Flora and fauna of Sg Buloh
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve-Wildlife Singapore
Online guide to Chek Jawa, Ubin

Bird Database & Resources

Singapore Birds
Singapore Birds Project
Birding in Malaysia
Oriental Bird Images
Xeno Canto
Birder Resource

Daily Moon Phase

Powered by Blogger

2005-2025, All Rights Reserved, Rojak Librarian