Singapore On‑Screen: A Time‑Travel Trip Through TikTok
Ever wonder what Singapore looked like before smartphones became government keep‑souls? @msybdin is pulling the argos out of the archives and serving you a nostalgic feast.
How the TikTok Time Machine Works
- Requests, requests, requests! Fans drop a line in the comments, “Show me my childhood streets,” and bang – the footage is on.
- From the 1920s to yesterday’s selfies. Throwbacks to the 60s, the 80s, the 90s; even those grainy car ride clips that remind you you’re on the road again.
- Clear, and chaotic! Because when your grandma still had a baby, the cameras were a bit of a circus.
Why It’s a Whole‑New Experience
Getting the inside scoop on how Singapore evolved isn’t just a story; it’s a texture. Those 80‑s skyline shots, the 90‑s high‑rise shadows, the mid‑60s street music – all stitched together in a way that makes you feel the city breathe a different beat.
Do Your Friends Know What They’re Missing?
If a millennial who was born in 1992 can get goosebumps from watching 1920s street footage, just picture a Zoomer scrolling through that content in 2022. Grab your squad, especially Gen‑Z buddy Kai, and watch together – you’ll probably end up laughing, crying, and craving a vintage Singapore coffee.
Bottom Line
When you’re scrolling and the feed suddenly brings back Singapore’s past, boom! – it’s like a reminder that we can still learn from the past while living in the future. So hit that play button. It’s a history binge, a cultural thrill rides, and all sourced from neat little TikTok magic.
Yo Kai, thanks for dropping in! To start off, when were you born and how did it feel seeing all the old footage that was compiled from that year?
Singapore Through the 90s Lens
Ever wondered what Singapore looked like before the skyline exploded with glass towers and when the streets weren’t forever jam‑packed? Take a nostalgic trip with us through the late 90s and early 90s.
HDBs: From Plain to Artistic
- Back then, public flats were plainer—think muted pastels and the occasional standard paint.
- Today’s HDBs flaunt huge murals that transform ceilings into canvases.
- Beyond paint, the void deck pillars are a graffiti gallery, marking a bold shift in street art culture.
Roads: The Great Traffic Time Machine
Remember the days when you could drive straight to your destination without Googling or texting your friend for alternate routes? The 90s roads were less congested. Fast forward to now,:
- We’re basically gaming every commute—Waze on standby to find the best shortcut.
- It’s a comfort that leftovers of the old grid still let you “drift through” a portion of the city.
Public Transport: The “Air‑Conditioned” Assumption
Reading about the SBS buses of 1992 feels like stepping back into an era that didn’t know air‑conditioning was a standard. No gentle tap‑in of EZ‑link cards either—just trailers and plastic cards. How weird!
Historic Landmarks that Still Stood Strong
- While many glass towers popped up, iconic colonial buildings stood firm and continue to dominate the landscape.
- Spot the Supreme Court and the Old Parliament House, reminiscing your old childhood memories.
Feel the Same, See the Difference
It’s funny how, even in 1992, the city skyline felt familiar yet distinctly different from today. And if you’ve seen relief footage, you’ll not find it simply a picture of the ‘90s—it’s an emotional experience that whispers, “I’m old”
So next time you’re scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, pause, and let the nostalgia walk you through reality. The past and present will clash or converge as always, giving us a chance to feel humour and emotion in the scenery.
What were some of your favourite memories growing up in that era?
{
“content”: “
Kai’s 90s Teen‑Dreams
\n
The After‑School Anchor
\n
My go‑to shows? Ultraman and Power Rangers. I’d sprint home after dinner and then shoot for the playground until I was dripping sweat from every nostril.
\n
I’d shout “Kakis!” from the base of the block – basically a rookie Olympics of shouting to summon your friends for playtime.
\n
Fast‑Forward Past the Smart‑phone Jungle
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Now, it’s all iPad kids lounging in malls. Spotting the Sentosa cable cars in the footage makes me go back to when you could only go that way. Picture those high‑altitude selfies while watching Singapore’s skyline slide by.
\n
Farhan’s Flashback to the Golden Age
\n
The Power Ranger Brigade
\n
Team Power Rangers, let’s go! The ’90s felt like a time warp to a simpler world. My Saturdays? Power Rangers, Ultraman, and Pokemon – the holy trifecta.
\n
The Dragon Playground & the Good Old Game
\n
There was a huge dragon‑themed playground in Tampines, and the neighborhood kids turned it into a Police & Thief battleground, a Crocodile chase, or a football match. We’d only return home when the dinner timer chimed.
\n
Those were the carefree days.
”
}
Is there a landmark or place in Singapore that no longer exists that you wish was still around?
Throwback to the Golden Days of Bird Watching
Triple‑tapping the rewind button to 1998, when JBP Birdshow was the crown jewel of attraction. Back in the day, we became intrepid explorers of feathered worlds right from primary school, laughing at the flutter of bright plumage and sharing the thrill with friends.
Remember the JBP Birdshow 1998?
The snippet from the old hashtagged post goes: “JBP birdshow in 1998! It was the best attraction at that time! Remember when we in pri school we do go JBP like this?? #jurongbirdpark #tiktoksg #foryou #throwback #90s #singapore.” That nostalgic hum, paired with the current unreleased Dinwingman™ track, still gives us goosebumps.
My Wild Love for Animals
Underwater World & Dolphin Memories
I’ve held a deep affection for wildlife since childhood, especially because the bright, concrete jungle of Singapore rarely offers unscripted encounters with wild beasts. The once‑glorious Underwater World was my top pick, but it shut its gates in 2016. It remains in my memory as a sanctuary of pink dolphins, other sea creatures, and unforgettable aquatic displays.
My favorites were:
- Speedy – the dolphin that stole my heart with lightning‑quick flips.
- Splish – a swift splash of playfulness.
- Splash – a bubbly burst of energy.
From Jurong to Mandai: Zoo Evolutions
While Jurong Bird Park and the now-renamed Singapore Zoo (Mandai) still exist, the changes are wild enough to catch your eye. Visiting the zoo a few months back, I saw sprawling renovations—larger enclosures, advanced habitats, and an overall upgraded experience that lets animals thrive.
Books & Coffee: A Personal Journey
The Borders Bookshop Experience
Farhan’s story changed the scene from wild animals to literary wonderings. Growing up, his father took him to the Borders Bookshop in Wheelock Place on weekends—a haven for the budding bookworm. While the father enjoyed a cup of kopi nearby, the little one raced through aisles, hunting True Singapore Ghost Stories or Harry Potter, until finding a tucked‑away corner to lose himself in pages. For a fledgling reader, that seemed like the ultimate paradise and solidify his love for literature – a wish that remains bittersweet as the shop never re‑opened.
What was your favourite video from this TikTok channel and why?
HDB Cats: The Resident Fluff Squad
Ever noticed how the corners of your HDB block seem to get a personal touch from the neighborhood cats? Those furry residents are the real MVPs of Singapore living, quietly stealing our hearts while we juggle work, chores, and, well, the occasional cat‑in‑a‑string‑bow.
- Always on the Move: Whether you’re on a Sunday stroll or just heading to the hawker centre, there’s a cat eyeing that piece of turf or a plastic spoon.
- Friendly Fluffy Ambassadors: They’re the instant mood‑boosters—one wagging tail and you’re already in a better frame of mind.
- National Treasure Status: Passed down through generations, these cats have been charming Singaporeans since the 80s and still keep the vibes fresh today.
So next time you bump into a belly‑licking, sun‑basking squad in the courtyard, give a nod. After all, they’re the only ones who’ve got the “stay‑and‑play” licence without any pesky pet permits.
Singapore in 1965: From Independence to Surreal Historical Footage
Flashback to 1965 — the year Singapore celebrated its independence. Our beloved videos and photos from that era give us a quirky, technicolor glimpse into life back then, complete with colonial English showmen and picturesque kampung scenes.
- Snapshot of History: The footage is as vivid as if you were watching a trending TikTok by a 70‑year‑old influencer.
- Surreal Visuals: Think bright, bold colours paired with moments that feel almost cinematic.
- Legacy Lessons: It’s a great reminder of how far we’ve come and why we’re proud to be a “modern jewel” of the world today.
Thanks to the preserved reels and propaganda from that era, newer generations can appreciate the hard‑folded journey that shaped the nation. In short, if you can’t live a sunrise right outside your block, you have a cat that’s already snoozed. And if you’re missing a dash of history, just click— (or, you know, swipe) on that 1965 clip and feel the pulse of Singapore’s early vibrancy.
If you could go back in time to any era in Singapore history, when would it be and why?
Let’s Take a Spin Back to the Groovy 70s in Singapore
Picture this: a time when bell‑bottom jeans were a fashion statement and the streets hummed with funk. Take a ride with us to the late 1970s and early 1980s and see what life in Singapore was all about before the skyline became an obstacle course.
The Vibe of the Era
- Clothing: Bell‑bottoms, flared pants, and loose button‑down shirts that swayed to every beat.
- Music: Pure funky riffs and classic pop. It was the soundtrack for every street corner.
- Sports: Football wasn’t just a hobby—it was a national pastime, with fans gathering in every corner of the city.
Farhan’s Throwback
“I’d say it was the late ’70s or early ’80s,” Farhan muses. “The clothes were groovier, the music was funkier, and football was everywhere.” He paints a picture of his dad rocking those iconic bell‑bottom jeans, complete with a hipster hairdo. “I honestly think I’d fit right into that era. It felt like home.”
Kai’s Nostalgia
Kai agrees and calls himself an “old soul,” sipping on a classic reggae track that spans the 60s to the 80s. He dreams of walking Orchard Road without the maze of skyscrapers and traffic that now crowd every corner. He’d love to experience the slower pace that used to make a casual stroll a curious adventure.
What a Day Might Have Looked Like
Walking through streets filled with colorful bicycles and an entire neighbourhood humming to the tune of a 70s funk playlist; beer stalls serving gin and tonic joints. You could pause at a street kiosk and be greeted by friendly locals offering delectable satay and kaya toast. And then, maybe hop on the old tram to catch the sunset over the harbor.
Rediscovering Sentosa & More
Ever wondered how the island of Sentosa feels when you leave the glow of the towers behind? That’s a no‑where adventure you can start in the late 70s mindset—all you need is a backpack, a pair of open‑toe shoes, and a big dose of curiosity.
Why it Matters Today
- It offers a pure snapshot of an era that shaped the modern city.
- Exploring the past reminds us of how far we’ve come—and how we can still find playful moments.
- It becomes a conversation starter that’s sure to spark curiosity.
Next time you’re planning a weekend getaway or just want to remember where it all began, use this guide to immerse yourself into a world of groove, life, and history.
