Have you ever heard about Bencoolen Street in Singapore? This busy modern road turns out to be deeply connected to the Indonesian province of Bengkulu.
Its roots go back hundreds of years to the colonial era, when international treaties and large migrations permanently linked the history of Singapore and Sumatra.
The Colonial Origins
The name "Bencoolen" is actually the old English translation for "Bengkulu". This change in naming occurred in 1685 when the British first arrived and established a presence in that part of Sumatra.
During that historical period, Bengkulu served as a British colony. At the same time, the Dutch held power over other important areas in the region, including Malacca in Malaysia and various parts of Singapore.
This geographic division of power created a complex political environment where different European empires competed for control over trade and land. The street itself is strategically located, beginning at the intersection of Rochor Road, Rochor Canal Road, and Jalan Besar, and stretching all the way to the intersections of Fort Canning Road, Stamford Road, and Orchard Road.
Moreover, the connection between Bengkulu and Singapore was solidified by a major diplomatic event known as the Treaty of London in 1824. According to National Library Board (NLB), this treaty was a strategic agreement between the British and the Dutch to settle their territorial disputes in Southeast Asia.
As part of this deal, the British agreed to hand over all their territories in Sumatra, including Bengkulu, to the Dutch. In return, the Dutch gave their possessions in the Malay Peninsula to the British.
This exchange allowed the British to concentrate their resources on developing Singapore as a major trading post, while the Dutch focused their administration on the Indonesian islands. This swap is the reason why a prominent street in a British-founded city like Singapore bears the name of a former British colony in Indonesia.
Sir Stamford Raffles and the Bencoolen Community
Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, who is celebrated as the founder of modern Singapore, played a central role in this story. Before he arrived in Singapore in 1819, Raffles had spent a significant amount of time living and working in Bengkulu.
When he finally moved to Singapore to establish a new base for the British East India Company, he did not travel alone. He was accompanied by a group of Malay people from Bengkulu who decided to settle in Singapore alongside him.
To honor the time he spent in Sumatra, the street where Raffles lived was officially named Bencoolen Street. The group of migrants who came with him established their own community in the area, which became known as Kampung Bencoolen or Campong Bencoolen.
This historic settlement once covered several modern streets, including Waterloo Street, Prinsep Street, Middle Road, and Albert Street.
The Cultural Legacy
One of the most important cultural landmarks in this neighborhood is the Bencoolen Mosque, also known as Masjid Bencoolen. The construction of this mosque took place between 1825 and 1828, shortly after the migration of the Bencoolen Malays to Singapore.
It stands as a physical reminder of the community's presence and their religious and social contributions to the early development of the city. Besides this mosque, the Bencoolen area is now surrounded by several of Singapore's most prestigious cultural institutions.
These include the National Museum of Singapore, the Singapore Art Museum, and the National Gallery Singapore. Its central location makes it very easy for visitors to reach other famous landmarks such as Marina Bay and Bugis Junction.
In recent years, Bencoolen has gained global recognition for its unique character. In 2025, the prestigious Time Out magazine ranked Bencoolen as the 20th "Coolest Neighborhood in the World" out of 29 selected locations.
The magazine described the area as being authentic, affordable, and simple, with a strong creative energy that sets it apart from more polished parts of the city. It was noted that Bencoolen proves that a place does not need to be shiny or luxurious to be attractive.
Moreover, the area is also home to the Bencoolen MRT station. This station is the deepest in Singapore, located 43 meters below street level. Building this station was considered one of the most difficult construction projects in the country's history, adding a new layer of significance to this ancient street.
