Streetdirectory.com Hotel Bencoolen is located in Dhoby Ghaut District, which was once known as Dhobi Ghat, a long forgotten trade where clothes were washed manually by washermen. This industry is now taken over by laundry marts. Another interesting fact of this place lies in the WWII memorial, now a place of interest and the YMCA which was once used by the Japanese as interrogation rooms. The nearby Singapore Fort Canning is a popular spot for Wedding Photography. If you are looking for Asian and local artefacts, visit Singapore Art Museum and Asian Civilisation Museum. Popular Shopping Malls in this area are Plaza Singapura, Parkmall and The Cathay. Finally, the stretch along Selegie road where Paradiz Center, Parklane Shopping Mall and Peace Centre are located, are well known for private schools that offer courses such as Computer, Beauty, Massage, Tourism & Business Courses.