Chinatown
Chinatown was first developed under the plans of Sir Stamford Raffles, also known as the Raffles Plan of Singapore. During colonial times, Chinatown was the place where Chinese immigrants would settle and work. As more Chinese immigrants came to Singapore to work, overcrowding became an issue. This was only resolved when the government initiated the Housing Development Board in the 1960s to cope with the problem of overcrowding in Chinatown.
With the result of many Chinese immigrants living in Chinatown, the area is enriched with Chinese culture and heritage. Till today, many of the Chinese norms and traditions can still be found in Chinatown. The annual Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations would bring much life and activity to the robust areas of Chinatown. Street markets lined up along the blocked roads almost seem to replicate the ambience of the old Chinatown in the mid 80s. The CNY celebrations have never failed to entertain the huge crowd that gathers in Chinatown annually, especially since the government allowed the use of firecrackers (Firecrackers were banned in Singapore in 1970 but was lifted for CNY celebrations in 2005).
Another unique feature of Chinatown is its urban development in 1822. Sir Stamford Raffles specifically instructed developers to follow the architecture styles of Baroque and Victorian. Till this day, these styles of architecture are still prominent as they are considered as part of Singapore’s heritage and that they should not be demolished but preserved instead.
Chinatown is also home to some of Singapore’s famous streets. Some examples are, Mosque Street, Pagoda Street and Temple Street. Each of these street names have their own unique origins, of which tourists can find out at these places where the written history (Done by the Singapore Tourism Board) of these streets can be found. Tourists who are keen to save on transport fees can take the Mass Rapid Transit to Chinatown MRT Station. They can walk out via the exit of Pagoda Street. Also, tourists can take the bus service to Chinatown. Bus services information can be found at www.sbstransit.com.sg, the SBS Transit webpage.
On a personal note, many of us has visited Chinatown countless of times, especially during Chinese New Year. However, we never fail to feel nostalgic whenever we are there. The Victorian shophouses and temples are the main places to view at Chinatown. Even our parents tend to reminisce about their visits when they were young. With this in mind, it is a place to go if you truly wish to experience the beauty of heritage in Singapore.
For casual photographers, Chinese New Year would be a great time for you to visit as the firecrackers, street decorations and roadside stalls will prove to be good photo taking opportunities. Only then can you say that you've truly seen it all in Chinatown.
Decorations being sold for Chinese New Year
During Chinese New Year
A short walk from Outram Park (EW16/NE3) or Chinatown (NE4) MRT Stations
History of Little India
Lieutenant Jackson officially marked little India on the map of Singapore in 1828. The area was used for agricultural purpose as well as the raising of cattle as it was very near the river. It was only in the 1930’s that Little India was formed into a residential and commercial area with its quaint Indian shops and markets.
Little India still preserves many old landmarks that display the heritage of the district and serve as a tourist spot.
One such Landmark would be the beautiful Chinese villa Tan Teng Niah although not of Indian culture, it is still an important heritage site. Built in the 1900s, this villa has been restored and put on lease for commercial use. Other landmarks people might be interested in when wandering the streets of Little India would be its very colourful Tekka market built in the 1900’s as well as the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, which was the first temple in Singapore to venerate the Hindu Goddess Kali.
All these landmarks are perfect for those who appreciate the culture and heritage of such an important icon of our little island.
What to do in Little India
Setting foot into Little India, we were greeted with the strong scent of spices and jasmine flowers. Little India consists of many streets of shop houses, selling colorful saris, dazzling jewelry, silverware and brassware. With the large Tekka Centre, Mustafa Centre, The Little India Arcade and the small provision shops, it would definitely be an eye opener for the part of us that has never seen this side of Singapore before.
Located next to the food centre at Little India arcade is a Little India Cultural corner. The displays show the history and culture of the Indian population. It’s a must-stop centre for all to learn more about the Indian culture. To satisfy our hunger, we immersed ourselves in authentic Northern and Southern Indian cuisine. For southern Indian cuisine, you can try The Banana Leaf Apolo Restaurant along race course Road or Muthu’s Curry.
Two significant events, namely the Thaipusam (Jan-Feb) and Deepavali (Oct-Feb), are largely celebrated by the Indian population. During Deepavali, the Indian festival of lights, the roads of Little India would be brightly decorated with colorful lights. The annual procession takes place at the beginning of Deepavali, starting from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal temple on Serangoon road to the Sri Mariammam temple at Chinatown. There, a fire walking festival of Thimithi is held. Like its name, male devotees walk on a platform of hot burning coal.
How To Get There
Take the north east line to NE7, Little India station or take SBS Transit bus number 65 from Orchard Road, alight at Tekka Market along Serangoon Road.
Kampong Glam
The Malay heritage Centre is found in Kampong Glam, where the history and culture of the Malay community of the past can be viewed and appreciated. The building of the museum used to be the palace of the Malay royalties in Singapore. The wonderful building still retains its majestic feel from the past till now.
A specially restored bungalow next to the Istana serves as a restaurant now. The restaurant serves halal food and has cultural performances too. You’re in for a treat if you are able to dine with guests at a royal-styled Malay wedding taking place at Tepak Sireh, the name of this wonderful restaurant.
The original Sultan mosque was built in 1825 but the current one is built in 1928. The current Sultan Mosque (also known as Masjid Sultan) is a key attraction in this historical site. It is located at Bussorah Street, and it is the largest mosque in Singapore. It can contain up to 5,000 Muslims. The mosque has an outstanding golden dome and it is one of Singapore’s magnificent religious institutions.
The Bussorah Mall (in front of the mosque) features restored shop houses selling traditional clothes, artifacts, handicrafts and furniture. To experience a taste of the traditional Malay cuisine one should head on over to Kandahar Street.
The centre of the Malay community is the Arab street where it used to sell traditional Malay clothes such as the Songkok (a traditional male headgear), the holy Quran, prayer mats and textiles. Today, Arab Street is where fashion fans can get a hand of beautiful laces, wonderful sparkling semi-precious stones, exotic ostrich feathers, iron-on diamantes, gold thread and fabrics at wholesale prices.
Singapore is well-known for its multi-racial and multi-cultural roots. This can be truly reflected when you head over to Waterloo Street, and see the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho, a famous Chinese temple. It is dedicated to Kwan Im, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy. Next to the temple is the Sri Krishnan temple. The temple was dedicated to Sri Krishnan and his consort Rukmini by the Hindus in Singapore. Where else can you find two temples of different religion as neighbours?
How To Get There
Take the MRT to Bugis Station (EW12) and walk along Victoria Street towards Arab Street.
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