Chinatown Complex
Chinatown Complex
This building should be one of the most popular for the locals; or at least the food centre level on the second floor. On the ground floor of this complex are rows of shops selling mainly female apparel, decorations, dry foodstuff, and other daily necessities. Take your time to browse the stalls and you may find a quaint souvenir to bring home.
As mentioned, the second floor is more interesting for most of us, the locals. More than 250 stalls sell local hawker fares (street food). Some of the stalls are selling the same dish, for example, Hainanese chicken rice, braised fish head, etc... Tip of the day: choose the one with the longest queue if you are not sure which one to choose and you have extra time to spare. Another safe option is to look out for printed newspaper cutting and awards that the hawkers display prominently at the front of the stalls if you go at off-peak hours and there is no queue.
Though most stalls are selling Chinese food, you can find some non-Chinese food if you comb thoroughly. Vegetarian and vegan options are available too. The challenge is to decide what to eat if you are a foreigner. Some popular ones will be the fried kway teow, chicken rice and the coffee from the 1950s is also great. Of course, this will greatly depend on your meal preference.
Chinatown Complex is definitely an excellent place for tourists to explore, learn about the local culture, and grab some cheap but great street food for your meal or break.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple And Museum
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum has a beautiful architectural design and is one of the most iconic structures in Singapore. It was launched in May 2007 and the design adopts both the Buddhist Mandala and the Tang Dynasty architectural styles, turning it into an astounding piece of art.
As the name suggests, the temple houses a relic of Buddha, his left canine tooth to be precise. Besides the relic, there are other important Buddhist figures in the temple mainly in the ceremonious halls. There are also a few museums with varying themes and a vegetarian restaurant on the ground floor.
Do be respectful and dress decently and keep your volume down if there is a prayer session going on.
Sri Mariamman Temple
The temple was built in 1827 and dedicated to Goddess Mariamman who was worshipped by the Indians and revered for her power in curing epidemic illnesses and diseases. It is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore and has been gazetted as a national monument.
The Sri Mariamman Temple has gone through several phases of development with the current design being completed in 1962. The design is heavily influenced by similar temple architecture in India. Currently, the temple conducts important Hindu ceremonies and festivals.
Admission: Free. Do note that the temple opens in the mornings and evenings but is closed in the afternoon (12-6 pm).
Singapore City Gallery
URA Singapore City Gallery Sculptures
Singapore City Gallery occupies three-storey of space and you can indulge in over 50 fun and interactive exhibits and learn about Singapore's development in the last 50 years.
The gallery is a captivating and informative museum located in the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) building along Maxwell Road. It exhibits a comprehensive overview of Singapore's urban planning strategies and initiatives, presenting a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and sustainability.
Visitors can enjoy an immersive experience that delves into Singapore's transformation from a humble fishing village to a global metropolis. Another highlight is the impressive display of meticulously architectural replicas that showcase the island's iconic landmarks, such as Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and the futuristic Supertrees. You will marvel at the intricate details of these models and gain a deeper appreciation of the city's development.
To learn more about the innovative approaches to Singapore's land-scarce country make a trip to Singapore City Gallery when you are in Chinatown.
Thian Hock Keng Temple
Thian Hock Keng Temple
This is mainly a Taoist temple and the name is literally translated as the "Palace of Heavenly Happiness". It was originally built in 1821-22 and rebuilt in 1839 with fresh funds from the community, making it the oldest Chinese temple on the island.
It was erected mainly in honour of the Taoist sea goddess Mazu although there are shrines and altars of other prominent Taoist Gods and Buddhist figures in the temple.
Early immigrants who came to Singapore would offer incense to the Goddess Mazu in the temple to give thanks for a safe passage across the sea from China. The temple is gazetted as one of the national monuments of Singapore.
Masjid Jamae (Mosque)
Masjid Jamae, also known as Chulia Mosque is another unique building (the other being the Sri Mariamman Temple) in Chinatown as the area was heavily dominated by the Chinese population at the time of construction. It was one of the earliest mosques in Singapore, having been established in 1826.
The design of the mosque is mainly Indo-Islamic style with Neoclassical elements. It is easily recognized by the pair of seven layers octagonal minarets on the roof of the main entrance. Today, it is a place for worship and teaching religious classes.
Masjid Jamae is also listed as a national monument and accorded the highest level of protection as it played an integral part in Singapore's heritage.
Chinatown Heritage Centre
This centre was established in 2002 and is located within three carefully restored shophouses on Pagoda Street. The centre's objectives are to educate visitors about the experiences of early Chinese immigrants in Singapore and the challenges they faced. It also served to highlight the contributions made by the Chinese community toward the early development of Singapore.
Part of the original interiors of these shophouses was kept intact to recreate the tenants living conditions in the 1950s. There are also six galleries depicting the lives and scenes of Chinatown in those days. In addition, there is a range of multisensory exhibits and interactive narratives taking visitors through the journeys and lives of early Chinese migrants coming to Singapore seeking a better life.
As the centre could be temporarily closed, do check and call them before visiting.
Chinatown Visitor Centre
Visitor Centre
If visitors to Chinatown need more information or maps, they can approach the visitor centre located between Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum and People's Park Complex for assistance.
You can also get recommendations to plan your itinerary, purchase tickets to various attractions and tours in Singapore, and pick up locally designed souvenirs to give to your loved ones back home.
Do take note of the opening hours: 09:00-18:00 daily.
Visiting Chinatown
It is fair to say that a visit to Chinatown is essential for anyone who wishes to gain a deeper understanding of Singapore's history. The neighbourhood is home to a wealth of historical and cultural attractions that tell the story of Singapore's Chinese community and its contributions to the development of modern Singapore.
Traditional delicacies, ornaments, apparel, etc, can be found and savoured here. These are all very affordable and definitely worth a try. Also, most of the interesting places in Chinatown are free to visit. You just need to be mindful of the cultural and religious practices, especially when entering religious sites.
Let's check out our list of Chinatown tours now!
After visiting Chinatown, you may also wish to consider visiting these 10 interesting places with your kids.
Sago Street
Shophouses
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
Chinatown Complex Ground Floor
