Singapore is not just about the gigantic edifices and the modern lifestyle. The city has something to offer for the culture junkies. If you travel to explore history, art and culture, the "City of Lions" has a lot to explore.
To truly experience the cultural scenarios in Singapore, you should find time to visit the different ethnic quarters, museums and galleries. Here are some on our list:
1. Chinatown
Located within the district of Outram, Chinatown is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. The place is known because of its distinct Chinese cultural elements. Until now, it retains its historical and cultural significance to the city, a great reason for exploring the heritage of the Chinese ethnicity. Just by passing the streets of the Chinatown, you can clearly envision the richness of very own traditions.
1. Chinatown
Located within the district of Outram, Chinatown is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. The place is known because of its distinct Chinese cultural elements. Until now, it retains its historical and cultural significance to the city, a great reason for exploring the heritage of the Chinese ethnicity. Just by passing the streets of the Chinatown, you can clearly envision the richness of very own traditions.
In Chinatown, local people meet and spend their time playing a traditional board game called the Chinese chess.
2. Thian Hock Kheng Temple
In Chinatown, a colorful temple will get your attention. This is the Thian Hock Kheng which is one of the oldest temples in Singapore. It was visited by Chinese settler to give thanks to the Goddess of the Sea named Ma Zu for a safe travel. Well if you want to see the details of the temple’s history, all you have to do is to find and read the granite tablets on the wall just inside the Entrance Hall. And do you know that the entire structure was assembled without nails? Check this place at 158 Telok Ayer St.
In Chinatown, a colorful temple will get your attention. This is the Thian Hock Kheng which is one of the oldest temples in Singapore. It was visited by Chinese settler to give thanks to the Goddess of the Sea named Ma Zu for a safe travel. Well if you want to see the details of the temple’s history, all you have to do is to find and read the granite tablets on the wall just inside the Entrance Hall. And do you know that the entire structure was assembled without nails? Check this place at 158 Telok Ayer St.
The gold and red architectural style of the Thian Hock Kheng Temple.
3. Singapore Art Museum
SAM is a state-of-the-art museum that houses the largest collection of art expressions all around the Singapore and Southeast Asia, and a lifetime opportunity for everyone to experience the works and ideas of the living artist of the region. It was built to preserve the city's culture and arts beyond the modern times.
SAM is located at 71 Bras Basah Road. It was officially opened in the year 1996 under the National Heritage Board of Singapore. Formerly known as the St. Joseph’s Institution Building, SAM features paintings, sculptures, and installations from the different artists from Singapore and the whole Southeast Asia like Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, India, Philippines and many more.
SAM is a state-of-the-art museum that houses the largest collection of art expressions all around the Singapore and Southeast Asia, and a lifetime opportunity for everyone to experience the works and ideas of the living artist of the region. It was built to preserve the city's culture and arts beyond the modern times.
SAM is located at 71 Bras Basah Road. It was officially opened in the year 1996 under the National Heritage Board of Singapore. Formerly known as the St. Joseph’s Institution Building, SAM features paintings, sculptures, and installations from the different artists from Singapore and the whole Southeast Asia like Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, India, Philippines and many more.
4. Sri Krishnan Temple
Located at Waterloo Street, this temple is the only South Indian Hindu temple in Singapore that was built in 1870 in honor of Sri Krishna and his partner Rukmini. Though it is a Hindu temple, it is common to see Chinese people lighting joss sticks here because it is situated just beside the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple.
Located at Waterloo Street, this temple is the only South Indian Hindu temple in Singapore that was built in 1870 in honor of Sri Krishna and his partner Rukmini. Though it is a Hindu temple, it is common to see Chinese people lighting joss sticks here because it is situated just beside the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple.
The adoring entrance spire of the Sri Krishnan Temple.
5. Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple
Very well-known Buddhist temple to many local devotees of the deity Guanyin (also Kuan Yin), the Goddess of Mercy. I t was established during the year 1884 that shows the traditional craftsmanship and architecture of Chinese. It was granted the status of an historic landmark in year 2001. Since 1997 the community of the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple continues to help in promoting health and education system. It is located at 178 Waterloo Street just beside the Sri Krishnan Temple.
Very well-known Buddhist temple to many local devotees of the deity Guanyin (also Kuan Yin), the Goddess of Mercy. I t was established during the year 1884 that shows the traditional craftsmanship and architecture of Chinese. It was granted the status of an historic landmark in year 2001. Since 1997 the community of the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple continues to help in promoting health and education system. It is located at 178 Waterloo Street just beside the Sri Krishnan Temple.
The colorful walls of Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple.
6. Kampong Glam
This place is known to be the commercial area even before the history. It is where you can find the Haji Lane, a pleasurable spot of shopping for stylish clothes and a home to many traditional stores. Arab Street will definitely let you feel the vibrant Muslim life with the different boutiques that sells books and beads allocated for Muslim prayers. Foodies will also be delighted with the wide range of culinary choices in the neighboring streets. But the most visited place here is the Malay Heritage Centre, where you’ll learn about Malay history and culture.
This place is known to be the commercial area even before the history. It is where you can find the Haji Lane, a pleasurable spot of shopping for stylish clothes and a home to many traditional stores. Arab Street will definitely let you feel the vibrant Muslim life with the different boutiques that sells books and beads allocated for Muslim prayers. Foodies will also be delighted with the wide range of culinary choices in the neighboring streets. But the most visited place here is the Malay Heritage Centre, where you’ll learn about Malay history and culture.
The vibrant establishments that make Haji Lane truly fascinating.
7. Masjid Sultan (Sultan Mosque)
With a huge prayer hall that can accommodate 5,000 worshipers, this mosque located near the Kampong Glam is considered to be one of the biggest and the most important religious buildings in Singapore. The mosque was built in the year 1824 for Sultan Hussian Shah, known to be the first sultan of Singapore. It was classified as a national monument on March 8, 1975. Later in 2005, Sultan Mosque was under the jurisdiction of Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) to manage the activities of the mosque. Its address is 3 Muscat Street.
With a huge prayer hall that can accommodate 5,000 worshipers, this mosque located near the Kampong Glam is considered to be one of the biggest and the most important religious buildings in Singapore. The mosque was built in the year 1824 for Sultan Hussian Shah, known to be the first sultan of Singapore. It was classified as a national monument on March 8, 1975. Later in 2005, Sultan Mosque was under the jurisdiction of Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) to manage the activities of the mosque. Its address is 3 Muscat Street.
A view to the massive golden domes of the Masjid Sultan.
8. Little India
Little India is commonly known as Tekka in the local Tamil community. The centre for the large Indian community in Singapore, as the name suggests. The place differs from many other neighborhoods in Singapore due to its authentic cultural atmosphere. Experience the distinct pungent fragrances of spices, vibrant shops of fabrics and numerous art galleries. While in this cultural enclave, do not forget to try different their traditional cuisines to complete your Indian experience.
Little India is commonly known as Tekka in the local Tamil community. The centre for the large Indian community in Singapore, as the name suggests. The place differs from many other neighborhoods in Singapore due to its authentic cultural atmosphere. Experience the distinct pungent fragrances of spices, vibrant shops of fabrics and numerous art galleries. While in this cultural enclave, do not forget to try different their traditional cuisines to complete your Indian experience.
9. Art Science Museum
In 2011, Singapore opened the world's first ArtScience Museum situated in Marina Bay Sands. Aside from the fun feature of the Harry Potter before, the museum also exhibited the rare pieces of collected treasures during the Tang dynasty. In the museum, you will also find the exposition of its complex geometry, how the idea started and how it was engineered which exemplifies the architectural justification of Singapore. The significance of the museum is that it exhibits objects that are indicative of the accomplishments of both science and arts through modern times.
In 2011, Singapore opened the world's first ArtScience Museum situated in Marina Bay Sands. Aside from the fun feature of the Harry Potter before, the museum also exhibited the rare pieces of collected treasures during the Tang dynasty. In the museum, you will also find the exposition of its complex geometry, how the idea started and how it was engineered which exemplifies the architectural justification of Singapore. The significance of the museum is that it exhibits objects that are indicative of the accomplishments of both science and arts through modern times.
10. Singapore Food Festival
Singapore Food Festival is a yearly event organized by the Singapore Tourism Board being celebrate between the months of June and July. The local festival showcases diverse flavors that represent the culinary background of Singapore. From the traditional Chinese recipes to other modern international cuisines, the wide range of food choices will definitely let you experience the vastness of its culture.
Singapore Food Festival is a yearly event organized by the Singapore Tourism Board being celebrate between the months of June and July. The local festival showcases diverse flavors that represent the culinary background of Singapore. From the traditional Chinese recipes to other modern international cuisines, the wide range of food choices will definitely let you experience the vastness of its culture.
What makes Singapore so fascinating is the interfusion of various cultures. But despite of the differences, the city maintains the understanding and respect, making all the people live together harmoniously in one cohesive society. Never forget to visit these places to truly experience the colorful cultures in the City of Lions.
