Exploring Singapore’s Chinatown

Although Chinatown in Singapore is clean compared to others that I have visited, there still is some noticeable rubbish here and there, but definitely nothing to fret about. I particularly liked the noticeable contrast between the historical buildings making up Chinatown and the super modern high rises that hover in the background. If you have the time, I would recommend trying to capture the transition from the past to present on camera if you happen to be in Chinatown.

Many of the boutique hotels and guesthouses in the district are nicely preserved with charming colour combinations and shutters to make you feel like you are travelling back in time.

After walking around Chinatown for 3-4 hours, I began to take note of the things I truly adore about this type of setting. One definitely has to be people watching. It’s one of those rewarding activities that’s absolutely free, yet very interesting.  Chinatown in Singapore is an ideal location to observe how wealthy and budget tourists, local hawker stall workers, and flocks of children and teenagers all come together to create a truly unique atmosphere.  Tourists who appear to have no intention of buying things are suddenly bartering over two dollar key chains and counterfeit t-shirts. Children are seen pulling on mommy and daddy seeing if they can get some tasty street-side snacks. Hawkers try to hawk squid balls to tourists. Yeah, this is Chinatown.

I also couldn’t help but notice the broad array of tiny shops and restaurants that are somehow jammed into many of the streets in the district.  Many Western cities are unfortunately burdened by so many by-laws and red tape that it is next to impossible to create such a crammed, energetic ambiance like the one that can be experienced in Singapore’s Chinatown.

As I passed one shop after another, I looked up only to see a striking temple in the distance.  Maybe the reason why it remains so memorable is the fact that it is a Hindu Temple located right in the heart of Chinatown? Later research that evening revealed, that I was staring at Sri Mariamman Temple – the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore.  Since it was originally built in 1823, I am sure that you can only imagine the contrast created between the temple and the skyscrapers of Singapore’s central business district looming behind it. I thought its colours were very vivid and the sacred cow sculptures were a strong reminder of Hinduism.  If you are lucky enough, try to catch the Thimithi Festival held every year at Sri Mariamman Temple.  Worshippers walk over burning coals along South Bridge Road which is directly in front of the temple.