Singapore’s three major ethnic groups: Chinese, Malay and Indian provide a kaleidoscope of cultures. Though each has its own distinctive enclave, it also co-exists harmoniously with other cultures. Temples, mosques, as well as churches, are often located near each other. One such example can be found along Pagoda Street in Chinatown, where Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu place of worship is situated next to Jamae Mosque, which caters to the Indian Muslims in Singapore. Check with Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours on how you can customise your very own tour package and make it your own experience with lasting memories.
Festivals and shopping
Expect colourful bazaars celebrating major festivals throughout the year. At the start of the year, there is Chinese New Year in Chinatown followed by Hari Raya Puasa in Geylang Serai and Deepavali in Little India. In each lively bazaar, there will be delectable food, colourful clothes, auspicious home decorations that are unique to the community, to celebrate their festival.
There are also multicultural treasure troves to be discovered. In Chinatown, there are Chinese knick-knacks, antiques, medicinal herbs and jewellery. In Little India, you can find spices, traditional saris, modern-style saris, colourful costume jewellery and lots of pure goldsmith shops. Gold is the Indian community’s favourite commodity. Not forgetting Arab Street for trinkets and its contrasting neighbour, Haji Lane for its hip and trendy boutiques.
Food
The rich heritage of Singapore is also evident in the wealth of food choices. Food centres, such as Maxwell Food Centre, draw locals and tourists alike to a one-stop venue where you will be spoilt for choice of different ethnic cuisines all under one roof. Newer additions to Singapore’s colourful “foodscape” include celebrity restaurants and trendy eateries in heritage districts. On Fridays and Saturdays, some streets in these areas are closed to traffic which allow you to dine under the stars with live performances.
Singlish
Regardless of Singapore’s ethnicity, Singaporeans are bound together by one common language: Singlish or Singaporean English. It is not about the ‘lahs’ and the ‘lehs’ spoken but what makes Singlish unique is the combination of words from the different ethnic and dialect groups that makes the language special. Those not in the know will find the language amusing.
For more tour ideas in Singapore, try:
Singapore - Sights
Singapore - Food
Customise your tour with Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and for a local experience that is uniquely yours. Call +65 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more information.
Highlights
Singapore Day Tours - Culture
- Chinatown and Little India Walking Experience (4 hours)
- Chinatown Walking Experience (4 hours)
1. Little India and Chinatown Walking Experience (4 hours)
The guide will met you at the hotel and proceed to Little India according to the transport mode of your choice. Little India is one of Singapore’s most vibrant districts frequented by the locals. Use your senses to explore the streets; see the bright goldsmith shops, smell the fresh flower garlands and touch the exotic produce in the fresh market, the place where many chefs stock up their kitchen. Take a short train ride to Chinatown and be introduced to Singapore’s transport system.
Upon exiting the train station, be greeted by colourful stalls selling handicrafts, bags, scarves and souvenirs. Visit the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, Sri Mariamman Temple and learn why it is situated in a Chinese enclave rather than Little India. See how the traditional Chinese medical halls have adapted their business to modern methods yet maintaining their roots. Have a taste of Singaporeans' favourite kaya toast ie. toasted bread with coconut jam and butter and learn the local way of placing your order for a cup of coffee. At the end of the tour, the guide will bid you farewell at a taxi stand or train station.
2. Chinatown Walking Experience (4 hours)
The guide will met you at the hotel and proceed to Little India according to the transport mode of your choice. Be transported back to 1839, as you enter Singapore’s oldest Chinese temple. At the temple, take in the remarkable architecture, detailed carvings and sculptures of dragons, phoenixes and deities, as well as the colourful broken porcelain on the roof ridges. The temple is located in one of the pioneer streets developed under Raffles’ 1822 town plan. The shophouses along these pioneer streets now house an eclectic mix of fashion boutiques, art galleries, trendy bars and cafes. Peer into one of the last remaining wells in Singapore and learn why it gives Chinatown the name of ‘niu che shui’ or ‘bullock cart water’.
Stroll through Club Street where it got its name from the various Chinese associations that lined this street from as far back as 1891. You may have a chance to step into one of the last remaining associations located in the area. At the Singapore City Gallery, you will get to understand how the 1822 town plan has evolved into the modern land planning in order to achieve the big needs of this small nation. Be refreshed with a sugar cane drink and a snack or dessert at a local food centre where it is always bustling with locals satisfying their hunger pangs. Enter two vastly different temples; Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple, which is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore and surprisingly located at the heart of Chinatown. Admire the richly designed interiors in each temple and learn the beliefs of the religion from your guide. At the end of the tour, the guide will bid you farewell at a taxi stand or train station.
Every itinerary can be personalised according to your needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style. Contact Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours, the bespoke travel line that caters to the well-heeled, discerning professionals or just about anyone who wants to travel exclusively and privately. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg.