Named after the bullock carts that used to supply fresh water to its residents, Singapore’s Chinatown offers more than just a name when it comes to heritage.  Chinatown is Singapore’s largest historic district, nestled close to the bustling business hub.  For a quick tour of Singapore’s national monuments, take a walk along South Bridge Road in Chinatown where you can find places of worship such as Jamae Mosque and Sri Mariamman Temple which had existed in the area for many years. If you are looking for a stay in 4 star hotels in Singapore near Chinatown so you can explore these interesting sights, you can consider Parkroyal on Pickering.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is a Buddhist temple and museum complex located in the Chinatown district of Singapore.  The temple is designed based on the Tang dynasty architectural style and built to house the tooth relic of the historical Buddha.  It is claimed that the relic of Buddha from which it gains its name was found in 1980 in a collapsed stupa in Myanmar.  Other highlights found in this building include the Buddhist Culture Museum, Eminent Sangha Museum, Tripitaka Chamber, and a Theatre for cultural performances, talks and films.

Viewing of Buddha Tooth Relic
Daily 9am – 6pm

Buddhist Culture Museum and Relic Chamber
Daily 9am – 6pm

Emiment Sangha Museum
Daily 7am – 7pm

Address: 288 South Bridge Rd Singapore 058840

Jamae Chulia Mosque

Built in 1826, the Jamae Chulia Mosque was the first of three mosques in Chinatown erected by the Chulias, who were Tamil Muslims from the Coromandel Coast of Southern India.  If you’re looking for something a little different, this is the mosque to visit. The site’s architectural style is eclectic, and the intricately designed palace facade features tiny doors and cross-shaped windows. While the entrance gate is South Indian style, the two prayer halls and the shrine are in the Neo-Classical style typical of famed colonial architect, George Coleman – and are sure to please architectural fans everywhere.  Its presence might well have been the inspiration for the name of the street that runs beside it — Mosque Street.

Address: 218 South Bridge Rd Singapore 058767

Sri Mariamman Temple

The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple built in 1827. It is an agamic temple, built in the Dravidian style. Due to its architectural and historical significance, the temple has been gazetted a National Monument and is a major tourist attraction.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, known for her power to cure epidemic illnesses and diseases. When you get here, observe the majestic gopuram (gate tower), which is covered with figurative sculptures of gods and goddesses and mythological beasts, an easily recognisable landmark to generations of Hindu worshippers and Singaporeans alike.

During the colonial period, the temple served as an important focal point for community activities and acted as the Registry of Marriages for Hindus at the time when only the temple’s priest was authorised to solemnise Hindu marriages. The Theemithi (fire walking ceremony), one of the main festivals celebrated at the temple, is held annually around October and November each year.

Address: 244 South Bridge Rd Singapore 058793

Chinatown Food Street

After the walk along South Bridge Road, you can pop into Smith Street to check out the new Chinatown Food Street (CFS) if you are hungry.  This 100-metre street, located at Smith Street, has recently undergone a $5 million facelift. This includes adding a high-ceiling glass shelter and a built-in cooling system.  There are 24 street hawker shops, six shophouse restaurants and several street kiosks on the food street which will open from 11am to 11pm daily.  From a tantalising plate of Char Kway Teow, to sticks of mouthwatering Satays, CFS offers a diverse spread of local delights, with iconic food from local cultures all represented on one street.  The picture below shows the pre-renovation Chinatown Food Street.

Address: 335 Smith St Singapore 050335