A trip to Singapore is incomplete without a visit to at least one of its ethnic districts. You can visit all of them in a day or explore each on a separate day. Although people usually take a short trip to Singapore yet I would recommend the latter.
I managed to visit all three of them, and it was worth every bit. Luckily, I was also able to attend two of the most famous festivals in Singapore, the Deepavali festival at Little India and the Mid-Autumn Festival at China Town.
Tip: Try to plan your trip between mid of August and September. You will able to cover these festivals along with a chance to be attend the Grand Prix.
In this post, I’ll try to cover as much detail possible for you to make the most of your time at Little India and China Town. Here’s what all you can do:
Little India
Head to this vibrant and buzzing ethnic district located along Serangoon Road and Race Course Road. It is best known for Indian restaurants (mostly serving South Indian delicacies), temples and crafts. I visited Little India on my first day in Singapore. I went there in the evening to witness the grandeur of the Deepavali festival. It truly felt like a home away from home.
Start your journey at Little India Arcade, one of the prominent landmarks of this place. It is a shopping mall with a plethora of novelty shops and eateries. Great place to buy souvenirs and try out Indian snacks and sweets. Next head to Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, located in the heart of Little India. The Dravidian architecture will leave you spellbound. If you’re visiting this place in the evening, don’t forget to attend the prayer. There are a few other temples that you can pay a visit to.
- Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
- Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple
- Leong San See Temple
- Masjid Angullia
Apart from visiting the touristy places, I would also recommend you to explore the alleys as you might bump into something captivating as I did! I found an old book store that had a good collection of novels, spotted many amazing graffitis and found a store that bakes amazing Indian cookies.
End your trip with a delectable meal at a South Indian restaurant. You can either relish piping hot Sambar with crispy Thosai (dosa) and Chutney or Parotta with Chicken.
How to reach Little India
MRT is the best mode to reach Little India. Get down at Little India station and walk up to the Arcade to begin your exploration. Alternatively, you can also take a bus (131, 139, 143, 147, 156, 188, 655, 851) or taxi.
Chinatown
Chinatown is another dazzling ethnic district of Singapore that will teleport you straight to China. I visited this place during the Mid-Autumn Festival which made my trip much more exciting. I was able to experience Chinatown in its true colours, painted in hues of red and golden. You can explore the Street market, grab a bite at the Hawker Centre and visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. I’ve shared more details about Chinatown and the things you can do there in a separate article.
I would recommend you to visit this place during any of the Chinese festivals. Trust me you wouldn’t be leaving this place soon.
Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam is the least known ethnic district of Singapore and one of my favourites. This Malay enclave is the oldest urban quarters in Singapore. It is known for its flourishing culture and diversity. I visited this place on my last day in Singapore, and it was worth every second. Therefore, this place is a must-visit when in Singapore.
Start your journey with Claypot rice. It’s one of the famous dishes in Malaysian cuisine. Kampong Glam. The cooking style and presentation are similar to Biryani. However, it’s the taste that makes it so distinct. Then head to the Malay Heritage Centre to get detailed information about the history of Singapore. You can also opt for a free walking tour that happens every day at 5 pm. Next, visit the Sultan Mosque. The architecture is captivating and is one of the key landmarks in this place. The lane opposite the mosque is known as Haji lane, which is a hub of Turkish restaurants, where you can stop for a refreshing cup of tea or some desserts. Head to the art street for some Insta-worthy shots and shop until you drop at the Turkish stores selling rugs, handicrafts and home decor items.
How to reach Kampong Glam
MRT is the best mode to reach Kampong Glam. Get down at Bugis station and walk up to the Malay Heritage Center. Alternatively, you can also take a bus (10, 100, 33, 591, 7, 961, 980) or a taxi.
