Little India
When Sir Stamford Raffles sailed into Singapore in 1819, there was an entourage of 120 Indian assistants and soldiers. These were among the first Indian settlers in Singapore, and they resided mainly in the area near Chulia Street in Chinatown. In the late 19th century, many more Indian migrants came to Singapore to find work, be it to build roads, clear swamps or to take up key positions in the civil service.
Two major reasons for the influx of Indians into the site where Little India stands today were the introduction of cattle-rearing on the fertile land near the Rochor River by wealthy cattle merchants such as Mr Belilios (a Jewish Indian from Calcutta), and the building of the Race Course for the Europeans nearby in 1843. Immigrants from Calcutta, Madras and Malaya flocked here and by the turn of the century, this area, once covered in gambier, banana and vegetable plantations, had become a flourishing commercial centre for the Indian community. Spreading out from both sides of Serangoon Road, this little enclave of the Indian community became fondly known as Little India.
The heartland of the Indian community is a cacophony of colours, sounds and scents.Here, you can find the spiritual interwoven with the material as well as shop for the unexpected and the unusual. You'll discover an array of Indian silks, brassware and bangles that will fascinate you. Or simply find out what goes on behind temple doors. Follow your nose to excellent restaurants in Little India serving North and South Indian cuisine. Witness living tradition when you visit one of the last-known Indian spice grinders and itinerant yoghurt-sellers.
Boat Quay/Singapore River/Clarke Quay
Once traders' bumboats jostled for space in the Singapore River to offload their cargoes. Now all but a few of the bumboats have gone, but new life has been breathed into the old shophouses and godowns along the river banks. Boat Quay and Clarke Quay have been completely renovated and the Singapore River transformed into the city's newest leisure and entertainment centre. More than 35 bars and restaurants have opened in Boat Quay featuring al fresco dining along
the riverbank. Allow three hours.
Just up-river stands Clarke Quay, where shoppers can enjoy the festival atmosphere while hunting for bargains in 176 air-conditioned godowns and shophouses. Clarke Quay has its own seafood, fruit and vegetable market, as well as 40 push-carts selling unique knick-knacks such as pottery, jewellery and woodcraft. Bars, discos, restaurants and a Disney-style Adventure Ride also pull in the crowds.
Getting there: Boat Quay is a short walk from Raffles Place MRT (C1). Clarke Quay can be reached by bumboat from Boat Quay.
Chinatown
Here amidst narrow streets of picturesque shop houses and restaurants brimming with life, the temple idol carvers, herbalists, calligraphers, traders and trishaw drivers pursue a way of life that has changed little for generations. Incense stream from the old temples, the elderly spread their wares out on the pavement for sale and sea cucumbers, regarded as a delicacy, dry in the sun. Much of Chinatown has recently been renovated, but the old traditions endure. A walk around the streets of Tanjong Pagar reveals local craftsmen at work making clogs, kites and traditional seals for stamping documents. During Chinese New Year, the whole of Chinatown is lit up and buzzes with activity as stalls sell a variety of festive goods. Allow two hours.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Spread over 52 hectares close to the centre of the city, the Botanic Gardens combine both primary jungle and manicured gardens which together hold thousands of species of plant life, including many rare specimens. Malaysia's rubber industry had its origins in the Botanic Gardens in the late 19th century when colonial botanist Henry Ridley propagated rubber plants from London's Kew Gardens. A lake adds to the serenity of the gardens, and is home to water fowl, ducks and kingfishers. Outdoor concerts are popular here. Check newspapers for details. Allow two hours. Opening hours: 5am to 12 midnight daily.
Admission: Free
Mandai Orchid Gardens
The blooms here at Singapore's largest commercial orchid garden provide a colourful display all year round. The garden is conveniently located right next to the zoo, and a whole hillside is covered in orchids. Allow one hour. Opening hours: 8.30am to 5.30pm daily.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Singapore is one of only two cities in the world to have a significant area of primary rainforest within its boundaries - the other being Rio de Janeiro. This 81-hectare reserve, only 12 kilometres from the city centre, contains more species of plants than the entire North American continent. At the heart of the reserve lies Singapore's highest point - Bukit Timah Hill at 162.5 metres above sea level. Well marked paths lead through the jungle. Along the way, walkers can enjoy exotic birds, butterflies, inquisitive monkeys, squirrels, flying lemurs and other wildlife.
The nature reserve is open daily. Allow two hours. Admission: Free.
Thien Hock Temple
One of the oldest Chinese Temples in Singapore, the Thien Hock Temple is more than 160 years old. The unique wooden structures and wood carvings were built and assembled without using any nails.
