What's great about Singapore is that you can walk around different parts of town and feel like you're in a completely different city. Chinatown definitely gives you an experience like that. Although get ready ... this is the cleanest Chinatown you're ever going to see!
I like to take the MRT (metro) to Chinatown and then walk out onto Pagoda walking street. As you ascend the escalators you suddenly enter the hustle and bustle of Chinatown, which is in stark contrast to the modernity of the MRT station.
Take a walk along Pagoda Street and then venture up and down all the parallel streets: Mosque Street, Temple Street, Smith Street and Sago Street. You will be immersed in reds and golds of the myriad street vendors, the colourful and perfectly painted shop houses and the smells of the food stalls. It's great to come here in the evening for you can have a great dinner on Smith Street, which is one long outdoor restaurant.
While in the neighbourhood, make sure you visit the Indian Sri Mariamman Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. If you come here around 1900, you will catch the prayers in both temples and thus will partake in the beautifully colourful ceremonies.
And if you want to go grab a cocktail after your street food, drop by the Screening Room. They have a fantastic rooftop garden with a spectacular view.
Comments