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Arab Street
Arab Street as we know from the name is where the community of Arabs stayed when they first came to Singapore. Arab Street is adjoining to Kampong Glam. From the Sultan Mosque, one can take a few minutes walk to the Arab Street. The Arab Street is a beautiful place. The spectrum of fabrics flowing onto the pavements of Arab Street comprise chiffon, silk, cotton georgette and include the batiks of Indonesia and Malaysia. Located between Kandahar and Aliwal streets is the Istana Kampong Gelam. It was built as the royal palace of Sultan Ali Iskandar Shah, the son of Sultan Hussein who negotiated the handover of Singapore to Britain. The government recently took possession of the building with plans to transform it into a Malay heritage museum. Another significant building in the area is the Sultan Mosque (open daily 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm). The glistening necks of the domes are decorated with the bases of thousands of glass bottles.
Chinatown
Three years after Singapore was settled Chinatown had 3,000 inhabitants, most of them penniless and half starving immigrants from mainland China. Over the next decade their numbers would grow to exceed 30,000. The living conditions must have been horrid. Chinatown was a relatively small area for such numbers of people. Slophouses, two-story buildings with shops or small factories on the ground floor and living quarters upstairs, were common. Often twenty to thirty lived in a single room. The British did not provide police protection in Chinatown. This was the responsibility of the Chinese guilds, or clan associations, to oversee their own law and order. Shop displays spill onto the pavements, tables groan with the weight of exotic foodstuffs and the weird wares of the Chinese apothecaries like dried lizard skins and powdered rhino horn. The Sam Kee Building in Pender Street is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the narrowest building in the world, at only six-foot (two metres) wide. This was the result of a local property owner reacting to the expropriation of most of his land in 1912 for the widening of the street: Chang Toy decided to build what he could on the remaining tiny strip. Another main attraction in Chinatown is the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, enclosed behind high walls, that was built in 1986 at a cost of $5.3-million with the craftsmen and materials all imported from China.
The best way to see and enjoy Singapore’s Chinatown is to walk its streets, but first we had to get from the hotel to Chinatown. Taxi’s are readily available as are buses, but the best way to travel throughout Singapore is by using its subway system, the MRT.
Singapore’s MRT is wonderful. Being a seasoned subway traveler forced to take subways in New York City from time to time I appreciated Singapore’s subways. Not a single piece of newspaper laying anywhere about. Underground stations were all air-conditioned and the fares were inexpensive. New York could certainly learn something from Singapore about subway service and cleanliness.
Chinatown Attractions
The Wak Hai Cheng Bio Temple
Built between 1852 and 1855 by the Teochew Chinese the temple is dedicated to the goddess of the sea. Inside the temple were altars where the faithful, who had purchased paper models of the necessities of life (money, cars, airplanes, horses, boats, etc.) could ritually burn them as offerings to departed loved ones. It is believed that their essence, represented by the flames and smoke, passed through to the spirit world for their loved ones to enjoy.
The Thian Hock Keng Temple, “Temple of Heavenly Happiness,” was completed in 1841 is one of Singapore’s oldest and largest temples. Before Singapore’s land reclamation project the temple stood on the shore at the point where the Chinese immigrants first stepped on land after crossing the perilous South China Sea. The temple is dedicated to “Ma Chu Poh,” the goddess of the sea.
The Sri Mariammam Temple, a Hindu temple. Its pagoda-like entrance is topped by one of the most ornate gopurams (pyramidal gateway towers) in all of Singapore. Hundreds of brightly painted statues of deities and mythical animals line the tiers of this towering pyramid. Glazed cement cows sit seemingly in great contentment atop the surrounding wall.
Kampong Glam / Geylang Serai
These are 2 different areas. Kampong Glam is where Arab Street is located, and Geylang Serai in the Geylang area.
Kampong Glam was very much a Muslim community in the past - it was where the first Arabs and Malays settled. “Kampong” in Malay simply means village. There has been some disagreement on how “Glam” was derived. It could have meant the Gelam tribe of sea gypsies that used to live in the area, or from the Glam trees that had existed in the area. Nevertheless, this was where the Malays had lived long before the Chinese and the Indians settled in Singapore.
Much of Kampong Glam has been renovated to retain its architectural heritage. As you would expect, there are many shops & eateries offering Malay, Indonesian & Indian delights. These are found along Arab / Bussorah / Kandahar Streets. You can go through the batik, linens, caneware & perfumes found in these shophouses, and even have a puff on the shisha (an Arabic water pipe). You can also check out the Sultan Plaza & Textile Centre for bric-a-brac.
The highlight of the area is Singapore’s largest mosque - the Sultan Mosque with its golden dome. The original mosque was built in 1825 with aid from the British East India Company as part of the deal between Raffles & the Temenggong (chieftain/sultan) of Johor. The present magnificent building with its blend of classical & Persian style, was designed by colonial architect Denis Santry of Swan & Maclaren, and was completed in 1928. If you only have time to see one mosque, it has got to be this.
While you’re in the area, the Kampong Glam Istana (means palace in Malay) next door is worth exploring. It’s more like a grand house rather than a palace and used to be the residence of Singapore’s last Sultan, Temenggong Ali Iskandar Shah in the 1840s. It also houses the Gedong Kuning (Yellow Villa) belonging to the Sultan’s Treasurer.
Other sights include the Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, named after its Malaccan-born benefator who was married to a rich Bugis trader. On his death, she took over running his businesses. When her home was burgled twice, she decided to donate the land and funds to build the mosque in 1846. The mosque has a distinctive flavour & a minaret that’s 6 degrees off the centre (yes, we measured this!). There’s also the Kampong Glam cemetery, where the last Malay royalty rests. The Malabar Mosque also stands at the corner of these grounds.
Geylang Serai was the area that Kampong Glam’s Malay population moved out en-mass to as a consequence of the keen competition for land in Kampong Glam in the early 1920s. Malay presence in Geylang Serai is represented by the restaurants and shops specialising in Malay cuisine, ethnic goods and arts & crafts items.
In the heart of Geylang Serai is the Malay Village, a showcase of traditional Malay village life in the old “kampong days". Traditional Malay arts and crafts like batik painting, kite-making and kampong games such as top spinning are featured. The Cultural Museum exhibits a fascinating collection of artefacts like weaving tools, musical instruments and an extensive display of a traditional Malay wedding complete with hand-sewn garments, accessories and a Bridal Chamber.
Kusu Island
Kusu Island was called Pulau Tembakul in the past. It used to be a burial site of immigrants who died in quarantine on St. John’s and Lazarus Islands. This small island has a Malay shrine and a Chinese temple with legend woven around them. It is believed that a giant turtle saved two shipwrecked sailors, a Chinese and Malay from drowning. In return the two men built a Chinese temple, a malay shrine and a giant turtle sculpture on the island. During October- November, Taoist travel to Tua Pekong Temple to pray. The pilgrimage is based o the legend that a turtle rescued two sailors from drowning by transforming itself into an island on which they were able to take refuge.
Kusu Island is well developed today, mainly to support the steady stream of worshippers to the shrines on the island. On the ninth month of lunar calendar, about 130,000 people still throng the island’s Da Ba Gong Temple (or Temple of the Merchant God). The island with its two swimming lagoons is also a popular destination for day-trippers to enjoy the sun and sand. Kusu is ringed by coral reefs with a bewildering variety of hard and soft corals. Commonly encountered animals include clown anemonefish, anemone shrimps, and a wide variety of other fishes and crabs seldom seen on other Southern Shores.
Sisters Island
This southern island is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving, although currents at Sisters Island can be strong. Pack a picnic and stay there whole day with wood carving and European tiles. Their beaches laze in the sun and warm blue waters make snorkeling a favourite pastime. Abundant shade, beach shelters and conveniences make these islands popular with picnickers and campers.
Sisters Island Myth
A long time ago lived a pair of beautiful sisters, Minah & Lina, who shared a bond so strong that nothing can separate them. But one day, the notorious chief of the Orang Laut met and fell in love with Lina. Despite the sisters’ pleas, the chief took her away and forced her into the sampan. Just then, the sky turned dark and a storm broke out. As Minah made a final attempt to save her sister from leaving the jetty, a large wave came and engulfed her. On seeing this, Lina freed herself from her captors and jumped into the sea to join Minah.
The storm subsided but nowhere can the sisters be found. Instead, two islands emerged from where they had drowned. Called Subar Laut (3.9 ha) & Subar Darat (1.7ha), the two small islands are now known as Sisters’ Islands. It was said that every year on that very day when the sisters turned into islands, there will always be storm and rain.
Orchard Road
Orchard Road today is lined with ritzy malls, swanky eateries and luxury hotels from end to end. The more notable shopping centres include Ngee Ann City, Tangs Department Store, Wisma Atria, The Heeren and Centrepoint. Many of its shopping centers are filled with a variety of products from around the world. Some famous shopping centers on this road are Tanglin Mall, Tanglin Shopping, Centre, Delfi Orchard, Orchard Towers, Palais Renaissance, Forum The Shopping Mall, Far East Shopping Centre.
Little India
Little India is one of the most genuine districts in Singapore. The colorfulness and cheerfulness of this district derived from its being as a shopping arcade. The area is delineated by the north-south Serangoon road, which runs parallel to Race Course Road. In Lower Serangoon Road, there are many places worth the full exploration. Many temples and shophouses located beyond Kitchener Road, a real shopping arcade in Little India. Its eastern end stretches to Jalan Besar. Temples, fortune-tellers, busy restaurants, stirring curry spices, jasmine garlands and the exotic hues of silk saris fill the vibrant streets to create a colourful ensemble. Little India is at its best during the Hindu Festival of Lights when the area is festooned with decorative lighting displays. Sultan Mosque is the highlight here as well. It is sited between Bencoolen and Arab Streets. It was built by the Swan & MacLaren in 1924. Another sacred place in this area is Old Malay Cemetery recorded as the oldest Malay cemetery. Apart from aforementioned interesting places, Arab quarter still covers more fascination spots such as Malabar Mosque built in 1819; Alsagoff Arab School that contains several old buildings; Hajjah Fatimah Mosque designed in 1846 in a European Classical Style; Istana Kampong Glam built around 1840 for Sultan Ali Iskander Shah
Best Time to Visit :
During Deepavali, the Indian Festival of Lights that celebrates the triumph of Good over Evil, Little India is transformed into a fairyland of gaily decorated, brightly lit streets bustling with shoppers.
Rich Aroma :
Walk through the streets of Little India and experience the aromatic scents of spices and incense. At a spice shop, learn how spices are ground into curry powder.
Home Makers :
Observe the art of weaving flowers into garlands and catch a glimpse of a fortune-telling parrot! See how henna is applied in intricate patterns on your feet and palms and how Indian women adorn the floor with vibrant geometric designs. Learn the art of dressing in traditional Indian attire and try on a “Sari” or a “Kurta". Study the significance of gold jewelry and witness craftsman craft intricate Indian jewelry.
Healing Touch
Learn about Ayurvedic medicine - the ancient Indian science based on natural herbs. Examine hand-woven fabrics and hand-made furniture from different parts of India.
Be Spiritual :
And at last, At an Indian temple, learn the significance of the temple architecture and temple rituals. Don’t miss the Little India Cultural Corner which transports you back in time through an archival display. A captivating video presentation provides an insight into Indian culture through the eyes of a prominent Indian doctor. There’s also a striking display of traditional Indian items and story signs which brings to life the rich symbolism and use of these items.
Lazarus Island
These tiny southern islands offer quiet respite from the big city with their laid-back ambience, sandy beaches and inviting waters. Swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving are recommended. Lazarus Island lay out of sight behind the more famous Kusu Island. However development have recently caught up with this island. As part of Southern Islands Development Guide Plan (DGP) under Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Lazarus Island would be reclaimed and merged with Pulau Seringat before building residential homes. The bumboat stopped at Pulau Seringat, where there is a jetty to facilitate the clearing of the land. It is another twenty minutes walk to Lazarus on reclaimed land connecting the two islands.
The waters off Lazarus and Sisters Islands are good for scuba diving although the currents are quite strong. They are recommended only for experienced divers.
Getting There: Water taxis are available for hire at approximately SGD 50 per hour from Clifford Pier and Jardine Steps (World Trade Centre).
Pulau Ubin
The island of Ubin provides a peaceful interlude to the city’s bustle and can be reached by boat from Changi Point. The boat docks at Ubin village, a Malay settlement where houses perch quietly on stilts above the beach sand and mangrove. Beyond this point one can explore the island by mountain bike and enjoy its pristine beaches fringed with coconut palms, its variety of seafood restaurants and restful Buddhist temples scattered here and there. 1019 Hectares in size, it stretches 8 Km at is widest point and has a breadth of between 1.3 Km and 1.7 Km. Its highest point, Puaka Hill, is 75 Metres above sea level. The overall shape of Ubin is like that of a boomerang. The igneous rock that forms the island dates back some 200 Million Years, and evidence of Neolithic Man has been found on the island.
Travel Activities at Palau Ubin
Pulau Ubin is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast.
Cycling - From the main jetty, there are plentiful supplies of rental stores happy to hire you out a mountain bike for the day. Look for the best price, but do not haggle - the people here are making a living out of this and the prices are already quite reasonable.
Hiking / Trekking - From the main jetty you can purchase a map of the island, and away you go! The island is a national park, so you should follow the prescribed footpaths and tracks, else follow the roads. The highest point on the island is 75 Metres, and there are some inclines but nothing major.
Wildlife Watching - This island has it all ! Well, most of it. There are Snakes, Spiders, Lizards, amazing Bird & Sea life. Even talks of a tiger in 1997, but this was possibly just a large dog as there are a few strays on the island!
Nature Walks - these are often organised throughout the year. Keep your eyes on the ‘Links’ page on this site. Chek Jawa is a perfect spot, but closed off to general access unless on an organised tour. The National Parks website and Wildsingapore.com are updated regularly with upcoming activities.
Kampong Villages - Pulau Ubin is one of the last retreats in Singapore to be able to view Kampong life in existence. Kampongs are old Malay style villages and the homesteads of the residents on Ubin are very traditional in style and culture. Please respect the people here and do not intrude on their privacy.
Photography - needless to say, bring your camera. Ubin is a gem of a spot for any kind of photographer, amateur or professional. First and Last light gives way to some beautiful skylines, and the general flora and colours make some amazing shots possible. Whether it is landscapes, wildlife or portraiture you will definitely return home with that satisfied look on your face.
Pulau Ubin makes for a wonderful day out whatever your pleasure.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is known as singapore’s playground, this small island just a few hundred yards from the mainland has something for just about everyone. The island was known in Malay as Pulau Blakang Mati, which means “the island behind which lies death", but renamed Sentosa, meaning “peace and tranquility".
Sentosa is not only an amusement center; it also shows part of the history of Singapore. There are luxury hotels, camping facilities, beaches, aquariums, museums, rides, sport facilities, discos, walking trails, bike paths and yes, a monorail that circles the island. This was Von Roll’s first step away from supplying only fair monorails.
Getting There
Sentosa bus services: Take Sentosa Bus Service from Harbour Front Centre Bus Terminal. Ticketing at Visitor Arrival Centre at S$3 per person (S$2 island admission; S$1 transportation by Sentosa Bus).
By MRT: Alight at Harbour Front MRT, then walk 800m to the Visitor Arrival Centre or take Sentosa Bus Service as explained above.
By Cable Car: Board from Cable Car Towers at HarbourFront Centre or from Mount Faber which opens from 8.30 to 9.00pm daily. Ticket is available at Cable Car Tower (Harbour Front Centre) or Mount Faber.
There are many things to see and do on the island. The attractions tend to change over time, as people get bored with some sights and new ones are built to take their place. The current big attractions that look set to stay around include:
Sentosa Island Attractions:
Underwater World
Dolphin Lagoon
Fort Siloso
Merlion Statue
Magical Sentosa
Musical Fountains
Cinemania
The Merlion and Merlion Walk
Sentosa Golf Club
Sijori Wondergolf
Southern Islands
Sky tower
The Beach
Volcanoland
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