Some people say Singapore is ‘sterile’ and ‘boring’, and if you spend all of your time on Orchard Road and in the modern shopping malls, then perhaps it is. However there is plenty of character in Singapore when you explore the right places. And it is super clean, which is one of the things we love about it.
We have visited Singapore many times. Often for a three or four day stopover on returning from Europe, and a few times as the main destination. There is plenty to do, it’s so easy to get around, and the food is great.
Colourful Little India
Little India is a super colourful district, with gorgeously decorative shops bursting with fabrics, homewares, incense, spices and snacks. When we were there, you could even buy fresh coconuts from street vendors, opened to order with a cleaver-like knife for you to drink from.
We do most of our sightseeing using Singapore’s MRT rail system. Little India has its own station so it’s easy to get to. On our last trip to Singapore we explored Serangoon Road, which is the main street, and deviated into the little streets off to the sides. The colourful shops make for fantastic photos. We also hunted out some of the street art in the area too. It’s a good way to explore as we were taken down streets we may not have explored otherwise.
Sri Veeramakaliamman Hindu Temple is also on Serangoon Road and is amazingly ornate. It is decorated with dozens of statues of deities, painted with great detail. We also passed by the Abdul Gafoor Mosque, which is worth a peek at through the gates.
Arab Street
Once we were done with the colours of Little India we headed to Haji Lane. We went via Arab Street so we could look at the Sultan Mosque. Its gold dome stands out as you approach. Behind the Mosque is a pedestrian street lined with traditional rows of shops, including many eateries if you fancy a bite to eat. It has a bit of a middle eastern feel. This area is worth including in your walk.
Vibrant Haji Lane
Haji Lane is our favourite of the streets in this district. There is plenty of street art, and some of the buildings have traditional wooden shutters painted in a variety of bright colours (which you see all around Singapore). It is probably more touristy, but we like that it is colourful and has a number of little bars and unique shops. I bought a gorgeous pair of handmade earrings in Haji Lane, featuring birds and a mini pagoda. We stopped for a drink to revive ourselves after the morning’s walk in the Singapore heat.
At night time, Haji Lane’s bars are the dominant feature. So to enjoy the shops, and to have a drink or snack without the noise and bar scene crowds, go during the day or early evening.
Bugis MRT station is a few minutes walk from Haji Lane, so we caught the MRT back to our hotel once we had finished our visit.
Would you travel to Singapore?
Little India, Arab Street and Haji Lane are not what we’d describe as sterile or boring. And probably aren’t what people who have never been to Singapore picture when Singapore is mentioned. We love Singapore, it’s got so much to offer once you take some time to get to know it. We can’t wait to go again!