Once constituted the focal point of Chinese life and culture in Singapore, Chinatown was used for settlement by the Chinese community by Sir Stamford Raffles back in the 1820s. Chinatown or Kreta Ayer, is bounded by New Bridge Road to the west, Neil Road and Maxwell Road to the south, Cecil Street to the east and the Singapore River to the north.

Take an MRT (North-East Line) and alight at the Chinatown station. It may be a little confusing here in the Chinatown station, just take Exit A and you will find yourself staring at Pagoda Street, one of the most happening streets in Chinatown.


Pagoda Street

Pagoda Street, once known for its opium dens, is now a pedestrianised market that comprises stalls laden with fashion and accessories, mostly cheap imports of designer goods.

Along the street is the Chinatown Heritage Centre (S$8; S$5.30 concessions), which vividly tells the stories of Singapore’s early immigrants.


Chinatown Heritage Centre

Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street, Sago Street and Smith Street form the Chinatown Night Market. There is an Austrian-owned German sausage kiosk which sells great sausages, which Ying Tong totally enjoys!


Ying Tong outside the German sausage kiosk!


Lukisan Art Gallery

Other than food, there is the newly established Lukisan Art Gallery, which showcases a selection of high-quality original Asian artworks.


this place is more exciting and enjoyable at night!

Next to the royal-looking Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, which holds a little museum exhibiting the history of Buddhism, is the Trishaw Park, where you can hire a trishaw and take a little heritage tour around Chinatown. It is a different kind of experience that's worth trying!


Buddha Tooth Relic Temple


Trishaw Park

Time to grab a bite! Cross the road and it will bring you to the famous food centre in Singapore. The Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice here is highly recommended by Ying Tong!


Maxwell Food Centre


Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall

After a superb lunch, walk to the Urban Redevelopment Association (URA) next door. This dull looking building holds the Singapore City Gallery (free-of-charge), that can give you a bird’s eye view of Singapore, experience 180 years of Singaporean history through various models and get a sense of what this Lion City will be like in the future.


model of Singapore

Spot the outrageously red building across the road?


Red Dot Design Museum

The former Singapore Traffic Police Headquarters now houses a sleek and airy design museum as well as cafés, bars and office spaces for the creative industries.

Just down Telok Ayer Street, is the magnificent Taoist temple. Thian Hock Keng Temple is one of the oldest and largest temples in Singapore. It has an intricate and delicate architecture style, which Suhartono is simply too fascinated by it to say anything.


Thian Hock Kheng Temple

Walking towards South Bridge Road, you will see the two significant temples in Chinatown, side by side. The Masjid Jamae Chulia (Jamae Chulia Mosque) like most mosques that are open to tourists, welcomes people to step inside for a look of the interior.

Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple has the entrance topped with the most ornate gopurams (pyramidal gateway towers). This Hindu temple resembles the one Reny saw in Little India, but this is much bigger!


Masjid Jamae Chulia


Sri Mariamman Temple

We have a few accommodations to recommend, so here goes.

Near Kreta Ayer Road, there is quite a handful, and here are two of them, New Majestic Hotel (from S$238) and Chinatown Hotel (from S$155).


New Majestic Hotel


Chinatown Hotel

If you prefer to stay in the heart of Chinatown, Inn at Temple Street (from S$94) , will be a better choice!


Inn at Temple Street


People say it will bring you good fortune by touching his tummy. :)


Ying Tong receiving good fortune


Did you know?
Kreta Ayer is named after the ox-drawn water carts that used to deliver water in this area for household use and for washing the streets. Kreta is the Malay word for wheeled vehicle, while ayer means water.