Singapore is a melting pot of culture, food and colours. If you are heading to Singapore on a layover, consider giving yourself a couple days to checkout this vibrant little island. For such a small country, it definitely packs a punch – don’t believe the naysayers when they tell you “but there’s nothing to do in Singapore” because after spending time checking out these 2 gems, you will be wishing you had a couple more days to continue exploring what else it has to offer.
To appreciate Singapore’s rich, multicultural heritage you have to head on down to the diverse neighbourhoods of Little India and Chinatown. These vibrant districts offer a glimpse into the lives, traditions, and histories of the Indian and Chinese communities that have significantly shaped Singapore’s identity. By wandering through the bustling streets, visiting temples and heritage sites, and indulging in authentic cuisine, visitors of all ages can get a real experience of the unique cultural tapestry that makes Singapore so special.
What language do they speak in Singapore?
If you’re coming from an English speaking country (like New Zealand) and worried about getting around language barriers, you don’t have to – English is one of Singapore’s four official languages. The other three official languages are
- Malay
- Tamil and;
- Singaporean Mandarin
With such a diverse and multi-cultural history, is it any wonder that they have an array of languages to pick from. If you’re a little worried about getting around in such a short time (layover), don’t. All signs are in English, the MRT system is VERY easy to work and it will cost no more than $30NZD for an Grab (Singapores version of Uber) into town if you’re not up for navigating the MRT.
Most tourist locations will have handy signs like the above with information on the history of the location. This was super helpful to understand how each of the unique locations around Singapore came to be.
Exploring Little India, Singapore – 3 Must See Places
Quick Tips
- I recommend Little India as a great half a day visit
- Start at the Little India MRT Station (accessible from the North East Line or Downtown Line)
- Walk through the Tekka Centre, to experience the amazing markets (pick up some yummy fruits here) and make your way to Serangoon Road to explore the little alleyways and lanes.
Little India traces its origins back to the early 19th century when Indian immigrants arrived in Singapore as labourers, traders and cattle herders. Initially a neighbourhood for settling Europeans, it gradually transformed into an enclave for the growing Indian community due to its proximity to the Serangoon River. By the late 19th century, it had become a thriving hub of economic and cultural activity, with markets, temples and shops being catered to the Indian population.
The district’s vibrant atmosphere, colourful architecture, and rich traditions have since become a testament to the enduring legacy of the Indian community in Singapore, making Little India a vital part of the city’s multicultural heritage.
We found plenty of gold shops, Cashmere and traditional Indian clothing stores all at reasonable prices. I really wanted to get henna done (there are also a lot of beauty stores in the area) but unfortunately we didn’t have enough time. We found the best prices were off the main streets.
Must See Place 1: Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
This beautiful temple, located in the heart of Little India, pays homage to the Indian deity Kali, the goddess of power and destruction. Built in the late 19th century by Tamil immigrants, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is one of the oldest temples in Singapore and a significant cultural landmark. The temple’s intricate architecture, vibrant sculptures, and detailed frescoes offer a captivating glimpse into Hindu traditions and artistry.
Visitors can witness daily rituals and vibrant festivals, such as Navaratri and Deepavali, which bring the temple to life with colorful decorations and lively performances. Whether you’re seeking spiritual solace or cultural enrichment, a visit to Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple provides an enriching and unforgettable experience.
If you’re planning on entering the temple to witness some of the most stunning interior architecture, make sure you’re covering your shoulders (if you’re a woman) and are wearing easy to remove shoes (to be left outside). The temple is generally busy most days, but move with the crowd and you’ll be fine.
Must See Place 2: House of Tan Teng Niah
The House of Tan Teng Niah, located in the heart of Little India, stands out as one of Singapore’s most iconic and colourful buildings.
Built in 1900 by Tan Teng Niah, a Chinese businessman, this vibrant structure showcases a unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and European architectural styles. The building’s eye-catching façade, adorned with intricate carvings and a rainbow of bright colours, makes it a popular photo spot for both locals and tourists.
This house is sadly one of the last surviving villas in Little India, offering a small glimpse into the diverse architecture in Singapore.
House of Tan Teng Niah is located in a small market place, that offers some of Little India’s best delicacies. Make sure to try a delicious, fresh made Chai tea, or Dosa and curries for breakfast. If you’re after something sweet, pick up some fresh made Barfi (milk powder sweets), my favourite is the cardamom flavour (delish!). We tried Dosi and Curry for breakfast from a little eatery ju
Must See Place 3: Tekka Centre
The Tekka Centre is a vibrant and bustling spot that perfectly encapsulates the multicultural essence of Singapore. Located at the junction of Serangoon Road and Bukit Timah Road, this multi-purpose complex serves as a wet market, food centre, and a shopping haven. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the aromatic medley of spices and fresh produce that fill the air, offering a sensory feast for visitors. The wet market section is a great place to witness local life in action, where vendors sell an array of fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables. It’s an ideal spot to pick up some unique ingredients or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.
While walking through the Tekka centre enjoying the sights, sounds and smells we opted to only get a whole bag of mangosteen for a little under $5 and they were delicious! We were there quite early in the morning and while vendors were open, they were still getting ready for the day. Considering it’s really hard to find mangosteen in New Zealand (if at all), I was eating them everyday we were in Singapore because they were so cheap and easily accessible. The ones we brought from a fruit stall in the Tekka Centre were the freshest and juiciest we had our entire trip.
I wouldn’t recommend buying them from anywhere else, we brought a couple bags from China Town and even our local market and they didn’t compare. I made an extra trip back to the Tekka centre on my last day to buy some more (they were that good), so I could snack on them before heading to the airport.
*Tip: if you have kids or a sensitive to live butchering or the filleting of fish, then give this place a miss. Part of experiencing the culture is witnessing how they serve their meat and fish fresh, but it can be a little sensitive for some people.
Upstairs, the Tekka Food Centre boasts an incredible variety of food stalls serving up delicious and affordable local dishes. Whether you’re craving Indian biryani, Malay nasi lemak, or Chinese dim sum, the options are endless. Be sure to try the famous “mee goreng” and “teh tarik,” which are local favourites. The dining area is always buzzing with activity, filled with both locals and tourists savouring the diverse culinary offerings.
Beyond the food, the upper levels of Tekka Centre also have numerous stalls selling traditional Indian clothing, textiles, and accessories, making it a great place to shop for souvenirs. A visit to Tekka Centre provides a rich, immersive experience of Singapore’s cultural and culinary diversity, making it a must-see destination during your stay.
So when are you heading to Singapore next?
Let me know, I’d love to hear about your travels and whether you found Little India as vibrant as I did, send them to me at nicola@prettyfarfromhome.com or checkout our Instagram page here. Make sure to checkout our other blog posts too, here and I look forward to sharing more travel tips and tricks next week.