HELLO! SINGAPORE TOURS GUIDE TO LITTLE INDIA

The Abdul Gafoor Mosque was built in 1910 to serve the religious needs of South-Indian Muslim merchants and syces who were settling down in Little India at that time. Its unusual symmetry and incorporation of Indian, Arabian and European influences in its architecture sets it apart from other mosques and it was gazetted as a National Monument in 1979.

Inside, visitors will find stained glass and Arabic calligraphy adorning its walls. In 2000, the mosque underwent various reconstructions to strengthen its foundations and converted its basement to support an air-conditioned prayer hall. It has since reopened and now accommodates up to 3,000 worshippers

Frontal shot of Masjid Abdul Gaffoor Mosque

Address: 41 Dunlop Street
Tel: +65 6295 4209 Fax: +65 6293 3486
Website: www.abdulgafoormosque.sg
Email: info@abdgafoor.mosque.org.sg
Opening Hours: Mon–Thu & Sat–Sun 10am–noon, 2–5.30pm; Fri 10am–noon, 3–5.30pm

HELLO! SINGAPORE TOURS GUIDE TO KAMPONG GLAM

The iconic Sultan Mosque, built-in 1824, is a landmark of the Kampong Glam district which attracts many who are keen to discover the culture and history of Malays, one of Singapore’s main ethnic groups. Also known as Masjid Sultan, the mosque’s name pays homage to Sultan Hussein Mohamed Shah, the first Sultan of Singapore and 18th ruler of Johor. In 1975, it was gazetted as a national monument.

The mosque’s mass prayer hall can host up to 5,000 visitors. While its two giant golden domes make for an impressive sight, their bases are adorned with glass bottle ends, which were donated by poor Muslims during its construction, so that all Muslims, not just the rich, could contribute.

Guided tours are given by multilingual docents in English, Malay, Japanese and Chinese, among other languages. Visitors can write in two months in advance to arrange for a more specific and detailed tour than a walk-in visit. Tours are subject to the availability of the presenter on the group’s chosen day and will range from 30 minutes to an hour.

Address: 3 Muscat Street
Tel: +65 6293 4405 / +65 6293 4043 Fax: +65 6293 2463
Website: www.sultanmosque.sg
Email: info@sultan.mosque.org.sg
Opening Hours: Mon–Thu, Sat & Sun 10am– noon, 2–4pm; Fri 2.30–4pm

HELLO! SINGAPORE TOURS GUIDE TO KAMPONG GLAM

Along this stretch are some of the most beautifully-restored shophouses. The street is also known for restaurants serving nasi padang (steamed rice served with various pre-cooked dishes) and the Rich and Good Cake Shop, an old-school bakery famous for its Swiss rolls that come in local flavors like kaya (a traditional jam made from coconut and eggs), durian (a spiky tropical fruit that is unique to Southeast Asia) and mango.

Kandajar street

HELLO! SINGAPORE TOURS GUIDE TO KAMPONG GLAM

A short ten-minute walk from Bugis MRT station will bring visitors to the vibrant streets of Haji Lane. The area is lined with multi-label stores, quirky boutiques as well as hip bars and cafes. Another draw to Haji Lane is the collection of street art murals in vibrant hues of blues, yellows, greens, and reds that adorn the facades of bars and stores along the street. These works were created by local and international names such as Didier Jaba Mathieu, Sheryo x The Yok and Oak.

Back alley of Haji Lane

Visitors will be able to admire these artworks as they explore Haji Lane and use them as a backdrop for Instagram- worthy photographs. Haji Lane is also home to an exciting bar scene. Visit Going Om to enjoy live music and a variety of drinks including vodka, gin, wine and beer as well as mains, bar grubs, and even desserts.

Address: Various locations within Kampong Glam

HELLO! SINGAPORE TOURS GUIDE TO KAMPONG GLAM

Flanked by Victoria Street and Beach Road, Arab Street is home to trendy hangouts and shops selling brightly coloured fabrics and textiles, basketry, hand-knotted Persian rugs, aromatic Arab teas, as well as other traditional wares such as Persian carpets, kebaya dresses (a traditional blouse-dress incorporating Malay and Chinese motifs) and handmade perfumes.

A night view of crowd outside the shophouses in Arab street

The area also has many halal eateries featuring Malay and Middle Eastern cuisines. Visitors can also stop by Bajupura to rent kebayas and walk around the area to take Instagrammable photos in front of art murals and colourful architecture.

HELLO! SINGAPORE TOURS GUIDE TO CHINATOWN

Tucked between Ann Siang Road and Erskine Road is one of Singapore’s most famous handmade Chinese pastry shops, Tong Heng. Besides their signature melt-in-your-mouth diamond-shaped egg tarts, other must-tries include traditional pastries such as their Baked Pork Bun and Wife Pastry.

*Being young at heart is the key to keeping traditions alive and meaningful, so that younger people can relate to Tong Heng and desire to experience what we have to offer.” - ANA FONG General Manager, Tong Heng

As the 4th generation of the family, Ana Fong has been running Tong Heng with her aunts over the past eight years. She understands the importance of upholding brand heritage and values even as she strives to sustain the pioneer Cantonese bakery that dates back to 1935. The answer thus far is to keep to the roots of Tong Heng–to create pastries that bring happiness to customers–but to speak fluently in today’s language of social and visual engagement.

Foodies can enjoy the signature diamond egg tarts from Tong Heng Confectionary in Chinatown.

Visitors can also drop by Tong Heng for their refreshing Chinese desserts like Chilled Rose Peach Gum, Warm Almond Soup, and many others. Visitors can also shop a selection of souvenirs in the form of delicious cookies in beautifully designed tins or jars of fragrant kaya (a traditional jam made from coconut and eggs)

Address: 285 South Bridge Road
Tel: +65 6223 0398 / +65 9008 0260 (Trade Contact: Ana Fong)
Website: www.tongheng.com.sg
Email: info@tongheng.sg / anafong@tongheng.sg (Trade Contact: Ana Fong)
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 9am–9pm

HELLO! SINGAPORE TOURS GUIDE TO CHINATOWN

Built-in 1840 with the support of prominent members of the Hokkien (Chinese dialect group) community, such as philanthropist Tan Tock Seng, Thian Hock Keng Temple is one of Singapore’s oldest Chinese temples. Dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea, devotees came here to give thanks and pray for safe passage across the sea.

At the temple, visitors can keep an eye out for the detailed carvings and sculptures of dragons, phoenixes, and deities, as well as the colourful porcelain on the roof ridges–a Fujianese decorating technique. Amazingly, not a single nail was used in the original construction of the temple, which is now a gazetted national monument and managed by the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan.

Bookings for free guided tours covering the temple’s history, architecture, customs and faith can be made three weeks in advance. Content and duration vary depending on the season and requirements

Address: 158 Telok Ayer Street
Tel: +65 6423 4616 Fax: +65 6423 4626
Website: www.thianhockkeng.com.sg
Email: admin@shhk.com.sg
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 7.30am–5.30pm

HELLO! SINGAPORE TOURS GUIDE TO CHINATOWN

The church was founded in 1889 by Dr. Benjamin West, a Methodist missionary and medical doctor who preached from a shophouse in Chinatown. He delivered sermons in Malay to a humble crowd of around 30 people. His sermons were then translated into Hokkien, a local dialect. Subsequently, a four-story structure was built at Telok Ayer Street, and became the present-day church building. Reminiscent of its past, visitors will notice that the building is a unique blend of Western and Eastern influences.

Familiar architectural touches like a pagoda roof and louvred doors and windows, typically seen in Southeast Asia, are said to have put the local Chinese community at ease. On its 100th anniversary in 1989, the church was gazetted as a national monument. English services are held on Sundays at 9 am while Hokkien and Bahasa Indonesia services are held at 1.30 pm.

The Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church, located on 235 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore

Address: 235 Telok Ayer Street
Tel: +65 6324 4001
Fax: +65 6324 4002
Website: www.tacmc.org.sg
Email: admin@tacmc.org.sg
Opening Hours: Mon–Wed & Fri 9am–10pm; Thu, Sat & Sun 9am–6pm

HELLO! SINGAPORE TOURS GUIDE TO CHINATOWN

Dedicated to educating people on Chinese tea appreciation, Tea Chapter shares its knowledge in Chinese tea culture through their services. Its ambiance and fine oriental décor make it an ideal place to seek solace and enjoy some peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of life.

The shop offers different setting styles–an oriental style, a Japanese style, a Korean style and more. Tea Chapter is helmed by Grand Tea Master Patrick Kang who has over 20 years of experience in Chinese tea art and Chinese culture.

Staged shot featuring Active Silver with family and kids enjoying a traditional tea appreciation day at Tea Chapter.

Notable figures he has met and shared his art and knowledge with include Singapore’s former President Tony Tan and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Visitors can contact Tea Chapter to book a session with the Grand Master. You may also add this to your customsied tour itinerary by booking clicking this link

Address: 9 & 9A Neil Road Tel: +65 6226 1175 / +65 6226 1917 (Trade
Contact: Tay Wei Wah) Fax: +65 6221 0604
Website: www.teachapter.com
Email: inquiry@teachapter.com (Trade Contact: Tay Wei Wah)
Opening Hours: Mon–Thu & Sun 11am– 9pm; Fri & Sat 11am–10.30pm

HELLO! SINGAPORE TOURS GUIDE TO CHINATOWN

With roots dating back to 1827, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple was formerly known as ‘Mariamman Kovil’ or ‘Kling Street Temple’. It was later rebuilt as Sri Mariamman Temple, dedicated to goddess Mariamman, who is believed to be able to heal the sick. During the colonial period, it was a refuge for new immigrants, a dispute mediation venue and where marriage ceremonies were held for Hindus.

Today, weddings are still held at the temple, and travelers who visit in October or November may get to observe the Theemithi (fire-walking ceremony) celebrations, which is the main festival observed here annually.

Façade of Sri Mariamman Temple

Visitors can marvel at the temple’s six-tiered gopuram, or grand tower entrance, decorated with sculptures in the image of Hindu deities and mythological creatures. The visual treat continues with the temple’s elaborate interiors, featuring shrines with statues of different deities.

Address: 244 South Bridge Road
Tel: +65 6223 4064 Fax: +65 6225 5015
Website: smt.org.sg
Email: smt@heb.org.sg
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 7am–noon, 6–9pm