One of the few colorful temples we walked into was the Buddha tooth relic temple and Museum. It was extremely huge almost 4 stories high, no wonder it’s the biggest temple in Chinatown! The smell of joystick was strong even from outside the temple; we walked in to view some artifacts on display and even got a chance to witness a chanting session in the temple.
As we took a stroll along Pagoda Street in Chinatown, we saw more pushcarts and flea markets selling clothes, jewellery, artifacts, toys, bags and all sort of souvenirs until we came across Chinatown Heritage Centre. A few workers came up to us and took the time to explain a little history behind Chinatown. The centre had imaginative displays and art galleries where we will be taken back to the times of coolies, samsui women and rickshaw pullers. Chinese opera could also be found.
Next we headed towards the Sri Mariamman temple, the oldest hindu temple in Singapore but unfortunately the temple was under renovations. And lastly we couldn’t afford to miss the oldest and most important Hokkien temple, Thian Hock Keng Temple. Eventhough it’s said to be the oldest, the architecture looked solid. Our group was really glad that these national monuments are open for tourists so as they are able to understand the culture of the people in Singapore.
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