Explore
shophouses and, at the far junction, Sri Mariamman Temple. It’s the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, and a site to see for its gopuram – the entrance tower of a temple, and in this case, an elaborate five-tier pyramid lined with bright sculptures. Look out for Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Thian Hock Keng Temple too, which are both close-by.
HAJI LANE Kampong Glam is another district that was assigned by Stamford Raffles, this one to the Muslim community and ethnic Arab settlers. At its centre lies the narrow but animated Haji Lane. Here, it’s a bohemian collection of curated thrift shops, streetwear boutiques, pastel stationery stores, bars and cafes that take precedence over the more traditional holdings – largely tailors and textile merchants – in the surrounding streets. A younger crowd gravitates here, but heritage is not far away. Sultan Mosque heads up the area with its two golden domes and arabesque moulded facades. It’s open to the public, but access is restricted during prayer times.
KOON SENG ROAD Soft green, opal blue and
S I N GA P OR E
lilac. Koon Seng Road, in the residential conservation area of Joo Chiat, is lined with Peranakan shophouses in pearly hues and white blossom trees. Though the road is residential, it’s widely regarded as a cultural landmark for people to view from the street. Peranakan families settled in the neighbourhood in the early 1900s, and built the majority of the shophouses shortly after, in the 1920s and 1930s. (In Singapore, Peranakan refers primarily to those
CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS Singapore’s Chinatown (top) is a vibrant enclave to explore; discover all sorts of culinary offerings in the city’s hawker centres
culture: open-plan and sometimes open-air’
‘Hawker centres are a key aspect of Singaporean food
born in the former Straits Settlements, generally with mixed Chinese, Malay and Indonesian heritage.) Common features of the two- and three-storey shophouses include intricate fronts with curling floral designs, bright ceramic tiles and shuttered windows.
HELIX BRIDGE For a sweeping view of the skyline lit-up at night, head to Helix Bridge. The pedestrian walkway links Marina Centre with Marina South and extends over the Singapore River. DNA strands inspired the design, hence the double-helix-like tendrils that wrap around the metal platform. From the viewing platform on the
26 BUSINESS TRAVELLER 26 BUSINESS TRAVELLER
western flank, spy the three prongs of Marina Bay Sands as well as the changing colours of the ArtScience Museum’s lotus petals.
LAU PA SAT Hawker centres are a key aspect of Singaporean food culture: open-plan and sometimes open-air food halls, with multiple cuisines. Lau Pa Sat, which translates to ‘old market’ in Chinese, is the oldest food court in Singapore and close to the financial district. Try Indian biryani served on a banana leaf, olive fried rice (a plant- based take on egg-fried rice), Vietnamese pho or even Kaya toast (toast with butter and coconut jam) if you’re here for breakfast.
DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025 NOVEMBER 2 4
IMAGES CHERYL CHAN, JOHN SEATON CALLAHAN/GETTY
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