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Singapore has long been a fertile ground for the flourishing development of street art. Not only is it renowned for its modern architecture, but it's also a captivating destination for street art enthusiasts. The murals are not only vibrant but also carry profound messages about the interplay between cultures, blending tradition and modernity, past and future.
Ky Anh Nguyen (29 years old) is an interior architect in Ho Chi Minh City. His passion for photography and finding profound life values through each frame helps him cherish moments and foster creativity. His trip to Singapore was a special experience, as he had always dreamed of exploring the modern "Lion City" since his student days. For him, Singapore's most striking features are its beautiful architecture and infrastructure, its rich cultural exchange, and the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
“This trip was truly amazing, allowing me to admire a modern country blended with rich cultural colors and valuable tourism experiences. As a former architecture student, the buildings here left a deep impression on me,” shared Ky Anh Nguyen.
When visiting Singapore, tourists not only get to admire impressive architectural structures but also immerse themselves in the vibrant art scene throughout the streets and alleys. Unique murals, deeply rooted in culture, not only breathe life into the urban landscape but also contribute to preserving and promoting heritage values.
When visiting Singapore, tourists not only get to admire impressive architectural structures, but also get to immerse themselves in the vibrant art scene throughout its streets and alleys.
Although Singapore is known for its strict rules and clean living environment, it also boasts a vibrant street art scene that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Particularly noteworthy are its cultural heritage districts such as Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam, each possessing a unique charm that defines Singapore's tourism identity.
Chinatown
Singapore's Chinatown, also known as Niu Che Feng, means "ox cart carrying water," a name derived from the fact that the neighborhood was primarily transported by animal-drawn carts in the 19th century. In the 1860s, the Chinese made up 60% of Singapore's population. However, it's not just the Chinese who live here; visitors can also find mosques like Al Abrar and Jamae, as well as the Hindu temple Sri Mariamman.
This shows that Singapore is a melting pot of unique cultures and religions. While strolling through the neighborhood, visitors will not only discover distinctive architectural structures but also have the opportunity to take photos with unique murals, highlighting the creativity and street art of the area.
Ky Anh observed that Chinatown is a bustling neighborhood with interconnected streets forming a straight network, combined with stunning architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. Therefore, Chinatown in Singapore is always an attractive destination, a place rich in cultural essence, familiar and welcoming, especially to Vietnamese culture.
Little India
Little India is one of Singapore's most famous and distinctive neighborhoods, preserving a rich Indian culture and cuisine. The neighborhood began to take shape in the 1840s when Europeans hired Indian laborers to work on farms, in brick kilns, and at racetracks. Over time, the Indian community grew, bringing with them their culture, handicrafts, and signature dishes.
Besides ancient Hindu temples, the neighborhood also boasts mosques, serving the religious needs of the community. To this day, Little India retains its unique cultural heritage, a place where tradition and modernity intertwine. The neighborhood is not only notable for its ancient architecture but also for its contemporary street art and trendy eateries. It truly is an ideal destination to explore the harmonious blend of past and present in Indian culture within Singapore.
When strolling around Little India, especially along the streets of Serangoon and the surrounding area, don't forget to explore the Hindu temples, Chinese temples, mosques, and Christian churches.
Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam is notable for its rows of brightly painted shops along Bussorah, Baghdad, and Kandahar streets. On Muscat Street, visitors can admire the Sultan Mosque, one of Singapore's most important mosques. Originally built in 1826, the mosque was rebuilt and completed in 1928, becoming a remarkable architectural landmark.
Kampong Glam is also a place where you can immerse yourself in street art, with vibrant murals everywhere, from the walls in the alleys around the church to the narrow lanes near the Sultan Mosque. Street art in Singapore is not only visually stunning but also holds deep spiritual value, from colorful murals to sculptures and symbols. These creations help keep the image of Singapore in the minds of visitors, telling stories and conveying the country's identity.
Street art in Singapore is not only visually stunning but also carries profound spiritual value.
Singapore's multicultural cuisine
Singaporean cuisine is a wonderful blend of many different cultures, reflecting the diversity of the country. Singapore is not only a multi-ethnic nation but also a melting pot of culinary cultures from around the world. Singaporean dishes are often influenced by three main ethnic groups: Chinese, Malay, and Indian, along with elements from other immigrant communities such as the Peranakan, Thai, and Indonesian.
Singaporean cuisine is a wonderful blend of many different cultures.
Whether it's street food or specialties from different ethnic communities, each dish showcases a strong cultural fusion and continuous culinary innovation. Particularly noteworthy are Hainanese chicken rice and frog porridge. Chinese cuisine is hard to ignore: Peking duck, Hokkien noodles, dim sum, spicy Sichuan dishes, light Teochew dishes… and even specialties from other Chinese culinary regions such as chili crab, herbal pork rib soup, and Rojak salad… Indian cuisine includes: Thosai, Vadai, and Teh tarik milk tea…
Singaporean cuisine is also distinguished by its Hawker centers (street food markets or food centers), which have been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy delicious food at reasonable prices, including three prominent Michelin-starred restaurants.
Hawker Chan, famous for its incredibly delicious wonton noodles and rich broth, is located in the Chinatown Complex. Big Prawn Noodle is a noodle shop in Adam Food Centre offering bowls of noodles filled with fresh prawns, sweet meat, and reasonable prices. Bahrakath Mutton Soup, at Adam Food Centre, stands out with its rich lamb soup, served with unique bread. Although these are casual eateries, many here have been awarded Michelin stars, offering a high-class culinary experience for visitors.
Additional information:
Tourists planning a trip to Singapore should note that their passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Singapore is renowned for its well-developed and convenient public transportation system. To visit tourist attractions, visitors can use the MRT train or buses, as most attractions are quite far apart.
The MRT system is easy to use, fast, and connects most of the city's major areas. Furthermore, payment is very convenient; visitors can use Visa or other international payment cards at shops, restaurants, and shopping malls.
