Travels in Photos

Little India, Singapore - Little India Arcade

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:58:00 +0000

Little India Arcade is located along Serangoon Road in the heart of Singapore's Little India. Plenty of small shops and stalls here closely packed to one another along the narrow passageways. I could see all sort of Indian made items sold here including clothes, bags, bangles, decorations and sweets.

I was here a few days before the Hindu Festival of Deepavali and Hindus were doing their Deepavali shopping - equivalent to Christmas shopping. I presumed shopping took on a livelier affair than usual when I was at Little India Arcade with Deepavali just around the corner. Glad I came here - a very colourful area of Singapore.

Little India Arcade a Few Days Before Deepavali

Shopping in Little India Arcade

Selling Indian Decorations

Indian Costume Jewellery Store

Indian Sweet Shop

Orchard Road, Singapore - Window Shopping Along Orchard Road

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:30:00 +0000

I am not much into shopping and buy most of my clothes and accessories at the discount stores. There are plenty of opportunities to do window shopping along Orchard Road without ever entering the store. A lot of brand names items but for me it was the lighting that attracted me the most. Thinking about buying something for my wife - never mind, I never seem to buy her the right things. My excuse, I forgot to bring my credit card and was low on cash!

Window Shopping Along Orchard Road

More Window Shopping

Expensive Watches Here

Something Cheaper (Souvenirs) Along Orchard Road

The Riverside, Singapore - Historical Colonial Buildings

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:40:00 +0000

For those into British colonial history and architecture, there are plenty of historical building across the river from Raffles Place. Many of these buildings have similar architecture as those back home in Penang, Malaysia. Penang and Singapore were once part of the British's Straits Settlement, which explains for the similarities in architecture.

Many of the colonial buildings along Singapore's Riverside have been converted into museums and cultural centres. One of them is the 19th century Victoria Centre with a statue of Sir Stamford Raffles (British founder of Singapore) in front. Another is a building currently housing the Asian Civilisation Museum.

Victoria Theatre

Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles in Front of Victoria Theatre

The Fullerton Hotel

Asian Civilisation Museum

The Riverside, Singapore - Promenade Near Raffles Place

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:30:00 +0000

There is a nice promenade after crossing the bridge from Raffles Place, which is situated in Singapore's Central Business District. During lunch hour, many office workers would sit along the tree covered promenade and have their packed lunch.

There is a Chinese man selling ice cream and he seems to be around each time I am in the area - maybe this is his territory. I have never seen him smile or try to be friendly with anyone but gracious enough to say thank you to all his customers.

Crossing the Bridge from Raffles Place

Ice Cream Vendor Near the Bridge

Walking Along the Riverside

Statues Describing the History of the Area in Commerce

China Town, Singapore - Nightlife in China Town

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:29:00 +0000

Though nightlife in Singapore's China Town and Clarke Quay are both lively, the atmosphere between the two are different. There are plenty of entertaining nightspots like bars and nightclubs in Clarke Quay but China Town takes on a more family like atmosphere.

When it comes to paying the bill, Clarke Quay can sometimes be outrageous while even a backpacker can enjoy a night out in China Town. What is there to do in China Town at night? Dining out would probably by the main answer and there are plenty of street foods and inexpensive restaurants.

In Front of the China Town MRT (Train) Station

Night Shopping in China Town

Japanese Restaurant in China Town

Outdoor Dining at Night in China Town

Little India, Singapore - More Street Scenes in Little India

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:20:00 +0000

The following are a few more photos taken along the streets of Singapore's Little India. Nothing exceptional and no tourist hot spot photos here, just photos representing daily life in Little India. Afterall, Singapore is more than just the shopping centres at Orchard Road, nightlife at Clarke Quay or Singapore's resort island of Sentosa.

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple Built in 1881

Singaporean School Kids on a Trip to Little India

Neighbourhood Grocer Along Serangoon Street

Walking Along a Covered Pavement

Little India, Singapore - Street Scenes Along Little India

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:41:00 +0000

Singapore's Little India is a very colourful area and such pleasure to see ordinary people carry on with their daily lives. People here did not seem to mind me taking their photos as they conduct their daily activities. I guess they are so used with the tourist attention surrounding them. However, taking photos of the people here and their daily activities was more than just for memory sake but to capture the atmosphere in Little India.

Pedicab Driver and His Passenger

An Indian Fortune Teller

Selling Fruits Along Little India's Serangoon Road

Selling Indian Garlands (Flowers)

The Riverside, Singapore - Going Cheap at Clarke Quay

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:05:00 +0000

I believe one can still enjoy Clarke Quay in the evening even if one does not have money to spare for the high-priced restaurants, bars and entertainments spots in the area. I have been to Clarke Quay's hot spots in the evening on previous travels. However, this time I was in Singapore on the cheap and wanted to experience Clarke Quay on the cheap as well.

The south side of Clarke Quay (across the river) is quieter, relaxed and without the hot spots. I could see families as well as romantic couples sitting along the banks and admiring the river view. Some would bring their own packed meals, drinks and eat along the riverbank - must be a cheap romantic dinner. A quieter side of Clarke Quay and enjoyed it nevertheless.

South Side of Clark Quay at Night

Along the South Side of Clarke Quay

Romantic Evening Along the South Side

Man (Probably an Australian) Playing the Didgeridoo

The Riverside, Singapore - Clarke Quay at Night

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:49:00 +0000

Though Boat Quay has a lively nightlife, Clarke Quay gives me the impression that it is even livelier. There are no shortages of restaurants, bars and night clubs here. Prices seem to above average compared to other places in Singapore. At night, there seems to be more white looking foreigners than there are Singaporeans - or was it just my perception.

While white looking tourists come casually dressed, the white expats come with their long sleeve shirts and ties undone - probably after a day at the office. I didn't see any Asian tourists or expats at Clarke Quay that evening - I wonder why or I must be blind! As for me, it was to Burger King nearby the Clarke Quay MRT Station like many Singaporeans.

Dining Along the Singapore River at Clarke Quay

Crossing the Bridge at Clarke Quay

Southern Banks of the Singapore River at Night

Along the Mall at Night

Belly Dancing

The Riverside, Singapore - Clarke Quay

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:40:00 +0000

Clarke Quay is another quay located on the banks of the Singapore River. The quay is about 15 minutes walk from Boat Quay and there is an MRT (communter train) station within Clarke Quay of the same name. Like Boat Quay, Clarke Quay was also an important port and commercial area of Singapore during the 19th and later part of the 20th century.

Clarke Quay today is a different story altogether and now a pedestrianised area with the old buildings converted into restaurants, bars and shops. The area is relatively quiet during the day but as evening approaches it becomes very lively. Clarke Quay seems to be extremely popular with tourists and Singapore's expat community.

Near the Clarke Quay MRT Station

Southside of Clarke Quay

Riverside Point at Clarke Quay

Restaurants Along Clarke Quay

Floating Restaurant (Boat) at Clarke Quay

The Riverside, Singapore - Eating Out Along Boat Quay

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:13:00 +0000

Just after Raffles Place on the southside of the Singapore River is Boat Quay crammed with old shophouses with many converted into restaurants. The quay has historical significance in Singapore's history - the area was once a busy port and shophouses occupied by traders.

Today Boat Quay is a popular spot for dining with a couple of bars, souvenir shops and convenience stores in between. Plenty of Chinese restaurants here and seafood seems to be a speciality. The crowd here picks up as evening approaches and the atmosphere gets lively.

Along the Promenade in Boat Quay

Outdoor Dining Along Boat Quay

Chinese Seafood Restaurant by the River

Fresh Fish Ready for Cooking

Souvenir Shop Along Boat Quay

Little India, Singapore - Deepavali, the Festival of Light

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:00:00 +0000

I was fortunate to visit and stay in Singapore's Little India just before Deepavali (Diwali), which occurs in October or November. Deepavali is the Hindu Festival of Light signifying the triumph of good over evil. Coloured lights brightened the streets of Little India and shops opened into the evening as Hindus made purchases for the celebration.

I visited a bazaar called Little India Arcade located along Serangoon Road. It is an interesting and lively bazaar but presumed it was livelier because of the coming celebration. There were brightly coloured Indian clothes, decorations and Indian sweets like laddu and halwa. I have a fondness for Indian sweets, which can send your blood sugar rising.

Little India at Night a Few Days Night Before Deepavali

More Lights at Night

Selling Indian Clothes

Selling Indian Decorations

Indian Sweet Cookies

China Town, Singapore - Streets in the Heart of China Town

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:16:00 +0000

The streets in the heart of Singapore's China Town are rather narrow with buildings facing close to one another. As evening approaches the roads get crowded with tourists searching for souvenirs and dining on the pedestrianised streets. The heart of China Town is also popular with Singaporeans searching for a meal on the streets.

The backstreets, where traffic are allowed to pass, are jammed with cars and taxis with their passengers. Moving away from the heart of China Town, its just another commercial area of Singapore and where most tourists hardly ever visit. Thus, like a typical visitor to Singapore I head back to the MRT station.

Heart of China Town - Coming Out from the MRT Train Station

Outdoor Dining in the Evening

A Backstreet in the Heart of China Town

Another View of a Back Street in China Town

China Town Outside the Main Tourist Area

China Town, Singapore - Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:52:00 +0000

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a new temple located on China Town's Southbridge Road, which is just nearby where the street markets are located. Built in 2007, the temple comprises of four floors and on the ground floor there is a statue of Meitreya Buddha (the future Buddha). The fourth of the temple is believe to hold a tooth relic of Buddha itself but only visible during certain times of the day. Visitors are welcomed at the temple (9:00 am to 6:30 pm) but it was late when I arrived - better luck next time.

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in China Town

Temple's Pagoda Like Roofs

Inside the Temple

Orchard Road, Singapore - Life at Night Along Orchard Road

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Singapore's Orchard Road has a lively nightlife but though there are a couple of bars and clubs along the road, nightlife here is rather orderly. Don't expect a raunchy clubbing scene along Orchard Road or a matter of fact anywhere else in Singapore. The area is very much a family affair and simple meeting with friends.

Besides the bars and clubs, there is no shortage of places along Orchard Road to have a meal. You don't need money to enjoy Orchard Road in the evening, since the road is also a popular spot for just hanging out and doing nothing in particular.

There are plenty of benches on the pavement along one side of Orchard Road. In the evening I would see people sitting on the benches and just watch the world pass by. On my last trip to the area in the evening there were kids practising on their skate boards and two street musicians.

At Night Along Orchard Road

Another Night Scene Along Orchard Road

Cafe Bar (Right) in Orchard Road

Kids on Skates

Street Musicians

Orchard Road, Singapore - Along Orchard Road at Night

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Alone and away from my family and without anything better else to do, I decided to go to Orchard Road in the evening and take a few photos. Orchard Road is a very colourful area at night lighted by lights from the shopping malls and other buildings in the area. These are some of the street photos I took along Orchard Road in the evening during my last trip to Singapore.

Besides Orchard Point Shopping Centre

Besides CentrePoint Shopping Centre

At a Junction Along Orchard Road

At Another Junction Along Orchard Road

Citibank Branch Building Along Orchard Road

Orchard Road, Singapore - Eating Out in Orchard Road

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:18:00 +0000

There are of plenty eating establishments along Singapore's Orchard Road. However, eating in Orchard Road is totally a different experience than eating out in the heart of Singapore's old quarter of China Town with its distinctive Chinese atmosphere. Orchard Road is a world apart from China Town with its modern eating establishments ranging from food malls to dining restaurants.

Orchard Road has a lively but "sanitised" nightlife and thus many eating establishments close late in the evening. You can get a decent and reasonably priced meal from the food malls located along Orchard Road and some in the shopping centres. There are greater of variety of foods here including Western, Italian, Japanese and the local fair of Chinese, Malay and Indian foods.

Food Mall Along One Edge of Orchard Road

Starbucks Coffee Along Orchard Road

Singapore's Famous Old Chang Kee

Cafe Bar Besides Orchard Shopping Centre

Cafe Besides the Peranakan Shopping Mall

China Town, Singapore - Eating Out in the Heart of China Town

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:15:00 +0000

There are plenty of Chinese restaurants and food stalls in the heart of Singapore's China Town. It's hard to miss this place, since the MRT (commuter) train station is in the heart of China Town. Best to come in the evening when its cooler and tables placed along the pedestrianised road - the ultimate in outdoor dining.

Though the heart of China Town is a touristy area, the foods served at the restaurants are resonably priced and food from the street stalls are even cheaper. A simple meal from the street stalls can be as little as SGD5 (USD3.50) and non-alcoholic drinks cost SGD2 (USD1.40).

Eating in China Town is more than sampling the locals foods (some tend to be hot and spicy) but also to enjoy the lively atmosphere of dining out the Singaporean way. China Town is a great place to eat for those wanting something different than meals served at the western restaurants or at the American fast food chains.

Street Food in Singapore's China Town

More Street Foods and Street Stalls

Outdoor Dining in China Town Singapore Style

Enjoying Their Meals

China Town, Singapore - Shopping for Souvenirs in the Street Market

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:31:00 +0000

I never seen so many souvenir shops in Singapore concentrated in one location other than China Town. Even the touristy street market of Bugis Street does not have as many souvenir shops. Plenty of souvenirs here with the usual range of key chains, postcards, T-shirts, refrigerator magnets and the unusual odd items. Like anywhere else nowadays including back home in Malaysia, the souvenirs are probably made in China.

Shopping for Souvenirs in Singapore's China Town

More Souvenirs in China Town

Never Ending Row of Souvenir Shops

Porcelain Souvenir Shop in China Town

Clothes and T-Shirts to Take Back Home from Singapore

Bugis Area, Singapore - Pedicabs Near Bugis Street

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:26:00 +0000

There is a staging point nearby Bugis Street for a ride on the pedicabs. The pedicabs are more of a tourist attraction then a form of transport since the pedicabs take passengers back to the staging point. Riding on the pedicabs is a pleasant way to view nearby places especially if you are too lazy to walk like me. Many of the Chinese drivers are old or older men and I guess pedicabs in Singapore will be driven out of extinction by the time I am extinct myself.

Pedicabs Near Bugis Street

Waiting for Customers

Brightly Coloured Pedicabs

Enjoying the Ride

Bugis Area - Open Air Market at Bugis Street

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:06:00 +0000

Bugis Street has a covered as well an open air street market and both are as interesting and lively but there are some differences between the two. The main difference is fresh fruits, Chinese foods, ornamental plants and Chinese joss (incense) sticks are sold in the open air market. To me the open air gives Bugis Street its unique Singaporean character.

You can find various typically Asian fruits here including mangos, pamelos (a citrus fruit), bananas and the pungent durian considered as the "King of Fruits". Many durian sellers here allow their customers to eat the fruit along the pavement. If you unfamiliar with the durian, go near to the fruit at the open air market in Bugis Street and smell it - you may faint at the smell.

Open-Air Street Market at Bugis Street

Shopping Around at Bugis Street

Selling Ornamental Plants

Fruit Seller

Eating Durian by the Pavement

Little India, Singapore - Abdul Gaffoor Mosque

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:29:00 +0000

Little India is an old quarter of Singapore whose residents predominantly belong to the Hindu faith. By chance I found a mosque (Muslim place of worship) along one of the backstreets (Dunlop Street) of Little India called the Abdul Gaffoor Mosque.

The mosque dates back to the early 20th century and also known as the Indian Mosque since it was built and used by the early Indian Muslim community in Singapore. The mosque today is classified as a national monument by Singapore's government.

Abdul Gaffoor Mosque

Another View of Abdul Gaffoor Mosque

Little Boy at the Mosque

Entrance to the Mosque

Jalan Besar Area, Singapore - Sungei Road Thieves Market

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:45:00 +0000

The Sungei Road Thieves Market is an interesting flea market though the market may not have the glamour of the street markets at Singapore's Bugis Street or China Town. The flea market may be called a "thieves market" but actually not the place for purchase of stolen goods. More likely the place for purchase of second-hand merchandise or at most thrown away items.

This flea market in Singapore opens daily but gets more active on weekends especially during the afternoons. Most of the vendors looked like retired men who come here to pass their time with fellow vendors to chat and may be earn some extra money. All soughts of things are sold here including fans and electric ovens though I'm not sure whether they worked.

At the Sungei Road Thieves Market

Selling Idols at the Thieves Market

Searching for Treasures at the Thieves Market

The Man Squatting Didn't Want His Photo Taken

Make Your Choice

Bugis Area, Singapore - Sri Krishan (Hindu) Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:53:00 +0000

The Sri Krishan (Hindu) Temple located at Waterloo Street near Bugis Street dates back to the 1870s but the temple seen today was built in 1959. The temple is dedicated to Krishna, a diety worshipped by many Hindus. The Sri Krishan Temple is within a short walk from the Kwan Im Thing Choo (Chinese) Temple and there were a few Chinese worshippers from here praying and making offerings at the Hindu temple.

Sri Krishan (Hindu) Temple

Worshippers at Sri Krishan Temple

Standing in Prayers

Little India, Singapore - My Stay in Little India

noreply@blogger.com (Khalzuri) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:33:00 +0000

There are several hotels and hostels in Little India but no 4-5 star hotels here. Hotels in Singapore's Little India are mostly 2-star accommodations costing SGD65-120 (USD47-86) per night excluding tax. Rates for hostels here start from SGD18 (USD14) per person.

There was a time when I backpacked and stay in hostels or any place that I could lay down my head. Entering the corporate world changed me and ended staying in 4-5 star hotels. Now, approaching 50 and the itch to travel cheap like in my younger days has gotten into me.

At my age, staying with young folks in a hostel during my recent travel to Singapore did not entice me. Thus I stayed at Hotel 81 along Little India's Dickson Road. The room was clean, had a TV, hot shower, mini-fridge and electric kettle - great for SDG65 per night but no windows.

Newly Opened Hostel Along Dickson Road

Hotel 81 (With Neon Sign on the Right) at Dickson Road

My Small but Comfortable Room at Hotel 81

Perak Hotel at Perak Road

Santa Grand Hotel at Veerasamy Road