Ethnic Quarters

Little India As you step into Little India, be prepared for an overpowering of the senses! First, you will be greeted by the strong, heady scent of spices and jasmine garlands, followed by the treasure trove of silverware, brassware, ethnic jewelry and colourful silk saris, dazzling to behold. Getting There: Take the north east line to NE7, Little India station or take SBS Transit bus number 65 from Orchard Road, alight at Tekka Market along Serangoon Road. Click here to view MRT route map.

Chinatown Singapore's Chinatown evolved around 1821 when the first Chinese junk arrived from Xiamen, Fujian province in China. The passengers, all men, set up home around the south of the Singapore River which is known today as Telok Ayer. Getting There: A short walk from Outram Park (EW16/NE3) or Chinatown (NE4) MRT Stations. Click here to view MRT route map.

Geylang Serai Geylang Serai is the cultural heart of the Malay community in Singapore. At the Malay Village, go back in time and discover the traditional 'Kampung Days' lifestyle of Malays in the 1950s and 1960s! Open: Malay Village, 10am - 10pm (daily). Getting here: Take the MRT to Paya Lebar Station (EW8) and walk towards Geylang Road. Click here to view MRT route map.

Kampong Glam Named after the Gelam tree which used to grow in the area, Kampong Glam was the historic seat of Malay royalty in Singapore. Today, the former Istana Kampong Glam (Sultan’s palace) has been converted into a heritage museum, the Malay Heritage Centre, to showcase the rich history and culture of Singapore’s Malay community. Getting There: Take the MRT to Bugis Station (EW12) and walk along Victoria Street towards Arab Street.

Peranakan Experience Peranakans refer to the descendants of the early Chinese community who settled in the Malay Archipelago from the 17th century. Getting There: The nearest MRT stations are Paya Lebar and Eunos. Bus nos. 15, 16, 33, 155 take you to Choo Jiat Road and Joo Chiat Place; Bus no. 10, 12, 14, 32, 40, and 155 service East Coast Road.