Joanna James
The city of towering skyscrapers and modern architecture, as much as Singapore is the bustling metropolitan it is, the island city-state is also the proud possessor of a rich cultural heritage. Come, explore Singapore’s many cultural and historical sites and let your inner history buff unleash.
Chinatown is hardly the first choice when it comes to the exploration of cultural heritage in any city, but here in Singapore, while it still may not be most tourists' first choice, it surely won’t leave you disappointed. The bustling quarter is immediately evocative of oodles of atmospheric marketplaces and restaurants, but there’s more to it that offers you a glimpse into the island city-state’s cultural heritage. For starters, the Chinese Heritage Centre offers a wealth of information on the Southeast Asian nation’s culture and heritage and houses one of the handful of Hindu temples in the city — the architecturally magnificent Sri Mariamman Hindu temple. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is another unmissable stop, especially for those interested in the Buddhist culture and history of Singapore.
Lion City is all about delivering unique experiences to its visitors and for those on an exploration of the nation’s cultural heritage, the island city-state has a rather eccentric zoo experience with a cultural twist — an experience surely like no other. Treat yourself to a nocturnal wildlife experience as you observe Asian elephants, Malayan tigers, spotted hyenas and other both common and elusive as well as endangered animals that go way back in the Southeast Asian nation’s culture go about their day, or should we say, night.
The cultural heritage of Singapore isn’t without its history of colonisation, and for those looking to get their fill of magnificent Colonial architecture, the Asian Civilisations Museum won’t disappoint. Dating back to 1865, the remarkable architectural masterpiece boasts an immediately appealing Neoclassical style and houses an incredible collection of themes on trade and spirituality, offering a glimpse into the many Asian cultures that helped develop Singapore. The Asian Civilisations Museum is also one of the only four museums in the island city-state, the other three being the Peranakan Museum at Old Tao Nan School, the National Museum of Singapore and the Singapore Art Museum.
St Andrew's Cathedral is nestled at the heart of the commercial quarter bathed in charming pure white, and anyone to Singapore’s Central Business District could hardly ever miss this colossal cathedral. This historical, cultural and architectural gem is Singapore's largest cathedral and oldest Anglican house of worship.
The striking ancient temple on Telok Ayer Street, Thian Hock Keng is the oldest of the whole host of Buddhist temples that call Singapore home. The highlight of the temple is its traditional southern Chinese architectural style, which hasn’t employed a single nail in the construction of the temple. After a day of wallowing in the beautiful cultural heritage, retreat to one of the finest hotels in Geylang Area Singapore the likes of Hotel 81 Joy, and call it a day.
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