Culture
Singapore and its islands

Opened in 2007, this Tang-style temple houses a tooth relic of the Buddha, venerated by the faithful. It towers over Chinatown's colourful shophouses, among lantern stalls and teahouses.

This museum tells the story of Singapore's Indian communities, a stone's throw from Serangoon Road, its jasmine garlands and the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to Kali since the 19th century (first shrine around 1855).

With its golden dome, the Sultan Mosque is the heart of Kampong Glam, the old Malay and Arab quarter, between Arab Street and the boutiques of Haji Lane. Tourist visits have resumed, outside prayer times and in modest dress.

Housed in the former Tao Nan School and reopened in 2023, this one-of-a-kind museum celebrates Peranakan culture, born of marriages between Chinese merchants and local Malay communities: nyonya porcelain, beaded embroidery and a spectacular wedding bed.

On the banks of the Singapore River, this museum embraces the whole of Asia through the history of the port: maritime trade, religions and decorative arts, including the cargo of a 9th-century merchant ship. Next door is the National Gallery, set in the former Supreme Court and City Hall.

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 4 July 2015, it is the only tropical botanic garden on the list. You can wander there from 5am to midnight, as far as the National Orchid Garden and its thousands of orchids.

Since 16 December 2020, hawker culture has been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. These "community dining rooms" mix Chinese, Malay and Indian recipes: chicken rice, laksa, satay, char kway teow…

On "Turtle Island", the Tua Pek Kong temple and, at the top of 152 steps, the Malay shrines (keramat) draw thousands of pilgrims every year during the 9th lunar month. Legend has it that a giant turtle turned itself into an island to save shipwrecked sailors.