Exploring Little India and Clarke Quay

After arriving Singapore on June 12, 2009 in the evening, my wife and I took an airport cab back to Little India where our relatives were staying. One thing good about Singapore is there was no touts or illegal taxis unlike other countries. The next day, we took a strolled walk to Little India at Serangoon Road which has Indian cultural elements. Serangoon Road is the main commercial centre in Little India. There were many stalls selling spices, silverware, gold, silk sari, electronic and culinary delights such as roti prata, banana leaf meal, curry fish-head and many more other restaurants offering authentic North and South Indian cuisine.

Taken at one of the shophouses

It was early morning, 8am++, some of the shops were still closed.

But stalls along the roadside opened early, selling daily groceries, flower garlands and etc

One of the colourful buildings

Some with striking wooden windows frame

One of the famous Indian temples in Little India is Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. It is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, fierce embodiment of Shakti and the god Shiva's wife, Parvati. Kali has always been popular in Bengal, the birthplace of the labourers who built this temple in 1881. The building is constructed in the style of South Indian Tamil temples common in Tamil Nadu.


The entrance ceiling of Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

Indian Buddha at the Little India Arcade

If you are looking for bargain goods, head to Mustafa Centre, the only 24 hours shopping centre in Little India. It’s like the mini version of Costco hypermarket. It offers many services foreign exchange, visa processing, travels booking, gold mart and all kinds of shopping item available all under one roof. Now Mustafa Centre is connected to Serangoon Plaza and you will definitely spoilt by the choices.

On the way to Mustafa Centre, there a 110++ years old Kampong Kapor Methodist Church

On Sunday, Little India area will be swamped with migrant Indians all over the places; they will sit on the grass chit-chatting, buying groceries, gathering and etc. No doubts, this place is called Little India.


In the late afternoon, we headed to Clarke Quay along the Singapore River. Clarke Quay was buzzing with life and activity. The waterfront now consists of varieties restaurants, wine bars, entertainment spots and retail shops with old shophouses set as backdrop. Patrons can try out G-Max Reverse Bungy - Singapore's first and only reverse bungy or just cruise down the historic waterways in an authentic bumboat for a rare glimpse of old shophouses.

View from 17th floor of Novotel Hotel facing Clarke Quay. Those funny shapes are the shelters covering the walkways along the restaurants and pubs

These are the shelters during the night

After the sun sets, we strolled along the Singapore River where it comes alive with local and visitors come here for a drink, a hearty meal and party.



Many people will sit along the Singapore Rivers, but it’s quite dangerous, as one may just accidentally slip and fall into the river because there are no barriers or fences.

After this, we quickly went to the nearby MRT station to catch the last train at 12 midnight; else we have to take a cab with expensive fare after midnight.