Heritage Trail to Chinatown and Serangoon Road

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. Conditions were harsh. The only source of fresh water were from the many wells in Ann Siang Hill and at Spring Street. Each household had to collect fresh water in bullock-drawn carts, hence Chinatown's local name - Niu Che Shui (Bullock Cart Water).

Singapore's Chinatown is full of contrasts and fascinating details. Parts of Chinatown aren't even Chinese. Witness, for example, the Al Abrar Mosque along Telok Ayer Street, and the Jamae Mosque and Sri Mariamman Temple along South Bridge Road. The peaceful co-existence of the different places of worship in the same area, even until today, reflects the racial and religious harmony in Singapore.

Chinatown can be divided into four main districts - Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer, Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Pasoh - each with a distinctive flavour of its own. The heart of activity is in the Trengganu/Smith Streets area.

The first Indian settlers in Singapore arrived with Sir Stamford Raffles as assistants and soldiers back in 1819. In the late 19th century, many more Indian immigrants arrived to find work, be it as labourers to build roads or to take up key positions in the civil service.

Today, Little India is the focal point of Singapore's Indian community. Its spice-scented streets beckon you to a treasure trove of silverware, brassware, ethnic jewellery, jasmine garlands and silk saris. From the large Tekka Centre to the small provision shops, Little India is packed with interesting things to discover. During Deepavali (usually between Oct/Nov), the Indian Festival of Lights, Little India is transformed into a fairyland of gaily decorated, brightly lit streets bustling with shoppers. Witness also the faith of devotees during the colourful and ritualistic Thaipusam in Jan/Feb each year. Colourful temples co-exist side by side with churches and mosques, parrot fortune tellers stationed by the five-foot way and tantalizing scents of spices drifting out from restaurants. Don't leave Little India without a temporary Henna tattoo or try "Teh Tarik", a hand pulled cup of tea.

If you're not too confident about bargaining, an alternative would be to get value-for-money purchases at discount shops. Visit Mustafa Centre along Serangoon Road for a mix of merchandise from toiletries to clothes.

Transport will leave NIE at 1800 hours and expected to arrive in Chinatown at 1845 hours. Participants will explore the historical sites of Chinatown on their own and have dinner there. They will spend about 2 hours in Chinatown. Transport will leave Chinatown for Serangoon Road at 2045 hours. Participants will expect to reach Serangoon Road at 2115 hours. They can choose explore the historical sites of Serangoon Road or enjoy the 24 hour shopping experience at Mustafa Centre. Transport will leave Serangoon Road at 2300 hours for RELC.

[SGD10.00 for each participant for transport]