Travel Photos Series#8-Vesak Day Celebration at Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Singapore

Flora Decoration at Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Took this photo at Buddha Tooth Relic Temple at Chinatown, Singapore on 17 May 2015. The temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lanterns to celebrate the impending Vesak Day on 1 June 2015. It is one of the few temples I have visited that is fully conditioned and you can cool yourself here after immersing in the humid and crowded street of Chinatown. 

Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 2)

This blog is the continuation from my previous "Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 1)" article. Here goes part 2!

1. Little India

Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple

Scent of spices and flowers greet you when you visit the Little India of Singapore. This is where the Tamil community gather to buy their daily groceries, offer prayers at a local Indian temple, feast at their favorite restaurants etc. Immerse yourself into the local culture. You will be able to witness the preserved colonial buildings along the streets. Take a free tour at one or more of the Indian temples.  Be fascinated by the awesome Gopuram which raise above the entrance of every temple. The famous temples there are Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple. Remember to remove your shoes before stepping into the religious grounds. Pamper yourself with the Indian delicacy -Curry Fish Head at one of the Indian restaurants. One of my favorites is Muthu's Curry.

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Litte India station.
Further info: Here


2. Singapore Botanical Gardens

Swan Lake

I always find it amazing that for a little country like Singapore, we have abundance of gardens. I have already mentioned Gardens by the Bay.  The other one on your radar shall be the Singapore Botanical Gardens. The Gardens is more than 150 years old and currently an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Gardens houses more than 10000 types plants and is a favorite weekend outing ground  for families to bring their kids to. Many of them love to hang around the ECO and Swan Lake to admire the beautiful Swans and Mandarin Ducks. For a small price (SGD$5), you can choose to visit the National Orchid Garden to admire Singapore National Flowers in beautiful setup.

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Botanical Gardens station
Further info: Here

3. Chinatown

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

Although now much commercialized, your trip will not be accomplished without paying a visit to the Chinatown. The interesting old colonial buildings will surely attract your attention once you step into the area. Be sure to visit Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Tourists will also not miss the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. The 4th story air-conditioned temple has a lot to offer even if you are not into Buddhism. Take your lunch or dinner at the Chinatown Food Center or nearby Maxwell Hawker Center. You will have a taste of local authentic delicacies at very affordable pricing.  

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Chinatown station.
Further info: Here

4. Kampong Glam

Sultan Mosque

Singapore's largest and most important mosque-The Sultan Mosque is situated at Kampong Glam. The Malay Heritage Center (SGD$4) is also nearby. A tour here will let you have a deeper understand of the local Malay Muslim culture and history. As in Little India and Chinatown, there are also many preserved colonial architectures here. Eat at one of the local Muslim restaurants. Order local favorites like Mee Goreng, Roti Prata, Murtabak, Briyani etc and wash them down with Teh Tarik. One of the most popular outlets there is Zam Zam restaurant.

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Bugis station. Follow directional sign and walk 15 mins to Kampong Glam.
Further info: Here

Related Posts: Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 1) 

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