Join Explore Singapore on this walk around the Bras Basah Bugis precinct to learn about the various sites of religious worship and multitude of communities who used to live, work and worship here in the heart of the city!  The walk will encompass Churches, Hindu and Buddhist Temples, a Mosque and a Jewish Synagogue and plenty more, including the arts precinct and the once-bustling Queen St bazaar.  Let us explore the many different styles of architecture and the changes that have taken place in the last few years.  This neighbourhood has been, and still is, a significant urban space for many diverse communities.  

There are two very special buildings in Telok Ayer Street in Chinatown.  Both tell the story of the traders who came from the Coromandel Coast of India long ago.  This Muslim community had a long and hazardous journey and built these two structures to give thanks for their safe arrival here in Singapore.  Come with us to hear from the Imam of the masjid about the history of this striking building.  Then find out why the beautiful and intricately designed Nagore Dargar shrine was built, in 1828, by these early immigrants.

In the midst of the city, in a commercial area of hip restaurants, shops, pubs and offices is a jewel of a Chinese temple. Hong San See (Temple of Phoenix Hill), a gazetted national monument, was built between 1908 and 1913 by the Lam Ann Association (a Hokkien clan group) and has since undergone a few renovations. It’s most recent renovation (2006 –2009) was accorded the 2010 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation: Award for Excellence. It beat 33 entries from 14 countries.

Come and admire the exquisite wood carvings of this temple and learn about southern Chinese temple architecture. Join Explore Singapore for a guided tour of this beautiful temple.