A DAY IN THE LIFE OF SINGAPOREANS
By Germaine Low
What makes us uniquely Singaporean? We have to find out through Natasha and Adam, who are undergraduates from the National University of Singapore (NUS). They promised to bring Michelle, a UK exchange student studying in NUS for a year, around Singapore so that she can learn about our culture, or maybe even discover some of our "interesting" habits.
Instructions: Read dialogues from left to right.
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These look so good! Great choices of food, Adam! Michelle, these are some of the famous dishes of Singapore. We have Chinese, Indian and Malay cuisines here such as chilli crab, cereal prawns, achar achar, satay and chicken curry.
These are perfect. So yummy! Thanks Adam!
Seems gaining weight is inevitable during my one year in Singapore...
You're very welcome guys. Let's dig in! Finish all the food! We have a long day ahead of us.
Food in Singpore
Food Paradise
Singapore's multi-ethnic culture and heritage has served a sizable number of unique cuisines, each with its own unique flavour and aroma. Food is viewed as crucial to national identity and a unifying cultural thread in Singapore. Eating is a considered as a national pastime and obsession. People from different communities would eat together frequently while having awareness of each other's culture and choosing food that is acceptable for everyone, as there are dietary preferences due to religion.
Photo: Violet Oon
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National University of Singapore
University Cultural Centre
The Hall is a venue for orchestra performances, concerts, opera, dance, and musicals. Its space can also be used for multimedia presentation, seminars, and convocation ceremonies. One of most memorable moments spent in this hall was the funeral service of our late State Father Lee Kuan Yew.
Photo: Germaine Low
Hey Natasha! Sorry, I was a little late! I just ended my morning seminar and I'm all ready to go!
Hi Adam! No worries! I have arranged to meet Michelle here. It's another warm day today but I'm certain that it will be fun. It feels like I am going to be a tourist in my own country. So exciting!
Photo: Wikimedia
Yep, I agree with Natasha! There are places that I have never been to myself as well. So, what's first in our itinerary? Let's see...
Hello guys! Thank you for being so willing to bring me around! I've got my camera prepared. 😆
You are very welcome Michelle! Besides, this short trip would be a very good break for everyone of us.
Yes, of course I have noticed. I have already
spoken to many people here! Some were even so kind to share more about Singapore with me.
Photo: Wikimedia
So, Michelle... You have been here for close to 2 weeks and you might have already noticed the diversity of cultures and races. This cultural blend is exactly what makes Singapore the unique and interesting.
You bet. As Singapore is such a small country, we do get a sense of pride when people are interested in us. We would feel that we have created a sense of cultural identity. Anyway, we have just arrived at our first stop - Gardens by the Bay!
Photo: Wikimedia
That's right! Take a ride along the roads and you'll find a lot of trees and other kinds of plants. The vision of a "garden city" was introduced by the late Lee Kuan Yew to make life more pleasant for the Singaporeans.
The reason why we want to bring you here first is because Singapore is known as a garden city. The aim of constructing Gardens by the Bay is to enhance the greenery and flora in the city! The sights here are absolutely breathtaking.
I see! This explains why there are trees everywhere I go, including NUS. It does seems like much effort has been put to build Singapore into a garden city. Anyway, the time has just turned 12pm, aren't you famished?
Gardens by the Bay
"City in a Garden"
Spanning 101 hectares, the park consists of three waterfront gardens: Bay East Garden, Bay Central Garden and Bay South Garden. Bay South Garden houses two large conservatories, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest as well as other gardens such as Children's Garden and Supertree Grove (as pictured).
Photo: Unknown
Contact
Scroll down to begin!
And I'm Adam. So, start scolling along! You may hit the arrow button too. It works just as well!
Hi there! My name is Michelle. Interested to learn more about Singapore like I am? Keep scrolling all the way!
My name is Natasha. Read more about what makes us uniquely Singaporean!
Welcome to Lau Pat Sat, Michelle! This is a very famous hawker centre in Singapore. In hawker centres like this, there are tons of variety of cuisines you can find: Chinese, Indian, Malay, Western, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese and more! We will never run out of food choices. So, what do you feel like eating?
Yes, definitely. You ladies can wait here while I get the food, so that we don't have to "chope" seats using tissue paper or umbrella. Now, let me find the stalls with the longest queue, but first I shall get drinks... Uncle! One Kopi-O and two teh peng*!
Everything here looks so tempting! I feel like having ALL of them! Can we buy and share the food? It would be really nice if I can try the different cuisines. I am fine with anything as long as it is non-western. *laughs*
Photo: Asiawebdirect
Lau Pat Sat
Telok Ayer Market
Located at the heart of Singapore's central business district, Lau Pat Sat has a long history since 1825. It was renovated and moved multiple times and 2014 was the most recent major rehaul. Its architecture is victorian-styled as it was originally built by the British colonials. Food stores in Lau Pat Sat serve a large variety of cuisines.
*Kopi-O is black coffee and teh peng is iced tea in colloquial language.
Cool! Look at those intricacies. What about the row of shops on our right?
Ahhh, I'm so full right now. Nothing beats having a good meal with great friends. Anyway, we are going to explore the famous neighbourhoods in Singapore. They are Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India. This place is Chinatown, and on our right is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, the Sri Mariamman Temple.
Photo: Germaine Low
The row of shops are a mixture of both old and new, filled with traditional shops and markets as well as cool stores and cafes. Would you like to get anything as an souvenir? I recommend getting a magnet or something at that shop!
Chinatown
A story of Chinese heritage
Singapore's historic Chinatown features shops such as family-run goldsmiths, medicinal halls and teahouses and more modern trades such as hipster bars and lifestyle shops along the narrow streets. At the heart of bustling Chinatown, it is home to the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, the Sri Mariamman Temple, as well as the Chinese Buddhist temple, The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum.
Photo: Germaine Low
Michelle, look up at your left! The Sri Mariamman Temple has really ornate and elaborate detailing. The majestic 'gopuram' (grand tower entrance) especially is a landmark to generations of Hindu worshippers and Singaporeans alike.
Lovely. This temple is dedicated to the goddess
Mariamman,who is known for her power to cure illnesses and diseases, am I right?
You are right, Michelle. In addition, during October or November peroids, you can consider coming here again to observe the
Theemithi, which is the fire walking ceremony that is the main festival celebrated annually at this temple.
Sri Mariamman Temple
Oldest Hindu temple in Singapore
The Sri Mariamman temple was previously known as Mariamman Kovil or Kling Street Temple, and it was built by immigrants from the Nagapatnam and Cuddalore districts of South India. The present structure is believed to have been built in 1862-63 by Indian craftsmen, and it is now preserved as a national monument. Other than worship, the temple was an important place for solemnising Hindu marriages and other communal activities during the colonial era.
Photo: Germaine Low
The name of this place, The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, is derived from what the Buddhists regard as the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic. It is highly influenced by Tang Dynasty architectural style.
So, besides the Sri Mariamman Temple, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a landmark in Chinatown as well. This was built in 2007. Although it is relatively new, we cannot deny that
it beautifully exhibits Buddhist traditional art and culture. We can find sacred artefacts of the Buddha
such as bone and tongue relics here in this temple.
Sounds interesting! Let's go in to have a look at the temple and museum
already!
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
Tang-styled Chinese Buddhist Temple
This temple was conceptualised and designed by temple’s Chief Abbot Venerable Shi Fa Zhao. It is built highly based on Buddhist elements such as Tang Dynasty and the Buddhist Mandala, which are representations of the Buddhist culture. In the temple, it also features a theatre that holds cultural performances, talks and film screenings in the Eminent Sangha Museum.
Wow, I didn't know that Little India is so near from Chinatown! It's just across the Singapore River.
Yeah, Michelle, it is close indeed. This is Little India, a busy and lively historical area that best represent Singapore's Indian community from vibrant culture to shopping!
Photo: Ghetto Singapore
I would totally eat again, with all these delicious tandoori dishes and local food like roti prata and teh tarik calling out to me. Michelle, do you want to grab a drink? You will be fascinated by the showmanship of the tea brewers here! After that, we will head east to Kampong Glam!
Little India
A buzzing ethnic district
The history Little India traces back to 1840s, when Europeans lived here mainly for the racecourse and mingled around. As cattle trading began taking root, Little India became a place where most Indian trade took place, as traders hired Indian migrant workers. The trades become successful and over the years, mosques and Hindu temples were built along the streets.
This neighbourhood is as vibrant and lively. There are so much to explore here. Look at these wide array of shops and eateries...
Yes! Eateries! Third round, anyone? Just kidding. I just can't help but to marvel at the options of food here. Kampong Glam is known for the famous nasi padang, which is steamed rice served with various dishes, as well as the Malay kuih! Who can resist lovely sightings along with amazing food?
Photo: Santa Grand
Kampong Glam
The glam of Kampong Glam
The Malay word 'kampung' means village and the area is known for its paperbark tree, also known as 'gelam' in Malay. Thus, the name Kampong Glam was given. In 1822, Sir Stamford Raffles allocated this area to the Malay Sultan Hussain Mohammed Shah and the Malay community including Bugis and Arab traders. Today, Kampong Glam is home to Sultan Mosque as well as the Malay Heritage Centre.
And.. we're here! I love the fact that Kampong Glam, Chinatown and Little India are near to each other. Welcome to the last iconic neighbourhood stop for the day!
Kampong Glam is indeed glamourous! This magnificent building seem to be fit for a king.
This mosque has been the focal point for the Muslim community, and it has been gazetted as a national monument. During Ramadhan, the fasting month for the Muslims, the place around this area come alive with night market and food stalls.
You are right, Michelle! In fact, the mosque was built for the first of Singapore, Sultan Hussein Shah. The old mosque was beyond repair, so the present mosque we are looking at right now was reconstructed during 1932.
Photo: Today Online
Sultan Mosque
Masjid Sultan
The mosque is considered one of the most important mosques in Singapore. Its main highlights are the massive golden domes and huge prayer hall. Each onion dome base is decorated with glass bottle ends, which were donated by Muslims who were poorer during that time of its construction. This is so that all Muslims, not just the rich, could contribute.
We have arrived at our next stop! Michelle, we are currently at City Hall right now. Just one stop away from where we were at previously. City Hall is a place where we Singaporeans shop, eat and hang out. Before we show you our favourite places, there's just one place that might be of interest to you.
Yeah, Adam. I often walk past this place but have never really visited before. Let's go!
I'm pretty sure I know where you guys are about to bring me!
Photo: Germaine Low
St Andrew's Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Singapore and is a perfect
example of colonial-era architecture and heritage. It is also the oldest Anglican house of worship.
It still looks brand new! There are many cathedrals like this back home. It is nice to see how it differs in other countries.
Shhh guys! There are people praying. Let's not interrupt and go to Boat Quay to have dinner!
St Andrew's Cathedral
Largest and oldest house of worship
The cathedral was designed by Colonel Ronald MacPherson in 1856, an executive engineer and superintendent of the Public Works Department. In 1942, before the Japanese Occupation, the cathedral was used as an emergency hospital, and services were only resumed after the Japanese surrended in 1945. The cathedral is named after the patron saint of Scotland who mainly funded the construction.
Photo: Germaine Low
Thanks for choosing this place to have dinner guys! I am loving the view.
Are you serious, Adam? We have more to ourselves then, Michelle!. Eat more! The night is still young!
Ladies, go ahead and eat. I'm too full from all the snacks and mini meals I had earlier. I wished I hadn't eat so much...
Boat Quay
Along Singapore River
This was where it all began. Most commerce and trade began here in the early 1800s. Although it no longer served aquatic trade, it has been conserved and now houses pubs, restaurants and bars, including the Chinese floating restaurants.
Photo: Germaine Low
Photo: Germaine Low
Singapore has a busy nightlife. For some reason, we just love night time. Sometimes, we can't help it either especially when it comes to completing assignments. It'll be nice to relax while waiting for a good performance to start!
This is Esplanade! I have heard so much about it in the UK when they are promoting all the music festivals.
Seems like the performance is starting soon! Hurry, let's go back to the front and chope* a seat!
*chope refers to the reservation of seats in colloquial language.
Great performances!! Love it. Michelle, you got to check out the Singapore skyline at night. This is our pride as Singaporeans - we have all worked hard together to get where we are today against all odds.
I see... This view is breath-taking too. By the way, can we go up ahead? I want to check out the merlion there infront of the Fullerton Bay!
Yea, after going to all these historical sites, it's great to really know how far we've come from our humble beginnings. The skyscrapers we are looking at now are located at Singapore's Central Business District. It has both cultural and commercial landmarks.
Photo: Germaine Low
The Merlion! Every foreigner like myself would definitely have to see this. Tell me more about your Merlion!
Like what we have talked about earlier, the body of the mythical Merlion symbolises Singapore's humble beginnings as a fishing village when it was called Temasek, meaning 'sea town' in Old Javanese. On the other hand, the head represents Singapore’s original name, Singapura, or ‘lion city’ in Malay.
Besides this Merlion statue, there are other 6 officials statues islandwide. You can make it a personal mission to find all during your one year here in Singapore. The largest one can be found in Sentosa.
Photo: Germaine Low
Michelle, so this comes to the end of our trip. I hope you enjoyed yourself exploring the various places that mean something to us Singaporeans. If you'd like to visit anywhere again, just let me and Adam know.
Thank you Natasha! I really learnt so much from you both. It was so interesting and insightful and learn about Singapore unique culture, especially the reservation of seats at various venues. And how could I forget about the food! It is the cultural diversity here that makes Singapore unique.
I agree. Like a nice plate of rojak, it is the blend of textures, flavours and taste that makes it so delicious. Yes, I am giving an analogy using food (again). Looking forward to our next Singapore food hunt guys!
Photo: Wikiwand