6 minute read
Colourful Singapore
Singapore’s most vibrant neighbourhood: Little India
Little India is a buzzing neighbourhood best discovered on foot. Its multi-coloured shophouses, delectable food and smiling locals draw visitors back again and again.
The eight-room multi-coloured Chinese House of Tan Teng Nia has become an enduring symbol of Little India’s liveliness. The Chinese businessman who built it in 1900 for his wife also owned several sweet-making factories along Serangoon Road.
The mouth-watering smells of fragrant curries and garlic roti hit most people first when they step out at the Little India MRT station. It is tempting to follow one’s nose direct to the hawker food stalls, but it’s best to start at the heart of the district – the stunning Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple on Serangoon Road.
Daily life for the neighbourhood's inhabitants is a mix of prayer at the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and shopping for saris, shoes and other adornments at street stalls.
Dating back to the 19th century, the Hindu temple is hard to miss, with the hundreds of colourful and intricate statues that cover the exterior creating one of Singapore’s most spectacular sights. Dedicated to the Hindu goddess and destroyer of evil, Kali, visitors should wash their hands and feet before entering. Flower garland vendors line the streets nearby, so worshippers can bring offerings to the ancient deity.
Just around the corner, walking past aromatic spice stalls and vegetable stands, more vibrancy awaits at the House of Tan Teng Niah. One of the last surviving Chinese villas in the area, it is the Indian community that is responsible for its famed rainbow-coloured façade. From 4pm each day locals like to enjoy a tandoori chicken or chicken masala in the pretty food court behind the house.
As beautiful as Serangoon Road is, with its richly coloured shophouses, side streets such as Dunlop Street and Campbell Lane offer the same striking architecture and eclectic shopping options but with fewer people. Nearby, visitors can step inside a 24-hour shopping mall. The Mustafa Centre is a Singaporean institution jampacked with four floors of designer clothes, jewellery, and electronics. At the older and more traditional Little India Arcade, incense sellers can be found next to sweet shops and henna artists.
Trishaws once flooded the streets of Singapore, and "Trishaw Uncle" became a term of endearment for the riders who formed the early backbone of Singapore's labour force. Today, the company is the one and only licensed operator for trishaw tours in Singapore. It is a great way to explore all the neighbourhoods of the city-state.
Every visit to Singapore should include a stop at a Hawker Centre, such as the bustling Tekka Centre, home to Singapore’s largest indoor wet market on the ground floor and ready-to-eat Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and Singaporean food stalls on the second floor. But, a more upmarket experience can be found at Banana Leaf Apolo, a restaurant famous for two things – its version of fish head curry, the neighbourhood speciality, and for the traditional way it serves its food on freshly cut banana leaves.
The Indian Heritage Centre's glass façade sits in stark contrast to the colourful timber shophouses that line most of the streets in Little India.
The history and traditions of Singapore’s Indian community are on permanent display at the Indian Heritage Centre on Campbell Lane. A modern, shiny glass building, the centre boldly stands out within the narrow streets and old shopfronts of the district. It is a great spot to escape the heat and learn about this lively neighbourhood. Just like Singapore itself, Little India boldly steps into the future, while championing its sparkling past.
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore. Timeless heritage harmoniously blended with modern luxury
Located in Singapore’s downtown Civic and Cultural District, stands an architectural gem, once known as Capitol Building and Stamford House. It is a much loved landmark for many locals. After years of meticulous restoration by acclaimed architects, and refreshing modern updates by renowned interior designers, its golden era will be revived when it is unveiled as a luxury haven.
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore is at the heart of the revitalised luxury heritage lifestyle destination - Capitol Singapore. Encompassing an exclusive 39-unit residential tower, a premium retail mall, and the legendary Capitol Theatre, it is a perfect starting point from which to explore the city. Access to nearby entertainment and lifestyle options, as well as famous landmarks and art venues, is easy from City Hall MRT station.
The hotel’s design stays true to the Victorian aesthetics of the original buildings, while stylishly embracing contemporary beauty and elegance. Precise lines and geometric shapes are a recurring design theme - a nod to the art deco style of the early 20th century when the Capitol Building was constructed.
It is a masterpiece in which each design element infuses the space with homely warmth combined with a feeling of understated grandeur, which recalls its stately past.
Travertine limestone columns, high-gloss piano rosewood lacquered finishes and Italian marble floors showcase the richness and opulence of Victorian design. These features are beautifully juxtaposed against muted warm tones, lightly embossed champagne-coloured wallpaper, and the integration of Chengal wood flooring from the original building.
The 157 guest rooms and suites are each characterised by intricate detailing and light-filled, high ceiling interiors. Almost 50 unique room configurations cast aside the bland uniformity often found in hotels. Each area is thoughtfully designed, and works cohesively with the conservation structures.
The hotel will present an exceptional selection of culinary delights, both within the property itself and in the adjacent Capitol Piazza. Centred on high-quality products and creative techniques, complemented by an exceptional selection of wines and spirits, the outlets will be anchored by the hotel’s signature restaurant, conceptualised by a three-star Michelin Chef.
The Spa at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore has been fine-tuned to perfection with a fusion of modern therapies and traditional Asian massages. While the outdoor saltwater relaxation pool is a quiet escape, ideal for a luxuriating dip or for a moment of rejuvenation. y
THE CAPITOL KEMPINSKI HOTEL SINGAPORE 15 STAMFORD ROAD 198906, SINGAPORE T +65 6368 8888 KEMPINSKI.COM/SINGAPORE
