Exploring Telok Ayer’s Busy Streets Through These Five Historic Sites
Telok Ayer’s buzzing streets lined by shops and heritage sites perfectly capture Singapore: modern with a hint of something old. Once a docking site for Chinese immigrants looking for better opportunities, Telok Ayer became the starting point of today’s Chinatown. As its community grew and became more diverse, this small area transformed into a bustling neighbourhood for the hip and young professionals in the central business district.
From historic buildings to century-old temples built by immigrants, here are cool places to visit in Telok Ayer.
Singapore Musical Box Museum
Tagged as the first of its kind in the city, this museum houses antique musical boxes that date back to the 19th to early 20th centuries. This is a great place to learn how Singapore contributed to the popularity of musical boxes across Southeast Asia back in the day. After touring the place, it’s a must to have a quick bite or sip at the Museum Café.
Thian Hock Keng Temple
Just a stone’s throw away from the Singapore Musical Box Museum is Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of the oldest Hokkien temples in the city-state. Decades ago, this historical asset was frequented by Chinese immigrants who burned incense to thank Ma Zu, the Goddess of Sea. Also known as the Temple of Heavenly Happiness, this building was gazetted as a national monument in 1973.
Telok Ayer Green
Providing a breath of fresh breeze amid Singapore’s concrete jungle, Telok Ayer Green draws locals and tourists with its simplicity and serene ambiance. Its most prominent features are the detailed metal sculptures that pay homage to the lives of immigrants during the 1800s. If you need to take a break after strolling around, benches are available all over the place, providing some cool shade under the trees.
Nagore Dargah Indian Muslim Heritage Centre
Installed between 1828 and 1830, the Nagore Dargah Indian Muslim Heritage Centre is one of the most famous landmarks in Telok Ayer, marked by its deep historical significance. The shrine was built in honour of Shahul Hamid, a mystic saint and an Islamic preacher. Today, the centre has become an enclave among Singapore’s Indian-Muslim community.
Masjid Al-Abrar
Gazetted as a national monument in 1974, Masjid Al-Abrar is one of the first mosques to be built in Singapore. It is tucked amid rows of shophouses in Telok Ayer but is easily recognizable. The refurbished building can fit 900 people.
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