Chinatown Series

Deliberately took time off from work today to embark on a three-hour topographic tour of Tanjong Pagar (my old place of residence) and Chinatown. Boy, was it a fruitful 'pilgrimage'!

5I've always wanted to showcase the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum along South Bridge Road in its full glory/grandeur/splendor/majesty/magnificence. I guess this is it. Absolutely beautiful and breathtaking!

5Front view of the Temple, which is dedicated to Maitreya Buddha (or Laughing Buddha). Step inside. The rare and sacred Relic Stupa is on exhibit. Plus, there are also tea and (free) vegetarian food in addition to handicrafts and commemorative souvenirs!

4In another part of Chinatown, Kreta Ayer, what used to be a dying trade has now become a rather lucrative business targeted at tourists looking to absorb all the sights and sounds of Singapore's city central on a slow, relaxing trishaw ride.

5Our last stop brings us to Chinatown Point, a locality landmark overlooking, er, Hotel 81. Never mind. Inside this old and obiang shopping complex are shops selling all kinds of stuff from precious stones to Oriental musical instruments - like the ones above (one's a pipa, the other I'm not sure).