Singapore 2017|| Visiting the Enchanting Temples of Chinatown

As I was planning for my trip back home, my first vacation since I started working here in UAE, I wanted to explore a city first before finally reaching home, Philippines. Since I am in Middle East, which is the center of almost all world countries, there are lots of destinations which I can choose from. If I were to have a direct flight to Philippines from Dubai, it would only take 8 hours, convenient but no adventure at all. But if I would choose to have a layover, I'd be able to explore at least one city and be home. So sounds great right?! Hitting two birds with one stone. Since I haven't done any wanderings and explorations for the past year, it would be a breather for me. I'd be able to feel the thrill of being a wanderess in an unfamiliar city again, and I'd be able to tick off one of my bucket list. 

Flight to Singapore

There are two countries I can choose from that most Pinoys commonly go to, Thailand or Singapore. But since Singapore Airline has a ticket promo and has a different layover hours to choose from, I opted to choose the latter. And besides, I really wanted to see the mythical Merlion so I booked my ticket, settled things at work, packed my bags and had my escapade before coming home. 

My flight from Dubai took off at 8:15 pm local time. It was an almost 6 hours flight and Singapore has a 4-hour advantage time zone, so I settled myself on the plane and tried to get some sleep as much as I can. It landed at Changi Airport Terminal 2 at around 7am, just after the sun has risen and I was rewarded with a colorful sight of dawn. I took off from the plane, walked with the other arrivals and saw the big "Selamat Datang" at the immigration which means "welcome" in Malay. 

My passport got stamped and I proceed to baggage deposit area and put my hand carry luggage, leaving only my shoulder bag with me which contains my important stuff, refreshed myself in the nearest restroom and proceed to the train station. I bought first my Metro Tourist Pass, it is valid for a whole day which will give me an unlimited rides at the metro trains and buses around the city. Since breakfast was given at the plane and I was still full, I was set for the day ready to explore. And so, I went to my first destination, The Chinatown of Singapore.

From the Changi International Airport Station, I rode the train to Terah Menah, changed train going to Jo Koon (Green Line) and took off at Raffles Place station. I got out of the station and paused for a while, took a long breath inhaling the Singapore air, and looked around taking in the whole view. It was a welcoming sight and I got so thrilled setting foot in an unfamiliar city which I'll be exploring in the hours to come. With my map I got from the airport, I started asking for directions and locales politely pointed me where to go. The sun was already high when I walked the streets, occasionally taking photos and reading the signs. After an almost 7 minutes of walking and sweat already streaming down my face, there I spotted it, the Chinatown and the first sight I got to see in my list, the Marriaman Temple. 

Chinatown and Marriaman Temple

Singapore is one of those indochina countries in Southeast Asia, thus Hinduism is one of the major religions being practiced. Marriaman Temple is considered as a national monument being the oldest Hindu Temple built way back 1827. What makes the temple unique is its top design, the majestic 'gopuram' (grand tower entrance) with sculptures of different deities, mythological beasts and beings, it is indeed a work of art crafted patiently and perfectly.

I took some pictures and decided to go inside. At the entrance, there is guard who instructs tourists of some of the temple rules, for those who wish to come, shoes and slippers must not be worn inside so like the others, I was required to be barefooted. I went inside and was welcomed by a holy ambience. I saw some monks who are praying, burning incense sticks, and some tourists who are curious as me. There are other sculptures of deities inside and some art designs on the wall and ceiling. 

Aside from that, there isn't so much to see so I didn't take long and got out heading to my next destination, The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum.

It is located A few meters from Marriaman temple and around 5 minute walk which I didn't had a hard time looking for. I only got to ask once then walked the streets of Chinatown which has a colorful lines of hostels, inns, cafeterias and shops selling chinese goods, herbs and clothing.

It looked like an ancient town with vintage-like structures hanging above the streets and traffic lines. It was still an early part of the day and the bulk of tourist hasn't arrived yet, an advantage for me because it means, I would have an easy time exploring the place and would be free from hassles of having to wait in line. 

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

As I was walking, I didn't realize I was already there. I looked at my side and saw a gigantic structure colored with a dark hue of red. I walked further and confirmed that it is what I am looking for and I was already standing at its entrance. I couldn't quite grasp how big is it as what I can only see from down are the different layers of red roofs above and the temple ambience radiating from the whole place. 

I went further inside where the golden Buddha is found. A mass or ritual is being held and the place looks so magical with dark yellow color of shining gold combined with red. 

I observed for a while, took some pictures and looked around the other temple parts where I saw another structure, and a plaque that contain some information. 

I went outside and upon crossing the other side of the street, I was able to see its whole structure. The intricate designs of the temple, work of art sculptures, and the Chinese culture in its every roof and wall, it is indeed all worth seeing for. 

A free tour is being offered by volunteers that could last for 2 hours for those tourists who wish to see the museum and other relics in other floors. As for me, I think I've seen enough and due to time constraints, I opted not to see it and proceed to visit the other tourist attractions. 

Next blog: Singapore 20177|| Meeting the Mythical Merlion