From headscarves, street signs to houses of worship, it is difficult to forget that religion, culture, race, language and nationality can all intersect in this hyper-modern island society of 4.5 million people. One may be an ethnic Malay-Indonesian who is a Singaporean citizen, a devout Muslim, and a spouse to an ethnic Chinese immigrant.
An afternoon walking tour began in the Arab District, a small neighborhood with blocks of faded two-story buildings with bustling little shops/restaurants on the ground floor. Wares are out on racks, a/c’s and fans are whirling and tourists lazily shuffle from Arab Street, Baghdad Street to Kandahar Street in the post-lunch heat. Then the recorded call to prayer is heard. Sultan Mosque (1826) with its golden dome is the communal center.
Just a 15-minute walk southwest of Arab District is Waterloo Street with two ancient temples almost side by side:
Sri Krishnan Temple (1870) for the Hindu god, Lord Krishna and
Goddess of Mercy Temple (1884) for the Chinese goddess of mercy, Guanyin.
There are quite a few street vendors selling incense, flowers, drinks and food amidst the devout masses and several beggars. Some devotees seemed to be stopping by both temples for double prayers. One can never have too much hope.
See:> Sultan Mosque – 3 Muscat Street
> Sri Krishnan Temple – 152 Waterloo Street
> Goddess of Mercy Temple (a.k.a. Kwan Yin/Guanyin/ Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple) – 178 Waterloo Street
Eat:
> Zam Zam - 699 North Bridge Road, Muslim Malay food, Chicken Murtabak for S$5
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