A Short Walk in Little India

Singapore might be small but its melting pot of multi-racial community has given rise to interesting neighborhoods focused on the predominant Chinese, Malay and Indian races. 

Right after checking out Tekka Hawker Centre, my family and I decided to take a stroll within Little India. To be honest; I have never really quite explored the area, with the exception of Mustafa Centre and City Square shopping centre, as the whole place is always so crowded! 

First up was the colorful house of Tan Teng Niah, a businessman who constructed the building in 1900. Frankly, if it weren't painted with such vivid colors, I doubt the heritage building would command its current popularity.  

Sajeev Digital Studio - such a shop would not have usually caught my attention but did you notice something that children nowadays would scratch their heads to? 

Camera film roll cartridges! Back were the tortures of having to wait for the photos to be developed and printed to ensure the photos taken were of clarity and focus! Those who had known photography to be digital and instantaneous (like polaroid) wouldn't understand the pain. 

There was an entire box filled with the cartridges! 

Felt as if pedestrians, rather than vehicles, owning the roads. It exuded a casual vibe and atmosphere that was almost similar to Haji Lane, albeit of a much larger scale and without tourists.

While there are some cafes and restaurants, most of the shops focused on the needs of the Indian community; from the sale of jewelry (many gold shops) to religious idols. 

Even fresh vegetables! 

Thanks to Penang; many cities have now embarked on a wall-mural drive to increase tourists' interest. And nothing beats an eye-catching mural to stop people in their tracks; similar to the house of Tan Teng Niah.

Walking past Abdul Gafoor Mosque, which was originally built in 1859 for the Indian Muslim community, and was moved to its current location in the early 1900s.

Daring mom to see if she can squeeze through the narrow strip between two pillars! Her dress sense nowadays very toned down; in the past, she can fight with the pillars to see who is brighter. 

I thought this is a stretch that can match the Peranakan houses in Katong. For those interested to check them out, they are located along Sam Leong road. 

Honestly, there were plenty to see in Little India and I covered just a teeny weeny portion! Would be sure to visit again for more photo taking! Maybe I can start with Desker Road, which has a shady past.