Day of Exploring: Temples and Food

Last week my friend Helen took my mum and I out for an exciting day of eating and exploring some of the oldest temples in Singapore. Both of the temples we visited were UNESCO awarded, which made me extremely excited!

The weather that day was rather gloomy and rainy, although it did not extinguish my anticipation for the events ahead!

The first temple Helen brought us to was the Thian Hock Keng temple.  This is one of the oldest and most important Hokkien temples in Singapore and is surprisingly located in the centre of the city’s business hub.  This temple was built in the traditional southern Chinese architectural style. This element definitely shone through as I made my way around the temple.

This temple was particularly breathtaking due to amazing stone, wood and tile designs as well as the ornate sculptures and decorated columns. The sheer level of intricate, complex detail that has gone into the execution of the embellishments made this temple one of the most beautiful I have explored in Singapore. The colourful detail definitely contributed to increasing my level of amazement due to the fact that from every possible angle, there was something new and enchanting to look at.  Additionally, it was built without using any nails!

The second temple we visited was the Yueh Hai Ching temple. We were able to walk there from the first temple and it only took us about 15 minutes.  

The Yueh Hai Ching temple is the oldest Taoist temple in Singapore.  This temple was constructed between 1850 and 1855 and was restored in 2011 whereby $5 million was committed towards it.

It is still located in the business district, meaning it is uniquely shaded by skyscrapers. I was totally unaware that there were temples located in such areas, although its surroundings did not distort the character the temple radiated.

This temple is different to every other temple I have visited in that it consists of two separate shrines, each with its own entrance. One of the shrines houses the shrine of Tian Hou, typically worshipped by the sea faring southern Chinese communities. Whereas, the other block belongs to the shrine of Xuan Tian Shang Di, more commonly known as the Heavenly Emperor. 

 

The stunning features of this temple can be seen particularly in its richly carved roof where elaborate bird and animal decorations can be seen.  Detailed artwork extends throughout the entirety of the temple.

I find learning about the features of religious temples particularly interesting.  Before I moved to Singapore I did not have much of an understanding of the some of the practices of certain religions; for instance why people bow before entering or the lighting of incense. Some practices, which I learnt when I visited this temple, possess great historical importance making it an intangible foundation for the religion.  It was great having our friend Helen there to explain all of the features and practices to my mum and I. I enjoy having my mind opened like this as it allows me to have an understanding rather than taking nothing from an experience. We most likely would have been roaming aimlessly otherwise!!

After spending time at two temples, we were DEFINITLEY ready for some food! I was greatly looking forward to trying a new cuisine, as I have noticed that there is almost an unlimited supply here in Singapore!!

Helen took us to eat Nasi Padang at Rendezvous Restaurant in Clarke Quay.  My dining experience here was definitely one of; if not the best I have had in Singapore so far.

The best thing about eating Nasi Padang is that you are able to try a variety of dishes. I love this way of dining as you don’t have to be restricted to one particular meal, especially if your favourite is more than one dish.  We ordered squid, curried vegetables and chicken, prawns, soup and beef rending. The food was all so so good! I was initially worried that perhaps I would find it all too spicy, but I was not overwhelmed by any of the dishes! The flavors were all combined perfectly, which made for a thoroughly enjoyable and highly satisfying dining experience.

 I definitely recommend this place to anyone and everyone. It was so fun to expand my palette and try new cuisines that I had not heard of and couldn’t get living in Australia. I will definitely be coming back soon!

 After lunch we walked over to Liang Court Shopping Centre and had dessert at a small Japanese café there. We ordered chiffon cake, a chocolate eclair and even some Japanese jelly. It was lovely to relax with a cup of tea and sweet treats after an adventurous and memorable day of exploring.