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Fuk Tak Chi Temple – The Oldest Chinese Temple in Singapore
Fuk Tak Chi Temple – The
Oldest Chinese Temple in Singapore
To travel back in time is unheard of, and most
probably it’s much more difficult if you’re in a contemporary capital.
Nonetheless, the oldest Chinese temple in all of Singapore, the Fuk Tak Chi
Temple gives you that glimpse of time. Once you step inside the temple, you’ll
be immediately whizzed back in history by the wooden emperors found on the gate
walls.
The most budget-friendly way to reach this place
is from the MRT. It’s roughly around 10 minutes of leisure walk. Take the F
exit and you can quickly glance through the train map of the city to see where
the Fuk Tak Chi Temple is. It’s not a difficult walk towards here because it’s
around Raffles area, one of the nicest parts of the Central Business District
of Singapore. Be sure not to get lost building hopping, as this undersized
shrine may often be overlooked amidst all the oversized structures.
Also known as the Fuk Tak Chi Museum, this brick temple is almost hidden in the
backdrop of the rather modern neighborhood in Telok Ayer Street. Around it, you’ll find famous bistros and
restaurants and even the Far East Food Center,
where all the heaving food places are. There’s a great chance that you’ll walk
past this thinking that it’s an old-fashioned restaurant.
Don’t be fooled by its outer façade, though.
Once you enter, you’ll be back in a timeworn Singapore atmosphere. It’s like a
small box encapsulating how the Chinese community in Singapore was, before all
the modernization happened. You’ll see miniature sculptures of a specific
Chinese era. You’ll see ancient artifacts preserved with care. You’ll see how
such as small place creates a huge cultural impact to this country’s history.
The most obvious favorite in the Fuk Tak Chi Temple is the big ship. Even without much description about it, the artistry and detail is noticeable in this huge boat. It tells a good story on how the trading and how the way of life of the Chinese community was like. On the whole, this temple is a must go for people who are seeking authentic Chinese historical expression in Singapore. There are not much historical examples here, considering how young a nation Singapore is; but this one is simple, raw, and vivid enough to make you know and appreciate Singapore’s story.
Address: Far East Square 76-78 Telok Ayer St #01-01 Singapore 048773
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 A.M. -10:00 P.M.
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Interesting, I had no idea that there were temples in Singapore. We always think of Singapore as being really developed and modern.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that's what I thought too! But Singapore has more than a few surprises up its sleeve. It's really a city like no other. :)
ReplyDelete