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Exploring Pagoda Street

Chinatown, Singapore

By Danica Eliana Ferino

February 24^th, 2017

Singapore's Chinatown is a fascinating mix of the old and new. It seems it has become a hub for tourists as well as the locals.

One can reach Chinatown by taking the MRT Downtown Line (the blue line) and alighting at the Chinatown station. Taking the station's main exit (Exit A) will lead you directly to Pagoda Street.

Pagoda Street is lined with souvenir shops. Food stalls and al fresco dining areas are also scattered here and there, offering a quick respite to those who got tired from shopping or just strolling around.

My sister and I went to Chinatown on our first day in Singapore. We decided it was better to buy souvenirs earlier so we can cross that out on our lists and just enjoy the rest of our destinations.

I just realized that most of my photos are a bit crooked or slanting at one side. I was still groggy from lack of sleep due to last night's flight.

We walked along Pagoda Street to check all the shophouses and their goods. My sister had a hard time choosing what to buy while I was having trouble finding on my own a shop that sells a certain brand of coffee.

It took us a few hours to explore all the shops around the street. We were undecided on what to buy - there are so many cheap goods to choose from. There are several stores selling about 20-30 keychains for SG$10 only. Bags and shirts are also sold for SG$10 for four pieces. Exchange rate at that time was PhP 36 for SG$1. So these souvenirs would only cost me 360 Philippine pesos. That's one intense bargain stuff right there, if you ask me. :)

There's also one shop that sells good quality shirts with better designs for SG$10 a piece. I bought two shirts from the Indian guy who manages the store. In return, he told us where to find the shop that sells coffee. It's funny how that felt like a side quest.

Pagoda Street itself is beautifully arrayed with colorful houses. But if you roam around the alleys, you'll still find art. We weren't able to explore all parts of Chinatown, but someday I'll visit again to see more of its interesting nooks.