Retro and Nostalgic Singapore: A Slow Heritage Day

★★★★★Jackpot· 3 months ago“Sultan Mosque in Singapore is an iconic landmark and a must-visit for anyone interested in culture and architecture. The mosque’s golden domes and intricate details are truly breathtaking, reflecting rich Islamic heritage. The surrounding area, Kampong Glam, is vibrant with colorful streets, local shops, and cafes, making the visit even more enjoyable. The mosque is well-maintained, peaceful, and welcoming to visitors. Non-Muslims are allowed to visit outside prayer times, and there are informative displays that provide insight into its history and significance. Photography is allowed in designated areas, allowing you to capture its beauty. Overall, Sultan Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a cultural gem in Singapore, offering a deep sense of history and artistry. Highly recommended for travelers and culture enthusiasts alike.”

★★★★★TooGood· 6 months ago“Sultan Mosque, located in the heart of Arab Street, is one of Singapore’s most iconic and beautiful mosques. Its large golden dome and white exterior stand out beautifully, and the contrast with the colorful shophouses around it makes it very photogenic. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the mosque. If your legs are exposed, such as when wearing shorts or a skirt, a covering skirt is provided free of charge at the entrance, so you can visit without worry. When I visited, the staff at the reception was Japanese and kindly assisted us in Japanese, which was very reassuring. They also explained the rules and background of the mosque in a friendly and easy-to-understand way, making it very welcoming to visitors. Inside, the atmosphere is calm and serene, quite different from the lively streets outside. It is a peaceful place worth visiting while exploring Arab Street.”

★★★★★Taha Zaidi· 3 months ago“This is the most well known mosque in Singapore and is located in the heart of its lovely Arab quarter. Dating back originally to 1826, it is built in a fusion of Indian and Arab architectural design and with a spacious interior. It is open for Muslim worshippers who wish to pray as well as for guided tours for non Muslims in multiple languages. I found the management very friendly and welcoming.”

★★★★★Daniel· 4 months ago“The staff there is extremely friendly and runs guided tours 4 times a day. All free of charge. They show you some areas that are not open to regular visit and explain you the basics of Islam and how they pray. Remember that the temple is closed to visits on friday and during lunch time.”

★★★★★Ravindra Indrajith· 2 months ago“​I visited the Sultan Mosque area during a short leg of my Singapore trip. Even though it was quite crowded on the weekend, the mosque remains an amazing historical landmark and a must-see. ​Highlights. ​Atmosphere: Despite the weekend rush, the area felt incredibly peaceful and respectful. ​Architecture: It is a stunning piece of history with a grand presence—perfect for those interested in Singapore’s cultural heritage. ​Timing: I didn't stay long, but the area is very accessible for a quick visit. ​ ​A beautiful, significant landmark that captures a vital part of Singapore’s history. Well worth stopping by, even if you are short on time!”

★★★★★James Harrison· a month ago“Best Hotel Ever A stunning hotel where the staff are so attentive and professional. Everyone made us feel very special, small things like remembering your name and where we had preferred to sit the last time you were in the bar. Just walking around the gardens is a delight. We had seen quite a few videos and images of the hotel before we arrived but the reality was even better. The gardens are beautiful and seem to be maintained to the highest standard. On arrival we were greeted by the iconic doorman and then by a manager who led us to the check-in area. Once we had checked-in we were led to our room where the manager ran through all the room's features. Our butler also introduced himself and explained how the butler service worked. A bit later he also brought us some complimentary chocolates and an accompanying Singapore Sling. The Courtyard restaurant food was very nice but breakfast at the pool bar was our favourite. We went every morning just after it had opened and we usually had the pool to ourselves. The writers bar staff were very friendly. Even the very busy long bar staff took time to speak to us. In fact all the staff made us feel very special.”

★★★★★Paul Klaver· 4 months ago“My wife and I recently had the privilege of staying at Raffles Hotel Singapore, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in the hotel’s beautifully preserved colonial architecture — pristine, elegant, and meticulously maintained. Every corridor, courtyard, and suite reflects timeless grace and quiet luxury. What truly elevated our stay was the exceptional personal butler service. The attention to detail, warmth, and genuine care made us feel not just like guests, but like honored friends. Every request was anticipated, every moment thoughtfully handled. A special and heartfelt thank-you goes to Mr. Roslee Sukar, the hotel’s resident historian and former personal butler to Michael Jackson and Queen Elizabeth II. Mr. Sukar graciously gave us a private historical tour of Raffles, sharing mesmerizing stories from his decades of service. His passion, humor, and deep knowledge brought the hotel’s rich legacy vividly to life — a truly rare and personal experience we will treasure. Raffles is not simply a hotel — it is living history, wrapped in elegance and delivered with heartfelt hospitality. We left with full hearts, beautiful memories, and deep gratitude. If you ever have the opportunity to stay here, take it. This is hospitality at its finest. — Paul”

★★★★★Nadine Raes· a month ago“My stay at Raffles Singapore was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I arrived, the service was warm, elegant, and genuinely attentive in a way that made us feel completely looked after without ever feeling intrusive. The hotel itself is absolutely stunning — timeless, luxurious, and filled with history, yet maintained to the highest modern standard. Every detail, from the beautifully restored colonial architecture to the peaceful courtyards and refined interiors, creates an atmosphere that feels both grand and incredibly relaxing. The suite was immaculate, spacious, and beautifully designed, with every comfort thoughtfully provided. Housekeeping was exceptional, and the attention to detail throughout the stay was truly world-class. What makes Raffles Singapore truly special, however, is the feeling it gives you. It is not simply a luxury hotel — it is an experience. There is a sense of calm, elegance, and heritage that is very difficult to find elsewhere. Without question, one of the finest hotels I have ever stayed in. Absolutely deserving of its iconic reputation, and we cannot wait to return.”

★★★★Sangeetha Thulasi Jaya Raman· 7 months ago“I had a really nice stay at Raffles Hotel Singapore. The hotel has such a beautiful, historic charm and the staff were polite and attentive. The room was comfortable and well-maintained. The location is great for exploring nearby attractions, and the atmosphere inside the hotel is calm and elegant. I really enjoyed the dining options, though I felt a few things could be improved for a more modern touch. I took so many beautiful pictures at that place. Overall, it was a very pleasant experience and I’d consider staying here again.”

★★★★★Prawnsalad1991· a month ago“Nicely decorated hotel with a long history. The location is excellent (exactly in the centre of the city). Famous Singapore sling cocktail drink comes from here, but they free pour it these days so not sure if the taste would be the same.”

★★★★★yoshita singh· 6 months ago“Thian Hock Keng Temple is a peaceful and beautiful heritage site with stunning traditional Chinese architecture. A must-visit in Chinatown for culture, history, and calm vibes.”

★★★★★Aditya Bhuyan· 7 months ago“This is the first time I have visited a Chinese temple. It is very beautiful. It has Chinease art painted and engraved all over. The premise is very well maintained. It is very large in size. You can enter inside with your shoes on.”

★★★★★JR FF· 7 months ago“Beautiful and well maintained slice of Singapore's cultural heritage. Thian Hock Keng Temple catered to the migrants of yesteryear, and still caters to their modern counterparts today, paying homage to the Guanyin of the Southern seas (Nanyang) for safe passage and fortune. Helpful and tastefully placed infographics and writeups were placed appropriately throughout as well.”

★★★arham chowdhury· 5 months ago“Thian Hock Keng, Singapore. It is a temple of Mazu, a Chinese sea goddess. One of the oldest and most important temple of the Hokkien people in the country. A functioning temple and a lovely piece of heritage amidst busy place, couldn't get inside not sure if it is open for visitors.”

★★★★★Shaun L· 8 months ago“Another ornate temple were then statues and artefacts inside were both beautiful and fascinating. A few restrictions on where you can not take photos so bear that in mind. Make sure you ring some of the bells for good luck.”