Overview
Founded in 1827 by Tamil immigrant Naraina Pillai, Sri Mariamman is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, with an arresting location on South Bridge Road right in the heart of Chinatown — its five-story ornate gopuram bursting with about 70 Hindu deity carvings appears suddenly amid the Chinese shophouses. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, the bringer of rain. Each October-November the temple hosts the Theemithi (fire-walking) ceremony where devotees walk barefoot across hot coals, and it is a designated Singapore national monument. Free admission. A 5-minute walk from MRT Chinatown Station.
Travel Tips
Remove shoes before entering and avoid revealing clothing. Friday evening worship around 19:30 is the most atmospheric — photography is allowed outside the main shrine.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Chinatown & Little India, Singapore from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for Singapore on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Chinatown & Little India on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Chinatown & Little India with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Chinatown & Little India 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Sri Mariamman Temple
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Things to Do in Chinatown & Little India
Little India Henna Experience
Get a traditional Indian henna tattoo from artists in Little India. Intricate patterns on hands that last 1-2 weeks.
Chinatown Dim Sum Tour
Tour traditional dim sum shops and hawker centres in Chinatown, sampling har gow, siu mai, char siu bao, and more. Includes cultural history of the neighbourhood.
Mustafa Centre Shopping
Shop 24/7 at Little India mega-store for gold, spices, electronics, Indian tea, and chocolates. Near duty-free gold prices and late-night shopping make it a unique experience.