I am totally enthralled by Chinatown every time I visit it, I always seem to see new street art. And low and behold, several new murals have been approved and commissioned during the past two years. Majority of them by one of my favourite artist, Yip Yew Chong.
Unlike in other countries, where street art is done in secret, illegally, and often hurriedly (unapproved graffiti and street art are still illegal in Singapore), here they have embraced the culture, commissioning and creating beautiful finished pieces that tell the story of the area and its people. And I absolutely love it. Now there are many areas to see street art, this article focusses on the more tourist popular area of Chinatown, and I definitely think you need to spend a bit more time here, exploring.
Where to see street art in Singapore
Singapore’s neighbourhoods are great places for art hunting. Some of the neighbourhoods where you can find street art around Singapore are Chinatown, Haji Lane and Gelam gallery, Little India, and Joo Chiat, to name a few.
I have compiled a self-guided walking guide to the street art found in Chinatown, starting at Chinatown MRT, and ending close to Outram MRT. Our preferred route is just a bit more that 4km, but we added some of our favourite coffee shops and cafes if you need a break.
Self-guided walking tour of Chinatown art
Between Temple Street and Smith Street
Mid-Autumn Festival
Starting from Chinatown MRT exit A, walk down the narrow alley to the right behind Lucky Chinatown. This is the first of Yip Yew Chong’s murals, influenced by his youth growing up in this area. The mural depicts elements of the Mid-Autumn Festival, including lanterns and mooncakes.
The Letter Writer
Continuing walking down the alleyway towards Smith Street. The Letter Writer, also by Yip Yew Chong, will be found on the side of New Bridge Centre. Letter writers assisted with writing letters that were sent back to Chinese family members as well as for other calligraphy items.
Also see: Exploring Joo Chiat stunning street art and food
My Chinatown home
Walking up Smith Street, there is another mural by Yip Yew Chong, but this one seems to be more personal, based on what he writes on his website. Having grown up in Chinatown, this mural depicts the family home he once lived in on Sago Street. Read more about his work here.
As you continue along this alley, head for Temple Street. You can find the fourth mural on 30B Temple Street; it shows scenes of the bustling wet market, with a variety of fresh produce and a traditional Kopitiam. (I unfortunately do not have a photo of it)
Around South Bridge Road
Detective Conan
You will need to retrace your steps back to Smith Street, and then turn left towards South Bridge Road. At the top, you find Detective Conan at a stall trying durian.
☕ Opposite the mural is a traditional Singapore coffee shop. Nanyang old coffee is a must-try. On the second floor, they have a small museum, perfect for escaping the heat.
Cantonese opera
Another massive mural is that of a Cantonese opera. The mural shows both performers on stage and those still getting ready backstage. I love the bright colour he used.
Kids & Dragon
Turn left here and walk toward Upper Cross Street. An incredible golden dragon with children riding on it can be found on the side of the two-story building, created by the renowned artist Ernest Zacharevic.
‘Paper mask and puppet seller’, ‘Mamak store’ and ‘Lion Dance Head Maker’
Take the same route back to Mohamed Ali Lane after you’ve crossed the street. A trio of murals, the ‘Paper mask and puppet seller’, ‘Mamak store’ and ‘Lion Dance Head Maker’, grace the side of the building. They are all by Yip Yew Chong.
Towards Club Street
Zodiac animals
Make your way towards Ann Siang Hill, on the side of Coconut Club you will find Zodiac animals by Didier Jaba Mathieu, currently still the year of the pig 2019.
Iron Caricatures by SCULPTUREATWORK
Up Ann Siang hill from here is the next stop. When you reach the fork, keep walking up between the shop houses. Those familiar with Penang might recognize the Iron Caricatures by SCULPTUREATWORK. As you follow the stairs, you will see the art running along the building’s side.
Towards Duxton Hill, Tanjong Pagar
The Nutmeg
As you head towards Duxton Hill, you’ll pass the Maxwell food court. A Singapore artist duo, Ripple Root, has created The Nutmeg Mural at 21 Tanjong Pagar. This was once a Nutmeg plantation.
Ikan Todak
Nearby is a large blue and white mural called Ikan Todak by Tobyato on Duxton Hill.
🍲 Up the street is Soi Candy Thai Noodle Bar, which has become one of our favorite Thai restaurants. There is also Cumi Bali Indonesian Restaurant in the opposite direction, serving delicious Indonesian dishes.
Walk along Tg Pagar Road to Craig Road, where you will find ladies dressed in traditional clothing with technology; I am unsure who painted them.
Firangi Superstar tiger
A short distance down Craig Road you will spot a Tiger on the wall of the modern Indian restaurant Firangi Superstar.
Also see: 15 Free & low-cost things to do in Singapore
Community
When you reach Neil Road, turn left and make your way to the underpass. However, before you go underneath the road, look up at the side of Shake Shack, where you will see a bright and beautiful mural called Community created by Sam Lo.
Ripple Root mural
🧆 Kafe Utu is an African cafe that serves a wide range of mouth-watering dishes, located nearby. In addition, the café serves sustainably grown coffee.
Down to Kreta Ayer
“Evolution//Revolution”
Belinda Low murals
☕ Just around the corner from Belinda Low murals is one of our favourite coffee shops, The Social Space.
Stinky Durian Dessert
Last but not least, there are two murals involving durians. One is a farm, and the other is a seller. It is located on the side of the cafe Stinky Durian Desserts, where you can try the acquired taste of this fruit if you wish. The sign in their window says it all.
We hope you enjoy this guide of the street art around Chinatown, we always love hearing from you, have you done this route? Was the article helpful? So please leave use comment below!
Safe travels
xxx
The artists (if you want to read up more about them):
- Yip Yew Chong
- Belinda Low
- Ripple Root
- Sam Lo
- Tobyato
- SCULPTUREATWORK
- Didier Jaba Mathieu
- Ernest Zacharevic
*Opinions expressed are my own.
