Indian Columbus

In a city known for its modern skyline and multicultural vibrancy, the Peranakan houses of Singapore stand as elegant sentinels of the past. These pastel-hued shophouses, adorned with ornate stucco, colorful tiles, wooden shutters and intricate carvings, offer more than just aesthetic charm; they are gateways into the unique heritage of the Peranakan community. Peranakan Houses and Shops of Singapore Who Are the Peranakans? The term Peranakan broadly refers to descendants of Chinese, Indian or other immigrants who settled in the Malay Archipelago and married into local communities. Among the most recognized are the Straits Chinese or Baba-Nyonya , a Chinese-Peranakan community that developed a distinctive hybrid culture incorporating Chinese, Malay, and colonial influences. Singapore, with its strategic trade location and diverse population, became one of the central hubs of Peranakan settlement. (Note: The Malay Archipelago is a vast island group located between mainland South...

Located in the heart of Kampong Glam , one of Singapore’s oldest urban quarters, is a cluster of streets that offer a vibrant blend of Islamic heritage, Middle Eastern flavours, Malay culture, indie art, and street-side energy . At the centre of this historic enclave stands Masjid Sultan , crowned with its iconic golden dome. Radiating outward from this mosque are a network of pedestrian-friendly lanes including Muscat Street , Bussorah Street , Arab Street , and the ultra-trendy Haji Lane , each contributing a distinct tone to the colourful experience. Whether you're here to explore cultural architecture, photograph artistic murals, shop for Turkish lamps, or sip coffee in a boho café, the streets around Masjid Sultan offer a microcosm of multicultural Singapore . 🕌 Masjid Sultan – The Cultural Anchor Before stepping into the surrounding streets, pause at the heart of the district,  Masjid Sultan . Built in 1824 and rebuilt in 1932, the mosque is one of Singapore’s most impor...

While Singapore’s Changi Airport is globally celebrated for its lush gardens and nature-infused experiences, it’s also pushing boundaries with immersive digital installations . A striking example of this is the Digital Waterfall Wall in Terminal 4 , where art, motion, and architecture merge to create a jaw-dropping visual welcome for passengers. This waterfall isn’t made of water, but it certainly feels like it is. What Is the Digital Waterfall? Located near the departure hall and security screening area of Changi Terminal 4 , this towering digital wall features a continuous cascade of animated water , flowing from the ceiling to the ground before blending into the hallway entrance below. The wall uses high-definition LED panels to simulate natural waterfall movement, complete with changing light effects, mist illusions, and sound design. From a distance, it looks and feels like walking through a majestic digital waterfall tunnel . Digital Waterfall Wall - Changi Airport, Singa...

Among the most unexpected joys of traveling through Singapore’s Changi Airport is discovering its themed gardens and one of the most cheerful among them is the Sunflower Garden . Located in Terminal 2 , this open-air rooftop space transforms a routine layover into a moment of sunny delight, surrounded by towering sunflowers , aviation views, and gentle breezes. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or weary traveler looking for fresh air, the Sunflower Garden is a radiant escape within the airport’s tranquil ecosystem. 🌻 A Rooftop Blooming with Sunflowers Perched on an elevated section of the transit area, the Sunflower Garden is home to hundreds of sunflowers , all arranged in neat rows and vibrant clusters. These striking yellow blooms with their dark centers face the sunlight by day and glow beautifully under ambient lighting in the evening. While most airports offer concrete, signage, and fast-paced energy, Changi offers a mini sunflower field , a refreshing surprise befo...

Step into the Parkview Square precinct near Bugis and Rochor , and you might think you’ve wandered onto the set of Gotham City . With its towering Art Deco architecture, gilded fixtures, and dramatic granite surfaces, Parkview Square is already a visual marvel. But walk its wide plaza and manicured edges, and you’ll discover something even more unexpected: a diverse collection of public sculptures , forming an outdoor art gallery in the heart of Singapore . This open plaza seamlessly combines modern commercial space with timeless bronze, stone, and steel artworks , curated from artists around the world. 🏛 The Setting – Parkview Square and the Sculpture Courtyard Located on North Bridge Road , Parkview Square is often recognized for its Art Deco-inspired façade , designed by James Adams Design in collaboration with DP Architects. Completed in 2002, the building is home to embassies, offices, and the lavish Atlas Bar , but its most photogenic feature is its open plaza ringed with scu...

At first glance, Muscat Street may appear to be just a short stretch nestled beside the majestic Masjid Sultan in Kampong Glam , Singapore. But spend a few minutes walking along its cobbled pathway, and you’ll discover that this modest street is rich with culture, color, and stories , from Turkish lamps to street art, from Islamic heritage to aromatic cuisine. Named after the capital of Oman, Muscat Street is a tribute to the long-standing relationship between Singapore and the Middle East , and it has evolved into a vibrant pedestrian zone that blends tradition with modern-day charm. Muscat Street A Historic Name with Middle Eastern Ties Muscat Street was revitalized and renamed in 2009 to commemorate the diplomatic ties between Singapore and Oman . As part of this renewal, the street was beautified with mosaic art , palm trees , and paved tiles , giving it an architectural character that pays homage to Arab and Islamic design traditions . The street forms a grand axis leading to ...