The Little India of the 1900s Created by Horses and Cows, Hospitals and Markets
Collection Singapore Travel 2026.08.27

The Little India of the 1900s Created by Horses and Cows, Hospitals and Markets

Traces of Horseracing, Migration, Medicine, and Commerce Hidden Beneath Today's Streets

If we view today's Little India only through its colors and food, we might overlook the process of how this area was formed. The racecourses of the 1840s, trade in cows and dairy products, religious and mutual aid facilities of various immigrant communities, and old hospitals and markets shaped the current street names and living zones. This list follows the remaining buildings, murals, and place markers based on NHB's 1900s route.

Not every site has old facilities remaining as they were. Some places, like the Former Racecourse, allow you to read memories through their location and descriptions, while others, like the old hospital, are now used as business facilities and can only be viewed externally. By saving old photos and official maps on your phone and prioritizing the lives and safety of current users, change itself becomes an important aspect of the viewing experience.

Indian Heritage Centre

A national cultural institution that showcases the history of migration, living, and culture of the Indian community in Singapore and Southeast Asia. The reflective modern exterior and the traditional shopfronts of Campbell Lane present different eras.

Seeing materials related to the racecourses, livestock trading, and immigrant communities first in the exhibition allows us to read the place names we walk by afterward not as simple names, but as traces of industry and life. Check for closure on Mondays and the timing of the last entry to adjust the start time of your historical walk.

According to official guidance, the centre is closed on Mondays and the last entry is earlier than the closing time. Confirm special exhibition ticketing and recording restrictions, and after visiting, walking along Campbell Lane connects the exhibition's cultural life to the street scenery.
주소 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924 공식 안내 https://www.indianheritage.gov.sg/en/plan-your-visit/location-opening-hours 방문 팁 공식 안내상 월요일은 휴관이며 입장 마감이 폐관보다 이르다. 특별전 티켓과 촬영 제한을 확인하고, 관람 뒤 Campbell Lane을 걸으면 전시의 생활문화가 거리 풍경과 연결된다.

House of Tan Teng Niah

A rare Chinese villa remaining in Little India, built around 1900 by the Chinese merchant Tan Teng Niah. The vividly colored wooden window frames and decorations create a strong contrast among the surrounding shop houses.

As a residential building left by Chinese entrepreneur Tan Teng Niah, it shows that traces of another community coexist within the Indian trading area. Since it isn't an interior viewing facility, be careful to only see the exterior and not block the entrance or the access to neighboring shops.

Since we are looking at the current exterior, refrain from blocking entrances to private spaces or attempting to enter inside. Capture the facade in the soft morning light while being mindful of the road and parked vehicles for a brief photo opportunity.
주소 37 Kerbau Road, Singapore 219168 공식 안내 https://www.visitsingapore.com/neighbourhood/featured-neighbourhood/little-india/tan-teng-niah-house/ 방문 팁 현재 외관을 보는 장소이므로 사유 공간의 출입구를 막거나 내부 진입을 시도하지 않는다. 오전의 부드러운 빛에 정면을 담고, 도로와 주차 차량을 살피며 짧게 촬영한다.

Traditional Trades of Little India Mural

A mural by Psyfool that depicts traditional commerce and daily life scenes of Little India with various figures. Close to the Tan Teng Niah house, it allows for a comparison between architectural colors and narrative street art in one alley.

Finding occupations like barbering, laundry, and astrology in the mural makes it easy to imagine the labor that used to drive this street before it became a tourist spot. Since the area is shared by vehicles and pedestrians, observe the entire composition from a safe space across the street.

Given the narrow alley in front of the mural, consider wide-angle distortions and the presence of vehicles. Wait for other visitors to capture their photos, and avoid leaning against the mural or using props. After rain, be careful of the slick pavement before the wall.
주소 8 Belilios Lane, Singapore 219955 공식 안내 https://www.visitsingapore.com/content/dam/visitsingapore/neighbourhoods/little-india/Little-India_Digital-Version_Final_%281%29_%281%29.pdf 방문 팁 벽화 앞 골목이 좁아 광각 왜곡과 차량을 고려해야 한다. 다른 방문객의 촬영을 기다리고, 작품에 기대거나 소품을 붙이지 않는다. 비 온 뒤에는 벽면보다 미끄러운 노면을 먼저 살핀다.

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hall

A memorial space for Gandhi established following fundraising after Jawaharlal Nehru's visit to Singapore in 1950. Viewing it alongside the community facilities on Race Course Lane prompts reflection on how the Indian independence movement is remembered in overseas immigrant societies.

Exploring the context of why this space honoring Gandhi was established in Little India provides insights into the international solidarity and donation culture of Singapore's Indian community. Because operation or events may vary, focus on the building's exterior and memorial markers rather than internal access.

Do not assume that the interior is open like a permanent tourist facility; instead, focus on the exterior and cultural heritage explanations. Do not enter during events or group activities, and keep clear of vehicle and resident pathways in the narrow alley.
주소 3 Race Course Lane, Singapore 218731 공식 안내 https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/Little%20India%20Heritage%20Trail%20Serangoon%20in%20the%201900s 방문 팁 상시 관광시설처럼 내부가 개방된다고 가정하지 말고 외관과 문화유산 해설을 중심으로 본다. 행사나 단체 이용 중에는 출입하지 않으며 좁은 골목의 차량과 주민 동선을 비운다.

Foochow Methodist Church

A Methodist church connected to the Foochow Christian community, located at the corner of Race Course Road and Rotan Lane. This area, which often evokes only Indian heritage, also displays traces of the religion and mutual aid of Chinese immigrants.

The church holds the history of the Foochow Methodist community, which is a place that can be easily overlooked when viewing Little India solely as an Indian cultural enclave. Because worship schedules take precedence, it is more appropriate to quietly check the exterior and the informational sign rather than touring the interior as a tourist destination.

Check to see if internal observations are possible due to worship and church events. On Sundays, pass quietly by the exterior, and do not occupy the entrance or vehicle access points as a photo spot for long.
주소 90 Race Course Road, Singapore 218577 공식 안내 https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/Little%20India%20Heritage%20Trail%20Serangoon%20in%20the%201900s 방문 팁 예배와 교회 행사가 우선이므로 내부 관람 가능 여부를 현장에서 확인한다. 일요일에는 외관을 조용히 지나고, 출입구나 차량 진입로를 촬영 장소로 오래 점유하지 않는다.

A Ride Through Race Course Road Mural

A mural by Jaxton Su depicting memories of the old racecourse through scenes of horses and jockeys. It visually links the history of the former racecourse beneath the current restaurant street and the origin of the road's name.

Following the scenes of horses and carriages helps provide a quick understanding of how the name Race Course Road connects to the old racetrack. First, check the road situation in front of the mural, and observe details unobtrusively with a zoom to avoid interrupting pedestrian pathways.

Do not obstruct the alley in front of the mural or the vehicle access. Capturing the entire artwork along with the surrounding Race Course Road provides context, and the state may change due to repainting or construction, so check local markers.
주소 50 Race Course Road, Singapore 218562 공식 안내 https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/Little%20India%20Heritage%20Trail%20Serangoon%20in%20the%201900s 방문 팁 벽화 앞 골목과 차량 출입을 막지 않는다. 작품 전체와 주변 Race Course Road를 함께 담으면 맥락이 보이며, 도색·공사로 상태가 달라질 수 있어 현장 표지를 확인한다.

Former Racecourse at Farrer Park Field

This area was home to the first racetrack established by the Singapore Sporting Club in the 1840s. Looking only at today’s sports field and roads may obscure the traces, but they mark the starting point for explaining Race Course Road and the development of local commercial activities among the European residents nearby.

Imagining the scale of the former Serangoon racetrack from the current open field connects the street names and the flow of urban expansion. Since there is little shade and events may occur, avoid the heat of midday, and follow on-site guidance if there are restricted areas.

Rather than expecting any remaining racetrack facilities, view the cultural heritage map and old photos together. Adhere to controls for sports events and construction, and since there is little shade at midday, prepare water and a hat.
주소 Farrer Park Field, Rutland Road, Singapore 218253 공식 안내 https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/Little%20India%20Heritage%20Trail%20Serangoon%20in%20the%201900s 방문 팁 현재 남은 경마장 시설을 기대하기보다 문화유산 지도와 옛 사진을 함께 본다. 운동장 행사와 공사 통제를 따르고 한낮에는 그늘이 적으므로 물과 모자를 준비한다.

Former Kandang Kerbau Hospital

The old building of Kandang Kerbau Hospital, which operated as a general hospital in the early 20th century, now serves other public purposes. It is a place to understand the old nickname ‘K.K.’ representing the region and the backdrop of medical history.

The former women's and children's hospital site is an important part of local medical history that links to today’s KK Women's and Children's Hospital. Since it is a currently operational medical facility, do not enter patient areas and observe historical markers and changes to the building from public footpaths.

This is a point for viewing the exterior of a working facility, so do not enter or take photos of staff. Observe only from walkable public areas, and immediately follow construction and security guidelines if instructed.
주소 1 Hampshire Road, Singapore 219428 공식 안내 https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/Little%20India%20Heritage%20Trail%20Serangoon%20in%20the%201900s 방문 팁 현재 업무 시설의 외관을 보는 지점이므로 내부 출입이나 직원 촬영을 하지 않는다. 보행 가능한 공공 구간에서만 관찰하고 공사·보안 안내가 있으면 즉시 따른다.
After walking this course, it becomes clear that names like Race Course Road and Buffalo·Kerbau Road are not just simple place names, but memories of horseracing and cattle trading. The Chinese houses and churches, the memorial space for the Indian independence movement, as well as the hospitals and markets illustrate that Little India was not formed by only one community. The murals reconnect the vanished landscapes to the alleys of the present.

Use the NHB explanations as a starting point, but distinguish between what remains and what has disappeared on-site. Observe the interiors of business buildings and religious facilities without intruding, only from public walkways. The mid-day sports grounds can be hot and the alleys close to vehicular traffic, so prepare water and comfortable shoes for a stroll that reads the flow of urban change rather than a brief landmark check.
한눈에 보기 8개
Indian Heritage Centre
5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924 · https://www.indianheritage.gov.sg/en/plan-your-visit/location-opening-hours · 공식 안내상 월요일은 휴관이며 입장 마감이 폐관보다 이르다. 특별전 티켓과 촬영 제한을 확인하고, 관람 뒤 Campbell Lane을 걸으면 전시의 생활문화가 거리 풍경과 연결된다.
House of Tan Teng Niah
37 Kerbau Road, Singapore 219168 · https://www.visitsingapore.com/neighbourhood/featured-neighbourhood/little-india/tan-teng-niah-house/ · 현재 외관을 보는 장소이므로 사유 공간의 출입구를 막거나 내부 진입을 시도하지 않는다. 오전의 부드러운 빛에 정면을 담고, 도로와 주차 차량을 살피며 짧게 촬영한다.
Traditional Trades of Little India Mural
8 Belilios Lane, Singapore 219955 · https://www.visitsingapore.com/content/dam/visitsingapore/neighbourhoods/little-india/Little-India_Digital-Version_Final_%281%29_%281%29.pdf · 벽화 앞 골목이 좁아 광각 왜곡과 차량을 고려해야 한다. 다른 방문객의 촬영을 기다리고, 작품에 기대거나 소품을 붙이지 않는다. 비 온 뒤에는 벽면보다 미끄러운 노면을 먼저 살핀다.
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hall
3 Race Course Lane, Singapore 218731 · https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/Little%20India%20Heritage%20Trail%20Serangoon%20in%20the%201900s · 상시 관광시설처럼 내부가 개방된다고 가정하지 말고 외관과 문화유산 해설을 중심으로 본다. 행사나 단체 이용 중에는 출입하지 않으며 좁은 골목의 차량과 주민 동선을 비운다.
Foochow Methodist Church
90 Race Course Road, Singapore 218577 · https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/Little%20India%20Heritage%20Trail%20Serangoon%20in%20the%201900s · 예배와 교회 행사가 우선이므로 내부 관람 가능 여부를 현장에서 확인한다. 일요일에는 외관을 조용히 지나고, 출입구나 차량 진입로를 촬영 장소로 오래 점유하지 않는다.
A Ride Through Race Course Road Mural
50 Race Course Road, Singapore 218562 · https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/Little%20India%20Heritage%20Trail%20Serangoon%20in%20the%201900s · 벽화 앞 골목과 차량 출입을 막지 않는다. 작품 전체와 주변 Race Course Road를 함께 담으면 맥락이 보이며, 도색·공사로 상태가 달라질 수 있어 현장 표지를 확인한다.
Former Racecourse at Farrer Park Field
Farrer Park Field, Rutland Road, Singapore 218253 · https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/Little%20India%20Heritage%20Trail%20Serangoon%20in%20the%201900s · 현재 남은 경마장 시설을 기대하기보다 문화유산 지도와 옛 사진을 함께 본다. 운동장 행사와 공사 통제를 따르고 한낮에는 그늘이 적으므로 물과 모자를 준비한다.
Former Kandang Kerbau Hospital
1 Hampshire Road, Singapore 219428 · https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/trails/Little%20India%20Heritage%20Trail%20Serangoon%20in%20the%201900s · 현재 업무 시설의 외관을 보는 지점이므로 내부 출입이나 직원 촬영을 하지 않는다. 보행 가능한 공공 구간에서만 관찰하고 공사·보안 안내가 있으면 즉시 따른다.
위치 한눈에 보기 8곳

이 포스팅은 쿠팡 파트너스 활동의 일환으로, 이에 따른 일정액의 수수료를 제공받습니다.

댓글 0

로그인 후 댓글을 작성할 수 있습니다.

첫 댓글을 남겨보세요.

이런 리스트는 어때요?

이런 리스트도 추천해요

🎲

여기서 멈추기엔 아쉽잖아?

다음에 뭘 볼지 고민하는 시간이 제일 아까워.
주사위가 대신 골라줄게 — 무슨 리스트가 튀어나올지는 굴려봐야 알지.
안 누르면… 평생 궁금하지 않겠어? 👀

All menu
Login required
Log in
Categories
Language
Display mode

Drum roll… picking a list!

모하지
Use Mohazi as an app
Open it from your home screen and browse faster.
On iPhone, tap the Share button at the bottom of Safari, then choose “Add to Home Screen” to use it like an app.