Both guided and self-guided bicycle tours have become increasingly popular because of the flexibility and independence they offer. They cost less than stuffy bus tours and allow travellers the first-hand immersive experience of the destination: sights, sounds and smells.

While some prefer to travel with their bicycles, others might prefer the option to rent a bicycle upon arrival. Cycling in most Asian cities is common sight and in a metropolitan city like Singapore, it is a good option for travellers who wish to experience the unbeaten path and less commercially available touristy spots. Cycling also offers an option for travellers who wish to experience the city yet uncover hidden gems like street art, local culture and street food in the resident neighbourhoods.

One such example is Little India in Singapore. While it is a popular tourist attraction, walking and cycling around the bustling area will allow travellers to see interesting murals, dine in quaint cafes and peruse unique handicrafts!

Little India

A joint initiative by the National Arts Council, the Singapore Tourism Board and the Singapore Economic Development Board, the Singapore Art Week (SAW) reinforces Singapore’s position as Asia’s leading arts destination. In its fifth edition in 2017, the twelve-day celebration of the visual arts takes place in venues across Singapore, from galleries and museums to art precincts and non-profit spaces.

This year, in collaboration with the Lasalle College of the Arts, the STB and the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association, have come together to commemorate SAW (11 - 22 January 2017) with six large-scale commissioned murals at designated places around Little India.

Cycling around, we managed to locate three of the six:

Clive Street:
 

Dunlop Street:
 

Hindoo Road Carpark:
 

The others we uncovered may have been a bonus to us but they were considered masterpieces, no less.

Veerasamy Road estate:

 

Dunlop street (in an alley behind a backpacker’s lodge):
 

Rowell Road:

Opposite Hindoo Road:

Just along Clive Street:

We found tons of alleys filled with retro fittings from shophouses of a era passed. Here we decided to contrast rustic with something modern:

Little India is a bustling colourful place with loads to offer travellers with a curious eye.

Cycling around areas such as Chinatown and the Malay District, travellers will notice the remnants of colonial areas while exploring our Lion City and get a taste of our unique history. Places such as the Merlion Park, Marina Bay Reservoir, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Flyer, and Esplanade–Theatres on the Bay, showcase how Singapore is connected via a large unique interlinking network of park connectors, allowing cyclists easy access to parks and other fringe attractions.