May 19, 2026
The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, built in 1827. It is built in the Dravidian style and is located in the downtown Chinatown district and classified as a National Monument.The founder Naraina Pillai was a government clerk from Penang who arrived in Singapore with Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819. Pillai set up the islands first construction company and also entered the textile trade. He rapidly established himself and was identified as the leader of the Indian Community.
I was so surprised to see the Temple in Chinatown, on the end of Pagoda Street nonetheless! I had assumed it would be over in Indian Town, but given it's age, I now get the placement. I love all the colors and the statues are so expressive. It is stunning inside and out!
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WOW!! I can't believe it has been two years of sailing around the World already for me and my fellow shipmates on the Villa Vie Odyssey! We left Belfast, Ireland back on September 30, 2024 and it has been such a great adventure to date! We have been to 201 different ports, some more than once, during those two years, with much more to come!
Before coming to Cambodia , I sadly have to admit I was unaware of the landmine problems they face. On our first night in Siem Reap, where we hiked up the hill to try and see the sunset views, there was a small band of men playing instruments and our tuk tuk driver explained to me they were victims of landmine explosions who had lost limbs or their sight and were trying to make money via donations to support their families.
I rallied for our last temple of the morning, because I heard this one was unique and I think it was my favorite. Ta Prohm was built starting in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university dedicated to the king's mother. It was left mostly un-restored so that huge banyan and silk cotton trees grow directly over and through the walls. In 2001, the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie was filmed here.