Fotografi: Singapore's very own Chinatown!

Chinatown. You can find these almost anywhere around the world. Its an ethnic enclave of expatriate Chinese people, although it is often generalized to include various Southeast Asian people. Being the largest ethnic group, Singapore's chinatown is considerably less of an enclave than it once was. However, the district does retain significant historical and cultural significance. Large sections of it have been declared national heritage sites officially designated for conservation by the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

The best time to visit chinatown is of course, near Chinese New Year. But I strongly suggest not going there during the CNY. It will be too crowded to even move around, let alone trying to pictures or having a nice dinner. A week before CNY is just right. Everyone is in a celebratory mood, the atmosphere is great, but the streets are still bearable.

Things to look out for are traditional chinese candies and delicacies, chinese new year knick knacks, and great chinese food. Go see the Budha Tooth Relic Temple. Scour the place, don't just go to see the giant Budha, ransack the place. You'll be amazed of what hidden gems you might find there.

When walking the streets, try to take the back-streets, the alleys, the road less travelled. Its not only a good way to avoid the crowd, but you'll get to see the 'behind the scene' things that makes chinatown the way it is. Here are the pics from this hunt. Enjoys peeps!