Tanjong Pagar: The Heartbeat of Chinatown, Singapore

• Hello你好
  [Nǐ hǎo]
• Goodbye再见
  [Zàijiàn]
• Yes是
  [Shì]
• No不
  [Bù]
• Please/You're welcome请
  [Qǐng]
• Thank you谢谢
  [Xièxiè]
• Excuse me/Sorry对不起
  [Duìbuqǐ]
• How are you?你好吗？
  [Nǐ hǎo ma?]
• Fine. And you?很好。你呢？
  [Hěn hǎo. Nǐ ne?]
• Do you speak English?你会说英语吗？
  [Nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma?]
• I don't understand我不懂
  [Wǒ bù dǒng]

• I'd like to see the menu, please请给我菜单
  [Qǐng gěi wǒ càidān]
• I don't eat meat我不吃肉
  [Wǒ bù chī ròu]
• Cheers!干杯！
  [Gānbēi!]
• I would like to pay, please请给我付款
  [Qǐng gěi wǒ fùkuǎn]

• Help!救命！
  [Jiùmìng!]
• Go away!走开！
  [Zǒu kāi!]
• Call the Police!叫警察！
  [Jiào jǐngchá!]
• Call a doctor!叫医生！
  [Jiào yīshēng!]
• I'm lost我迷路了
  [Wǒ mílùle]
• I'm ill我生病了
  [Wǒ shēngbìngle]

• I'd like to buy...我想买...
  [Wǒ xiǎng mǎi...]
• I'm just looking我只是看看
  [Wǒ zhǐshì kàn kàn]
• How much is it?这个多少钱？
  [Zhège duōshǎo qián?]
• That's too expensive太贵了
  [Tài guìle]
• Can you lower the price?可以便宜点吗？
  [Kěyǐ piányi diǎn ma?]

• What time is it?现在几点了？
  [Xiànzài jǐ diǎnle?]
• It's one o'clock现在一点
  [Xiànzài yīdiǎn]
• Half past (10)十点半
  [Shí diǎn bàn]
• Morning早上
  [Zǎoshang]
• Afternoon下午
  [Xiàwǔ]
• Evening晚上
  [Wǎnshang]
• Yesterday昨天
  [Zuótiān]
• Today今天
  [Jīntiān]
• Tomorrow明天
  [Míngtiān]
• 1一
  [Yī]
• 2二
  [Èr]
• 3三
  [Sān]
• 4四
  [Sì]
• 5五
  [Wǔ]
• 6六
  [Liù]
• 7七
  [Qī]
• 8八
  [Bā]
• 9九
  [Jiǔ]
• 10十
  [Shí]

• Where's a/the...?...在哪里？
  [...Zài nǎlǐ?]
• What's the address?地址是什么？
  [Dìzhǐ shì shénme?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?可以给我看地图吗？
  [Kěyǐ gěi wǒ kàn dìtú ma?]
• When's the next (bus)?下一班（公共汽车）是什么时候？
  [Xià yī bān (gōnggòng qìchē) shì shénme shíhòu?]
• A ticket (to ....)一张票（到...）
  [Yī zhāng piào (dào...)]

Tanjong Pagar, located within the larger Chinatown district, was established in the early 19th century as part of Singapore's colonial expansion. The area was initially a fishing village and a port, where traders would dock their boats, making it a vital hub for commerce and transportation. The name 'Tanjong Pagar' translates to 'cape of the fence', referring to the wooden fence that was built to protect the area.

Throughout the 19th century, Tanjong Pagar became a melting pot of cultures, particularly for Chinese immigrants who arrived seeking better economic opportunities. The area is characterized by its rich tapestry of cultures, which include Malay, Indian, and Eurasian influences. This diversity is reflected in the architecture, cuisine, and festivals celebrated within the neighbourhood.

In 1859, the Hokkien clan established the Hokkien Huay Kuan, one of the earliest clan associations in Singapore, in Tanjong Pagar. This association played a significant role in supporting the local Hokkien community, providing financial assistance, social services, and a sense of belonging. The building still stands today and is a testament to the historical significance of clan associations in the area.

During World War II, Tanjong Pagar was significantly affected by the Japanese occupation of Singapore from 1942 to 1945. The area witnessed various wartime activities, including the establishment of military installations. Post-war, Tanjong Pagar saw rapid redevelopment, with many buildings being reconstructed or repurposed to accommodate the growing population and economic activity.

In recent decades, Tanjong Pagar has undergone substantial urban renewal while preserving its historical architecture. The area features a blend of heritage shophouses and modern skyscrapers, showcasing Singapore's commitment to balancing development with cultural preservation. Initiatives like the Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area reflect the neighbourhood's historical significance within the broader context of Chinatown and Singapore's multicultural identity.

Tanjong Pagar is conveniently located in Chinatown and is easily accessible from neighboring areas. From Chinatown MRT Station, take the East West Line towards Pasir Ris and alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT Station. Alternatively, you can walk from Chinatown, which takes around 15 minutes. Buses also service the area, with several routes connecting Tanjong Pagar to other parts of the city.

Tanjong Pagar is well-served by public transport. The MRT station offers easy access, while buses run frequently throughout the area. For a more leisurely experience, consider renting a bicycle from one of the bike-sharing services available in Singapore. Walking is also a great way to explore the charming streets and historical buildings of Tanjong Pagar.

Tanjong Pagar is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as in any urban area, it is advisable to remain vigilant, especially in crowded places. Specific areas with occasional petty crimes include poorly lit side streets. Keep personal belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables excessively.

In the event of an emergency, dial 999 for police assistance or 995 for medical emergencies. Tanjong Pagar has several hospitals and clinics nearby. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and to familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest medical facilities.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather. Avoid overly revealing outfits, especially when visiting places of worship. Religion: Do respect local customs; remove your shoes when entering temples. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to the elderly or disabled. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a polite nod or handshake. Don't engage in overly loud conversations in public. Eating & Drinking: Do try local food; it's a big part of the culture. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Tanjong Pagar like a local, visit the vibrant hawker centers for authentic local cuisine. Engage with the friendly vendors and try dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and laksa. Explore the back alleys and heritage buildings for a glimpse of the area's rich history. Don't miss the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, which is an iconic landmark. Join local festivals if your visit coincides with celebrations, to immerse yourself in the community's culture.