The Murals at Mohamed Ali Lane: A Visitor Guide | Singapore Purple Travel Guide
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Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideThe Mohamed Ali Lane Murals offer a nostalgic window into the soul of old Singapore. Painted by the renowned local artist Yip Yew Chong, these life-sized heritage murals bring to life the traditional trades and everyday scenes that once defined the streets of Chinatown. Unlike the modern street art found elsewhere in the city, these works are deeply rooted in local history and serve as a ‘visual museum’ for visitors exploring the back lanes of the district.
Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.
free GuruWalk tours
paid Viator tours
Why You Should Visit
Visiting these murals is a fantastic way to discover the ‘hidden’ side of Chinatown away from the main tourist crowds. The art is incredibly detailed and designed to be interactive, allowing you to pose with the figures as if you were part of the scene. It is an essential stop for anyone interested in the social history of Singapore and those looking for unique, meaningful photo opportunities.
What is Special About It?
- The ‘Paper Mask Seller’: One of the most famous murals in the lane, depicting an elderly man surrounded by traditional hand-painted Chinese opera masks.
- The ‘Mamak Store’: A vibrant recreation of a traditional roadside convenience stall, complete with vintage snacks and old-fashioned bottled drinks.
- The ‘Lion Dance Head Maker’: This piece captures the intricate craftsmanship of creating lion heads for traditional festivals, a trade that is now rare in the modern city.
- Hyper-Realism: Yip Yew Chong is known for his ability to paint with incredible detail—look closely and you will see realistic textures on the ‘wooden’ furniture and ‘fabric’ of the clothing.
History and Facts
- Artist Yip Yew Chong: A self-taught artist who grew up in Chinatown, Yip began painting these murals in 2015 to preserve his childhood memories of the neighborhood.
- Preserving ‘Vanishing’ Trades: The subjects of these murals are specific people and trades that have largely disappeared from Singapore's landscape due to rapid modernization.
- Community Art: These murals were supported by local residents and the Singapore Tourism Board to revitalize the quiet side streets of the heritage district.
Self-Guided Information
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Opening Hours |
Exterior: Open 24 hours |
Admission Fee |
Free for all visitors |
Best Time to Go |
Early morning (8:30 AM – 10:00 AM) for soft lighting and empty alleys. |
Getting There |
5-minute walk from Chinatown MRT (Exit A) or Telok Ayer MRT (Exit A). |
Accessibility |
The lane is flat and paved, making it easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. |
Traveler Tip
Many people miss these murals because they are located in a quiet alleyway off South Bridge Road. To find them easily, look for the junction where Mohamed Ali Lane meets South Bridge Road. Because these are in a residential and commercial lane, please be mindful of residents and local businesses while you are taking your photos.
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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
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