Exploring Little India Singapore: A Photographer’s Journey

Aug 20

RICKY GUI . 3.5 to 4.5 MINUTES READING TIME

I personally feel that Sunday is one of the best days to explore Little India. It’s not just a simple stroll under Singapore’s heated weather—it’s an immersion into raw culture, rich heritage, and the vibrant atmosphere of foreign workers gathering with friends on their day off.

For this walk, I only carried a 50mm lens on my Canon full-frame camera. I’ve owned this lens for decades and often use it for event work. Normally in event or commercial work, I like shooting at bigger aperture especially in low light for the beautiful bokeh effect that makes subjects pop with sharp clarity. But for this street walk, I mostly used a smaller aperture to capture more details throughout the scenes.

All images are edited in Lightroom.

**Kerbau Road - Symmetry**
I noticed an Indian man walking along Kerbau Road. What caught my eye was the **symmetrical design** of the shophouse facade, the striking red and yellow colors that naturally drew the viewer into the frame. I quickly snapped the moment when he walked into my frame. If you noticed, the strips on his shorts matches the color of the window and column. What a beautiful coincidence.

**Elevated View from HDB**
I went up to a nearby HDB block to seek a different perspective. Instead of the usual Instagram-style shots, I framed the shophouses through the corridor’s open space, using potted plants in the foreground as an extra layer of element, reflecting lifestyle of local residential.

Why Little India is underrated for photography

Spending more time on Instagram recently, I’ve noticed that Little India is underrated compared to Singapore’s “Instagram-famous” spots. There are for sure visiting tourists here, but I noticed fewer taking pictures. I may understand why—it feels like a beautiful chaos of energy, with so many moments unfolding at once. It can be quite a challenge for most tourists to settle in quickly. Even for me, it can be challenging to blend in at time. I have to admit the weather may play a part, the heat and humility in Southeast Asia is definitely a challenge even for the locals.

As I mentioned earlier, I noticed Sunday is the most bustling time—the streets are filled with movement, conversations, and energy, twice the amount as compare to weekdays. That makes it perfect for more travel photography opportunities. If you are happened to be in Singapore just for the weekend, you surely can’t miss this out. I go into when and how to explore Little India next.

**Butcher Shop Scene**
I had walked past this butcher shop several times but never stopped. On this occasion, I noticed three men inside and quickly framed a **symmetrical shot**. Later, in Lightroom, I realized how beautifully the **red color** popped out, from the ceiling to the side of the property. The bright bulbs provided the shop more energy and customers felt more welcoming to make purchase.

**Reflections and Hidden Details**
Recently, I’ve been drawn to reflections. While standing quietly, I saw an Indian man beside me is talking on the phone. Through the reflection I saw the shophouse window—I captured not only his image but also **two faint figures of women** in the darker tint. A little eerie, but fascinating.

When and how to explore Little India

If you asked me the best time to visit, I’d say: weekday early mornings. Arrive by 7:30am at Little India MRT, head to Tekka Centre for a local breakfast, then start your sightseeing. Observe daily life, visit the temples, try Indian snacks, and capture the cultural details.

Most locals are friendly if photographed respectfully. If they are working, take care to shoot with sensitivity. Sometimes, a short conversation makes people more open. If they refuse, simply move on.

The secret sauce to take good picture is to slow down your pace. Perhaps stand still, observe your surroundings—colors, symmetry, leading lines, framing. Once your eyes and mind adjust, you’ll start seeing scenes others overlook. That’s when you lift the camera. I guarantee you’ll walk away with memorable photographs that set your travel album apart from other tourists.

**Candid Conversation**
Two Indian men stood in front of a shuttered restaurant. One was pointing at the food menu, explaining something to his friend. I struggled to frame the shot in the narrow street, stepping backwards quickly and safely, afraid I might lose the moment. It turned out to be my favorite picture of the day. Even after I left they were still in conversation.

**Snack Shop Trio**
I passed an Indian snack shop with three men sitting in a row. At first, I walked on, but then turned back. Interestingly, they had left a chair between each of them, creating a **visual rhythm of space and separation** as they enjoyed their food.

Join a private photography tour in Singapore

If you want to experience Little India with guidance, Capture Asia offer one-on-one private photography tours in Little India & Kampong Gelam.

📍 Starting point: Little India MRT station
🕒 Duration: 3.5 hours

A.M. session: 09:00–12:30 hrs
P.M. session: 17:00–20:30 hrs

You’ll explore at your own pace, tailored to your skill level and creative interests. Expect on-the-spot photography advice, optional image reviews, and flexible routes through the precinct.

💰 Price: SGD $380
👉 Click here to book your Singapore Photography Tour

This tour is ideal for photographers from the USA, UK, and Europe who want more than just sightseeing—it’s about capturing Singapore’s soul through your lens.