Leaning Tower of Singapore

Yes, it may be not as tall but Singapore has it's own Leaning Tower. Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, located in Beach road. Building was completed in 1846 and the mosque is named after a wealthy business woman. It is also the only mosque in Singapore named after a woman and was gazetted as a National Museum in 1973. The noticeable tilt of the unique minaret earned it the nickname, "The Leaning Tower of Singapore".

The tower is tilted at 6 degrees and to put it in perspective the Leaning Tower of Pisa had an original tilt of 5.5 degrees but after restoration work was done in 1990 and 2001 it currently has a tilt of only 3.99 degrees. The monument is within walking distance of the Nicoll Highway MRT station and you will be greeted by a beautiful garden at the front entrance.

Enclosed by a high wall, the Hajjah Fatimah Mosque compound comprises a prayer hall, a mausoleum (where Hajjah Fatimah is buried), the quarters of an Imam (Malay priest), an ablution area, several annexes and a garden. Visitor are welcome and entrance is free but do make sure you dress appropriately if you intend entering the mosque.

The notice board at the entrance read "No entry to visitors in shorts, low neck, bare back or other revealing clothes" and do remember to take of your shoes at the entrance as is the custom with all mosques. A unique monument and well worth a visit with plenty of photographic opportunities.

You can combine the visit with some other interesting places to see within walking distance like, Victoria Street Wholesale Market and Arab Street which I will do a separate posting on. Plan your walking route and end up at the Bugis MRT after visiting the Bugis Street Market and Bugis Junction for good measure. Remember the water.