6 posts categorized "Singapore"

Charlene reporting from Singapore

Monday, 11 October 2010 by Irene Hoofs

Singapore is a city state with modern buildings and convenience of transport. If you ever consider going to Singapore for a short visit and would like to go to attractions that do not require entrance fees. Here are some of my personal favorite places to go.

Visit the Chinatown if you’re interested in the culture and sights of the largest ethnic group in Singapore. A great place to shop for traditional Chinese goods plus great shopping bargains. Singapore is a food paradise so you must not miss the local Singapore food. So, eat your heart out at the huge People's Park Food Centre. A few of those must try local dishes are Laksa, Char Kway Teow, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Satay, Nasi Lemak.

While you're in the vicinity, I highly recommend you this noteworthy shop :: Casualpoet

Casualpoet – a newly opened arts and cultural concept store housed on the 3d floor of an old shophouse. I love this small, cozy boutique (with a mini café!) itself, the home, paper goods, books, record labels that they are stocking. You will love this shop if you have a thing for linen and natural fashions. They have 2 separate online stores selling cultural goods and daily goods.

Location: 3rd level, 273B New Bridge Road.

Singapore Art Museum is a great place for photography. The building itself has fantastic architecture and the inside is filled with amazing and beautiful pieces.

For Japanese craft lovers, Kinokuniya is located at Takashimaya. Also, don’t miss the Art Friend, a huge store selling art supplies. It is located just right above Kinokuniya. Another great place to shop for craft supplies is Spotlight at Plaza Singapura.

For the scrapbookers, go experience the magic of paper at Laine’s Papeterie located at Wheelock Place.

Let’s move away from the hustle bustle of Orchard Road and head to Bugis. A few minutes walk from Bugis will take you to Arab Street, the shopping paradise for all crafters. There are a lot of small shops where you can shop for beautiful textiles, silks and other craft supplies.

Just beside Arab Street is Haji Lane, the Singapore designer street with a lot of hip, quaint, quirky shops. Some of my favorite shops include Soon Lee, Pluck and Salad. Check out the lovely accessories, clothing, the beautiful interior designs, unique ornaments in these shops.

Soon Lee is located at 56 Haji Lane, level 2.

Salad - A black and white theme boutique with modern fashion and home accessories.
Location: 25/27 Haji Lane

If you love greenery, resort-like ambience and nice dining places, you have to visit the Dempsey Hill area that caters to families and diners.

Complete your trip and enjoy a glass of Singapore Sling at the Long Bar in the famous Raffles Hotel.

There are of course other things to do and see, but in my opinion the above places are the best to give you an overview of the latest, coolest shopping finds along some narrow lanes/streets hidden in Singapore. I'd like to thank Irene for inviting me to contribute to Bloesem’s World Tour project. Thanks for reading and I hope to see you all in Singapore soon! {Thanks to you too, Charlene for this great write-up}