Things to do in Singapore

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

Inside:

Where to find the top 10green spots in Singapore

Must-see culture and arts Exciting escapes on your doorstep

Things to do in

2 EXPATLIVING2017

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

ALL ABOUT THE

When it comes to culture and the arts, Singapore punches above its weight. There’s a thriving theatre scene, temples galore, more and more big name music acts taking the stage, a plethora of galleries to choose from, and an endless array of festivals, concerts and exhibitions to keep you busy all year long. Here’s our guide to the best of it!

#1 NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE

The National Gallery opened its doors to the public on 24 November 2015. It’s the permanent home for the National Collection, as well as other Southeast

MUST-SEE MUSEUMS & GALLERIES If you love looking a t wo r l d - c l a s s a r t wo r k s a n d exhibitions, here are some of the places you need tomake a beeline towards in Singapore. 7

Asian works from the 19th century to the present day. Located in the Civic District, the Gallery occupies the former City Hall and Supreme Court heritage buildings, making it the largest visual arts venue in Singapore, and in the region – matching established museums like the Musée d’Orsay (France) and Tate Modern (UK) in size. nationalgallery.sg Editors’ tip: If you happen to be more “foodie” than “arty”, a visit to the National Gallery is still a must; at last count, there were eight places to wine and dine in the complex, from modern French at Odette to spectacular skyline views from Aura Sky Lounge.

3

EXPATLIVING2017

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

Artscience Museum

Everything | Shutterstock.com

#2 ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM Featuring 21 galleries, this iconic, lotus- inspired building is a leading venue for major international touring exhibitions, recently hosting exhibits about everything from dinosaurs to photographer Annie Leibovitz; at the time of this guide’s publication, the current exhibition was Future World: Where Art Meets Science. The museum sits in front of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, near the Double Helix Bridge. marinabaysands.com/artsciencemuseum Currently the country’s largest museum, the National Museum of Singapore is housed in a stunning 120-year-old neoclassical building on Stamford Road near Fort Canning Park. The museum features a 2,800-square-metre Singapore History Gallery and four creative “living” galleries, which explore local culture, film, food and fashion. nationalmuseum.sg #3 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE

#4 SINGAPORE ART MUSEUM (SAM) SAM is home to the national art collection of Singapore and boasts the largest collection of 20th-century Southeast Asian art. Unfortunately, space limitations mean that only 200 of the 8,000 works can be exhibited at any one time, but this changed when the National Gallery opened. In addition, SAM’s fantastic Art Garden is an interactive contemporary exhibition for children, held annually. nhb.gov.sg/sam #5 ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM Situated directly across the river from Boat Quay and the Fullerton Hotel, the Asian Civilisations Museum has 11 galleries, showcasing over 1,300 artefacts fromChina, Southeast Asia and West Asia. The museum has an action-packed event schedule to suit all ages, cultures and tastes. acm.org.sg

4 EXPATLIVING2017

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

Peranakan Museum

Hatchapong Palurtchaivong, DoublePHOTO studio | Shutterstock.com

#6 PERANAKAN MUSEUM Peranakans are part Chinese, part Malay, and part descendants of the original, non-Malay inhabitants of Singapore. The Peranakan Museum, located around the corner from the National Museum, consists of 10 permanent galleries, each of which explores various aspects of Peranakan life including the elaborate 12-day Peranakanwedding, the role of nonyas (Peranakanwomen) and traditional foods. peranakanmuseum.sg Opened in April 2015, this is Singapore’s only museum dedicated to showcasing Southeast Asian biodiversity. Be amazed at the extensive variety of plants and animals in 16 different thematic zones. Don’t forget to visit the museum’s three famous dinosaurs, Prince, Apollonia and Twinky. lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg #7 LEE KONG CHIAN NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

More museums and galleries to explore

Stamp collectors will love the Singapore Philatelic Museum , whose collection dates back to the Straits Settlements. MINT is the world’s first museum built solely for toys, presenting a wide range of vintage toys including Tintin collectables, exclusive teddy bear collections and Astroboy figurines. MINT-goers can finish off their visit with cocktails and a splendid view of the skyline at the museum’s rooftop bar, Mr. Punch. Popular contemporary art galleries include REDSEA Gallery (Dempsey Hill), Chan Hampe Galleries (Raffles Hotel), 11.12 Galler y and Art Plural Gallery (Armenian Street), Opera Gallery (IONOrchard), Singapore Tyler Print Institute (Robertson Quay) and Gillman Barracks , a cluster of 17 international galleries, including the Centre for Contemporary Art , set in conserved British army barracks near the West Coast. A good place to find the most up- to-date gallery listings is singaporeart.org or the art gallery guide at sagg.com.sg.

5

EXPATLIVING2017

CENTRES OF WORSHIP From tiny shrines set up in restaurants to toweringHindu temples and more, Singapore is awash with structures and bui ldings wi th a religious purpose. Here are some of the more noteworthy and historical places of worship. 6

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Sean Pavone | Shutterstock.com

#1 MASJID SULTAN Malay for “Sultan Mosque”, this remarkable structure is located in Kampong Glam, or the Arab Quarter. It was built in 1928 on the site of a much older mosque. The mosque offers services as well as classes, religious and legal

#4 ARMENIAN CHURCH While it isn’t the largest Christian church in Singapore, it was completed in 1835, making it the oldest. It’s located in a charming and peaceful setting near Fort Canning Park. Services are rarely held here. armeniansinasia.org #5 SRI MARIAMMAN TEMPLE Built in 1827 for worship by immigrants from South India, this is the island’s oldest Hindu temple. Located in the heart of Chinatown, the temple boasts an ornamental tower entrance that’s a true Singapore landmark. Services and major festivals are regularly held at the temple. heb.gov.sg/temples #6 THIAN HOCK KENG The Temple of Heavenly Happiness on Telok Ayer Street is the oldest Hokkien temple in Singapore. It was built between 1839 and 1842 to serve as a temple, school and community centre. Truly impressive is the fact that the entire structure was assembled without nails – a masterpiece of stone, tiles and wood, dragons, phoenixes, carvings and columns. thianhockkeng.com.sg

counselling. sultanmosque.org.sg #2 BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE

This Tang Dynasty-style temple ( pictured ) was constructed in 2002 to house the tooth relic of the historical Buddha and serve as a Chinese Buddhist cultural centre. It holds services regularly, and provides educational opportunities and welfare services. The complex also includes a museum with ancient artefacts. btrts.org.sg Hebrew for “Shield of Our Fathers”, Maghain Aboth was completed in 1878 and is the oldest Jewish synagogue in Southeast Asia. Attached to the synagogue – located on Waterloo Street – is the Jacob Ballas Centre, built in 2007, which includes a full service kosher restaurant, kosher market and a social hall for festive meals and functions. singaporejews.com #3 MAGHAIN ABOTH SYNAGOGUE

6 EXPATLIVING2017

6

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

PERFORMANCE PLACES

Luriya Chinwan | Shutterstock.com

#1 THE NATIONAL STADIUM Opened in 2014 as part of the newly revamped Sports Hub centre, the National Stadium has already become one of Singapore’s most exciting venues for large- scale sports and entertainment events. The arena boasts a massive, retractable domed roof, along with an innovative air-cooling system across all 55,000 seats to ensure spectator comfort. sportshub.com.sg #2 THE INDOOR STADIUM Also part of the Sports Hub complex, this 12,000-seater has hosted a wide array of entertainment events, and a heap of big- name acts, from Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga to Bruno Mars and Eric Clapton. Situated on the outskirts of the city centre in Kallang, the venue is easily accessible by the Stadium MRT stop. Behind the venue is The Stadium Waterfront, which offers alfresco dining options along with retail shops and occasional street markets. sportshub.com.sg #3 THE STAR THEATRE This 5,000-seat auditorium, one of Singapore’s newest, is part of The Star Performing Arts Centre in Buona Vista. With plenty of pre-theatre dining options to choose from in the downstairs Star Vista

shopping centre, and conveniently situated near the Buona Vista MRT lines, what’s not to love? thestar.sg/the-star-theatre #4 ESPLANADE – THEATRES ON THE BAY The Esplanade sits on prime waterfront land by Marina Bay, and offers a complete lifestyle experience – dining, shopping and the performing arts. The building houses multiple venues including a concert hall, theatre and several, more intimate recital studios and performance spaces. The structure itself is a sight to see, as its unique architectural design is thought to resemble a durian, the region’s beloved tropical fruit. esplanade.com

Visual and Performing Art Groups

Singapore offers an array of entertaining performances by local and international arts groups such as orchestras, dance troupes and theatre companies. Some established performing arts groups include the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Singapore Chinese Orchestra, Singapore Dance Theatre, Singapore Lyric Opera, Singapore Repertory Theatre, Wild Rice and Pangdemonium.

7

EXPATLIVING2017

The National Stadium

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

BEST FOR BOOKWORMS The main campus of the National Library (nlb.gov.sg) at 100 Victoria Street houses an impressive collection of books, DVDs, magazines and newspapers, and a seven-storey reference section. Libraries in Singapore regularly offer fun and educational activities for children including storytelling, movie screenings and live performances. In addition, the Early Literacy Library , which opened in 2014 at Jurong Regional Library, offers a collection of over 60,000 books and audio-visual materials in four languages – English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil – which cater to the reading and learning needs of children six and under. Also notable is the performing arts library, Library@Esplanade , which offers resources and services in the areas of music, dance, theatre and film, including everything from sheet music and contemporary theatre scripts to music CDs and instructional dance videos. If you’re seeking a bit of self-improvement, you’ll enjoy visiting The LLiBrary , which opened in late 2014 in Paya Lebar. It’s the first public library that provides patrons with materials to upgrade their skills, find self-help andmore. Interestingly, as you move further into The LLiBrary, the bookshelves become progressively taller, symbolising the gaining of knowledge. Editors’ tip: Joining the library There are 26 libraries across the island, and joining is simple. For expats, there’s an annual fee of $42.80 and a one-off registration fee of $10.50. For PRs (permanent residents), annual membership is free. Membership entitles you to borrow books and DVDs, and thousands of electronic books can be downloaded online. The excellent online catalogue is a simple way to search for a book, reserve and even extend a loan, all from home. Also, if you sign up for an email reminder, they’ll let you know that your books are due five days beforehand. Visit pl.sg and click on “Library Guide”.

#5 MASTERCARD THEATRES AT MARINA BAY SANDS Located within The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands – which includes a vast assortment of restaurants, retail stores and a casino – the MasterCard Theatres are made up of the Grand Theatre and Sands Theatre, both of which stage numerous concerts, musicals and other performances year-round. The Theatres have hosted Broadway productions including The Phantom of the Opera , My Fair Lady , Grease and Wicked . marinabaysands. com/entertainment #6 THE MEADOW With a standing capacity of up to 30,000 people, The Meadow, located at Gardens by the Bay, is one of Singapore’s largest outdoor event spaces. With a panoramic view of the Garden’s iconic conservatory domes and super-trees, and the city’s downtown cityscape, it’s a fantastic setting to experience all sorts of performances. gardensbythebay. com.sg Editors’ tip: Other outdoor entertainment spots Evening performances at outdoor venues such as Fort Canning and the Botanic Gardens can be particularly pleasant, and they’re often free. All you need is a picnic blanket and a bottle of wine – and something to keep the mozzies at bay!

8 EXPATLIVING2017

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

THEGREAT

10TopGreen Spots

#1 SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS

The Botanic Gardens is an impressive oasis of greenery, with terrain varying from rolling lawns to jungle, and plant life from orchids to cacti. In 2015, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first and only tropical botanic garden on the list. It features the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, a special garden for kids, while Symphony Lake is a great spot for families and friends to gather for picnics and open-air concerts. For information on events, workshops and tours, visit sbg.org.sg. #2 MACRITCHIE RESERVOIR Meander along the boardwalks at the water’s edge, or hike through the forest on a cross-country trail. Routes vary from one to five hours. A highlight is the HSBC TreeTop Walk – a 250-metre aerial suspension bridge with panoramic views over the surrounding rainforest and Upper Peirce Reservoir. MacRitchie Reservoir is home to just one of Singapore’s many popular running trails. If you’re keen on all things jogging, search for our series of “Running in Singapore” features on the Expat Living website. They’re full of tips, profiles and calendars of running events both on the island and in the region.

Botanic Gardens

Trong Nguyen | Shutterstock.com

9

EXPATLIVING2017

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

#4 BUKIT TIMAH NATURE RESERVE

One of the largest swathes of primary forest left in Singapore, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is home to more than 840 flowering plants and over 500 animal species. The park also boasts Singapore’s highest peak and several winding forest trails. Editors’ note: Since September 2015, there has been limited public access to some parts of Bukit Timah Reserve due to rehabilitation works; check nparks.gov.sg for updates. #5 EAST COAST PARK Singapore’s largest and most popular park, East Coast Park offers a long stretch of sea, sand and swaying palms. Come here for the refreshing breeze and enjoy walking, cycling, rollerblading and barbecues. The well-loved Marine Cove also finally reopened in July 2016 after a four-year hiatus. It features a huge outdoor playground as well as a variety of family-friendly dining concepts including a unique upscale McDonald’s outlet. Editors’ tip: Exercise aside, the outdoor restaurants and hawker centres here are a great place to watch the sunset. #6 GARDENS BY THE BAY Spanning 101 hectares, Gardens by the Bay (gardensbythebay.org.sg) comprises three waterfront gardens, the towering super trees and two massive indoor environments: Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. The showcase of horticulture and garden artistry aims to “bring the world of plants to Singapore and present Singapore to the world”. And the Children’s Garden (free entry) is a treat, with water-play areas, swings, climbing equipment and an adventure trail.

Springleaf Nature Park

Khemanan | Shutterstock.com

#3 SPRINGLEAF, CHESTNUT, THOMSON ANDWINDSOR

The first of four brand new green zones planned for Singapore opened in late 2014. Six-hectare Springleaf Nature Park is located between Upper and Lower Seletar Reservoir and is home to over 80 species of resident and migratory birds. Chestnut Nature Park officially opened in April 2016. The 17-hectare nature park is the first in Singapore to offer separate mountain biking and hiking trails, and visitors can also look forward to bird watching. The two other new areas, Thomson and Windsor Nature Parks, will be considerably larger (up to 80 hectares each), and are likely to open in 2016 or later.

10 EXPATLIVING2017

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

#7 FORT CANNING Established in 1859 as an arms store, barracks and hospital, Fort Canning is sprinkled with memorials of Singapore’s history. Attractions include Sir Stamford Raffles’ personal bungalow and the Spice Garden – a replica of the original 19-hectare tract established by Raffles in 1822. There are plenty of winding paths and quiet spaces too. #8 SUNGEI BULOHWETLAND RESERVE Wend your way through the mangrove forest boardwalks, or watch the birdlife over the freshwater wetlands – especially during the September to March migratory season. Check sbwr.org.sg for regular workshops and demonstrations. Opened to the public in October 2015, this ecologically sustainable park focuses on conserving energy and water, recycling and retaining the natural elements in the park. Try your hand at bird watching and look out for one of the 80 species of birds. Explore its rich biodiversity in the variety of habitats, including coastal forests, grasslands and mangroves. #9 CONEY ISLAND

#10 PULAU UBIN Visiting this island is like taking a trip back in time. Get a taste of what Singapore was like in the 1960s by exploring the island’s trails, shady rubber plantations, isolated beaches and thriving mangroves. Hire a bike and check out the Chek Jawa wetlands – one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems – to see mangroves, coastal forests, seagrass lagoons and coral rubble. To get to Pulau Ubin, take a bumboat (around $3) from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Doggy Destinations Don’t miss our great online roundup of all the canine-friendly green spaces in Singapore. Just visit expatliving.sg and search for “Dog Parks”. While you’re there, check out the wide range of interesting articles about things to do in Singapore.

11

EXPATLIVING2017

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

KenWongYL | Shutterstock.com

Chinese and Japanese Gardens

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

e X p o s e | Shutterstock.com

to inspire people who love gardening. The nursery sells plants and garden accessories. On Singapore’s northeast coast, 71-hectare Pasir Ris Park (close to Changi Airport) is popular for pond-fishing and bike rental and has a six-hectare mangrove forest with boardwalks. One of the oldest coastal parks in Singapore, Changi Beach Park offers over three kilometres of coastal boardwalks passing long stretches of beach. Visit the Chinese and Japanese Gardens for an interesting mix of planting, landscaping and oriental architecture. Attractions include a main building based on Beijing’s Summer Palace and an extensive bonsai garden. Lanterns light up at night during the mid-autumn festival.

Attractions at Labrador Park include World War II bunkers, tunnels and a fort. The park also boasts panoramic sea views. Visit Mount Faber for views over the city, the harbour and the southern islands. You can also take a cable car to Sentosa. Recently renovated, West Coast Park has been entirely built on reclaimed land. Attractions include a bird sanctuary with boardwalks, sea views, and an adventure playground. The Southern Ridges links a series of a hill trails between Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill and Kent Ridge Park, with great views across the Telok Blangah area. Highlights are the undulating Henderson Waves Bridge and the elevated 1.3 kilometres of Forest Walk. Hort Park is a recreational and educational park that includes a variety of showgardens

12 EXPATLIVING2017

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

Ready, Set,

Malls, malls and more malls! We’ll bet that’s one of the first things you noticed while out exploring your new home. But there’s much more to shopping in Singapore than its deliciously air-conditioned malls. Indeed, from high street and luxury brands to local designers and niche boutiques, the island has it all. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the retail maze.

Syda Productions | Shutterstock.com

13

EXPATLIVING2017

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

SvetlanaSF | Shutterstock.com

BUKIT TIMAH In this area, you’ll find a concentrated dose of retail therapy located in Cluny Court (501 Bukit Timah Road), situated just across the road from the beautiful Botanic Gardens. This popular destination is peppered with fashion and lifestyle stores started by local and expat entrepreneurs. For a large range of humidity-friendly fashion and accessories for women, men and teens, visit Rosalie Pompon at #02- 11, The Dots at #02-20, Simone Irani at #02-17 or Paperbag Princess at #02-27, or pick up stylish maternity wear from Mothers en Vogue at #02-18. When you’re all shopped out and need a sit down, settle into a chair at The Big Blow at #02-21 for a fab blow-dry and style, or a snack at Da Paolo Gastronomia on the ground floor – great coffee and tasty toasted sandwiches! DEMPSEY HILL Located up the sloping Dempsey Road (just off Holland Road) in a former army barracks, Dempsey Hill now houses a cluster of delightful eateries, shops, showrooms and lifestyle services. Pick up a beautiful piece for your home at Asiatique Collections (47A) or Woody Antique (13, #01-05), or clothes and accessories for the kids at Cuckoo Little Lifestyle Store (6B). To refresh, pop into Jones the Grocer at Block 9, #01-12 for a healthy meal or fresh juice. Walk or drive down a little further, and you’ll connect to Loewen Road where you can find fitness studio The Body Temple (75) and popular salon Trimmings & Spa (75E), among other independent businesses.

Chinatown

CHINATOWN Singapore’s iconic Chinatown attracts flocks of tourists with its pretty and traditional streets. The area encompasses many well- known thoroughfares, including Ann Siang Road, Club Street, Amoy Street, Gemmill Lane, Cross Street, Erskine Road and Telok Ayer Street, and has become well known for its restored shophouses. Many of these have been taken over by snazzy bars and eateries, as well as a mix of fashion boutiques, including the following winners.

WILLOW & HUXLEY, 88 AMOY STREET WILLOWANDHUXLEY.COM

This wonderful multi-label store offers a range of cult and emerging labels for women including Bec & Bridge, Twenty8twelve, By Malene Birger and more, in a good range of sizes.

MYTHOLOGY, 88 CLUB STREET MY-THOLOGY.COM

A beautifully renovated boutique shophouse curating premium women’s apparel and accessories from all over the Asia region. MADE BY LAUREN JASMINE, 47 AMOY STREET Created by the team behind work-wear label Lauren Jasmine and multi-label boutique Eclecticism, this concept store also houses a cafe for a one-stop place to shop, eat and drink. A foodie’s and shopaholic’s dream!

14 EXPATLIVING2017

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

ORCHARD ROAD Stretching over two kilometres, Orchard Road is the island’s best-known shopping destination, and is home to plenty of different malls housing high street, mid and luxury designer shops and brands. They’re all a little bit different though, so here’s our guide to differentiating them! TANGLIN MALL, 163 TANGLIN ROAD This is where the expats like to shop. Why? You’ll find boutiques with Western size ranges including Shopping at Tiffany’s at #02-03, Firefly at #02-23/25 and White Ginger at #03-04, all housing resort-worthy dresses, kaftans and more glamorous styles, The Shoe Co. at #02-36/37 for children’s shoes, and Tatty Marsh for homeware at #02-07. Another popular stop for stylish, humid weather and travel-friendly wear is Island Shop at #02- 11/12. There’s also the ever-popular health food store Brown Rice Paradise at #02-05.

ION ORCHARD, 2 ORCHARD TURN Step out of Orchard MRT and you’ll find yourself in the middle of maze-like ION, full of fashion and beauty chain stores such as H&M , Mango , Accessorize , Victoria’s Secret , and Kiehl’s , to name a few. It’s an easy one-stop destination for a good dose of retail therapy. FAR EAST PLAZA, 14 SCOTTS ROAD Looking for a tailor, someone to fix up your leather handbags or to get your nails done? This is the place to head. Outlets include Pink Parlour on the fifth floor for beauty needs or a decent spray tan, and a selection of funky costume stores for those themed parties, including Cheeks at #03-19. Bargain shopping is the order of the day here. ORCHARD CENTRAL, 181 ORCHARD ROAD A popular haunt for local shoppers, this mall offers a mix of international brands, eateries, salons and local fashion labels (check out Pact and The Editor’s Market ) as well as some organic beauty/ wellness stores such as Shea . (Closest MRT: Somerset.) MANDARIN GALLERY, 333A ORCHARD ROAD An adjunct of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, this snazzy mall hosts many high-end international brands including Marc by Marc Jacobs , Mulberry , Paul Smith and Fred Perry . What Women Want stocks a range of eclectic and niche items. If all that shopping has got you hungry, head over to Wild Honey , The Providore or Antoinette for scrummy brunch fare.

Ion Orchard

15

EXPATLIVING2017

Chatchawat Prasertsom | Shutterstock.com

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

Although the opening times of the many shops on Haji Lane do vary, this area does tend to have a later start in general, so it’s best to head down after midday.

Haji Lane in the Kampong Glam

maodoltee | Shutterstock.com

MARINA BAY If you’re in this area, don’t miss out on a visit to lifestyle mall Millenia Walk (9 Raffles Boulevard), housing some great local multi- label boutiques. We love The Emporium , a spacious store with stylish local labels spanning fashion, jewellery, leather goods and homeware. Also check out Déjà Vu Vintage for gorgeous pre-loved vintage finds – you’re very likely to score a designer bargain in here. Undoubtedly the most luxurious of Singapore’s shopping malls, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is both a retail destination and architectural masterpiece. High-street chains – including a huge Zara , Charles & Keith and Mango Touch – can all be found here, but by and large it’s designer stores (think Diane von Furstenberg , Kate Spade , Guess , Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu ) and fancy restaurants – great if you’re looking for a splurge or a Michelin-starred meal. Another nearby shopping spot is located inside the famous Raffles Hotel at the Raffles Hotel Shopping Arcade (328 North Bridge Road). You’ll find luxe stores aplenty as well as fine jewellery stores like Tiffany and bridal boutiques such as Trinity Gallery .

KAMPONG GLAM The roads comprising Kampong Glam, which include North Bridge Road , Haji Lane , Arab Street , Baghdad Street , Bali Lane , Kandahar Street and Bussorah Street , give off a real community vibe. In this former Arab quarter, you’ll find plenty of quirky bazaar-style shopping spots, independent boutiques, up-market local designers shops, homeware stores, salons and nail shops, as well as laidback bars, cafes and Arabic food (and don’t forget to pop into chic bar Maison Ikkoku on Kandahar Street for a cocktail). Must- visits include Dulcet Fig for vintage wear, Threadbare and Squirrel for fashion and accessories and Zhai Eco Collection for sustainable bamboo basics for your wardrobe.

Did you know? Kampung in Malay means “village” or “settlement”, while glam derives from the name of a particular type of tree that once grew in the area.

16 EXPATLIVING2017

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

20 GREAT ATTRACTIONS FOR ADULTS 1. Botanic Gardens 2. MacRitchie Reservoir 3. Haji Lane shops and bars 4.Wining and dining at the three Quays 5. Universal Studios 6. Marina Bay Sands or 1-Altitude for a cocktail with a view 7. Fort CanningPark, including “Films in the Fort” 8. Sentosa and Tanjong Beach Club 9. Various concerts and plays (Sistic for tickets) 10.Gardens By TheBay and theCloud Dome 11.ArtScience Museum 12.Forest Adventure at Bedok Reservoir 13. Cycling on Pulau Ubin 14.Temples in Chinatown and Little India 15. Peranakan-style shophouses on Emerald Hill 16. Comedyevents includingComedy Club Asia 17. Shopping on Orchard Road and elsewhere 18. Various marathons and running events 19. Mega Zip (Sentosa) 20. Brunch in a five-star hotel

FamVeld, Jordan Tan, DoublePHOTO studio, Zhukova Valentyna | Shutterstock.com

17

EXPATLIVING2017

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

THINGS TO DO! We asked our panellists to list some of their favourite Singapore attractions for various ages. Here, in no particular order, are just some of the things they mentioned. 10 GREAT ATTRACTIONS FOR TODDLERS 1. Go Go Bambini, Dempsey 2. Jacob Ballas Children’s Gardens, Botanic Gardens 3. Port of Lost Wonder, Sentosa 4. Kranji countryside 5. Royce Kids Gym 6. The Polliwogs 7. S.E.A. Aquarium 8. Fidgets, The Grandstand 9. Singapore Zoo 10.Children’s Garden at Gardens by the Bay 10 GREAT ATTRACTIONS FOR

TWEENS & TEENS 1. Universal Studios 2. Sentosa beaches 3. ArtScience Museum 4. Cable Car Sky Network 5. Wild Wild Wet 6. Adventure Cove 7. Singapore Science Centre 8. Kidzania

9. ForestAdventureatBedokReservoir 10. Wake boarding at East Coast Park or Punggol

18 EXPATLIVING2017

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

SUBSCRIBE! Get a FREE six-month subscription to Expat Living here . Valid for first time subscribers in Singapore only.

ADVERTISE WITH US! Find out what our clients have to say or download our rate cards here .

COME TO OUR EVENTS! Join us at one of our fantastic events. See our upcoming events here .

HOMES • FAMILY • ARTS • FOOD • TRAVEL • FASHION • HEALTH • BEAUTY

June2017 Issue 179

JUN2017

SINGAPORE

OUTDOOR FURNITURE • AFTERNOON TEA • NATURAL SKINCARE

40+ Outdoor Décor Ideas GreenUp Your Beauty Routine

Hoi An, Saigon & Luang Prabang

Your Guide To Counselling

MCI (P) 100/02/2017

S$6.50

Street Style, p200

Published by Expat Living Publications Pte Ltd 18 Howard Road, #08-10 Novelty Bizcentre, Singapore 369585 +65 6812 1780 | info@expatliving.sg

expatliving.sg | expatliving.hk

19 EXPATLIVING2017

Made with