Quick Guide to Exploring Singapore
Around 3 hours away from Manila, Singapore is one of the world’s favorite food, shopping, and leisure travel destination.
I’ve been to Singapore twice this year – the first time with family members and the second time as a solo traveler. Before the flights, I browsed the internet to see what others had say about the “Lion City” in order to create my own itinerary. Not surprisingly, the list got pretty overwhelming. After taking some notes, I trimmed down the list to what I think fits my personality and interests best.
Below are some of the places I’ve been to and the things I’ve done during my stay here.
1. Have a Shopping Spree at Orchard Road
Malls are practically everywhere in Singapore, especially in Orchard Road. As a matter of fact, the whole stretch of this street is every shopaholic’s dream. You can explore the malls beginning from Orchard MRT and going towards the end at Dhoby Ghaut MRT.
Upon exiting Orchard MRT, you can find ION Orchard. ION houses a number of luxury brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Dior to name a few. Further down the road is Ngee Ann City where you can find the Takashimaya Department Store. When you’re done, drop by Cineleisure Orchard and the Mandarin Gallery. If you feel like it, you can also visit the Charlie Brown Cafe located at Cineleisure Orchard. After this, you move on to 313 @ Somerset and Orchard Gateway Mall. Walk across the street to reach Centrepoint, continue towards Plaza Singapura and you’ll be at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station for your next adventure. Or maybe to go back to your hotel to rest.
Note: I’ve been to a fair share of cartoon themed-cafes and you’re usually just there for the Instagram-worthy pictures. As for the food itself, don’t expect too much for the taste; as for the price, it can get expensive.
2. Be a Bookworm at Library @ Orchard
Library @ Orchard hosts a vast collection of books on “lifestyle, design and the applied arts”. This library is located at the 3rd and 4th floor of Orchard Gateway Mall and is open to both locals and foreigners. Although you’d have to be a member to borrow books, guests are free to stay and indulge on their readings. If you’re the loner type, there are multiple corners for you to read your books in; if you’re the friendly type, you can share a table with other readers and maybe even exchange a few book recommendations.
Library @ Orchard is open from Mondays to Sundays at 11:00 am to 9:00 pm and are closed on holidays.
3. Buy Illustration and Art Books at Basheer Graphic Books
Located at the 4th floor of Bras Basah Complex on Bain Street, Basheer Graphic Books carries an amazing inventory of reading materials that are targeted for illustrators and designers.
I first knew about this shop when my friend Erich asked me to buy “Tahra Art” for him. Upon entering, what greeted me were shelves and shelves of drawing guides, interior design, architectural books, and many more. From a state of elation, I was literally brought to 7th heaven when I saw an entire range of video game and anime collector’s edition art books. From Final Fantasy to Persona to Avatar art books, they have it all. I’ll definitely return here and buy something next time!
Basheer Graphic Books is open on Mondays to Saturdays from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm and on Sundays from 11:00 am to 6:30 pm.
4. Dine at Chijmes
What used to be a Catholic convent, Chijmes has since been redeveloped into a dining and nightlife venue. Its neoclassical architecture makes it a wonderful alternative to eating in malls. Aside from marveling at its grandiose design, one can also relax in its well-kept courtyards.
Chijmes is located at Victoria Street and is open 24/7, although its businesses’ opening hours may vary. For a complete list of the directory or for the latest promos, updates and events, you can check out their website here.
5. Appreciate Singapore’s history in the National Museum of Singapore
Whether you’re a history buff or would simply love to know the Lion City’s past, then the National Museum of Singapore is definitely a must-visit. For 10 SGD admission fee, you’re free to roam the entire museum; except for some galleries on special occassions. When I went here, there was a showing of Japanese anime and films; however, tickets were required and unfortunately, I didn’t know where to get them. Nevertheless, I was able to browse through We Built a Nation at Stamford Gallery, Singapore History Gallery, Danger and Desire at Goh Seng Choo Gallery and Life in Singapore. Life in Singapore was further divided into Growing Up, Voices of Singapore, Modern Colony and Surviving Syona.
What makes the National Museum of Singapore really great is the way they present everything. Visitors are treated to beautifully-crafted visual and audio materials, some of which are pretty novel like in the picture above. There are also free guided tours on particular time slots so feel free to ask the receptionist about it.
The National Museum of Singapore can be found at Stamford Road and is open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. For more information, you can check them out here.
