Travel Guide Singapore - Dynamism in the sign of the lion
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Travel Guide
Singapore
Dynamism in the sign of the lion
02 Quick view 05 Getting around Singapore 10 Calendar of events
02 Singapore 05 Top 10 sights 12 Hotels
04 Travel etiquette 08 Shopping in Singapore 13 GEO Tip
04 Health 08 Restaurants 14 Best of...
05 Phone calls & Internet 09 Nightlife
© thinkstock/iStock
LH.com/travelguide Singapore 01/16
Travel Guide
Singapore
02
Quick view
Singapore: Dynamism in the sign of the lion
Singapore, the city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, is one of the
fastest-growing economic powers in Asia. The name is derived from the Sanskrit
for Singha (=lion) and pura (=city). The Lion City’s cultural landmark is the Merlion,
a mythical creature with a lion’s head and the body of a fish. As a port as well as a
banking and financial center, the city weathers all crises – and remains as
attractive as ever to developers and investors. Even into the early 20th century, the
archipelago was only sparsely populated and it was not until Britain’s East India
Company opened a trading post there in 1819 that the modern city’s boom began.
Today, Singapore is proud of its prosperity: Architectural marvels, such as the hotel
and casino complex Marina Bay Sands, magnificently restored colonial buildings,
like the National Museum, and superlative leisure opportunities, like Sentosa
Island, delight some 16 million visitors each year. More recently, Singapore has
also been endeavoring to restore the appeal of its historical buildings and old town
quarters – and with great success: In the area around Keong Saik Road and in the
hipster neighborhood Tiong Bahru, Singapore reveals its laid-back side.
Singapore
General knowledge
Country overview
Cultural melting pot and dazzling example of the region’s economic successes,
wealthy and dynamic Singapore assails the senses of the first-time visitor. The
former British trading post and colony has carved a unique niche for itself over the
past couple of centuries, nowadays offering a vivid combination
of ultra-modern skyscrapers, remnants of tropical rainforest, ambitious tourist
developments, occasional reminders of the colonial era, and an assortment of
colourful ethnic urban areas such as Little India, each with a character very much
of its own.
Geography
The island of Singapore is situated off the southern extremity of the Malay
Peninsula, separated from the mainland by the Johor Strait which is about 1km
(0.8 miles) wide. Causeways run across the strait carrying roads, a railway and
water pipes. The main island is mainly flat with only low hills, the highest being
Bukit Timah at 166m (545ft).
In the northeast of the island, and in the urban district, large areas have been
reclaimed, and much of the original jungle and swamp covering the low-lying
areas has been cleared. In addition to the main island, the Republic of Singapore
includes many much smaller islands and islets.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 5.5 millions (estimate 2017)
Capital: Singapore.
Language
LH.com/travelguide Singapore 02/16Travel Guide
Singapore
03
The official languages are Mandarin Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil. Most
Singaporeans are bilingual and speak English, which is used as the main
language of communication.
Currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD; symbol S$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of
S$10,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of S$1,
and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. British-style square three-pin plugs are in use. Many hotels
have 110-volt outlets.
Public holidays
Listed below are the public holidays for the period January 2020 to December
2021.
Note: Holidays falling on Sunday are observed the following Monday.
(a) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the
moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of
Ramadan that precedes Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan), Muslims fast during
the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some
disruption may continue into Hari Raya Puasa itself. Hari Raya Puasa and Hari
Raya Haji (Feast of Sacrifice) may last up to several days, depending on the
region.
(b) Hindu festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it
is not possible to forecast the date of their occurrence exactly.
(c) Not all holidays listed are statutory holidays.
2020
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2020
Vajraya (Chinese New Year): 25 and 26 January 2020
Good Friday: 10 April 2020
Easter Sunday: 12 April 2020
Labour Day: 1 May 2020
Vesak Day (Buddha’s Birthday): 7 May 2020
Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan): 23 May 2020
Hari Raya Haji (Feast of Sacrifice): 30 July 2020
National Day: 9 and 10 August 2020
Deepavali (Festival of Lights): 13 November 2020
Christmas Day: 25 December 2020
2021
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2021
Vajraya (Chinese New Year): 12 and 13 January 2021
Good Friday: 2 April 2021
Easter Sunday: 4 April 2021
Labour Day: 1 May 2021
Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan): 13 May 2021
Vesak Day (Buddha’s Birthday): 26 May 2021
Hari Raya Haji (Feast of Sacrifice): 20 July 2021
National Day: 9 and 10 August 2021
Deepavali (Festival of Lights): 3 November 2021
Christmas Day: 25 December 2021
LH.com/travelguide Singapore 03/16Travel Guide
Singapore
04
All information subject to change.
Travel etiquette
How to fit in
Social Conventions
Handshaking is the usual form of greeting, regardless of race; Muslims, and some
Hindus, would not however normally shake hands with someone of the opposite
sex. Social courtesies are often fairly formal. When invited to a private home or
entering a temple or mosque, remove your shoes. For private visits, a gift is
appreciated and, if on business, a company souvenir is appropriate.
Dress is informal. Most first-class restaurants and some hotel dining rooms expect
men to wear a jacket and tie in the evenings; a smart appearance is expected for
business meetings.
Laws relating to jaywalking, littering and chewing gum are strictly enforced in
urban areas.
Smoking is widely discouraged and illegal in enclosed public places (including
restaurants). Dropping a cigarette end in the street or smoking illegally can lead to
an immediate fine.
Health
Health
Main emergency number: 999
Food & Drink
Food hygiene is generally good, particularly now that most individual street stalls
have been closed down in favour of hawker centres. As always it’s safer to avoid
raw vegetables, shellfish and reheated foods, and to wash fruit which has not been
peeled. The tap water is safe to drink. Hepatitis A infection is not unknown,
although rare, and vaccination may be considered.
Other Risks
Before leaving home, visit a doctor or travel health clinic for advice on health risks.
Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended.
The risk catching of malaria in Singapore is extremely low, but as in many urban
areas of South East Asia dengue fever can be a concern. This disease is spread
by mosquitos, and symptoms include a rash, fever, headaches and pain in
muscles and joints. In a small percentage of cases, the disease can become life-
threatening. There is no vaccine and so the risk can only be minimised by reducing
exposure to mosquito bites. Covering up is a good idea, as is use of a repellent –
most local brands include only citronella, so DEET-based repellent (which is
generally more effective) should be brought from home if required.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Dr. Lu, Mark Kuo-Fan
Drs. Horne & Chin
1 Scotts Road #17-01 Shaw Centre
LH.com/travelguide Singapore 04/16Travel Guide
Singapore
05
Singapore 228208
Singapore
Tel. +65-64911377
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it
bear the cost of any treatment.
Phone calls & Internet
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing Code: +65
Telephone
Public telephone booths take phone cards, and sometimes credit cards, and can
be used to make both local and international calls. For the latter it is usually
cheaper to purchase a pre-paid international calling card; these are readily
available due to the large number of migrant workers in Singapore.
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies, although
it’s also cheap and easy to buy a local SIM card (passports must be shown when
making the purchase). Coverage is good.
Internet
Internet cafes throughout Singapore provide public access to internet and email
services. Most hotels and hostels offer Internet access, but there is also a free city-
wide Wi-Fi service called Wirless@SG (tech.gov.sg).
Getting around Singapore
Getting around
Public Transport
Efficient Singapore is one of the easiest cities in the world to explore. The
underground trains of Singapore Mass Rapid Transport (smrt.com.sg) run from
early morning to late at night, connecting every corner of the city, including the
airport. Tickets are sold in stations; buy a magnetic EZ-Link card or Singapore
Tourist Pass for unlimited travel. SMRT shares the city’s bus routes with SBS
Transit (sbstransit.com.sg).
Taxis
Air-conditioned taxis offer a welcome respite from the heat and humidity, but note
that empty taxis can be difficult to find at peak times. As driving speed is strictly
regulated in Singapore, it’s wise to avoid last-minute dashes to the airport. Taxis
are metered and tips are not expected. Cabs can be booked online
(taxisingapore.com).
Top 10 sights
Top 10 sights in Singapore
Singapore Botanic Gardens
LH.com/travelguide Singapore 05/16Travel Guide
Singapore
06
Open from dawn till midnight, with no entry fee, this lush garden is the lungs of
Singapore. Founded in 1859, it still provides a welcome escape from the urban
sprawl, with shady trails, trickling water features and abundant greenery that
almost makes you forget you are in the middle of the city.
1 Cluny Road Opening times:
259569 Singapore Daily 0500-0000
Singapore
Tel. +65-1800/471 73 00 www.sbg.org.sg
Singapore Zoo & Night Safari
Widely regarded as Asia’s best zoo, with a vast menagerie of rainforest creatures
and recommended night safaris to meet the zoo’s nocturnal inhabitants. The zoo is
famous for its naturalistic enclosures.
80 Mandai Lake Road Opening times:
729826 Singapore Daily 0830-1800
Singapore night safari 1915-0000
Tel. +65-626/93 411
www.zoo.com.sg
Sri Mariamman Temple
The colours of India spill out into the Singapore streets at this rainbow-coloured
temple, with a pantheon of Hindu deities atop its looming gopuram (entrance
tower). The temple throngs with devotees, particularly during the Deepavali festival
in October or November.
244 South Bridge Road Opening times:
058793 Singapore Daily 0700-1200 and 1800-2100
Singapore
Tel. +65-622/23 40 64 heb.org.sg/our-subsidiaries/temples/sri-
mari...
Baba House
For a fascinating window onto the lives of ordinary Singaporeans in the city’s
seafaring heyday, visit this restored Peranakan home.
157 Neil Road Tours:
088883 Singapore Mon – Fri 1000, Sat on request
Singapore
Tel. +65-622/75 731 babahouse.nus.edu.sg/
Haw Par Villa
Constructed by the family that invented Tiger Balm, this surreal sculpture garden
provides a fascinating introduction to the world of Chinese mythology, complete
with vivid depictions of demons, dragons and the Confucian hell.
262 Pasir Panjang Road Opening times:
118628 Singapore Mon-Sun 0900-1900
Singapore
www.hawparvilla.sg/
LH.com/travelguide Singapore 06/16Travel Guide
Singapore
07
Thian Hock Kheng Temple
Singapore’s most famous Chinese temple is a hub of activity during the morning
and evening rush hours, when devotees flock to light incense sticks and burn spirit
money to honour their ancestors and the deities of the Hokkien pantheon.
158 Telok Ayer Street Opening times:
068613 Singapore Daily 0730-1730
Singapore
Tel. +65-642/34 616 www.thianhockkeng.com.sg
Sentosa Island
Singapore’s best loved theme park covers a whole island, with seaside resorts,
thrill rides, a butterfly garden, an aquarium and even a colonial fort. Come by cable
car for fine views across the Straits, or take the Sentosa express train.
Sentosa Island Opening times:
098269 Singapore hours vary for attractions
Singapore
Tel. +65-673/686 72 www.sentosa.com.sg
Peranakan Museum
This intriguing museum offers displays on Peranakan culture, a fascinating fusion
of Chinese and Malay customs.
39 Armenian Street Opening times:
179941 Singapore Sat-Thurs 1000-1900
Singapore Fri 1000-2100
Tel. +65-633/275 91
www.peranakanmuseum.org.sg
Chinatown Heritage Centre
Step into the Singapore of old in this engaging cultural centre, where photographs,
dioramas and mock-ups of shops and houses bring the Chinese experience in
Singapore to life. Displays cover everything from religion and trade to opium dens
and other vices.
48 Pagoda Street Opening times:
059207 Singapore Mon-Sun 0900-2000
Singapore
Tel. +65-622/439 28 chinatownheritagecentre.com.sg/
Singapore Flyer
Giant Ferris wheels are big news around the world, and the Singapore Flyer is no
exception. Riding high on the waterfront on Raffles Avenue, this soaring big wheel
offers stunning city views from glass capsules that perform a slow arc above the
city skyline.
30 Raffles Avenue Opening time ticketing counter:
039803 Singapore Daily 0830-2200
Singapore
Tel. +65-633/333 11 www.singaporeflyer.com/
LH.com/travelguide Singapore 07/16Travel Guide
Singapore
08
Shopping in Singapore
Shopping in Singapore
Key Areas
Singapore is one of the world’s great shopping destinations, with tax-free shopping
that ensures year-round bargains, even outside of the Great Singapore Sale (June
to August). Orchard Road is a long line of glitzy malls, with an emphasis on
international brands, but more quirky souvenirs are on sale in the small boutiques
of Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam.
Markets
Many Singapore markets have evolved into gleaming shopping malls, but
browsing the city’s street markets can turn up some appealing finds. The markets
on Bugis Street and Pagoda, Trengganu and Sago Streets in Chinatown bustle
with vendors selling souvenirs, novelties and counterfeit brands. For fresh
foodstuffs, join the crowds at Tekka Wet Market (Buffalo Road) and Chinatown Wet
Market (Smith Street).
Shopping Centres
Orchard Road is shopping central, with a string of shimmering multi-storey
megamalls selling the world’s top brands. ION Orchard (ionorchard.com) and
313@Somerset (313somerset.com.sg) lead the pack, but don’t overlook the nearby
Tanglin Shopping Center for cultural souvenirs and antiques. For electronics, point
your GPS device towards Sim Lim Square (Rochor Canal Road), Funan DigitaLife
Mall (North Bridge Road) or the Mustafa Center (mustafa.com.sg) in Little India.
Restaurants
Restaurants in Singapore
Singapore’s fascinating cultural melting pot is best experienced in its restaurants.
In the space of a city block, you can dine your way from China to India and on to
the Malay Straits.Take your pick from elegant banquet restaurants, sophisticated
hotel eateries with star chefs and bustling hawker courts, where many insist the
best food in Singapore is served.
Iggy’s
Singapore best-loved restaurant has moved around over the years, but currently
weaves its magic at the Hilton on Orchard Road.
The Hilton Hotel, 581 Orchard Road Price: Luxurious
238883 Singapore
Singapore
Waku Ghin
Pet project of innovative Australian chef Tetsuya Wakuda, specialising in
tantalising fusions of Japanese and European ingredients.
10 Bayfront Avenue Price: Luxurious
018956 Singapore
Singapore
No Signboard Seafood Restaurant
LH.com/travelguide Singapore 08/16Travel Guide
Singapore
09
Many restaurants have imitated the fragrant pepper crab served by Madam Ong
Kim Hoi at this bustling seafood restaurant, but few have bettered it.
1 Harbourfront Walk Price: Moderate
#03-02 VivoCity
098585 Singapore
Singapore
Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle
The Chinatown Complex hawker center boasts what is likely the world’s most
affordable gourmet restaurant: a Michelin-starred food stall, where Cantonese
chicken and rice costs just two Singapore dollars (that’s roughly 1.25 euros). The
price may be low, but the line is usually very long, so expect to wait.
#02-126 Chinatown Complex Price: Budget
335 Smith Street
050335 Singapore
Singapore
Four Seasons Durians Café
Opinions tend to differ on this spiky fruit that’s the size of a coconut: Although
people all over Southeast Asia love it, many find it hard to stomach because of its
foul smell (the fruit is also known as “stinky fruit”). In this famous durian café, brave
souls can venture a mouthful of confectionery, ice cream, cake or pudding with or
made from durian.
391 Orchard Road Price: Budget
B207-3-2 Takashimaya Food Hall
238873 Singapore
Singapore
Nightlife
Nightlife in Singapore
The Singapore clubbing scene is the best in Asia, helped by a steady influx of big-
name international DJs.More relaxing options include rooftop cocktail lounges,
English-style pubs, modern microbreweries, old-fashioned sheesha cafés and
open-air bars on the marina.
More highlights in Singapore’s hipster neighborhood Tiong Bahru
Zouk
The original Singapore superclub, still booming through the night to guest sets by
the top DJs on the island.
3C River Valley Road
The Cannery
179022 Singapore
Singapore
1 Altitude
LH.com/travelguide Singapore 09/16Travel Guide
Singapore
10
If you insist on a view with your Singapore Sling, ascend to this stylish three-storey
bar atop the 282m (925ft) One Raffles Place building.
1 Raffles Place
048616 Singapore
Singapore
Street James Power Station
A former power station on the harbour, transformed into a sprawling entertainment
complex, with a maze of interlinked bars and clubs, covering every musical genre.
3 Sentosa Gateway
098544 Singapore
Singapore
28 Hong Kong Street
Bringing American mixology to the streets of Singapore, this retro cocktail bar was
voted one of the world’s top 50 bars.
28 Hongkong Street
059667 Singapore
Singapore
Que Pasa
Small clubs and bars abound in the area around Orchard Road, and this Spanish-
style wine bar is one of them. It’s a great place to start the evening; ask the locals
to recommend a good club nearby for later on.
7 Emerald Hill Road
229291 Singapore
Singapore
Calendar of events
Calendar of events
Chinese New Year
Parades, lion dances and temple worshipping to celebrate the lunar new year, one
of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year. Symbolically, new clothes are
usually worn to signify the new year and homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep
away any ill-fortune. Families visit one another, with little red packets, or “hong
bao”, filled with money, gifted to children. During this time, the streets come alive
with the sound of traditional music, the sight of hanging red lanterns and the aroma
of food stalls set up in various neighbourhoods.
January 25, 2020
Venue: Chinatown and various locations
Huayi - Chinese Festival of the Arts
Enjoy Chinese dance, opera and arts from local and international groups, which
LH.com/travelguide Singapore 10/16Travel Guide
Singapore
11
forms a key part of the Singapore’s Chinese New Year festivities.
February 2020
Venue: Esplanade and various locations
Singapore International Festival of Arts
One of Asia's best and most varied arts festival with international dance, music and
drama.
May 15 - 31, 2020
sifa.sg/
Venue: Various locations
Great Singapore Sale
Singapore loves to shop, especially during the ‘GSS’, which galvanises stores and
malls citywide. From Orchard Road to Marina Bay and the suburbs, there are
bargains to be had including discounts, warehouse sales, clearance sales and all
types of other sales and promotions. It’s a must for hard-core shoppers.
June - August 2020
Venue: Orchard Road and various locations
Singapore Dragon Boat Festival
The two-day dragon boat racing commemorates the search for a Chinese poet and
patriot. The races take part on the Bedok Reservoir, a 20-minute taxi ride from the
city, and the festival is a great spectator sporting event for of all ages.
Accompanying the event, there will be a host of traditional Asian rituals performed.
July 2020
Venue: Various locations
Singapore Food Festival
A much-cherished, four-week festival celebrating Singapore’s pan-Asian cuisines
featuring 60 stalls laden with local dishes like black pepper crabs, chilli crabs,
BBQ sambal stingray, and other tempting delights.
July 2020
Venue: Various locations
National Day Celebrations
Singapore stops and the parading and partying starts to celebrate the date of
independence.
August 9, 2020
Venue: Marina Bay
Singapore Grand Prix
Singapore held the first night-time Formula One Grand Prix in September 2008,
with 5km (3 miles) of smooth course snaking around Marina Bay under specially
LH.com/travelguide Singapore 11/16Travel Guide
Singapore
12
designed lights. The thrilling event is now held every September in Singapore, and
the terrific atmosphere and enthusiasm of the locals make it one of the best times
to visit.
September 20, 2020
Venue: Marina Bay Circuit
Deepavali
The Indian Festival of Lights celebration takes place on the main road of Little
India, which is decorated with many colourful and bright lights, street decorations
and fireworks. Traditional and culture activities, street parade, concerts and
impressive bazaars with traditional clothing, saris, oil lamps, fragrant flowers and
jewellery all come together, as well as delicious Indian food.
November 14, 2020
Venue: Campbell Lane, Little India
Hotels
Hotels in Singapore
Gleaming modern hotels rise over Singapore like a gigantic crystal garden.
Upmarket offerings from global chains are the mainstay, but the boutique hotel
scene is growing, and ahandful of elegant period properties fly the flag for
Singapore’s colonial past.Budget options are concentrated around Little India and
Bencoolen Street in Chinatown.
Marina Bay Sands
The rooms offer every comfort and convenience and an exceptional view of the
bay, and the restaurant and bar concept leaves nothing to be desired, but the
open-air infinity pool on the roof of the 57-level building is now a world-famous
sensation.
10 Beachfront Avenue Category: Luxurious
018956 Singapore
Singapore
Capella
A luxurious escape on Sentosa Island, with elegant rooms and sprawling gardens
that make the most of the gorgeous views across the bay.
1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island Category: Luxurious
098297 Singapore
Singapore
Hotel Fort Canning
A colonial villa transformed into a modern design palace, with rooms that wouldn’t
look out of place in a millionaire’s mansion.
11 Canning Walk Category: Luxurious
178881 Singapore
Singapore
LH.com/travelguide Singapore 12/16Travel Guide
Singapore
13
Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen
Inviting mid-range rooms in a winning location close to Orchard Road, Chinatown
and the Marina.
170 Bencoolen Street Category: Moderate
189657 Singapore
Singapore
Fragrance Hotel Selegie
On the fringes of Little India, within easy striking distance of Orchard Road, with
comfortable rooms and a rooftop pool.
183 Selegie Road Category: Budget
188329 Singapore
Singapore
GEO Tip
East Coast Park
Discover East Coast Park by bicycle
The park, located between downtown Singapore and the airport, is extremely
popular as a leisure and recreation area with locals and tourists alike. East Coast
Park extends along 15 kilometers of sandy coastline and is best explored by
bicycle. The cycle path runs close to the beach with the sound of the ocean always
within earshot. Well-serviced bicycles are available for as little as S$ 4 per hour
from a number of rental outfits.
Website
Mehr auf GEO.de
https://www.geo.de/singapur-lh
LH.com/travelguide Singapore 13/16Travel Guide
Singapore
14
Best of...
... Singapore
mauritius images/Jon Lord/Alamy
Tiong Bahru was the first public settlement project to be planned and realized in
Singapore. Built by the British in the 1920s, the neighborhood with its curved
balconies, symmetrical staircases and whitewashed facades is perhaps the best
attempt to bring the Bauhaus style to the subtropics.Today, Tiong Bahru is a
heritage site with stores, bars and cafés occupying the ground floor of many of its
buildings. On the weekend, the neighborhood is where the young, slightly
alternative Singapore crowd gets together to ride their fixies (one-gear bicycles),
parade their Margiela shirts or try some exotic coffee creations.
Tiong Bahru Market
Traditional charm meets the modern world, at least on a culinary level. The Food
Centre here has two floors, on which old-established stallholders and young
foodies ply their specialties, from handmade fish balls through rice cakes with
black beans to egg porridge with chicken. Three or four Singapore dollars is what
you can expect to pay for a plateful – an incredibly small price even in Singapore.
The market is the true heart of the quarter, and in fine weather, you can dine out on
the terrace beneath a sunshade and admire the ever-growing skyline.
30 Seng Poh Road tiongbahru.market/
Singapore 168898
Books Actually
This small, independent bookstore was partly responsible for sparking the hype
surrounding Tiong Bahru as a hipster refuge. There’s plenty of reading material to
be found here, and not just English novels, but also leftist aesthetic criticism. At the
same time, Books Actually acts as a showcase for the publishing company Math
Paper Press, which promotes local talent. And that’s not all: In the backroom, the
store also sells high-ticket vintage tableware.
9 Yong Siak Street www.booksactuallyshop.com/
Singapore 168645
Tel. +65-622/291 95
Bincho
This bar is the most popular speakeasy in Singapore. By day, the wait staff serve
Chinese noodles in the front room, then in the evening, the back room opens for
LH.com/travelguide Singapore 14/16Travel Guide
Singapore
15
fans of Japanese whiskey and yakitori skewer specialties. A small, windowless
place with metal bars on the walls, the back room is reminiscent of a streetcar with
the lights dimmed. Make sure to book a table.
78 Moh Guan Terrace bincho.com.sg/
Singapore 162078
Tel. +65-643/845 67
Strangelets
This concept store is ideal for fastidious interior designers. The furniture and
accessories, including a bookshelf in the shape of a bear, handmade peppermint-
scented soap, terracotta bowls with dragon feet, come from both Singaporean and
foreign designers. At Strangelets, you are sure to find the ideal souvenir for friends
and family who like to give their home a playful but elegant touch.
7 Yong Siak Street strangelets.sg/
Singapore 168644
Tel. +65-622/214 56
Tiong Bahru Bakery
Chef Gontran Cherrier envisioned this airy and extremely popular corner eatery as
a breakfast café with a French atmosphere. And you really do get the feeling of you
are actually in Paris here – thanks to the overwhelming selection of croissants and
small cakes. The most important difference: Guests sit outside in the tropical heat
and can choose creations with Asian influences, such as squid baguette with
smoked salmon or kimchi pancake as a burger ingredient. The coffee comes from
the 40 Hands roastery just a couple of meters away.
56 Eng Hoon Street www.tiongbahrubakery.com/
Singapore 160056
Tel. +65-622/0 34 30
Curated Records
The crackling good sound of vinyl records is back in Singapore: Vinyl has now
achieved the same cult status with Southeast Asian music nerds as it has in
Europe. In this tiny indie store, the owner stocks current releases alongside rare
recordings from past decades. Around 2000 jazz, pop, rock and classic records in
clear sleeves await new fans.
55 Tiong Bahru Road www.facebook.com/curatedrecords
Singapore 160055
Tel. +65-643/836 44
Open Door Policy
A long counter with a show kitchen and bar, upholstered benches and pewter
ceiling panels – this green restaurant is the successful attempt to establish the New
York bistro concept in Southeast Asia. On the menu, dishes include avocado salad
with shrimp and roasted pork rack with spicy pineapple sauce, and hanging from
LH.com/travelguide Singapore 15/16Travel Guide
Singapore
16
the walls, the herb boxes in which the cooks grow the herbs they use to spice their
meals.
19 Yong Siak Street www.odpsingapore.com/
Singapore 168650
Tel. +65-622/193 07
Qi Tian Gong Temple
This whitewashed temple at the entrance to the neighborhood ensures the spiritual
well-being of the young and beautiful. Since 1938, the faithful have been lighting
incense at this street corner to give thanks to the monkey god. He is credited with
being able to bring fast financial success to a store. Judging by the success of the
local café scene, the cafés’ founders were not mean with their offerings.
44 Eng Hoon Street qitiangong.com/
Singapore 169786
Tel. +65-622/024 69
LH.com/travelguide Singapore 16/16You can also read
