APRIL · MAY · JUNE INSIDER PEOPLE · PLACES · EVENTS · DINING · NIGHTLIFE

INSIDE: -JOO CHIAT HOT TABLES CITY MUST-DOS AND MUCH MORE

Ready, set, shop!

Shopping is one of Singapore’s national pastimes, and you couldn’t have picked a better time to be here in this amazing city if you’re looking to nab some great deals. Score the latest Spring/Summer goods at the annual Fashion Steps Out festival; discover emerging local and regional designers at trade fair Blueprint; or shop up a storm when The Great Singapore Sale (3 June to 14 August) rolls around.

At some point, you’ll want to leave the shops and malls for authentic local experiences in Singapore. Well, that’s where we come in – we’ve curated the best and latest of the city in this nifty booklet to make sure you’ll never want to leave town.

Whether you have a week to deep dive or a weekend to scratch the surface, you’ll discover Singapore’s secrets at every turn. There are rich cultural experiences, stylish bars, innovative restaurants, authentic local hawkers, incredible landscapes and so much more.

Inside, you’ll find a heap of handy guides – from neighbourhood trails to the best eats, drinks and events in Singapore – to help you make the best of your visit to this sunny island. And these aren’t just our top picks: we’ve asked some of the city’s tastemakers and experts to share their favourite haunts (and then some), so you’ll never have a dull moment exploring this beautiful city we call home.

There’s no rest for the wicked,

CHRIS EDWARDS AND THE HONEYCOMBERS

FOUNDER SALES & MARKETING THE HONEYCOMBERS For general enquiries, contact Chris Edwards Alyssa Prenda hello@thehoneycombers. the SINGAPORE TOURISM Kate Reynolds com BOARD, Tourism Court, 1 EDITOR Orchard Spring Lane, Crystal Lee DESIGNERS HO PRINTING Singapore 247729 Aliff Tee SINGAPORE PTE LTD Tel: (65) 6736 6622 SUB-EDITOR Zhang Sze Li 31 South Street 1 Fax: (65) 6736 9423 Selina Altomonte Singapore 486769 Touristline: 1800 736 2000 Haziram Rahim (outside Singapore) WRITERS Nathania Tirtaputra Nafeesa Saini COVER PHOTO STB is not responsible for the Sally Shoult accuracy, completeness or usefulness Ye Rui Ping; photographed Shairah Thoufeekh of this publication and shall not be by Louis Kwok liable for any damage, loss, injury Zakaria Muhammad or inconvenience arising from or in (www.louiskwok.com) connection with the content of this publication. You should verify or seek clarification from the individual third parties referred to in this publication. MA 001 05 16 Q2 Contents 03 HANDY TIPS Essential information about Singapore

04 WHAT’S ON Exciting events in the months ahead

12 COVER STORY Dive deep into the Peranakan culture with Edmond Wong of Kim Choo Kueh Chang

14 DAY TRIPPER Unbelievable tours with a difference

15 #LIKEALOCAL Singlish words and phrases to know

16 MAP OF SINGAPORE City must-dos

18 THE EAT LIST The hottest on the Singapore dining scene

22 DRINK UP Singapore’s coolest bars

23 HOMETOWN Vocalist Eugenia Yip of local band The Steve McQueens shares her favourite places in the Bugis- district

24 IN THE ‘HOOD Navigator:

26 RETAIL THERAPY Local brands and international names – here’s where to shop and what to buy

30 BEST DAY EVER! Things to do with the little ones

32 MAPS & APPS Train routes and useful downloads

02 WANT MORE? VISIT WWW.YOURSINGAPORE.COM Transport TAXI Fares start from $3.00. SMRT Taxis (65) 6555 8888 MRT BUS

Trains typically run from 5.30am Fares start from as low as 79 HANDY TIPS Premier Cabs to 12.00am. Standard tickets vary cents. Try to have the exact fare (65) 6363 6888 from $1.40 to $2.70. See page 32 as bus drivers do not give change. for map. Comfort Taxis & CityCab (65) 1800 336 8900 (65) 6552 1111 (65) 1800 336 8900 www.sbstransit.com.sg www.smrt.com.sg www.smrt.com.sg Language Tipping Shopping

English is the It is not usual For a pleasant spoken language, practice to tip in shopping experience, though Singlish Singapore, although compare prices, – a collection of it is appreciated enquire about refund colloquial catch by service staff. Most hotels and policies, and check phrases and lingo – dominates restaurants quote prices as “++,” the invoice as well as the warranty everyday conversations among which includes 10 per cent of the product before making locals (see page 15). Mandarin, service charge and 7 per cent a purchase. More information Malay, Tamil and various dialects goods and services tax (GST). and shopping tips can be found are also used. on the Consumer Advisory section at YourSingapore.com (under “Traveller Essentials”). For assistance or to flag inappropriate retailer behaviour, call 1800 736 Visitor Centres 2000 or email [email protected]. ORCHARD CHINATOWN Connectivity 216 (Next to 2 (Behind orchardgateway@emerald) Buddha Tooth Relic Register for free public 9.30am-10.30pm daily Temple and Museum) Wi-Fi service with your Somerset Mon-Fri 9am-9pm and foreign mobile number Weekends and Public at any Wireless@SG hotspots Need recommendations on what to Holidays 9am-10pm do or where to go? Come by the across Singapore, and receive your Chinatown Singapore Visitor Centre and talk to login details via an SMS message. our friendly Customer Service Officers. Overseas charges may apply. You can create a customized itinerary TOURIST Alternatively, you can rent a pocket using our interactive kiosk, buy tickets Wi-Fi device at Singapore Visitor to events and attractions, and surprise HOTLINE Centre (orchardgateway) or Changi your loved ones with gifts from the (65) 1800 736 2000 Recommends at largest range of locally designed (toll-free in Singapore) souvenirs on Orchard Road! (65) 6736 2000 (overseas) Buy a Singapore prepaid SIM card from Singapore ION ORCHARD Visitor Centre (orchardgateway), Level 1 Concierge Changi Recommends and 2 Orchard Turn telecommunication retail shops 10am-10pm daily located at the airport, major Orchard shopping malls and convenience stores island-wide.

HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #YOURSINGAPORE 03 April GIVE YOUR GREY MATTER A LITTLE STIMULATION THIS MONTH! BE SURE TO MAKE TIME FOR AFFORDABLE ART FAIR SINGAPORE TO SEE WHAT’S ON WHAT’S SOME INTRIGUING WORK, EXPLORE A BUTTERFLY “JUNGLE” AT THE SCIENCE CENTRE, DISCOVER THE LATEST SPRING/SUMMER FASHION TRENDS, AND MORE. DON’T FORGET TO ENJOY SOME THRILLS BY SEEING THE WORLD’S TOP RUGBY PLAYERS IN ACTION!

EXPLORING KIDZANIA OUR WORLD’S SINGAPORE HERITAGE Spanning over 81,000 square feet, this new indoor city challenges EXHIBITION the little ones to think, work, How did Singapore Botanic play and feel like a grown-up with Gardens earn its title as a various role-play activities. The UNESCO World Heritage Site? Singapore outpost is also the first The answer is in this bi-yearly KidZania in the world to have a changing exhibition, which also full-wing fuselage of a Boeing 737! features other iconic landmarks around the world. Apr onwards 31 Beach View, Island Until Nov 20 www.kidzania.com.sg HarbourFront Singapore Botanic Gardens Image credit: Orchard Road www.sbg.org.sg Business Association Botanic Gardens SAMSUNG BUTTERFLIES: FASHION STEPS UP-CLOSE OUT 2016 EXHIBITION The six-week fashion festival Be surrounded by fluttering heralds the Spring/Summer butterflies from around the region season with plenty of lifestyle at the Science Centre’s latest activities and events. What’s more, indoor exhibition gallery, and gain be rewarded when you shop at deeper insights into their life cycle Orchard Road with MasterCard! through fun and interactive exhibits. Visit the Fashion Steps Out website to find out more. Mar onwards Mar 25 to May 8 www.science.edu.sg Orchard Road East www.orchardroad.org/fso/ Orchard

04 WANT MORE? VISIT WWW.YOURSINGAPORE.COM WHAT’S ON WHAT’S THE VORTEX BY SIR NOEL HSBC WORLD COWARD GOURMET RUGBY SINGAPORE Written by world-famous British 2016 playwright Sir Noel Coward, this SEVENS stage production directed by Show your love for all things acclaimed West End director Bob Japanese as this gastronomic The prestigious HSBC Sevens World Series returns to Tomson tells a tale of a socialite festival returns for yet another named Florence Lancaster (played exciting instalment. Take part in Singapore after a decade with 16 international teams battling by legendary Bond girl Jane a multitude of gourmet activities Seymour), whose uninhibited such as themed dinners and it out for Rio qualification at the National Stadium. See page 10 for lifestyle takes a turn for the culinary workshops. worse when her son returns more info. home from Paris. Apr to May Apr 16 to 17 Various venues Apr 27 to May 15 National Stadium www.gourmet-japan.com Jubilee Hall Theatre, Raffles Hotel www.singapore7s.sg www.britishtheatreplayhouse.com/ Stadium vortex.html City Hall

UB40 FEAT. ALI AFFORDABLE ART CAMPBELL, MICKEY FAIR SINGAPORE SINGAPORE VIRTUE & ASTRO Join Singapore’s most affordable HERITAGEFEST and fun art fair at its yearly Spring/ Catch the original members of Autumn editions. Artworks on 2016 Britain’s greatest reggae band, UB40 display include paintings, sculptures, perform their hit singles like “Red Delve deeper into Singapore’s prints and photographs starting Red Wine”, “(I can’t help) Falling In diverse culture and heritage from $100 and costing no more Love With You” and many more live through various engaging activities than $10,000. on the Singapore stage. such as thoughtfully curated exhibitions, heritage trails, and Apr 22 to 24 Apr 2 cultural performances. F1 Pit Building MasterCard® Theatres at www.affordableartfair.com/singapore ® Apr 29 to May 15 Promenade www.livescape.asia Various venues Bayfront www.heritagefest.sg

HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #YOURSINGAPORE 05 May LOOKS LIKE WE’LL BE HEADING TO THE THEATRES PRETTY FREQUENTLY THIS MONTH, AS THE THREE DEGREES, THE WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ILLUSIONISTS, LITTLE MIX, AND SONGS OF JACQUES BREL MAKE THEIR APPEARANCES ON STAGE. IF YOU’VE GOT LITTLE ONES IN TOW, KEEP THEM ENTERTAINED WITH CHILDREN’S SEASON AT SINGAPORE’S MUSEUMS, OPEN HOUSE, AS WELL AS THE COLD STORAGE KIDS RUN. BE SURE TO ALSO POP INTO THE MASSIVE SINGAPORE FOOD EXPO 2016 FOR A LOCAL FEAST!

ISTANA OPEN FALLING BY HOUSE PANGDEMONIUM

Set foot in the Istana - the Local theatre company official residence and office of Pangdemonium’s second the - production of the year follows during its open house and join the ups and downs of Tami and the guided nature walk to learn Bill, ordinary parents raising their more about the venue’s beautiful two teenage kids – Lisa, a typical flora and fauna. hot-headed 16 year-old; and Josh, an 18 year-old with autism. This May 1 emotional and enlightening family The Istana www.nparks.gov.sg/events drama explores what it means to love unconditionally in the face of adversity. THE ILLUSIONISTS May 13 to 29 THE THREE DBS Arts Centre DEGREES LIVE Let The Illusionists, a troupe of www.pangdemonium.com world-famous magicians, amuse IN CONCERT and amaze you with spellbinding tricks including levitation, mind- Spend an evening with Valerie reading, and disappearance. The Holiday, Helen Scott, and Freddie highlight? A heart-stopping full- Pool as they bring their famous view water torture escape. hits such as “When Will I See You Again” and slick dance routines to May 6 to 15 the Esplanade stage. MasterCard® Theatres at Marina Bay Sands® May 2 www.baseentertainmentasia.com Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay Bayfront www.sistic.com.sg/events/three0516 Esplanade

06 WANT MORE? VISIT WWW.YOURSINGAPORE.COM WHAT’S ON WHAT’S

ASIAN FESTIVAL SINGAPORE COLD STORAGE OF CHILDREN FOOD EXPO 2016 KIDS RUN 2016 CONTENT 2016 Eat your fill of local grub and If your family is keen to eat healthy the latest culinary creations at If you love children’s books and get active, sign everyone up this enormous, four-day food and stories, this annual festival for this fun run through Gardens fair that features more than will tickle your fancy with its by the Bay, complete with carnival 100 exhibitors. exciting line-up that includes activities for all to enjoy! a book fair, book illustrators May 27 to 31 showcase, title launches, May 22 Singapore Expo Hall 4 conferences, masterclasses, wwww.singaporefoodexpo.org.sg www.kidsrun.com.sg performances, and more. Expo Bayfront May 25 to 29 National Library, Singapore afcc.com.sg Bugis

Image credit: Anne Valluy CHILDREN’S JACQUES BREL SEASON 2016 IS ALIVE AND LITTLE MIX, Discover Singapore’s heritage, art, WELL AND culture, science, and everyday life THE GET WEIRD LIVING IN PARIS as you chase down some fun at TOUR 2016 the ninth Children’s Season. Look This off-Broadway musical revue forward to delightful exhibitions British girl group Little Mix is of the songs of Jacques Brel, and interactive activities, such taking on the Singapore stage with last staged in Singapore in 2008, as Masak Masak at the National hit songs like “Wings” and “Little returns to our shores with Museum and Shaking It With Me” from their two platinum new features including video Shakespeare at the Singapore albums, DNA and Salute. projections and innovative staging. Philatelic Museum!

May 23 May 26 to Jun 4 May 28 to Jun 26 The Star Performing Arts Centre SOTA Drama Theatre Various venues www.midaspromotions.com www.singtheatre.com www.museums.com.sg/cs16 Bras Basah

HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #YOURSINGAPORE 07 June CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? IT’S ALREADY JUNE! BEFORE THE NEXT HALF OF THE YEAR ROLLS AROUND, WE SAY TREAT YOURSELF WHAT’S ON WHAT’S TO DOING THE THINGS YOU LOVE THE MOST, WHETHER IT’S CATCHING A MUSICAL (OR TWO), EXPERIENCING WILDLIFE IN SINGAPORE, DRINKING PLENTY OF GOOD COFFEE, OR SHOPPING YOUR HEART OUT AT THE ANNUAL CITY-WIDE SALE. WHO SAYS YOU CAN’T HAVE IT ALL?

CAMERON THE GREAT MACKINTOSH’S SINGAPORE SALE LES MISÉRABLES Ready your wallets for eight weeks of incredible shopping deals on Legendary theatrical producer everything from fashion and beauty Cameron Mackintosh has given his to food and technology during this renowned Broadway musical an annual city-wide sale. updated stage set, re-orchestrated score, and reimagined scenery in Jun 3 to Aug 14 this new production. Various venues www.greatsingaporesale.com.sg May 31 to Jul 17 Esplanade Theatre www.lesmis.com/singapore Esplanade GENERATIONS OF FUN is celebrating its 45th anniversary with a walk down memory lane – in the form of a nostalgic rendition of the renowned High Flyers Show, SHREK THE family-bonding activities, and MUSICAL plenty of learning opportunities! Catch the world’s most loveable Jun 4 to 26 ogre live on stage in this musical Jurong Bird Park adaption of the Oscar®-winning www.birdpark.com.sg + DreamWorks Animation film. connecting bus service 194 Root for Shrek and Donkey as they outdo a dozen fairytale misfits in their mission to save Princess Fiona.

Jun 8 to 19 MasterCard® Theatres at Marina Bay Sands® www.baseentertainmentasia.com Bayfront

08 WANT MORE? VISIT WWW.YOURSINGAPORE.COM WHAT’S ON WHAT’S

THE O.P.E.N. GHOST WRITER Short for Open, Participate, Don’t miss this brand new Engage, Negotiate, this interdisciplinary theatre pre-festival of ideas delves production by The Necessary deep into the theme of the Stage that traces the lives of Singapore International Festival characters intertwined by blood of Arts (SIFA, 11 August to and ties that bind – and suffocate. 17 September) through five platforms - O.P.E.N. films, Jun 9 to 12 O.P.E.N. exhibitions, O.P.E.N. Esplanade Theatre Studio concerts, O.P.E.N. salons and www.necessary.org ® O.P.E.N. performances. Esplanade BEERFEST ASIA 2016 WITH Jun 23 to Jul 9 Various venues UOB CARDS www.sifa.sg Get your beer goggles ready for the return of this annual four- day showcase, which features a mind-boggling parade of over 500 kinds of beers and spirits alongside live entertainment.

Jun 16 to 19 Marina Promenade ww.beerfestasia.com SINGAPORE Promenade COFFEE FESTIVAL Coffee obsessives, clear your HOME IS WHERE schedule for Singapore’s first coffee festival. You’ll get to sip (or gulp, THE HEART IS: if you like) the world’s top coffee A BANDSTAND roasts, learn more about local brews, taste some decent grub, and MUSIC SERIES be entertained by live acts while BAYBEATS 2016 Have a romantic picnic with your you get your caffeine fix at the loved ones at the Singapore Botanic Rock out to electrifying four-day event. Gardens and be serenaded by local homegrown acts and international bands performing soulful tunes. artists at Singapore’s very own Jun 9 to 12 alternative music festival. F1 Pit Building www.singaporecoffeefestival.sg Jun 18 Promenade Singapore Botanic Gardens Jun 24 to 26 www.sbg.org.sg Esplanade Botanic Gardens www.baybeats.com Esplanade

HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #YOURSINGAPORE 09 Don’t miss HSBC World Rugby Singapore Sevens WHAT’S ON WHAT’S

Rugby devotees, rejoice! As well 45 gripping matches. The stakes Come nightfall, head to the as hosting the high-profile are even higher this year: players Clarke Quay After 7s Music Singapore Grand Prix and are also battling for a spot in Festival, where local music talents WTA Finals, Singapore is all set the 2016 Rio Olympics for the and regional bands get your for the return of the HSBC first time. Expect a boisterous heart pumping with high-energy World Rugby Singapore weekend of non-stop rugby performances. Ticket holders also Sevens from 16 to 17 April action as you watch current enjoy exclusive offers at some of 2016 after a decade-long hiatus. champions Fiji defend its title Clarke Quay’s popular outlets. Never experienced a Sevens against crowd-favourites such as tournament? Well, get ready to Australia, England, 12-time Seven Standard tickets start from $50 rock, ruck and rumble as the Series champion New Zealand and for free seating and are available world’s top players crash and wild-card Japan. at www.sportshubtix.sg, Singapore tackle their way to the try line Indoor Stadium Box Office, all at the National Stadium. There’s more to be had in and SingPost outlets, as well as via around the stadium apart from the the ticketing hotline at Singapore is the eighth leg of exciting games. Flaunt your fanciest (65) 3158 7888. the HSBC World Rugby Sevens costumes at the bustling carnival, Series, joining Dubai, Cape Town, and enjoy excellent food and drink For more information, visit Wellington, Sydney, Las Vegas, options, live music performances, www.YourSingapore.com/ Vancouver, Hong Kong, Paris, and and other fun-filled activities with singapore7s London as host cities. In each leg, your friends and family. Don’t miss 15 core teams and one wild-card the slew of family-friendly events team will compete in as many as at Sentosa during the Singapore Sevens, too!

HSBC World Rugby Singapore Sevens

10 WANT MORE? VISIT WWW.YOURSINGAPORE.COM Exposé Fashion Steps Out WHAT’S ON WHAT’S

Image credit: Orchard Road Business Association

You know Spring/Summer has schools that showcases fashion- Of course, no fashion festival is ever arrived when Orchard Road, forward creations based on the complete without great deals within Singapore’s famous shopping festival’s themes. the malls and shops on Orchard belt, buzzes with exciting events, Road. MasterCard holders (locals shopping promotions and designer Think knitting is for grandmothers? and tourists both), receive $30 showcases as part of Fashion A large-scale knitting project worth of shopping vouchers when Steps Out (FSO). Save the dates: conceptualised by crafter Adeline you spend $300 on your card. Plus, the annual six-week-long fashion Loo of It Takes Balls will change tourists stand a chance to win the extravaganza is happening from 25 your mind, and anyone can join at grand prize, a ‘Priceless Experience March and 8 May this year. participating malls to weave a knit. in Orchard Road’, at the end of the Find out how you can catch her in event in May. Happy shopping! Keen to see more beyond what’s action and other fringe activities in the stores? Check out The Style happening along Orchard Road For more information, visit www. Challenge exhibition by local design with the OneOrchard mobile app! orchardroad.org/fso

HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #YOURSINGAPORE 11 COVER STORY COVER

Edmond Wong at Kim Choo Kueh Chang on East Coast Road

Culture Insider Edmond Wong

NOT MANY FAMILY BUSINESSES SURVIVE INTO THE THIRD GENERATION, BUT THE OWNERS OF KIM CHOO KUEH CHANG, A TRADITIONAL RICE DUMPLING AND SNACKS SPECIALIST, HAVE BEATEN THE ODDS TO CONTINUE THE LEGACY. WE DIVE DEEP INTO THE PERANAKAN CULTURE WITH ITS CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) DIRECTOR.

12 WANT MORE? VISIT WWW.YOURSINGAPORE.COM The story of Kim Choo These sweet, bite-sized pastries Kueh Chang… are a distinctive Peranakan snack. began with my grandmother, Lee Kim Choo, who first sold I have lived… Nyonya (Straits-Chinese Peranakan in Katong and Joo Chiat my whole woman) rice dumplings under life. I have fond memories of my a banyan tree along Joo Chiat childhood, where I would play in Place. My father, the eldest in his mud, climb trees, and shoot family, later took over the helm marbles with my neighbours in of the business together with my the kampong (village).

mother. My brothers and I are now STORY COVER continuing the family’s legacy. I love that… the Katong-Joo Chiat Kim Choo Kueh Chang today… neighbourhood has a harmonious isn’t just a place for rice dumplings charm. Here, different religious and Peranakan snacks. We do buildings are located in close customisations of sarong kebaya proximity. You’ll also find narrow and batik (traditional Peranakan roads with no names. It’s also costumes), wholesaling of where you can find Mempat trees, Peranakan porcelain, and hold a Southeast-Asian plant that bears guided tours, talks, and workshops small pink flowers that resemble A traditional Nyonya dressing table to promote our Nanyang- cherry blossoms sometime in Peranakan heritage. February and August.

Contrary to popular belief… Singapore has plenty of… are not linked to cultural hidden gems. Bukit Brown a particular race, nor are they tells much of our untold story; and people who inherited the is home to the last two bloodline. The word “Peranakan” dragon kilns in Singapore. These literally means “locally born places in our Little Red Dot give descendants of foreigners”. It is us a glimpse into our past, and very much about the marriage how different cultures come of different cultures, and not together in a rapid and about the marriage of two harmonious manner for prosperity. different races. Kim Choo Kueh Chang 109 East Coast Road Did you know… (65) 6741 2125 that pineapple tarts are also eaten www.kimchoo.com and shared during Hari Raya, Eunos Nyonya rice dumplings Diwali, Easter, and Christmas – not just during Chinese New Year?

Traditional Peranakan bridal bed

HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #YOURSINGAPORE 13 Unbelievable Tours

LOOKING TO EXPERIENCE A DAY TRIP WITH A DIFFERENCE? THESE BRILLIANT TOURS AROUND THE PRECINCT

DAY TRIPPER DAY SHOW YOU THE ALTERNATIVE SIDES OF SINGAPORE.

Historic architecture, cultural history, new migrant communities, diversity, and cult-status eateries religions and after-hours activities, are accolades not commonly but will also encourage you to associated with Singapore’s eat your way around the district. Geylang district – which is Highlighting the juxtaposition frequently written off as the that defines Geylang, you’ll find island’s infamous nightlife zone. yourself passing massage parlours But take a stroll through the one second, and beautiful temples meandering lanes and bustling the next. back alleys of this unique enclave, and you’ll find a buzzing hub Meanwhile, the Betel Box Beguiling Geylang filled with colourful shophouses, Kampung Geylang Serai mosques, temples, bars and more Uncovered tour takes you that put Geylang firmly on the straight to the heart of one of Hectic by day and night, it’s must-visit tourist trail. Singapore’s oldest Malay enclaves. also a must visit for those keen Discover the past and present of to explore a totally unique With a rich history steeped the neighbourhood as you make side to the city. Uncover the in multicultural migration, the your way from Geylang Serai neighbourhood’s interesting Geylang of today is a melting Market & Food Centre to Joo past, and multi-faceted present pot of ethnicities and religions. Chiat Road. Sample traditional with the Secrets of the Red And unlike the rest of the island, street food while experiencing Lantern™: A Chinatown it remains largely untouched by the culture, trades and crafts of & Geylang Night Tour; urban redevelopment; if you’re Singapore’s Malay community. first you’ll take in the buzz of looking for a slice of old school Look out for the bird-singing Chinatown – famed for its back authentic Singapore charm, you’ll corner, where elders with prized alley opium and gambling dens likely find it here. And we say birds in cages compete to see in the 19th century – before a it’s high time to delve into this which feathered friend is the jaunt around Geylang. It’s an eye- unique neighbourhood through most tuneful. Talk about going off opening experience brimming with a series of brilliant immersive the beaten path! tales of vice and tragedy; not for local tours. During the four-hour the faint of heart, nor the kids! Betel Box Sins and Salvation: Also famed for its durian shops, Sins and Salvation: A Geylang Food Walk a Geylang Food Walk, a a trip to Geylang wouldn’t be (65) 6247 7340 loquacious guide will not only complete without a taste of the www.betelboxtours.com shed light on the area’s diverse pungent king of fruit itself - an experience that Karni Tomer of Kampung Geylang Serai Uncovered Wok ‘n’ Stroll claims to be the (65) 6247 7340 www.betelboxtours.com “ultimate foodie courage test”. Try it for yourself during her Beguiling Geylang Beguiling Geylang food tour (65) 8338 3571 through authentic hawker centres www.woknstroll.com.sg and illuminated night markets. TM This three-hour night crawl will Secrets of the Red Lantern : A Chinatown & Geylang Night Tour expose you to other local (65) 6325 1631 including dim sum, , www.journeys.com.sg black herbal tea, and more. Brace yourself, and your tastebuds! Secrets of the Red LanternTM

14 WANT MORE? VISIT WWW.YOURSINGAPORE.COM Singlish, explained DON’T BLAME US IF YOU GET FUNNY LOOKS WHEN USING THESE PHRASES IN FRONT OF A SINGAPOREAN! #LIKEALOCAL Aiyoh Lah Chope

An expression of surprise, A suffix used to place To reserve a place or and/or annoyance emphasis on the sentence; call dibs on something “Aiyoh, why is the bus taking used to express certainty “Can you chope a seat for me?” so long to arrive?” “Don’t worry about it lah!”

Paiseh Tapao Shiok

A Hokkien term for The Singlish equivalent Fantastic, or to convey feelings of embarrassing and shy of takeaway satisfaction and pleasure “Paiseh – can you lend “I’m going to tapao lunch from “This plate of chicken rice me some cash?” the hawker centre.” is damn shiok!”

Order your local drinks

KOPI DINOSAUR Coffee with Rose cordial syrup with Milo, a chocolate milk drink condensed milk water and evaporated milk served with ice and topped with Milo powder

TEH TARIK Frothy hot milk tea made CHENDOL by pouring and “pulling” A dessert drink consisting of coconut MICHAEL JACKSON the beverage between two milk, green-coloured rice flour jelly, Soy milk mixed with chin vessels from a height red beans, shaved ice and palm sugar chow, or

HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #YOURSINGAPORE 15 City must-dos MAP OF SINGAPORE

THIS SUN-DRENCHED ISLAND IS MANY THINGS: A VIBRANT MULTI-CULTURAL STATE, A LUSH GARDEN CITY, A RENOWNED BUSINESS HUB, A FOODIE’S PARADISE, A WORLD-CLASS SHOPPING DESTINATION, AND A NATION WITH HISTORY AND DEPTH. TO WIT, SINGAPORE IS DELIGHTFULLY COMPLEX, AND IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START, THIS MAP OF THE CITY’S FINEST SHOULD POINT YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION(S).

16 WANT MORE? VISIT WWW.YOURSINGAPORE.COM MAP OF SINGAPORE

1. S’pore Discovery Centre 8. Little India 2. Jurong Bird Park 9. 3. Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve 10. 4. 11. Gardens by the Bay 5. MacRitchie Reservoir 12. Katong 6. Singapore Botanic Gardens 13. Changi Airport 7. Orchard Road

HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #YOURSINGAPORE 17 One dish, three ways THINK YOU’VE TRIED IT ALL WHEN IT COMES TO ? WE FOUND SOME APPETISING VARIATIONS THAT JUST MIGHT SURPRISE YOU – AND YOUR TASTEBUDS. THE EAT LIST THE EAT

Sambal belacan Tau ghey (shrimp paste chilli) (beansprouts) Tau pok (fried Thick rice beancurd puff) Finely chopped fresh laksa leaves vermicelli Chinese (also known as fishcake daun kesom or Vietnamese mint) Prawn NATIONAL KITCHEN BY VIOLET OON DRY LAKSA It is unorthodox to serve laksa without its signature , but we have no qualms whatsoever when it’s in the good hands of celebrated Peranakan chef, Violet Oon. Fresh rice are instead tossed in Oon’s flavoursome laksa gravy, ensuring they stay firm and springy. Expect brilliance in every bite. National Kitchen by Violet Oon, #02-01 National Gallery Singapore (City Hall Wing), 1 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957 (65) 9834 9935

Cockles

Laksa broth, made with chicken stock, ikan bilis (anchovies), , a dash of fish sauce, and rempah (spice paste consisting of dried shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, garlic, star anise, and coriander seed) SAN LAKSA STEAMBOAT RESTAURANT Many locals would stand by the traditional Singapore laksa: LAKSA STEAMBOAT a harmonious blend of , coconut milk-infused broth, tau pok, prawns, fishcakes, cockles, and eggs – best On the flipside, some of us love laksa soup so perfected by 328 (53 East Coast Road), much we want to dip everything in it. Here, which won a cook-off against celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay you can cook ingredients like pork belly, beef in 2013. But you can also dig into diverse interpretations of striploin, fish paste, cockles and more in a the iconic dish at Laksania (#04-04 Bugis+, 201 boiling, free-flowing laksa soup base. Slurp to Victoria Street). Try its laksa if you prefer tangy your heart’s content! assam (sour, tamarind-based soup) flavours (no coconut milk San Laksa Steamboat Restaurant, in this one!), or the not-so-spicy Kelantan laksa served with 404 Road, Singapore 098840 mackerel and a yellow ginger soup base. (65) 6275 7069

18 WANT MORE? VISIT WWW.YOURSINGAPORE.COM Woo Wai Leong ASIA’S FIRST MASTERCHEF AND BARTENDER AT SLICK LOCAL SPEAKEASY, THE HORSE’S MOUTH, TELLS US WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS SINCE WINNING THIS INAUGURAL COMPETITION, WHY

HE LOVES HAWKER FOOD, AND WHERE HIS FAVOURITE SPOTS LIST THE EAT ARE TO SAMPLE A COCKTAIL OR TWO.

Since winning MasterChef Asia… My top three local dishes… I’ve continued to bartend at The Horse’s Mouth are a good bowl of bak chor mee (minced pork (#B1-39 ) , where our noodles) from Tai Hwa (#01-12, 466 Crawford Lane) cocktails are inspired by the classics. I’m also working in Lavender or the controlled smokiness of the on a cookbook, planning a few pop-ups and there’s (stir-fried prawn noodles, 396 East also talk of some exciting collaborations in the Coast Road) cooked over charcoal at Geylang Lor 29. near future. But, for comfort food, nothing beats the chicken rice that I get from one of my favourite hawkers such as L’Aiglon and Anti:dote… Wee Nam Kee, Loy Kee, or Tian Tian. are two of my favourite cocktail bars in Singapore, aside from The Horse’s Mouth – of course! I enjoy Enjoying a cup of (coffee with making – and drinking – a dry Martinez or a Last condensed milk)… Word. Try either or both the next time you visit brings back so many memories of growing up. I just a cocktail bar! love the overly-roasted bitterness of this local brew.

I love the intense flavours of hawker food… There’s so much to do in Singapore... and how it has influenced the Singapore restaurant I love running through the Singapore Botanic Gardens scene to profile the flavours in their menus. or the Central Business District, visiting numerous art exhibitions, and checking out the local music scene.

HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #YOURSINGAPORE 19 Hot Cool tunes THE EAT LIST THE EAT Tables LONG PLAY The place to be – or rather, eat – for music lovers. Long Play doesn’t Deep-fried just offer delicious bites and classic BIRD BIRD awesomeness drinks, it also houses an impressive collection of vintage vinyl records Local chef Bjorn Shen – the for your listening pleasure. While man behind wildly popular you’re soaking up warm analog Mediterranean-inspired restaurant sounds, tuck into dishes like the Artichoke – gets even feistier with buttermilk chicken or togarashi his second establishment, which (Japanese chilli pepper) squid, and specialises in Thai fried and BBQ sip classic drinks like the Rock chicken, Som Tum, and alcoholic Island Iced Tea – their rendition slushies to help you beat the Killer of the Long Island cocktail. tropical heat. AURA views 4 Haji Lane 18 Ann Siang Road Furnished with Uragano wicker (65) 6291 3323 (65) 6635 2536 chairs and lighting sculptures www.longplay.sg www.facebook.com/birdbirdsg by local artist Mona Choo, this Bugis Telok Ayer elegant Italian establishment will win your affection with its culinary masterpieces. Look out for the scallops crudo with truffle and smoked quail eggs, or tagliolini with scampi and avruga caviar. Another trump card in Aura’s hand is the Aura Sky Lounge, one level up. Take in a top-notch view of The Padang and the city’s skyline while tucking into saccharine treats like Amedei French- chocolate and banana cake, or Asian Bailey’s and hazelnut feuillantine. META DEHESA Nose-to-taildining Helmed by head chef Sun Kim #05-03, #06-02 National Gallery Singapore (formerly at Singapore’s Waku Ghin Up for a hearts-and-parts dining 1 St Andrew’s Road and Tetsuya’s in Sydney), this slick experience? Check into this (65) 6866 1977 restaurant whips up French cuisine rare restaurant that transforms www.aura.sg with an Asian twist. Highlights offal and other unloved cuts of City Hall on the menu include wagyu beef meat like ox heart, pig ears, and tartare and pear kimchi (traditional lamb sweetbreads into creative, Korean dish made up of fermented sumptuous morsels. Be sure to vegetables), and the slow-cooked match your adventurous meal grass-fed beef short rib topped off with a suitable vino from the with parsnip and oyster mushroom. impressive wine list.

9 12 North Canal Road (65) 6513 0898 (65) 6221 7790 www.metarestaurant.sg www.dehesa.com.sg Outram Park Clarke Quay

20 WANT MORE? VISIT WWW.YOURSINGAPORE.COM Stylish LIST THE EAT KITE comforts No-frills eats Southeast Asian ingredients get the modern treatment at this hip TWO CHEFS dining spot that’s tucked away in a heritage shophouse. Offerings EATING PLACE like Ubin sea bass with lotus root, This casual zi char (Chinese home- sunflower seeds and sprouts, as style cooking) eatery is known well as the somen (thin white for its butter pork ribs that are ) served with lap dusted with milk powder – an cheong (cured Chinese sausage) intriguing but tasty combination. oil and prawns are sure to please Other classics to order include diners with a taste for fusion. drunken cockles and crunchy 53 Craig Road cereal prawns. Traditional (65) 9729 7988 Chinese #01-129, 116 Commonwealth Crescent SPRING COURT (65) 6472 5361 Commonwealth This time-tested Chinese restaurant is well known for its amazing Peking duck, but don’t forget to try its other specialities like the steamed garoupa and double-boiled prawn dumpling soup while you’re there.

52-56 Upper (65) 6449 5030 Local www.springcourt.com.sg feast Chinatown mania MARKET & ZAM ZAM FOOD CENTRE For locals, the name is synonymous with one There are tons of choices at this thing: murtabak (Indian pancake hawker centre – which is nestled stuffed with egg, minced meat, and amongst a bunch of hipster onions). The restaurant, which has cafes and indie stores in the been around for over a century, neighbourhood. Try Chinese rojak serves its huge signature dish with (local salad) from Tow Kwar Pop, rich curry and in four different chicken rice from the ever-popular variations: mutton, fish, chicken, Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless and vegetable. Got an appetite or Chicken Rice, and chwee kueh with a big group? Try (steamed rice cakes) from Jian Bo. its famous (mixed rice dish).

30 Seng Poh Road 697 www.tiongbahru.market (65) 6298 6320 Tiong Bahru Bugis

HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #YOURSINGAPORE 21 DRINK UP Cool Go bespoke Cocktail BITTERS & LOVE Bars fiesta VASCO The smiley bartenders will Sway to a lively mix of Latin beats concoct something special from as you knock back a glass or two the drink profile you provide. of killer cocktails at Singapore’s But if you need a bit of a nudge first Latin-American cocktail bar. to start, we recommend trying Skip the standard piña coladas the the kaya (coconut jam) toast and margaritas and go for the cocktail, which comes with bread sophisticated stuff like Cusco Puta and a dollop of kaya on top. In the (pisco, strawberry, capsicum, chilli neighbourhood a tad too early? and lime), and Girl From Ipanema Stop by for a solid cup of coffee (Brazilian rum cachaca, lime, courtesy of Free The Robot, the passionfruit, and Brazil nuts). bar’s daytime café alter-ego.

Local 42 HongKong Street 118 spin (65) 8799 7085 (65) 6438 1836 www.vascosingapore.com www.bittersandlove.com AH SAM COLD Clarke Quay Telok Ayer DRINK STALL True to its hawker-inspired name, this, no-pretense cocktail bar on the second floor of a shophouse offers a menu of interesting tipples that reference from local food and drinks (see page 15), such as Tak Qiu (local lingo for Milo drink; cocktail consists of Milo bourbon with sugar and bitters) and laksa Rum party (noodles in coconut milk-based Sake curry broth; drink made with dried frenzy SUGAR HALL shrimp infused vodka, laksa leaves, KAKURE lemongrass, chilli padi, sugar, lime Boasting over 50 types of cane and coconut cream). But if there’s This sake-omakase gem boasts a spirits, this is the place to go for nothing that tickles your fancy, traditional Meiji- and Taisho-era your rum fix on the island. The bar owner-bartender Sam Wong and décor and an impressive sake list has cleverly categorised the rum- his talented mixology team will that counts over 50 different labels. based cocktails into three sections concoct anything you want, and You’ll find well-known brands, as – tropical cocktails, clear spirits and you can expect infusions of local well as niche, small-batch bottles dark spirits – and rated on a scale of flavours like gula melaka (palm not found anywhere else in ‘hungry’ to ‘full’ so that you can make sugar), pandan, and chrysanthemum. Singapore. Plus each sake is only your pick based on how full you are. brought in once, in limited quantities. Pretty cool. 60A Boat Quay (65) 6535 0838 Level 2 Chateau TCC, 29 102 Amoy Street www.facebook.com/ (65) 6733 5251 (65) 6222 9102 AhSamColdDrinkStall www.scotts29.com www.sugarhall.sg Clarke Quay Orchard Telok Ayer

22 WANT MORE? VISIT WWW.YOURSINGAPORE.COM Eugenia Yip THE COOL, CULTURALLY RICH BUGIS-BRAS BASAH DISTRICT HAS A VERY SPECIAL PLACE IN LOCAL MUSICIAN EUGENIA YIP’S HEART. SHE TELLS US WHY. HOMETOWN

Having attended school (Lasalle College of the Arts) The best way to explore BBB is… and lived out her music dreams in the neighbourhood, by foot. Arm yourself with a mini portable fan and lead vocalist of local band The Steve McQueens a huge bottle of water, and then walk! Must-visits Eugenia Yip knows the Bugis-Bras Basah precinct like include the National Library, Bras Basah Complex, the back of her hand. Here, she shows us around her Haji Lane, (all day, through night!) Bussorah Street favourite enclave, and then some. (there’s a very beautiful mosque in that area called Masjid Sultan), and of course, Blujaz on Bali Lane. I love how… the Bugis-Bras Basah (BBB) neighbourhood is so Singapore’s live music scene is… chill, even though there are many things going on bursting at its seams! SingJazz Club, Blujaz, Lepark, in the neighbourhood. There’s just a quaint vibe and The Esplanade are some of the many places about the district. in Singapore that host a plethora of local and international acts all year round. Watch out for local Before BBB became a cultural hub... musicians like Cashew Chemists, TAJ, The Good Life it had an notorious reputation. After a major clean- Project, Charlim Lim, and DotGif at these spots. up, it’s now home to cool venues like the National Museum of Singapore, , and The The Steve McQueens... Substation, which hosts a good number of indie gigs performs at Blujaz once every couple of months. and art installations. The restaurant-bar has a great vibe going. It’s one of the few live jazz music Not many know this, but… venues in Singapore, and BBB is a bona fide enclave for local delicacies; not just they’ve got different acts art. My bandmates and I are fans of the roast duck and playing all the time. wanton mee (noodles with dumplings and barbecued The food is great and pork) at Choo Chiang Roasted Meat Noodle House reasonably priced, on . plus the music is awesome. Speaking of local food… we also love the Mongkok beef hor fun (thick and flat rice noodles with starchy gravy) from Mongkok Kitchen. For great prata and thosai, head to Lakshmi Vilas Restaurant on Wishart Road.

HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #YOURSINGAPORE 23 Navigator Singapore River SINGAPORE’S LIFELINE FOR OVER 150 YEARS, THIS 3.2-KM LONG RIVER THAT FLOWS THROUGH THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT WAS ONCE BUSTLING WITH TRADE AND COMMERCE. TODAY, THE SINGAPORE RIVER AND ITS FAMOUS QUAYS – BOAT QUAY, CLARKE IN THE ‘HOOD QUAY, AND – ARE LITTERED WITH WORLD-CLASS RESTAURANTS, HIP WATERING HOLES, COOL GUESTHOUSES AND ICONIC ATTRACTIONS, PROMISING AN EXCITING ADVENTURE AHEAD. / Clarke Quay

1. Built in 1827, this multi-disciplinary arts centre was Singapore’s first Parliament House. Here, art enthusiasts can look forward to engaging programmes and festivals including Singapore Writer’s Festival and Singapore International Festival of Music.

1 Old Parliament Lane (65) 6332 6900 www.theartshouse.sg

2. DALLAS RESTAURANT & BAR CLEMENCEAU AVE What used to be a former congregation HAVELOCK RD spot for members in the gambier and UPPER CROSS ST pepper community in Singapore is now a sleek all-American dining spot. Be sure to order the massive slabs of fiery baby back ribs if you feel carnivorous!

31 Boat Quay (65) 6532 2131 www.dallas.sg 4. THE MAD MEN ATTIC BAR 3. Getting here takes a little bit of effort – look RIVERBOAT DINING out for the alley next to The Pecking Order on North Canal Road, find the glass door Hop onboard one of the last surviving pair of tong kangs at the back of the restaurant, and take the (traditional riverboats used for carrying goods back in elevator up to the fourth floor. Its black forest the day) for a unique dining experience. One houses a bar mojito, Aussie beers, chilli cheese dog, raucous for post-work drinks, while the other is where you can atmosphere, and great live music will be feast on succulent meats and seafood cooked on volcanic worth it. Serpertine stones from the European Alps. #03-02, 11 North Canal Road #01-06, 3D River Valley Road (65) 9822 1789 (11am-4pm) (65) 6333 4868 (65) 6222 3529 (4pm onwards) tongkang.com.sg madmenatticbar.com

24 WANT MORE? VISIT WWW.YOURSINGAPORE.COM 5. THE PORT BY 7. RED HOUSE SEAFOOD QUARTERS HOSTEL RESTAURANT Nestled in between the bars and restaurants Established in 1976, Red House is one of the best spots along Boat Quay, this capsule hostel – also in Singapore for crab. Select your crab (Sri Lankan mud, Singapore’s first – offers a comfortable and Scottish brown, Alaskan King) and have it any way you affordable stay along the Singapore River, with like – wok-fried and tossed in white pepper, charcoal picturesque views of the city’s skyline. grilled, or with salted egg yolk… take your pick!

50A Boat Quay #01-14 The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay (65) 6816 6960 (65) 6735 7666 IN THE ‘HOOD theport.stayquarters.com redhouseseafood.com

6. PEOPLE OF THE RIVER 8. CLARKE QUAY Imagine the old days through the myriad of Apart from being one of the city’s hottest nightlife sculptures that depict the life of people who destinations with exciting happy hour deals and used to work and live along the Singapore River. great restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisines, Clarke Quay is also where you can be a human slingshot with G-Max, a thrilling ride that launches you up at a terrifying speed of 120mph.

3 River Valley Road, Clarke Quay (65) 6338 1766 www.gmaxgx5.sg

EU TONG SEN ST MERCHANT RD

NORTH BRIDGE RD

NEW BRIDGE RD

9. SINGAPORE REPERTORY THEATRE (SRT) 10. ASIAN CIVILISATIONS Experience Broadway, the West End and the richness of Singaporean culture at this local theatre. SRT MUSEUM is known for staging highly popular and critically Presenting over 5,000 years of recorded history acclaimed productions such as Shakespeare in the across 11 galleries, discover a diverse collection of Park series, and Spider Woman, which star local and Asian artefacts, including detailed sculptures of regional performers. Buddha and the Gandhara culture, in this museum.

20 Merbau Road 1 Empress Place (65) 6221 5585 (65) 6332 7798 www.srt.com.sg acm.org.sg

HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #YOURSINGAPORE 25 Orchard Road ASIA’S MOST FAMOUS SHOPPING STREET, ORCHARD ROAD IS A DREAM DESTINATION FOR THOSE SEEKING SERIOUS RETAIL THERAPY IN THE HEART OF THE CITY. FROM HIGH-END AND HIGH STREET TO DESIGNER AND DISCOUNT FINDS, HERE’S A HANDY GUIDE ON WHERE TO SHOP. Orchard / Somerset RETAIL THERAPY RETAIL

KINOKUNIYA PEDDER ON SCOTTS Quite simply, it’s heaven in a If there’s one place in Singapore bookstore. You walk in to buy the that houses all of the season’s latest New York Times bestseller shoe and accessory trends, this and walk out with two avant-garde massive duplex store is it. The design magazines, delightful kids’ stunning space is home to more pop-up book, a new Moleskine than 100 of the hottest designer journal, and a couple of gifts for labels, including Alexander Wang, loved ones back home. The store Charlotte Olympia and Nicholas is also impeccably arranged for Kirkwood. Gorgeous footwear easy browsing of its wide genre of aside, there’s also The Coffee titles, which are also available in Academics from Hong Kong if different languages. you need a cup of Joe to perk up.

#04-20E Level 2 Scotts Square 391 Orchard Road 6 Scotts Road (65) 6214 9004 (65) 6244 2883 www.kinokuniya.com.sg www.onpedder.com

PACT Within this hip multi-concept emporium – the first of its kind in Singapore – you can shop a range of stylish goods from clothing label Sifr, perfumer Code Deco, multi-label establishment SPUR Hauswerks, and furniture store Fred Lives Here. Get your hair done at pact+LIM and your nails painted at kiyone+LIM before grabbing a bite at casual bar and restaurant Kilo.

#02-14-23 181 Orchard Road (65) 6238 6362 www.visitpact.com

26 WANT MORE? VISIT WWW.YOURSINGAPORE.COM RETAIL THERAPY RETAIL STRANGE AND SWATCH DERANGED MEGASTORE There’s nothing strange or This Swatch wonderland will make deranged at this luxury home you feel like a kid in a candy store and lifestyle store. Instead, you’ll with its vibrant wall prints, groovy find yourself surrounded by a shapes and chandeliers made out swoon-worthy range of unique, of – you guessed it – watches. handcrafted decoratives, artworks, Let the little ones have some fun soft furnishings, books, and curios picking out their favourite tickers that blend traditional aesthetics at the Flik Flak corner, which with modern designs. features display panels installed at a child-friendly height, while #01-09 you browse the latest collections. 390 Orchard Road (65) 6737 9289 Level 1 orchardgateway www.strangeanderanged.com 277 Orchard Road (65) 6702 4457 www.swatch.com

TANGS SEPHORA There’s no missing the TANGS ROBINSONS Anyone with a love of beauty building, an iconic structure along THE HEEREN products will tell you to check out Orchard Road modelled after Sephora if you’re on the hunt for a Chinese palaces. This heritage- The 158-year-old department-store new lipstick, hairspray or scent. The rich homegrown department chain’s biggest outlet in Singapore beauty giant has stores scattered store is where you’ll discover top boasts five floors of fashion, beauty, across the island, but the largest in local labels such as IN GOOD home, lifestyle, and kids products by Asia is located at ION Orchard, COMPANY, Aijek and Carrie K. local and international brands such where you can get your hands on alongside big-name international as Ashley Isham from Singapore, the best and latest in the market. Be offerings. Plus, it provides free local Greyhound from Thailand, and London’s warned: it’ll take a lot of willpower delivery to your hotel so you can House of Holland. Be sure to pick up to leave empty-handed! continue shopping or exploring your Robinsons Visitors Privilege Card the city hands-free. at the store to enjoy 10 per cent off! #01-05/06 ION Orchard 2 Orchard Turn 310 Orchard Road 260 Orchard Road (65) 6509 8255 (65) 6737 5500 (65) 6735 8838 www.sephora.sg www.tangs.com www.robinsons.com.sg

HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #YOURSINGAPORE 27 5 Take me home DON’T LEAVE SINGAPORE WITHOUT THESE MUST-HAVE LOCAL GEMS.

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1. Create a spa-like ambience at bill perfectly, $298, available Carrie K. 6. Inspired by traditional Peranakan home with handcrafted aromatic Atelier (136 Road) motifs, this vibrant iPhone case by candles from A Dose of Kala Pata will add a pop of colour Something Good, $68, available 4. Breakfast in Singapore isn’t to your outfit, $22, available at NAIISE at TANGS Orchard complete without the delicious (orchardgateway) combination of toast and kaya (a 2. Inspired by heritage prints and traditional spread made from coconut 7. Get this notebook by The handmade by independent artisans milk, eggs, and sugar), $4.80, available Farm Store, lah. It’s a helpful gift from all over the world, Matter at Ya Kun stores for visitors to get acquainted with scarves are truly one of a kind, $99, island-wide Singlish, the local lingo, $32, available available at kapok (National Design at NAIISE (orchardgateway) Centre) 5. Cuddle up to this plush cushion from Meykrs that’s inspired by 8. Get frocked up and fabulous with 3. Unconventional jewellery with a a popular local snack beloved by local label Raoul’s selection of twist? These quirky necklaces from children, $29.90, available at NAIISE runway-ready apparel, $290, available homegrown label Carrie K. fit the (orchardgateway) at #02-49 Paragon

28 WANT MORE? VISIT WWW.YOURSINGAPORE.COM 11 8

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9. For the perfect pair of shoes, 12. This must-have decorative plate at thelittledrömstore (School of the Singapore’s most successful fashion captures the sophistication and beauty Arts)/ Museum Shop label, Charles & Keith (aka shoe of traditional Peranakan art, $70, by Supermama heaven) has you covered, Available at available at True Blue Shoppe Charles & Keith stores island-wide (Peranakan Museum) 15. Gentlemen, time to up your style game with The Shirt Bar’s 10. Say goodbye to your skin woes 13. After a drink at the iconic Long selection of dapper bowties and and hello to a flawless face with the Bar, take home this mini Singapore shirts, $59 and $99, available at The help of custom blended serums by Sling cocktail set, $53.90, available at Shirt Bar (Suntec City) Skin Inc., $158 each, available at Raffles Hotel #B3-43 ION Orchard 14. Always anxious that you’re 11. Made from exotic snakeskin, this running late? Then this sleek and designer handbag by local label Ling stylish timepiece by The Farm Wu is the epitome of chic, $580, Store is the perfect accessory available at Robinsons or to quell your kan cheong spider TANGS Orchard (anxious) tendencies, $36, available

HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #YOURSINGAPORE 29 Fam-tastic day out TEN GREAT THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN SINGAPORE.

BEST DAY EVER! BEST DAY GO WILD OVER WILDLIFE Set sail on an exciting adventure down the Mississippi, Congo, Nile, Ganges, Mekong and Yangtze rivers and meet resident pandas, Kai Kai and Jia Jia at River Safari.

80 Lake Road (65) 6269 3411 www.riversafari.com.sg RIVER SAFARI + connecting bus service 927

MAKE THE JUMP A whole new level of fun awaits at Zoom Park Asia, Singapore’s largest indoor trampoline court, which also boasts a 17-metre lateral rock wall and a massive foam pit.

#01-14, 200 (65) 6334 4615 www.zoomparkasia.com ZOOM PARK ASIA SCIENCE CENTRE GEEK OUT ON TEE OFF SCIENCE Grab clubs and take a swing at mini Kickstart your mini Einstein’s golf complex Lilliputt, where all 18 love for science at the Science golf holes represent iconic Singapore Centre Singapore, a mega hub attractions like the and of countless interactive exhibits ! in 14 galleries.

#03-05 Block B Big Splash 15 Science Centre Road 902 (65) 6425 2500 (65) 6348 9606 www.science.edu.sg www.lilliputt.com Jurong East + connecting + connecting bus service 66 or 335 LILLIPUTT bus service 31, 197 or 401

30 WANT MORE? VISIT WWW.YOURSINGAPORE.COM RIDE THE FERRIS WHEEL Marvel at the panoramic views of Marina Bay, the Central Business District and beyond from the , Asia’s largest observation wheel.

30 Raffles Avenue

(65) 6333 3311 EVER! BEST DAY SINGAPORE FLYER www.singaporeflyer.com Promenade

KAMPONG GLAM BE ONE WITH EXPLORE NATURE CULTURAL Go on a green escape with a picnic ‘HOODS or an outdoor concert at Singapore Botanic Gardens, or marvel at Visit the resplendent Sultan gorgeous spring blooms and the Mosque in , world’s tallest indoor waterfall at check out the sprawling temples Gardens by the Bay. in Little India, and feast at the many hawker stalls, kiosks or Various locations cafes in Chinatown. GARDENS BY THE BAY Various locations

MAKE A SPLASH Whizz down high-speed water slides and snorkel with tropical fish at Adventure Cove Waterpark, take part in water-gun shootouts at Port of Lost Wonder or keep cool at the Far East Organization Children’s Garden. TIMBRE@GILLMAN ADVENTURE COVE Various locations CUE THE WATERPARK BARBECUE Head down to Timbre@Gillman MUSEUM-HOP for its weekly Saturday Social BBQ, carnival of craft, music, Get to know Singapore’s history bouncy castles and delicious and arts scene – visit the National grilled meats. Museum of Singapore for exciting interactive exhibits and National #01-05 Gallery Singapore for its dazzling 9A Lock Road architecture and extensive collection (65) 6694 4201 of modern art. www.timbregroup.asia/timbresg NATIONAL GALLERY Labrador Park Various locations SINGAPORE

HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #YOURSINGAPORE 31 MRT Map & Practical Apps MAPS & APPS

AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ON APP STORE AND GOOGLE PLAY

BURPPLE GRAB A restaurant and food app that guides Book a cab fast with all taxi you to places recommended by locals. operators in Singapore.

POCKET MALL SINGAPORE TRIPADVISOR Search for a mall in Singapore and Read millions of travel reviews on the locate your favourite stores. best places to eat, sleep, shop and play.

GST REFUNDS eTRS TAX FREE To enjoy the 7 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds Skip the queues and file your paid on your purchases under the Tourist Tax Refund Scheme, you GST claims at the eTRS self-help must make at least S$100 worth of purchases from participating kiosk at Changi Airport before outlets. Such shops will display a ‘Tax Refund’ logo or a Global you fly! All you need to do is Blue ‘Tax Free Shopping’ logo. On your day of departure from shop at places that display the eTRS sign and use one Singapore Changi Airport, proceed to the Tax Refund Counter credit card as a Token for tagging your purchases. and present your purchases together with the tax claim forms for Tourists departing on international cruises from Marina customs inspection. Take note that Customs will not process the Bay Cruise Centre Singapore and the International tax claim forms if the goods are not presented for inspection. For Passenger Terminal at HarbourFront Centre may also more information, please log on to the Tourist Refund Scheme qualify for tax refund. Log on to www.iras.gov.sg for page on the Singapore Customs website at www.customs.gov.sg. more information.

32 WANT MORE? VISIT WWW.YOURSINGAPORE.COM

WWW.YOURSINGAPORE.COM