Travel Guide Singapore - Dynamism in the sign of the lion

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Travel Guide Singapore - Dynamism in the sign of the lion
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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

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Travel Guide Singapore - Dynamism in the sign of the lion
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
              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

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              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
              Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2018 - December 2019 period.

              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.

              2018

              New Year’s Day: 1 January 2018
              Vajraya (Chinese New Year): 16 and 17 January 2018
              Good Friday: 30 March 2018
              Easter Sunday: 1 April 2018
              Labour Day: 1 May 2018
              Vesak Day (Buddha’s Birthday): 29 May 2018
              Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan): 15 June 2018
              National Day: 9 August 2018
              Hari Raya Haji (Feast of Sacrifice): 22 August 2018
              Deepavali (Festival of Lights): 6 November 2018
              Christmas Day: 25 December 2018

              2019

              New Year’s Day: 1 January 2019
              Vajraya (Chinese New Year): 5 and 6 February 2019
              Good Friday: 19 April 2019
              Easter Sunday: 21 April 2019
              Labour Day: 1 May 2019
              Vesak Day (Buddha’s Birthday): 18 May 2019
              Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan): 5 to 7 June 2019
              National Day: 9 August 2019
              Hari Raya Haji (Feast of Sacrifice): 11 to 15 August 2019
              Deepavali (Festival of Lights): 26 October 2019
              Christmas Day: 25 December 2019

              All information subject to change.

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
              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
              Singapore 228208
              Singapore
              Tel. +65-64911377

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              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
              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

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              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/

              Thian Hock Kheng Temple

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              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/

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
              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

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              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

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              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

              Huayi - Chinese Festival of the Arts
              Enjoy Chinese dance, opera and arts from local and international groups, which
              forms a key part of the Singapore’s Chinese New Year festivities.

              February 2018
              www.esplanade.com/festivals-and-series/huayi...

              Venue: Esplanade and various locations

              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

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              with the sound of traditional music, the sight of hanging red lanterns and the aroma
              of food stalls set up in various neighbourhoods.

              16 February 2018

              Venue: Chinatown and 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 2018
              greatsingaporesale.com.sg/

              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 2018

              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 2018

              Venue: Various locations

              Singapore International Festival of Arts
              One of Asia's best and most varied arts festival with international dance, music and
              drama.

              August - September 2018
              sifa.sg/

              Venue: Various locations

              National Day Celebrations
              Singapore stops and the parading and partying starts to celebrate the date of
              independence.

              9 August 2018

              Venue: Marina Bay

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              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
              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.

              14 - 16 September 2018
              www.formula1.com/

              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.

              6 November 2018

              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

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              look out of place in a millionaire’s mansion.

              11 Canning Walk                            Category: Luxurious
              178881 Singapore
              Singapore

              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

              Powered by GEO.de

              https://www.geo.de/singapur-lh

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
              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

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              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

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              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

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