Singapore
During my recent visit to Singapore, my main goal was really just to watch the Coldplay concert but I tried to squeeze in some local sites too. I've been to the touristy places in the past and I wanted to visit some new places this time.
Haji Lane
It's actually a really narrow alley near Bugis station, filled with specialty stores, colorfully painted facades, and kitschy restaurants. You can quickly stroll this short strip, but you can explore Bugis and the mosque nearby too.
How to get there: Alight at Bugis station and walk for around 400 m.
Tiong Bahru District
Not to be confused with Tiong Bahru Bakery, this is a short strip lined with specialty bookstores and cafes.
Books Actually
Really loved the bookstore Books Actually. They sell books not usually found in mainstream bookstores and they also publish their own imprint, Math Paper Press.
Loved browsing through Math Paper Press books - most of them are anthologies of short stories and poems. They also have 3 cat bosses in this store. Beware though - Cake, the white and black cat isn't that friendly. I tried to pet him but he wouldn't let me haha!
They even have a mystery book vendo machine outside! You don't know what you'll get which makes it exciting. Each book is priced at SGD 19
The books are quite pricey but I think this is to compensate for the low print run and targeted sales. But do support and buy! They have really good ones.
Forty Hands
It's this artisan cafe across Books Actually. I like the interiors and the food was great! Be ready to spend at least SGD 18 here though.
How to get there: Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT
Gardens by the Bay
Believe it or not, I haven't been here! I actually had a solo afternoon when I went here - I explored the gardens and went in Cloud Forest, which is a huge dome with a hill-like rainforest structure. It was my first time to see most of the plants - they looked really exotic!
It gets really cold inside, but humid since the dome is supposed to simulate a real rainforest.
They also had walkways in different levels so you can see it in various vantage points.
You can also explore the other gardens where you'll see the iconic skytrees.
How to get there: Alight at Bayfront MRT
Library@Orchard
If you're in the area of Orchard for some shopping, do take time to visit this free library. It's small but the architecture is modern.
How to get there: Alight at Somerset MRT and exit through the mall. The library is at the 3rd floor of the mall
Central Perk Cafe
If you're a big fan of the series Friends, this cafe is worth visiting. Do note that it's not an exact replica of the cafe in the series, but the look is a bit similar. The coffee here is expensive and so-so, while the service is really bad. Skip this one if you're not a big fan or you're in a hurry.
How to get there: Grab is readily available within the city and this is quite far from the MRT so consider booking one if you're in a group.
Getting around Singapore: Personally, I always prefer taking the train but with Singapore, stations are not as close to each other. You can take the bus (you need to count the stops though - there are no signs inside the bus to know where you are already) or take Grab or Uber if you're in a group.
My stay in Singapore was short but definitely amazing because of Coldplay! Read my post here: My Coldplay Experience. I'm glad that I chose to watch the concert in SG instead of watching it in Manila. At least with the same amount of money, I was able to watch them in a better venue, pay for airfare, accommodations, and do a little of sight seeing.
Haji Lane
It's actually a really narrow alley near Bugis station, filled with specialty stores, colorfully painted facades, and kitschy restaurants. You can quickly stroll this short strip, but you can explore Bugis and the mosque nearby too.
Tiong Bahru District
Not to be confused with Tiong Bahru Bakery, this is a short strip lined with specialty bookstores and cafes.
Books Actually
Really loved the bookstore Books Actually. They sell books not usually found in mainstream bookstores and they also publish their own imprint, Math Paper Press.
Loved browsing through Math Paper Press books - most of them are anthologies of short stories and poems. They also have 3 cat bosses in this store. Beware though - Cake, the white and black cat isn't that friendly. I tried to pet him but he wouldn't let me haha!
They even have a mystery book vendo machine outside! You don't know what you'll get which makes it exciting. Each book is priced at SGD 19The books are quite pricey but I think this is to compensate for the low print run and targeted sales. But do support and buy! They have really good ones.
Forty Hands
It's this artisan cafe across Books Actually. I like the interiors and the food was great! Be ready to spend at least SGD 18 here though.
How to get there: Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT
Gardens by the Bay
Believe it or not, I haven't been here! I actually had a solo afternoon when I went here - I explored the gardens and went in Cloud Forest, which is a huge dome with a hill-like rainforest structure. It was my first time to see most of the plants - they looked really exotic!
It gets really cold inside, but humid since the dome is supposed to simulate a real rainforest.
They also had walkways in different levels so you can see it in various vantage points.
You can also explore the other gardens where you'll see the iconic skytrees.
How to get there: Alight at Bayfront MRT
Library@Orchard
If you're in the area of Orchard for some shopping, do take time to visit this free library. It's small but the architecture is modern.
How to get there: Alight at Somerset MRT and exit through the mall. The library is at the 3rd floor of the mall
Central Perk Cafe
If you're a big fan of the series Friends, this cafe is worth visiting. Do note that it's not an exact replica of the cafe in the series, but the look is a bit similar. The coffee here is expensive and so-so, while the service is really bad. Skip this one if you're not a big fan or you're in a hurry.
Getting around Singapore: Personally, I always prefer taking the train but with Singapore, stations are not as close to each other. You can take the bus (you need to count the stops though - there are no signs inside the bus to know where you are already) or take Grab or Uber if you're in a group.
My stay in Singapore was short but definitely amazing because of Coldplay! Read my post here: My Coldplay Experience. I'm glad that I chose to watch the concert in SG instead of watching it in Manila. At least with the same amount of money, I was able to watch them in a better venue, pay for airfare, accommodations, and do a little of sight seeing.
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