Joanna James
Orchard Road may mostly be known for shopping, however, there are tons of other activities and experiences demanding to be checked out. This is a list of the best things to do here.
Right in the heart of Singapore, Fort Canning Park is a wonderful green space nearby Orchard Road. Considered one of the city's most significant and iconic landmarks, you can simply come here to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. An afternoon spent here along the walking trails full of unusual plants is definitely going to be a memorable one. You'll also find the Battle Box here, which is an underground tunnel complex all the way from the Second World War. Located right behind the Singapore History Museum down Stamford Road, you can reach Fort Canning through many ways such as the National Library underpass, the River Valley Swimming Complex, the Hill Street Food Centre or even the Park Mall underpass.
One of the most prominent as well as the oldest museums in the city-state, the National Museum of Singapore was formerly known to be the Raffles Library and Museum. Having been a part of the Singapore Institutions library from 1849 to 1887, it was then moved to its current building by Colonel Sir H.E Mc Callum. The museum was reopened to the public in 2006 after renovations that lasted 3 years. The complex spans over an area of 18,400 square metres and is the biggest in the country. The museum features exhibits that mostly reflect both the rich history of the country as well as of Asia as well. While a Singapore hotel promotion can be a great option when selecting accommodation, you'll also come across many great choices like the Grand Park Orchard too.
From what used to be previously known as the Government House, Istana is where the office of the Singaporean President is located at today. Built between 1867 and 1869 by Singapore's first governor, Sir Harry St George Ord, it was constructed with a neo-Palladian Anglo-Indian style. It features gorgeous surroundings and landscaping along with a 105mm Japanese cannon and a 6-foot high statue of Queen Victoria made from Sicilian marble. Istana also features four beautiful ponds and an old well. The grounds here are opened to the public every year during the celebrations of the Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Labour Day, Deepavali and National Day.
Found on Bras Basah Road, at the centre of Singapore's major shopping district, this is an amazing place where you can witness over 8,000 pieces of Southeast Asian & Singaporean contemporary and modern art. Spanning an area of over 10,000 square-metres, the Singapore Art Museum is run with museums facilities of international standards. It features 14 fully climate-controlled galleries. Here you'll find photography, paintings and installation pieces as well. It is both exciting and breath-taking to observe how artists from the region convey different messages. The exhibitions here are well prepared for you to learn more about Southeast Asian countries. Once you're done exploring, you can wrap up the day at the small shop or even at its café or restaurant.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a pas...
