Joanna James
Singapore is a city where modern innovation and ancient colonial architecture stand alongside making it a captivating destination for visitors. This city-state is also full of least-expected surprises to intrigue and delight its travellers. Discover some of these on your next trip to the Lion City.
Everton Road with rows of charming pre-war shophouses was an underrated street not so long ago. However, thanks to the perseverance of Yip Yew Chong, a local accountant by profession who had a knack and passion for art, these endearing street art on Everton Road were created after a trip to Penang and witnessing the eye-catching street there.
Today different stretches of this road carry many beautiful pieces of art depicting life in the olden days. Everton Road also earned the coolest street in Singapore in 2022. Although still not as prominent as some other places in Singapore, one is mesmerized by the creations of everyday life. The Barber in a makeshift salon, provision shop (grocery store) and Amah (a housemaid) washing clothes are some of the excellent pieces of art. Enjoy visiting this delightful road which is on the way to appearing on the list of Singapore top attractions and fuel up if needed at one of the pubs or hipster bars around the area.
Situated within the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) campus, this park was built in the mid-20th century and is a 9-hectare heritage precinct. With many historical monuments at random locations in the park. Nanyang Lake, the Chinese Heritage Centre and Yunnan Garden Park are seamlessly integrated including trees of over 80 species offering a lush green oasis for visitors.
Witness some outstanding features like the 5.6 m tall manmade waterfall that gushes down from Nanyang Lake. This flow of water from the falls brings koi fish from the lake to Yunnan Gardens. The boardwalk trails are fascinating ones. All 19 of them are easy-to-do trails from the Orchid Trail to the Art and Literature Trail. Biking, picnicking, working out and more activities are yours for true enjoyment of nature at this park.
Named Shuang Long Shan cemetery, this is the last Hakka cemetery remaining in Singapore as others have been relocated across the state to make way for the increasing population since becoming an independent state in 1965. This cemetery and the clan temple were not moved as 100 hectares of land were purchased by the Ying Fo Fui Kun clan association in 1887. As per a deal reached in 1969, an extent of 1.89 hectares has been allotted for the temple and cemetery for 99 years and half of that period is already covered and what will happen then is uncertain as of now.
At present this cemetery has around 2,700 marked graves and the ancestral temple. The 65 rows of gravestones are remarkable. Some visitors are keen to witness this cemetery, which is a short walk from the Commonwealth MRT station. For those driving from central properties like Venue Hotel, it is a drive of about 25 minutes.
Located within Marina Bay Sands Louis Vuitton Island Maison boutique at B1. One can enter the chocolate shop directly from its B1 entrance or come from B2 via a stairway from the LV boutique. This little tucked-away boutique is the brand's first chocolaterie outside of France and was opened early this year, hence a new gem in the city. Award-winning pastry chef Maxime Frederic is the curator of the delightful treats in Singapore. While it is not a sit-down cafe like the ones in France, this outlet offers a variety of delights and will be a permanent takeaway outlet for those with a perennial sweet tooth.
This is a fascinating spot to tantalize your taste buds. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city and discover this near the Tanglin gate of Singapore Botanic Gardens. This restaurant, with friendly vibes, caters to all kinds of clients including families. With a wide range of savoury and sweet dishes from Asian, Western and Japanese cuisine, you can easily have a feast at Fusion Spoon as just next door is the Botanic Gardens where you can shake off some of the calories.
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 passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
