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BILINGUAL GUIDEBOOK SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 20118
ABOUT SINGAPORE

PERANAKAN ISSUE

9 11 17 28

Dazzling Corner in The Paradise of Seafood Free Tourists Beloved Hawker
Eastern Singapore, & Malay Cuisines, Spots Center
Joo Chiat & Katong Joo Chiat & Katong in Singapore in Singapore

SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK

2

Tantalling Quality Kampung Cuisine

Singaporean food has achieved world-class status

Hjh Maimunah Restaurant & Catering Pte Ltd, is a name familiar in relation to traditional,
Kampung-styled cuisine. Established in the 90s, Hjh Maimunah Restaurant has since catered
to customers from all walks of life in meeting their daily meals, functions and events. A meal at
Hjh Maimunah Restaurant will indeed bring you back to the good old days of the rustic origin.

Apart from enjoying the food at our restaurants, we also provide buffet catering to suit your
occasions. With a range of dishes that you can choose from, our food can be enjoyed right at

your doorstep.
Here at Hjh Maimunah Restaurant, we are also known for our fine selection of Signature
Dishes. One must try the delectable and Juicy Sundanese Grilled Chicken, the tempting Lemak
Siput and the wide varieties of barbecued fish. Along with that, dishes such as Sambal Goreng,
Tahu Telur, Beef Rendang and Oxtail Soup are among the more-than-40 selections that you

can choose at our restaurants.

HJ. MAIMUNAH RESTAURANT & CATERING

JALAN PISANG JOO CHIAT
11 Jln Pisang, Singapore 199078 20 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427357

SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK www.hjmaimunah.com | Call Us: +65 6291 3132

CONTENTS 3

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2018

5 | EDITOR’S NOTE 9 | DAZZLING 11 | THE PARADISE OF
6 | INFO PAGE CORNER IN SEAFOOD AND MALAY
7 | OUR TEAM EASTERN CUISINES, KATONG
8 | READER’S PICTURE SINGAPORE, AND JOO CHIAT
JOO CHIAT
AND KATONG 13 | EXPLORING
PERANAKAN MUSEUM
Already had your fill of Inside the building you will find
skyscrapers and malls in galleries of photo, accessories,
Singapore? We suggest you to textile, to household equipment
look further into the local culture used by Peranakans.
of Peranakans.
15 | HENDERSON
W AV E S

SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK

4 CONTENTS

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2018

17 | FREE
TOURISTS
SPOTS IN
SINGAPORE

Recomendations of free tourists
spots.

20 | EXPLORE THE
SOUTHERN ISLANDS
Singapore is not only about
shopping and going to touristic
places, it has so many hidden
gems! In Singapore there are
some islands which are very
famous among locals, but not so
well known for tourists.

22 | TIMELESS
TREASURE
Peranakan Antique Shop

24 | SINGAPORE
PUBLIC
T R A N S P O R TAT I O N
Overview and Tips

26 | INVITE YOUR
CHILD TO SENTOSA
ISLAND

28 | BELOVED
HAWKER CENTERS IN
SINGAPORE
eating in Hawker Center might
help you tighten the budget of
dining expenses throughout your
vacation in Singapore.

SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK

EDITOR’S NOTE 5

FOLLOW US: Editor’s Note
@singaporeguidebook
@sgguidebook Hello dear friends! We are very happy to proudly
@SGguidebook
Singapore Guidebook present our very first issue of Singapore Guidebook!
It has taken us a lot of hard work and dedication to
www.singaporeguidebook.com come to where we are now, but it was all worth it! It
has been so rewarding to read all your messages on
social media and your emails that you keep sending us
saying that the information that we are providing has
been useful to you. We are always happy to share all
the secrets about Singapore that we know through our
website, social media and print and digital magazine!
This edition is special, because we are talking a lot
about Peranakan culture and heritage (see the article
on Peranakan heritage on page 9 and Peranakan food
on page 11.) and we hope that it will open a whole new
interesting world for you. Indeed, our mission is to show
you that Singapore is by no means a boring place!
Besides, we know how important it is to save money in
Singapore, because it is so expensive! Have a look at
our list of Free Tourist Places in Singapore on page 17.
I hope you will enjoy this issue as much as we did while
working on it!

TANIA GROMENKO
Managing Editor

Please contact me at [email protected] if you
have any ideas for cooperation, feedbacks or suggestions!

Follow my personal instagram @tanyagromenko! Let’s
get to know each other better! And don’t forget about @
singaporeguidebook - there is loads of useful information
there:)

SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK

6 INFO

TATIANA GROMENKO
MANAGING EDITOR
INDAH KHAERANI
EDITOR

ADELIA DINDA SANI
HEAD OF MARKETING
YASMINE RAUDYA

MARKETING
GRACIA PURNOMO

MARKETING
DAVID BLOOMFIELD

SALES
FEBRINA SETIAWAN

DESIGNER

Published by Gromenko & Partners

Contact Us:
General Enquiries:
[email protected]
Advertising Sales:
[email protected]
www.singaporeguidebook.com

Singapore Guidebook is published by Gromenko & Partners Pte. Ltd., 45 Kallang Pudding Road #09-05, Alpha Building, Singapore
349317. Singapore Guidebook prints information provided by the advertiser but gives no warranty and makes representation as to the
truth, accuracy or sufficiency of any description or statement. Singapore Guidebook content shall not, without prior permission in writing
from the publisher, be affixed to or used as part of any publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever. All rights reserved.

SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK

OUR TEAM 7

Our Team

Singapore Guidebook would not have been possible without our amazing, highly creative team. All of us work hard every
day in order to achieve our mission, which is to let travellers to Singapore understand that there is so much more to explore
across the island, so that every visit has a sense of adventure. Here, we asked our team about which article they liked most

from this issue and why.

INDAH KHAERANI ADELIA DINDA YASMINE RAUDYA GRACIA
SANI Marketing PURNOMO
Editor
Head of Marketing Marketing
“I am very happy to be
the part of the first issue “Personally, I like “The “Actually, I was a little “There are many articles
of Singapore Guidebook. Southern Islands” article, bit confused when I that I like from this issue.
Hard work and loyalty because I think it contains was asked to choose Actually, I cannot choose
helped me to contribute a very useful information, my favourite article in only one favorite article,
to this edition. There are especially when most SGB September edition, so I will choose my top
many new things that I tourists think that because all of the articles three. The first one is
learned about Singapore, Singapore is only known are very interesting, “Bicara Singlish Lah”
especially about art and for the attractions located especially the one about because I really love
culture. My favourite on the main island. hawker centres in SG. learning new languages.
article is about Peranakan However, Singapore has As a food lover, I am I found lots of new words
culture. Good things will so much more to offer. I always keen to try all kind that I have not heard of
always come out of effort especially like that this of foods and prefer low- before and some similar
and hard work, that’s the article provides not only budget and reasonably slang words that are
message I learned from facts, but also tips and priced options. This is why actually used in Indonesia,
the Peranakan cultural tricks about visiting this this article is very useful too. Secondly, I really like
heritage. The article about off-the-beaten-path place. to me, I cannot wait to the article about hawker
The Southern Islands and Reading this article makes try all the hawker centres centres because I also
some recommendations me want to go visit this and food stalls mentioned love food. The last one is
about modern mosques place right away!” there!”. “Sudut Menawan di Timur
in Singapore are also my Singapura, Joo Chiat dan
favourites. Indeed, I fell in Katong”. This article suits
love with Singapore! Feel the current hype on social
free to visit my Instagram media, about the colorful
page @raaaneh”. houses on Koon Seng
Road where many people
like to take pictures. I
enjoyed reading all of the
articles, though!”

IG account:
@graciapurnomo

Credit: Shutterstock

SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK

8 READER’S PICTURE

Reader’s Picture

@erlinasarry

@marcobenitoo

@aluhty @salsasabila

@vemipuri

Tag @singaporeguidebook when you post pictures from the
Lion City in your Instagram account and stand a chance to
be featured in our magazine!
SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK

9

Dazzling Corner in Eastern
Singapore, Joo Chiat and
Katong

It is no secret that Singapore is a vibrant country Chiat and Katong. The name of this area comes from
the name of the 20th-century Chinese descendant
inhabited by various races, such as Malay, Chinese, land lord, Chew Joo Chiat. Many culinary destinations
Indian, and Eurasian. This is the exact reason why and antique coffee shops as well as accessories and
Singaporeans can pride themselves in having high handicrafts shops lining up this famous district. Tall
tolerance, appreciating cultures and customs from and towering buildings are not a feature that you can
different races. easily find here, instead you will find two-story old
buildings with various colors that are of high aesthetic
Already had your fill of skyscrapers and malls in value. Ceramic floors and patterned walls are common
Singapore? We suggest you to look further into the local decorations on the terraces of homes in the district.
culture of Peranakans. In Malay, Peranakan means There are not many vehicles passing by and the roads
“local born”. The Peranakans are the descendants of are not wide enough for such traffic.
Chinese and Indian immigrants who married indigenous
people of the Malay Peninsula in the 15th century. This district is also known as “Little Vietnam”. Because
it is categorized as a Singapore cultural heritage,
A series of shophouses owned by the Peranakans and buildings in this area are not allowed to be demolished.
colonial-styled bungalows are the main attraction that
you can find while you walk along the district of Joo

SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK

10 DAZZLING CORNER IN EASTERN SINGAPORE, JOO CHIAT AND KATONG

Home Terraces on 150 East Coast Red House in Katong

Road This landmark has a bold exterior in its display
of bright red color. This iconic landmark used to
Located across from Tembeling Road, there be the house of Katong Bakery & Confectionery,
are rows of porch houses with various ceramic which is also known as the first cake shop that
introduced a three-layer western style wedding
motifs. This location used to be closer to the
sea, making the houses construction here cake in the 1920s. After being temporarily
supported by a stage as their foundation. You closed, Red House has now reopened. This
can walk along the buildings of these houses. historic building is located on 63 East Coast
To reach this destination, you can take the MRT Road. From Eunos MRT Station, take bus
and get off at Eunos Station, then continue by 966 at the opposite bus stop and get off at the
taking bus 966 from the bus stop across the Opposite Parkway Parade and then continue on
street. Get off at Opposite Block 72, and start
a short walk to get to Red House.
walking around this picturesque spot.

Picture’s Credit: www.hypeandstuff.com

The Jousting Painters Pastel Shophouses on Koon Seng
Road
Located in between Joo Chiat Terrace and
Everitt Road, you will discover murals on the When you get here, you would recognize how
street side. Painted by Ernest Zacharevic, this often you’ve seen photos of this picturesque
mural tells a story of two young boys on horses destination on social media. The shophouses
fighting in a pretend war. It is simple but you’ll
find great joy in taking pictures here. From lining up Koon Seng Road are indeed
Eunos MRT Station, take your exit through Exit phenomenal. Standing tall and huddled to
A and continue your journey until you reach the one another, these houses are decorated with
bus stop after GE Life Centre, Changi Road. Peranakan ceramics or patterned tiles and
Take one of these buses: 2, 7, 13, 21, 24, 26, pastel-colored paints. While you’re here, try
28, 30, 51, 67, and 155. Right on the next stop, and find Chinese couplets under the window
believed to bring good luck. From Dakota MRT
you can get off and then take a short walk Station, you can walk to the bus stop at Block
towards Joo Chiat Terrace. 99, Old Airport Road. Take bus 33 and get off at
Flora East, Joo Chiat Place. Then you can walk
SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK
along the Koon Seng Road.

THE PARADISE OF SEAFOOD AND MALAY CUISINES, KATONG AND JOO CHIAT 11

The Paradise of Seafood
and Malay Cuisines,
Katong and Joo Chiat

SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK

12 THE PARADISE OF SEAFOOD AND MALAY CUISINES, KATONG AND JOO CHIAT

HALAL

Picture’s Credit: www.328katonglaksa.com Picture’s Credit: www.glorycatering.com.sg

328 KATONG LAKSA GLORY CATERING

To taste truly authentic Singaporean Laksa, you Another destination for those of you who want to
have to go to Katong and get a taste of the famous get a taste of Peranakan signature dishes, Glory
Peranakan dish. As indicated by the name, 328 Catering would be the place to go. Established in
Katong Laksa is famous for their laksa dishes. It has 1954, this place offers various Peranakan styled
affordable price and offers outdoor seating area. snacks – known as Nyonya Kueh. These treats,
This is truly a place for everyone with adventurous such as kueh koswee, apom bokwa, kueh dadar,
palate. ondeh-ondeh, or putri salad are a must try for you.
The snacks are made from rice flour or sticky rice
Laksa, or Katong signature noodle soup with flour mixed with tapioca flour, coconut milk, and palm
coconut milk can be sampled here. The gravy is sugar. In addition to Peranakan signature snacks,
cooked together with coconut milk and various herbs Glory Catering also offers spices-filled cuisines, such
and spices, thus creating a rich vibrant taste. A bit as Authentic Padang Rice and Boiled Noodles.
reddish in color, Laksa is usually paired with shrimp,
shellfish or fish cakes. 139 East Coast Road
Closed on Monday, Open at 8.30-20.30
World class chef, Gordon Ramsay, had visited this
restaurant and admitted that 328 Katong Laksa is
definitely the best of the best. This is exactly why
328 Katong Laksa is claimed as the number one
Laksa food place in Singapore.

51 East Coast Road
Open Daily at 10.00-22.00

NON HALAL

KIM’S PLACE SEAFOOD

Picture’s Credit: www.kimsplaceseafood.com If you’re craving for some seafood, you can stroll along the
street toward the Junction of Tembeling Road and discover
Kim’s Place Seafood. Established in 1965, Kim’s Place Food
was relocated to Joo Chiat Place in 2003. The famous and
legendary dish served here is Hokkien Prawn Mee (shrimp
fried noodle), which is a fried noodle served with thick and
rich shrimp broth. The shrimp broth is made out of pork bone
and shrimp head. Combined with squid, chops of pork belly,
and eggs, this hokkien noodle is decadent and tasteful. In
addition, Singapore’s signature Nyonya Sauce and Chili Crab
are available here.

Hokkien Prawn Mie 45&47 Joo Chiat Place | Open daily, at 11.00-23.00

SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK

EXPLORING PERANAKAN MUSEUM 13

Exploring

Peranakan Museum

Museum is the perfect tourist attraction that allows you to look further into the
culture and history of a place. You can visit Peranakan Museum during your time
of exploration throughout the Peranakan district. The authenticity of Peranakans

in Singapore is the driving force of this museum’s construction.

The building was constructed in 1912. Before it was rest assured, this museum is totally Instagram-able!
determined as a tourist attraction, the old building used
to serve as a modern Hokkian school for Singaporean The highlight of Peranakan Museum is the story of
students, named Tao Nan School. In 2008, the building Peranakan within Singapore’s history, ranging from
was transformed into a Museum and inaugurated on complex marriage tradition of the Peranakans to how
April 25, 2008. the Peranakans have managed to grow to this day.
Peranakan Museum provides 10 galleries, introducing
As you can already imagine, the rich Peranakan culture you to the religion and beliefs of the people, signature
decorates every inch of this museum. From the looks dished and the shared eating culture, famous
of it, this three-story colonial building holds a classic Peranakan figures, and so much more for you to
nuance to it. Inside the building you will find galleries explore.
of photo, accessories, textile, to household equipment
used by Peranakans. Moreover, you will find traditional It doesn’t stop at ordinary galleries and goods on
clothing displayed here, such as kebaya nonya that display, this museum also offers multimedia installation,
is usually worn by the women of Peranakans. Various such as additional audio installed in the gallery so you
motives and colors are such a feast for your eyes, and can truly feel the atmosphere inside the building.

SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK

14 EXPLORING PERANAKAN MUSEUM

EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS

SINGAPORE NIGHT FESTIVAL STRAITS FAMILY SUNDAY
17-25 Agustus 2018 Permanent

You can visit Peranakan Museum and take a walk Wear batik clothing or sarong kebaya every first
on the pedestrian around Armenian Street when the Sunday of each month at Peranakan Museum, and
Singapore Night Festival takes place. There will be joins in this program. Participating in Straits Family
plenty of mesmerizing light installations and highly Sunday also offers you an in-depth exploration into
authentic art and culture performances. Singapore
the Peranakan culture. In this program, you and
Night Festival runs from 7.30 am till midnight. your family are invited to make craft art and tour the

Peranakan Museum also holds Meet-the-Maker various galleries with specific themes. It is totally
workshop on design and photography when free of charge! Every month, Straits Family Sunday
offers a different theme. The following themes are
Singapore Night Festival takes place. You can also
work on your craftsmanship and create something available until the end of the year:
of your own and take vintage-style photos there!
2 Sep - Warna Warni (Colourful)

7 Oct - Mari Dondang Sayang (Lets Sing, Darling)

4 Nov - Berkilau Kilau (How Sparkling)

2 Dec - ‘Tis the Season

HOW TO GET THERE

To reach this destination, you can take the MRT
and get off at City Hall MRT Station or Bras Basah
MRT Station and then take a short walk for about
10 minutes. This museum opens daily, starting from
10.00 am.

Foreign Citizens and Tourists are charged $13 for
the entrance fee, whereas Foreign Students and
College Students are charged $9.

Note: Armenian Street will be closed
temporarily due to construction until April
2019. You can still take a walk around and get
to Peranakan Museum and the Singapore Night
Festival will still take place. For those of you
who drive private vehicles, you can access
Coleman Street or Loke Yew Street.

Peranakan Museum
39 Armenian Street

SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK

Henderson
Waves

Henderson Waves looks like a shell and has
hidden niches where pedestrians can sit
back and relax.

16 HENDERSON WAVES

This place is only for the brave: apart from being We recommend visiting Henderson Waves with your
friends or family. Please prepare comfortable shoes
quite far from the city center, visiting Henderson and mineral water when you go there because you
Waves will require a lot of energy because you will will have to climb up the stairs equal to 12 floors!
have to climb up a staircase. This bridge that is 36
meter above the ground is the highest pedestrian By the way, Henderson Waves bridge is also a part
bridge in Singapore. of Southern Ridges Walk, a 10km trail that connects
parks across the southern ridge of Singapore,
Henderson Waves that was officially opened in 2008 namely Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park,
has a unique architecture and resembles the shape HortPark, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature
of a wave. It has curved shape and rotates along 274 Reserve. So, if you go there, be sure that you will
meters. Henderson Waves looks like a shell and has get amazing pictures as well as enjoy the diverse
hidden niches where pedestrians can sit back and flora and fauna and get to enjoy amazing views from
relax. above!

BEST TIME TO VISIT HOW TO GET THERE
HENDERSON WAVES
Henderson Waves is only 5 minutes away from Vivo
We recommend going to Henderson Waves in the City mall. You can take MRT and align at Harbour
morning, around 8am, when it is not yet hot. If you Front Station. Go out and you will see Vivo City Mall.
have a chance to come there on a weekday, it is You can then take a bus no. 145 or no. 131 that pass
even better, because you will escape the weekend through Henderson Road. After 2 stops, align and
crowds! walk to the destination.

When you reach Henderson Waves, you will see 221 Henderson Road
Singaporeans that do sports there. Indeed, it is a
great place for jogging or brisk walking!
Apart from that, you can also take lots of
instagramable pictures along the way! Don’t leave
when it is getting dark, you can relax enjoying LED
lamps that will be turned on and light up Henderson
Waves from 7pm to 2am.

SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK

Free Tourists
Spots in
Singapore

Gardens by The Bay

18 FREE TOURISTS SPOTS IN SINGAPORE

Crane Dance

Buddha Tooth Relic
Temple & Museum

Spectra

GARDENS BY THE BAY additional show at 10pm on Friday and Saturday) and
it is free for everyone! If you ask us, Spectra is a must-
You must have probably seen those pictures of the see for all visitors to Singapore! Make sure that you
futuristic giant trees in Singapore? This is exactly come at least 15-20 mins in advance so that you will be
what awaits you in Gardens by the Bay: an amazing able to choose a good seat, because Spectra shows
Supertree Grove, free light and music shows, are always crowded, although there is always plenty
playgrounds for children, and all kinds of trees, flowers of standing room. Spectra is located near Gardens by
and plants! We recommend visiting Gardens by the the Bay, so we recommend visiting these two places
Bay around 5pm, when you can walk around Gardens on the same day. The show is held just in front of the
by the Bay and by 7pm you can go to Marina Barrage central entrance to the Shoppes at Marina Bay. To get
and enjoy the beautiful sunset. After that, you can there, align at Bayfront MRT station or, if you do not
return to Gardens by the Bay and go to the Supertree mind walking a bit more, you can align at Raffles Place
Grove to enjoy the free sound and light show called MRT station.
Garden Rhapsody which is held daily at 7:45pm and
8:45pm. It is fascinating to see how the lights can 2 Bayfront Avenue
follow the music. Sadly, if you want to visit the world
famous Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, you need to BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE &
pay. But again, we have a travel hack for you here: MUSEUM
you can have a tea in Pollen restaurant located at the
Flower Dome and you will get a chance to visit Flower This sacred place is amazing in its beauty both inside
Dome for free! To get to Gardens by the Bay, take the and outside (do not forget to take beautiful pictures
MRT and align at the Bayfront Station. outside the temple!) and it is located in Chinatown. The
famous temple was named after Buddha’s left canine
18 Marina Gardens Drive tooth which is believed to have been found in Myanmar
in 1980 in a collapsed stupa. Now, everyone can see
SPECTRA this relic on the 4th floor of the temple. The museum
is a must for those who would like to get to know more
Spectra is a 15-minute laser show accompanied about Buddhism. You can even go to the rooftop (it is
by great music, fountains and colorful spotlights. a secret place, by the way!) where there is a beautiful
This show is held 2-3 times a day (8pm and 9pm orchid garden. Please note that if you want to see the
on Monday-Thursday and Sunday and there is an relic and visit the museum, you should come before
5pm, as the museum closes around 5:45pm. The
SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK

FREE TOURISTS SPOTS IN SINGAPORE 19

temple itself closes around 6:30pm after the closing to 6pm. Even though it is open until 6 p.m., you are
ceremony. The good news is that the entrance is free! allowed to go up until 5.30 pm only. When you arrive at
To get here, align at Chinatown MRT station and exit at the 55th floor, you will get to see all the amazing views
Pagoda street. You will see Buddha Tooth Relic Temple from the top and you will totally agree with us that it is
and Museum a few steps away. worthwhile! From up there, you will get a chance to see
Orchard Road, Botanic Garden, and even Indonesian
288 South Bridge Road islands such as Riau and Batam! To get there, align
at Orchard MRT station and take a lift to the 4th floor.
CRANE DANCE After that, get out and continue with another lift that go
up to the 55th floor. Do not worry, if you are confused,
When you are in Sentosa Island and are looking for you can go to the information counter.
something really fun and free, we suggest that you
watch the Crane Dance show which is the biggest 2 Orchard Turn
animatronic show in the world! The 30 meter long
crane machine was designed to resemble two geese. CHINESE GARDEN & JAPANESE
The two geese are dancing accompanied by the music GARDEN
and spotlights, water fountains and lasers Usually,
the show ends with fireworks in the night sky. You Now, do you want us to share a great place almost no
can enjoy Crane dance every day at 8pm and it is tourists know about, and it is FREE? It is Chinese and
absolutely free of charge! We promise that you will also Japanese Gardens! These two instagrammable and
be touched to learn a romantic love story during this out-of-this-world places are located just beside each
performance. To get there, take Sentosa Express from other. Chinese Garden was designed in accordance
Vivo City Mall (Harbourfront station) and align at the with the north Chinese imperial architecture which is
Waterfront Station. really fascinating. Make sure to visit a beautiful bonsai
Garden. Besides, there is a seven story Cloud Piercing
8 Sentosa Gateway Pagoda and a Twin Pagoda which are lined up on the
edge of a beautiful and peaceful lake.
ION SKY There is a white bridge that connects Chinese Garden
with Japanese Garden, which is called Double Beauty
Do you want to see the amazing 360-degree panorama Bridge. In Japanese Garden, there are traditional red
of Singapore for free? Yes, it is absolutely possible! bridges, houses, rock waterfalls, Japanese pagodas
Here we are sharing another secret with you: there are and ponds filled with lotus flowers. Make sure you take
a few places in Singapore that can offer you even more a lot of pictures there!
exciting views that the world famous Marina Bay Sands Chinese and Japanese Gardens are located quite far
and one of them is ION Sky which is located in the from the city centre but the visit is totally worth it! To
shopping area of Singapore, Orchard Road, in the ION get there, align at Chinese Garden MRT and you will
Mall. To get to the observation desk, to to the 4rd floor see the way to the Gardens once you have exited the
of the shopping mall and follow the signs which will station. It will take you literally 2 minutes to walk there.
get you to the lift going to the 55th floor. The opening
hours are very limited: ION Sky is open only from 3pm 1 Chinese Garden Road

ION Sky Chinese Garden

SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK

20 EXPLORE THE SOUTHERN ISLANDS

“This place
is a must for
cat lovers!”

St. John Island

Explore The
Southern Islands

You have been to Marina Bay, took a picture with Merlion, visited National Gallery

Singapore and walked all along Orchard Road? It is time to try something new! Singapore
is not only about shopping and going to touristic places, it has so many hidden gems! In
Singapore there are some islands which are very famous among locals, but not so well known
for tourists. However, we will share this useful information with you, guys, in a hope that you
will have a chance to visit these amazing places, namely St. John Island, Lazarus Island, and
Kusu Island which are all part of The Southern Islands of Singapore.

S T. J O H N I S L A N D cafés at the heart of the city and try to explore St. John
Island. Besides furry friends, you will find lots of picnic
Our readers often tell us: “I have heard that there is tables and even some turtles! Don’t forget to bring
an island in Singapore where there are many cats. foods and drinks because there is literally nothing on
Can you please advise its name?”. If you are also this island. Previously, St. John Island was known as
looking for that unusual place, please continue to read, Sakijang Bendera Island and it used to be a quarantine
because we will be sharing more information about St. center for infectious diseases and drug rehabilitation.
John Island here! In 1975, St. John Island turned into a great place for a
This place is a must for cat lovers! Forget about the cat weekend getaway with lagoons, beaches, picnic spots,

SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK

EXPLORE THE SOUTHERN ISLANDS 21

trekking routes, and much more. However, there are KUSU ISLAND
not many visitors even on weekends, so be ready to
fully relax while you are there! In Hokkien, “kusu” means “turtle”. According to a
famous legend, a giant turtle transformed itself to an
How to get there: island to save 2 wrecked sailors. Maybe it is the reason
Ride a ferry to St John’s Island from Marina South Pier why there are so many turtles on Kusu Island. You can
(SGD 18 per person for a round-trip ticket) see a turtles shelter in Kusu Island where you can spot
tens of turtles of different sizes.
LAZARUS ISLAND You can visit Kusu Island in the ninth month of the
Chinese calendar as there will be many people who go
Bored with Sentosa beaches or the crowded East there for a pilgrimage at Da Bong Gong Temple. Built
Coast Park? To enjoy a real holiday, you can go to in 1923 by a rich businessman, the temple was used
one of the best islands in Singapore – Lazarus Island. to worship Da Bo Gong and Kuan I’m (The Goddess
There is the road which connects St. John Island to of Luck).
Lazarus Island and it will take you only 15 mins walk In Kusu Island, there are also three kramat (holy places
to get from St. John Island Pier to Lazarus Island. to sit on) on the top of a hill that is believed to provide
Follow the directions and you will easily find a beach wealth, health, and fertility. Kramat commemorates
with clear blue waters. We highly recommend you to the alim (Syed Abdul Rahman), his mother and sister
swim in Lazarus Island and after that, you can have who lived in the 19th century. To get to this place, you
a picnic with your family and friends. However, once should go up 152 stairs, so make sure you have lots of
again, do not forget to bring your own food and drinks energy. In Kusu Island, there are turtles and monkeys
as well as towels and sunscreen as there are no shops that roam freely, so you need to be extra careful. You
in Lazarus island. should also remember that you are not allowed to stay
there at night.
How to get there:
Take a ferry to St. John’s Island from Marina South Pier How to get there:
(SGD18 per person for a round-trip ticket) then follow the Kusu Island can be reached by ferry from Marina South Pier
signs that will lead you to Lazarus Island. (SGD 18 per person for a round trip tiket).

Kusu Island

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22 TIMELESS TREASURE

Timeless Treasure,

Peranakan Antique Shop

Heritage Jewels: Rising of the Phoenix

Peranakan culture has existed for more than pieces and contemporary watches and jewels. Tanglin is
a great area to sell antiques. Slowly but surely, Timeless
200 years and its distinctive feature is the detailed Treasure evolved to become not just a jewelry store
workmanship of motifs such as phoenix, butterflies, but an antique jewel shop and paradise for collectors
dragonflies, birds, crickets, and various flowers. These who are looking for nonya jewellery, kabaya, sireh set,
workmanship entails months of painstaking hard work, porcelain, and other antiques.
creativity and patience. It is rarely found in current
generation, which expects everything to be done Timeless Treasure has many rare items, and there are
instantly. so many of them that it makes you feel like you are
in Peranakan Museum. There are kerosangs, intans,
To get to know if a thing is from the Peranakan culture, gemstones, diamonds, antique watches, kamchings,
you need to look at its motif, color, chop, type of gold, etc. Timeless Treasure has many antiques and rare
and type of silver. “And in the case of kabayas, we look things that have existed since 1920s to 1940s!
at the material such as swiss voile or rumbia and the
intricate works and motifs that characterise the heritage Although there are many ads promoting modern jewelry
pieces”, says the shop owner Elizabeth Tng. and clothing, there are still many people who are
hunting for antiques these days. This is because people
Starting from 1996, Elizabeth was selling auction estate

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TIMELESS TREASURE 23

who love to collect antiques
have a true passion for the
heritage and collecting them
and passing them on to future
generations helps to retain the
culture and the opulence of
such a rich heritage. Collectors
are usually passionate about
collecting as they know there
is a limit to the supply of such
handiwork and craftsmanship
that will totally disappear in the
future. Hence to ensure that this
magnificent heritage continues
into the future generation there
are many who collect these
Peranakan pieces to pass on to
their children and grandchildren
to preserve their heritage and
culture which is set in opulence
and that they may remember
many good and beautiful things
can only come out of hard
work,creativity and patience.

Timeless Treasure is a heaven

for antique (or you can call

them treasure) hunters. Many

of Timeless Treasure’s clients

say that in this shop, they found

beautiful pieces that couldn’t be

found elsewhere. Besides that,

Timeless Treasure is a place of

peace where the goodness of

God is always celebrates, and

you will have that special and

warm feeling once you stepped

into the store.

Light Diving Deep

To feel the unique vibes of the

place and discover the unique

Peranakan antiques with

your own eyes, you can visit

Timeless Treasure everyday

(except Sundays) starting from

12pm till 6pm. You will find

unique things here that couldn’t

be found anywhere else.

Sounds good to be brought

home as souvenirs, right? Get

ready, and happy treasure

hunting at Timeless Treasure!

19 Tanglin Road
+65 68352235
www.facebook.com/
TimelessTreasureTanglin

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24
“Going from Changi
Airport to the city
center will take you
no more than 25
minutes, if you go
by MRT.”

Singapore Public
Transportation:
Overview and Tips

Trying out Singapore public transportation is a must for people who love to go
around Singapore. Like any other country, Singapore also has some public

transportation options for you to try. Singapore public transportation is famous
around the world because it is comfortable, clean and, most importantly, safe.
Please note that we recommend not to use public transport during peak hours, if
possible, because it will usually be very crowded. Instead, you can opt for taking

a taxi which is considered to be quite cheap in Singapore.
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25

Bus is a great
and cheap way to
explore the city!

MRT & LRT goes to the city center and you will get a chance to
enjoy what Singapore City has to offer to the fullest!
One of the most famous and efficient transportation The bus stops looks minimalistic, comfortable and
options in Singapore is MRT (Mass Rapid Transit). clean. If you want to know the exact time your bus will
Almost every place in the Lion City has an MRT be at this particular stop as well as to plan your route,
route and the trains always come on time. Besides, we suggest that you download the Singabus app. Don’t
Singapore MRT system considered to be relatively easy worry, it is free! There are 2 ways to pay for your bus
to understand and quite fast! Going from Changi Airport ride: the first is paying cash by putting it in a box beside
to the city center will take you no more than 25 minutes, the driver. Mind that the bus driver will not be able to
if you go by MRT. We recommend to buy the EZ-Link give you any change, so prepare coins beforehand.
card or Singapore Tourist Pass which will allow you Second option is that you can use your Ez-Link card or
to save money and you will not need to buy the ticket Singapore Tourist Pass by tapping your card when you
every time you enter MRT. Apart from that, you will be enter and exit the bus, because the cost will depend on
able to use this card when you use other kinds of public how long your journey was! Another thing to remember
transportation.There are five MRT routes in Singapore is that if you see your bus approaching the bus stop,
that you need to know: North South Line (Red Line), you need to show the driver that you need them to
East West Line (Green Line), North East Line (Purple stop, so make sure you straighten your arm in front of
Line), Circle Line (Orange Line), and Downtown Line the bus, otherwise it might not stop at all. And here it
(Blue Line). the most important thing: if you are in a hurry, use MRT
Maybe a lot of you are asking: “What is LRT then? Is it instead, because buses are much slower!
the same as MRT? What is the difference?”. LRT (Light
Rail Transit) is basically the same as MRT, and it is SENTOSA EXPRESS MONORAIL
convenient, too. The difference is that you can take LRT
to go to Singapore sub-urban areas such as Punggol or Get to all fun things fast! Sentosa Express is a monorail
Sengkang. LRT also has a shorter route and carriage that connects Sentosa Island and Singapore. You can
than MRT. take Sentosa Express from Vivo City mall (to get there,
align at Harbourfront MRT station), tickets are available
BUS at the entrance gate (Vivo City Mall, Lobby L, Level 3)
for SGD4 per person. However, if you are not in a hurry,
Bus is a great and cheap way to explore the city! We we recommend you to take a stroll down the bridge
recommend taking a double-decker bus and seat near which connects Singapore to Sentosa island and enjoy
the front window where you will get a chance to enjoy the beautiful views. All in all, it will take you 15-20 mins
beautiful panoramic views. Just take any bus which walk to cross the bridge.

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26 INVITE YOUR CHILD TO SENTOSA ISLAND

Invite Your Child to
Sentosa Island

We all know: if we travel with children, our travel itinerary should be different from the one when we travel by

ourselves. It is important to make sure that your kid also enjoys Singapore to the fullest, isn’t it? Rest assured: The
Lion City has many things to offer which will be of interest for both children and adults. One of them is of course
Sentosa Island - a paradise for people of all ages! The 500-hectare island claims to be Asia’s Favorite Playground.
Sentosa is home not only to the world famous Universal Studio, but to many more other exciting attractions that
you can visit with your child.

S.E.A AQUARIUM

It will be fun to bring your children here. S.E.A Aquarium is one of the ten biggest aquariums in the world. There,
you and your family will get a chance to see beautiful sea creatures, including the ones that you have never
seen or heard about before. You can see hammerhead sharks, manta rays, giant octopuses, seahorses, and
other rare sea creatures. S.E.A Aquarium also offers free shows during which you can learn more about sharks,
dolphins and more. Besides, don’t miss a feeding time which is held every day at each of S.E.A. Aquarium
zones, namely the shipwreck, open ocean, shark seas and coral garden. If you fancy eating underwater, you
should visit the Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora. Be assured: your child will be happy to visit this place! Entrance
fees are SGD39 (for adults) and SGD29 (for children and elderly people).

8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island
www.rwsentosa.com/attractions/sea-aquarium

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INVITE YOUR CHILD TO SENTOSA ISLAND 27

SKYLINE LUGE SENTOSA

Skyline Luge Sentosa in one of the most fun things
to do with your children in Singapore. Your children
will love to ride Skyride, an open cable car just like
cable car that is meant for skiing. Your feet will
hang down while you will be enjoying the breeze
and beautiful views of Sentosa island. The highlight
of the place is the Luge, a kind of a non-motorized
self-driving car with three wheels which is very easy
to drive. Therefore, it will give you and your child a
sensation that you are driving a real car. There are
four tracks you can choose, with different obstacles
and various kinds of curves. If your child is under 6
years old, they can ride the Luge accompanied by
an adult. Very exciting, isn’t it? The best thing is to
return several times to try out all the four tracks!The
fee is SGD 23.50 per person for the Skyride and
Luge (two entries).

45 Siloso Beach Walk

www.skylineluge.com

ADVENTURE COVE
WATERPARK

Indeed, playing with water is the exciting thing for most
children. You can invite your children to play with water
in Cove Waterpark. Unlike other waterparks, Cove
Waterpark provide fun water games. There are many
types of slides with different obstacles like escalators,
mazes with water sprays, underwater cave tunnels,
and more. You and your children will be even able to
swim while being surrounded by dozens of stingrays
or snorkel with tens of thousands of fishes. Besides,
you can take your child to the Seahorse Hideaway, a
shallow wading pool with a fountain that is of the right
size for children. The ticket costs SGD30 (for children
and elderly people) and SGD38 (for adults).

8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island

www.rwsentosa.com/attractions/adventure-
cove-waterpark

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28 HAWKER CENTER

Beloved Hawker

Centers in Singapore

In addition to eating in fancy restaurants and aesthetic cafes, you should also try the food
sold in Hawker Center Singapore. There are many choices of food and drinks sold under
tasteful small kiosks. Most of the food and drinks sold in Hawker Center are local dishes.
Moreover, eating in Hawker Center might help you tighten the budget of dining expenses
throughout your vacation in Singapore.

MAXWELL FOOD CENTER NON HALAL HALAL

Here you will find more than 100 food stalls with even more varieties of menu. Located at the end of Club
Street and Ann Siang, you will find abundant of local dishes. One of the favorite dishes here is Nasi Ayam
Hainan (Hainan Chicken Rice) from Tian Tian Chicken Rice that has been recommended by Michelin
Guide’s Bib Gourmand. For those of you who are Muslim, you certainly can explore into the various options
of Indian or Malay dishes, such as Aspirasi Chicken Rice, Hajmeer Kwaja Muslim Food and The Green Leaf
Authentic Nasi Lemak & Chili Sambal that will appease your appetite. In Hawker Center, halal and non-halal
eating utensils, even the station where you return your tray, are separated accordingly.

1 Kadayanallur Street

HOW TO GET THERE

To reach this Hawker Center, you can take the MRT and get off at Tanjong Pagar Station. Maxwell Center is
just a stone’s throw away from Chinatown and Telok Ayer.

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HAWKER CENTER 29

TEKKA CENTER NON HALAL HALAL

Previously named “Kandang Kerbau (Buffalo Cage)”, this
spot is now known by the type of bamboo that grows in
the area. Tekka Center is located right above Little India
MRT Station, providing easy access to reach the place.
Here you can taste Bak Chor Mee, a noodle dish served
with pork. But don’t worry! This Hawker Center provides
you with many options of halal food! The favorite dish
here is Dum Briyani (Indian seasoned rice with meat and
vegetables), Prata Bread and Indian Rojak that are a
must experience for your taste buds. Indian style Rojak
consists of sliced fried foods and eaten with sambal
that is made of smashed potatoes and herbs completed
with slices of cucumber and shallot. These three dishes
are halal, ridding any worry from those of you who
are Muslims. Tekka Center building is often repainted,
previously carried a bright green hue and now displays
the vibrant colors of yellow and orange. Tekka Center
offers a selection of unusual exotic dishes, and coming
here is a fantastic way to taste Little India on a plate.

60 Bukit Timah Road

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30 HAWKER CENTER

“Eating in Hawker Center
might help you tighten
the budget of dining
expenses throughout
your vacation in
Singapore.”

LAU PA SAT NON HALAL HALAL TIONG BAHRU MARKET

This is a favorite dining place that serves local NON HALAL HALAL
and international dishes, such as Indian, Korean,
Japanese, Vietnamese, and the like. This 24 hours Tiong Bahru Market is located in Western
Hawker Center has distinct architectural features Singapore, with an Art Deco styled surrounding.
compared to other Hawker Centers. The building If you are a history buff, you can travel to Tiong
has a colonial design that is extravagant. Located Bahru and take a quick break for lunch here. Tiong
at Central Business District, this hawker center is Bahru Market has become one of the cleanest
strategically located. You can visit Satay Street in and largest hawker center in Singapore. This food
Lau Pa Sat, where they close up the street and center is equipped with the latest mechanical
give out space for tables. You can taste a variety waste system for each kiosk. This Hawker Center
of delicious satay here! The most interesting is located right above one of the best traditional
feat at this Hawker Center is the separate dish wet markets in Singapore – This Hawker Center
washing station between the halal and non-halal is located on the second floor, and you will find
food. You don’t need to worry about picking apart the famous Traditional Market of Tiong Bahru on
between halal and non-halal food stalls here, the the ground floor that sells various fresh products.
difference is quite distinguishable. Usually there is Get a taste of several local dishes in Tiong Bahru
a sign of ‘Halal’ in front of outlets selling halal food. Market, such as Wanton Mee (egg-based noodles
The dishwasher is also separated between halal with dumplings) or Chwee Kueh (steamed rice
and non-halal food outlets. There are many halal cakes with pickled radishes). You can also try
foods here, one of which is Turkish Cuisine which Cantonese grilled meat at the popular Lee Hong
sells various kebabs, Big Bites Indian Vegetarian Kee Cantonese Roasted kiosk. For those of you
Cuisine that sells Indian food, Yong Tau Foo Jason who are Muslims, try Nasi Ayam Penyet at Ali
that sells fish meatballs, crab sticks, tofu and Corner kiosk.
dumpling, and Delicius Pastisseri which highlights
the matcha (green tea) cheesecake from Japan. 30 Seng Poh Road

18 Raffles Quay HOW TO GET THERE

HOW TO GET THERE To reach Tiong Bahru Market, take the MRT and
get off at Tiong Bahru Station or Outram Park
Lau Pa Sat is a stone’s throw away to Raffles Station.
Place, Tanjong Pagar, Telok Ayer and Downtown
MRT.

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HAWKER CENTER 31

ABC BRICKWORKS FOOD CENTRE NON HALAL HALAL

ABC Brickworks Food Centre is a stone’s throw away from Hort Park, Henderson Waves and art galleries in
Gillman Barrack. Built in the 1970’s, ABC Brickworks Food Centre is so well preserved and maintained that it
remains as a popular modern destination. This place obtained its moniker from “Archipelago Brewery Company”,
which is the first ever brewery in Singapore. This place is a food court without air conditioning. You should get
a taste of Claypot Rice which consists of chicken, sausage, vegetables and grilled rice served in a clay pot. Ah
Er Herbal Soup is also a must try, you can’t really argue when this place succeeded in entering the Michelin Bib
Gourmand Singapore 2017. This food center offers cheap prices, the freshest of ingredients and no traces of
MSG. Halal food kiosks have their own lane, among the kiosks are Moustache Burger and Sahabah Grill.

6 Jalan Bukit Merah

HOW TO GET THERE

You can take a 10 minute stroll from IKEA, close to Redhill and Queenstown MRT Station.

THE BEDOK MARKETPLACE NON HALAL

Previously well-known as Simpang Bedok, this hawker center is a newly renovated place. Located in Eastern
Singapore, The Bedok Marketplace is managed by young chefs with fresh and modern food concepts such as
home-baked bread, ramen, pasta or seafood. You can’t go wrong with KoKoRo Ramen and Mike’s Caribbean
Food that are quite famous here. You can also try western food at ChopChop Selection that will surely keep you
happy with their big portions. The only downside of this place is the difficulty to find halal food for those of you
who are Muslims.

288A Bedok Road

HOW TO GET THERE

You can reach The Bedok Marketplace from Tanah Merah MRT Station, then take bus number 2, 9, or 49 at the
nearest bus stop.

SINGAPORE GUIDEBOOK