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SAMPLING SINGAPOREShopping, Supping and Sleepingby Madelyn Miller Singapore is my kind of city. It is a fabulous place for shopping and eating. And its public transportation makes getting around fairly simple. Here are a few of my favorites
Singapore is a Mecca for shopping centers. It is not the bargain place it used to be, but there are still some good deals around. You just have to look. And that process couldn't be pleasanter. Almost everything is air conditioned--so you are hardly aware of the weather which is often over 100 F.
SHOPPING STRATEGY
I always like to start at the top and find out the market prices and then figure out where I can buy things cheaper. So the first few on this list are more for window shopping. TANGSThis is the Macy's of Singapore. Since 1932, Tangs has been an established name for quality merchandise and fair prices in Singapore. It has everything from household goods to fashion, electronics, books and fabrics. A terrific place for untouristy souvenirs is right near the front entrance on the right where they display many native handicrafts and typical textiles. Popular items include silk, batik and casual clothes. Those looking for mid-priced boutiques should check out Tang Studio which carries both international brand names and mid-priced apparel NGEE ANN CITYThis massive building houses Takashimaya Shopping Centre which is billed as one of the largest shopping centers in Southeast Asia. The center houses 130 specialty stores in addition to the Takashimaya Department Store. If you get hungry, go to the 4th level for a snack and you'll find a virtual United Nations of flavors and cuisines. ICE CREAM STREETMAN  If you want a refreshing snack while you are shopping, there is a uniquely Singaporean sweet that I've never seen anywhere else in the world. They bake bread with carnival colors, swirls of bright pink and green and yellow. The bread is sliced and then made into "ice cream sandwiches" by slathering ice-cream on top and folding the bread over. Eat quickly because at the temperatures in Singapore, it melts fast. You'll find it sold from pushcart vendors and it is always (and to the best of my knowledge only) available along Orchard Road, opposite Ngee Ann City Shopping Centre.
CENTREPOINTLocated at the very heart of Singapore's shopping mecca--Orchard Road. Centrepoint is among the most popular centers with a wide array of merchandise housed on all six floors. You'll find Robinsons and a supermarket and a selection of restaurants and fast food outlets. It is hard to think of anything you can't buy here…execpt a kitchen sink. ORCHARD POINTThis is a good place to find paintings and calligraphy by prominent Chinese artists, rare Chinese teapots, onyx carvings porcelain and objects d'art from Southeast Asia. Plant & Planet;s offers a large range of skin and body care products with eco-friendly ingredients. Check out organic food products at Organic Paradise. RAFFLES CITY SHOPPING CENTREDesigned by the world-renowned architect, I.M. Peit, this building houses 2 hotels, a variety of restaurants and the Japanese department store Sogo. You can find Chinese embroidery, cloisonn� and electronic goods here. The basement houses a super-market and a cornucopia of food and beverage outlets, including an American ice-cream parlor, Bubbles, for the weary shopper.  RAFFLES HOTEL SHOPPING ARCADE
Housing top international brand names and regional specialty shops, this shopping arcade is designed in harmony with the surrounding hotel buildings. With wide, covered verandahs on all levels overlooking lush tropical gardens, courtyards and surrounding scenery, you can indulge in the romantic past while shopping at the arcade. You'll find internationally known brand names here, but the popular thing to do is go for a drink in the Raffles Hotel bar. WISMA TRIA SHOPPING CENTREThe Japanese department store, Isetan fills one end of this bright blue complex, housing brand-names such as Prada, Emporio Armani and Anteprima. A mix of boutiques and other specialty shops are at the other end. Shop for leather handbagsa nd wallets at Coach or smart fashion and accessories at the Fendi or Christian Dior boutiques. The hip and trendy can visit Guess and contemporary fashion for men and women can be found at Gianfranco Ferre and InWear Martinique. OVERSEAS EMPORIUMOne of Singapore's most established Chinese department stores, Overseas attracts locals and visitors from all over Asia. You can find anything Chinese here--from herbal medicines to wood to stone carvings. YUE HWA CHINESE PRODUCTSIgnore the massive construction site virtually on the doorstep. Inside, you'll find five stories of a dazzling array of Chinese and Chinese-inspired merchandise. You can find arts and crafts, porcelain, antiques, Chinese musical instruments and diamond and gold jewelry. I loved the embroidered garments and Chinese traditional wear. The food division of Yue Hwa sells Chinese medicines, herbs and teas. FUNAN MALLThis is the place to go for computer products. The Center is well-known for housing the largest collect of computer information technology shops in Southeast Asia. The center's state-of-the-art giant video-wall at the atrium shows multi-media presentations. There are also a few healthcare and souvenir shops scattered through the mall. FAR EAST PLAZAThis bustling complex on Scotts Road sells everything from plastic flowers, precious gems and sequin-studded T-shirts to stereos, computer and compact discs. Metro department store, located at the basement, offers a wide range of apparel, as well as household goods, shoes and accessories. This place can be a bit overwhelming and the layout sometimes causes you to walk around in circles.  BUGIS VILLAGE
This is the place to find many of the stuff you found in the malls..but at a less expensive price. The best way to get there is to take the Bugis MRT station exit and then walk to the corner of Victoria Street and Rochor Road. These vendors will bargain with you. Lots of watches, shirts, Indonesian masks, straw goods, jewelry and china. SUNTEC CITY MALLI have saved the best for last. Singapore's latest shopping sensation, this massive shopping mall is zoned into four thematic sectors. The Galleria has upmarket boutiques selling international brands and exclusive merchandise and services. The Tropics has lifestyle products and services and caters to fashion trends, leisure interests and hobbies of both young and old. The Entertainment Centre houses French hypermarket Carrefour, a mega food mall and a cineplex. Fountain Terrace has a tantalizing selection of restaurants, a food court, fast-food outlets and pubs. Scrumptious food aside, the Terrace also houses the world's largest bronze fountain which presents a visual feast for those teeming around the terrace.  RESTAURANTS
Whatever you do in Singapore, the one do not miss experience is eating at a Hawkers Stall. These small specialty booths--not the island's fancy restaurants--are the real showcase of local cuisine. The term "hawkers" was originally used to describe food vendors who roamed the streets with mobile carts hawking food. Now hawker centers are in designated areas with stalls and tables clearly defined and numbered. If you can't find a center, just ask, since most Singaporeans eat at a hawker center at least once a day. I prefer the air conditioned centers that are almost like food courts in shopping malls.  BLUE GINGER is truly one of those places the locals love. It servers authentic Peranakan cuisine which is from the Chinese straits. And the most important thing I have to tell you about it is something I wish someone had told me. THE FOOD IS HOT. I don't mean warm…I mean really, really spicy (and remember I come from Texas)
The aptly named Blue Ginger was derived literally from the translation of the Cantonese word "Nam Kiew" which is the name of a tuber widely used in Peranakan cooking. The restaurant has vibrant colors typical of Peranakan d�cor and there are Peranakan-style lamps, and the colored glass found in the old shophouses. The house specialties are : Ayam Buah Keluak…braised chicken served with Indonesian black nuts Udang Kuah Pedas Nanas…tiger prawns gently simmered in a sweet, spicy pineapple gravy Ikan Goreng cili Garam…deep-fried fillets of mackerel topped with a piquant chili paste
Be sure to ask for water. You will need it. And they are so busy they sometimes are slow to bring it. And do leave room for dessert. A definite must-try is the specialty of the house Durian Chendol. This is a red bean and Pandan-flavored jelly served with freshly squeezed coconut milk and gula melaka topped with fresh durian puree. It is very refreshing and probably something you'll never make a home. Another local desserts to try is Pulot Hitam--stewed black glutinous rice with coconut milk. MEZZA 9. Unwind for the night at Mezza 9's Martini Bar located in the Grand Hyatt Singapore. The bar has its own special concoctions of martinis and plays great jazz and blues music  TEA CHAPTER. One of the oldest tea houses in Singapore. It is a delightful place to visit between shopping trips and you will learn much about the tradition of the tea ceremony.
OSCAR'S in the Conrad International Hotel. Casual and colorful, Oscars offers creative buffets and delectable desserts. The champagne brunch has everything you can think of and more, all beautifully presented. There are fresh oysters and French pastries and a carvery and crepes. You can savor the sumptuous spread, from breakfast favorites like waffles and eggs, to sushi, smoked salmon and souffl�s. It is hard to remember to save room for their signature desserts,,,but when you see them, somehow you will magically find space.   
HOTELS CONRAD INTERNATIONAL CENTENNIAL SINGAPORE. This was my first stay at a Conrad Hotel and it won't be my last. The brand-new hotel is located right near the convention center and the Suntec City Mall. It is in the heart of the Marina CenterThe views from every room are gorgeous. Be sure to enjoy afternoon tea in the lobby bar. The hotel seems so elegantly comfortable and secluded, it is hard to realize how conveniently located it is.
HILTON INTERNATIONAL SINGAPORE. If you like shopping, this is in the center of it all. You also have one of the best views of Orchard Road so you can look at the stores even before they open and after they close. TRADERS HOTEL SINGAPORE. This was the first of Shangri-la's Trader Hotels. It set the standard for providing a high level of service at a value price. It is conveniently located at the end of Orchard Road. HYATT REGENCY SINGAPORE. Great location and great restaurants make this a very convenient place to stay. Elegant rooms. For More Information:
Singapore Tourism Board http://www.newasia-singapore.com http://www.singapore.com http://www.stb.com.sg Hilton Hotel
581 Orchard Street
737-2233
fax 732-2917
http://www.asianconnect.com/sha/hilton.shtml Blue Ginger Restaurant
260 Orchard Road The Heeren
835-3928 Tea Chapter
9A/11/11A Neil Road
226-1175
teachap@mbox4.signet.com.sg Oscar's
Two Temasek Boulevard
432-7481 432-7463 CONRAD INTERNATIONAL CENTENNIAL SINGAPORE
Two Temasek Boulevard
65-334-8888
fax 65-338-8164
http://www.conradinternational.com.sg
1-800-hiltons HILTON INTERNATIONAL SINGAPORE
581 Orchard Road
65 737 2233
1-800-737-1818
http://www.hilton.com
fax 732-2917
http://www.asianconnect.com/sha/hilton.shtml TRADERS HOTEL SINGAPORE
1A Cuscaden Road
65-738-2222
1-800-942-5050
http://www.shangri-la.com HYATT REGENCY SINGAPORE
10-12 Scott's Road
738-1234
http://www.hyatt.com
1-800-882-1234 For Travel to Singapore
Malaysia Airlines
http://www.malaysiaairlines.com
1-800-552-9264 SUGGESTED GUIDEBOOKS Malaysia & Singapore
by Joshua Eliot
 Singapore Handbook
By Carl Parkes
Maverick Guide to Malaysia and Singapore
By Len Ruthledge
by Dave Shultz
Ice Cream by Madelyn Miller Back to TravelLady Magazine |