Whether you are a globetrotter, solo traveller or a seasoned tourist, there are always different ways to explore or rediscover a place. To get to know a place well, you will need to learn about the people, heritage, cuisines and leisure offerings. Thanks to tennis superstar, Caroline Wozniacki who recently went on a two-day Singaporean adventure during her short stay in Singapore, let us show you what you can do to pass off as a Singaporean insider, in ways of a tennis champ.
Be Enthralled by the Rustic Charm of Old and New
Caroline Wozniacki uncovered the local gems at Tiong Bahru
It is no wonder why many locals and tourists alike love this small, charming and chic neighbourhood. Once a land of old cemeteries, Tiong Bahru has sprung to a much-loved neighbourhood and housing estate to many. With a good slice of traditional Singapore from heritage-rich places to modern establishments of delicious eats, quirky lifestyle offerings and eclectic little retail shops, it is hard to put a miss to this hood. With so many choices here are some of the stores we strongly suggest to check out.
You do not know Tiong Bahru until you have visited the Tiong Bahru Market
The iconic landmark is home to great food and memories despite its looming stature in a neighbourhood teeming of both old and new wonders. To those who are curious, lost and hungry, it has been a go-to lunch spot and food haven where repeated lunchtime jokes and extended silences induced by food coma occur. Get to know locals while feasting the local food such as the carrot cake, Hainanese chicken rice, ‘char kuay teow’, ‘nasi ayam penyet’ and many more.
Visit one of the top independent bookstores in the world at BooksActually
A small bookstore specialised in literature, which is a favourite among locals to escape and pass time at Tiong Bahru, quickly rose to fame and is recognised for its extensive collection and literacy flavour. If you are one in the scene, check out their events, which include book launches, poetry readings, and acoustic sessions to mini exhibitions. If you are new to the scene and do not know where to start, we suggest checking out their own published book titles before exploring the range of books from independent presses around the world.
Soak yourself in nostalgia at Le Halo café cum vintage shop
The perfect embodiment of what Tiong Bahru neighbourhood represents – modernity with a mix of heritage. Remember the childhood favourite toys you probably have lost for years and almost forgotten? Get in touch with these toys, charming knick-knacks, accompanied by vintage lighting that will bring you back to your younger days. You can also take a break and enjoy their unique and tasty creations of all-day breakfast choices. From ‘Piggy Stew’, ‘Otak Egg’, ‘Muar Otah’ to newly added items like ‘Masala Chicken Curry’, ‘Porky Cornetto’ & ‘Tuna Cornetto’.
Embrace the new and old by dining at The Dispensary
In the midst of this housing estate is a seemingly modern-concept bakery and cafe called The Dispensary. Little did anyone know, behind this façade is a renewed and revived traditional medical dispensary where residents used to seek expert advice of the master Chinese physician and Chinese remedies to cure their ailments, transformed into a café offering unassuming and healthy Western fare made with the flavour of personal touch. Unwind over a quick fix such as coffee, desserts and gourmet sandwiches and share an appreciation for Eastern traditions.
Push the envelope and renew your style at Clothes Curator
Travelling earns you the right to all the random, crazy and unusual decisions you make or should have made long time ago. Let your taste buds travel to the unusual delicacies and push the boundaries of your limitations, never go home and say you regret it. At Clothes Curator, right above The Dispensary, change up your style with the fashion pieces that are thoughtfully chosen and put together by the well-travelled curators and designers. You will find dresses, skirts, blouses, shirts, and accessories that can be complemented to create the perfect outfit!
Set Sights and Adrenaline Rushing From An All-New High
Caroline Wozniacki experienced Singapore from a bird’s eye view on the Singapore Cable Car
There’s no better way to explore and see Singapore from up above through the sky for priceless views through any day and night. From the hill of Faber Peak Singapore through a skyscraper to crossing the harbour on the Mount Faber Line before landing in Sentosa Island, you may even catch a glimpse of the dolphins down below at Resorts World Sentosa’s Adventure Cove!
Caroline Wozniacki experienced a Tarzan-like adventure at the MegaZip Adventure Park
The perfect combination of speed, height and adrenaline that will have you swing from one end to another like in the movie ‘Tarzan’. Adventure-driven Caroline Wozniacki enjoyed her time at the MegaZip Adventure Park in Sentosa Island. She quoted “What makes a good adventure is something that is adrenaline-pumping”. Up above at 75 meters high, over 450 meters long with a heart pounding at 60kmph, this is the first 3-wire zip line built to race with your friends or parents from the jungle canopy of Imbiah Hill to the white sands of Fox Finish Point.
Race for the thrills at Skyline Luge Sentosa
Settle down with this gravity thrill ride, which is safe for all ages if you are afraid of the heights. Racing or cruising down 688-meter Dragon trail or 628 meter Jungle trail, it is pure fun for any day and night. If you are feeling brave, board the Skyride for a scenic bird’s eye view of Sentosa Island, Singapore city skyline and South China Sea. Enjoy your bragging rights when you introduce or tell your friends that you have tried the Skyline Luge Sentosa that is the first-ever Luge introduced in Southeast Asia offering two unique types of experiences, the Luge and the Skyride.
Call the Shots Behind Bars for a Night to Remember
Caroline Wozniacki shakes it up at the 28 Hong Kong Street
Finding bars that offer bespoke experiences with standards a cut above the rest is not hard. One of the World’s 50 Best Bars, 28 Hong Kong Street is definitely one of them. Looking quite ordinary on the outside, with a 60s shop façade, 28 Hong Kong Street is far from ordinary. Through a veil of thick theatre curtains which seats 60 people, visitors can enjoy a revamp version of the ‘Singapore Sling’ or ‘Hulk Smash’ and who knows, you may just be behind the bar mixing your very own drink like Caroline Wozniacki did when she was in Singapore, under the watchful eye of the bar’s award-winning mixologist Peter Chua. There are also delicious snacks such as yummy truffle-infused mac and cheese balls that can be enjoyed with your drinks.
Address: 28 Hongkong St, Singapore 059667
Website: www.28hks.com
Craft your own signature Singapore drink at Maison Ikkoku
A cocktail bar by night and café centered on quality coffee by day, this is a must-visit for tourists and locals alike who agree that this is a gem put together by Singapore’s best mixologists. A cosy intimate loft and a rooftop, which paves into a stunning view of the Sultan Mosque at Kampong Glam, Maison Ikkoku is also well known for its bespoke cocktails. If you are unsure of what to order during your first time visit there, give these recommendations a try: ‘Flambe-tini, Cooler’, ‘Mojito Family’, or ‘Old Fashion’. Or simply tell the mixologist the mood that you are in.
Address: 20 Kandahar Street Singapore 198885
Website: www.maison-ikkoku.net
Satisfy your five senses at Bitters & Love
In Bitters & Love, you can be assured that you will be served with your choice of drink that satisfies to your liking thanks to the passionate team that loves what they do. Don’t worry about arriving on an empty stomach for a drinking night out, they have included amazing bar snacks starting from $13 that are flavoursome such as the tender ‘Rangers Valley Wagyu’ and ‘Triple Cooked Handcut Truffle Potatoes’ to complement your tipple.
Address: 118 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068587
Website: www.bittersandlove.com
Gallop your way into The Horse’s Mouth
Word has it that The Horse’s Mouth, is a well-kept hidden gem that goes ahead of the pack when it comes to setting the scene for a great night out. Lie behind a black sliding door covered by a curtain, we can assure you that this secret cocktail bar will not disappoint. Let them know what you want and there will be no horsing around, as they believe that drinks are seen as pieces of art and are crafted to suit your palate. This small ‘izakaya’ bar has got their techniques right and you can also watch the pros mix up their classic drinks.
Address: 583 Orchard Road, Singapore 238876
Website: www.horsesmouthbar.com
Get Caught Up in Local Retail Therapy
Caroline Wozniacki tried her hands on customizing her own jewellery at Carrie K
With an array of local homegrown designers and artisans offering multifaceted retail items, don’t leave without bringing home a special item made in Singapore. Caroline Wozniacki had her own jewellery created at Carrie K when she was down during her recent travel. Try the bespoke experience at Carrie K and create a piece of jewellery that is meaningful, beautiful and timeless to your liking. Think about customising your own accessory for occasions from births to birthdays, engagement and weddings to redesigning heirlooms that have spent too long in your vault.
Take a look at the collection when you are in Singapore by visiting Carrie K’s shop at Bukit Timah. If you are unfamiliar, do not fret as there are several stores made available in the heart of Orchard Rd namely, Keepers and departmental store, Tangs for you to visit. Running late for your flight? They can still be reached a Skype call away or be purchased on their website (address below).
Address: 136 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 229838 (Carrie K Atelier)
Website: www.carriekrocks.com
Turn heads with Singapore’s architecture-inspired clutches like ONE.61
These ONE.61 clutches have made appearance at Paris Design Week. If you have not tried them, drop by MAD Museum of Art & Design and make your own fashionable runway walk by getting one of these clutches. Meticulously put together by hand, each clutch takes up to 10 weeks to perfect and features materials that have been traditionally used in industrial construction or furniture design, such as brass, nickel and wood.
Fusing modern art forms with traditional building techniques, ONE.61 is a nod to the crafting traditions of Southeast Asia combined with the evocative architecture, interior and industrial design that adorn modern Asia. Drawing inspiration from Singapore architectural designs such as Esplanade, Parkview Square and Peranakan homes, now this is a piece of Singapore you can fashionably walk away with to show your friends back home.
Address: 10 Tanglin Road #01-01/#02-01, Singapore 247908 (MAD Museum of Art & Design)
Website: www.onepointsixone.asia
Be transported back to your memories in Singapore as you take a whiff of your own Code Deco perfume
Each Code Deco perfume is not driven by market trends but rather subliminal moods and experiences that inspire the scent. With many dozens of mass-market brands and limited selection of exclusive perfumery houses, Code Deco provides you the opportunity to customise your own distinct scent. Some of the house favourites are Blanc, a more sheer, radiant and fragile scent that is suitable for women, as well as Malabar, which hint notes of sparkling, crisp and energising fragrance suitable for men.
As scent is personal and to each its own liking, you can visit the flagship store at Orchard Central to discover your favorites before putting a perfume on your own together. Code Deco is also available at Kapok and Keepers, nearby to the Orchard precinct.
Address: Orchard Central, #02-22, 181 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238896 (Code Deco at Pact)
Website: www.codedeco.com.sg
So what are you waiting for? If you are a fan of Caroline Wozniacki or any tennis superstars, plan a trip down to Singapore and experience all these amazing travel choices in Singapore!