Istana Singapore

Istana, implies "Palace" in Malay, is the Republic of Singapore's official President's residence.

Istana ground is only open to the public on certain dates of the year. For the Open House dates, you may visit here for more details.

Istana Website: http://www.istana.gov.sg

How to get there?
Address: Office of the President of the Republic of Singapore, Orchard Road, Singapore 238823

By Car - Park at the following carparks (within 15 minutes walk)

• Plaza Singapura
• Atrium at Orchard
• The Cathay
• Concorde Hotel
• Orchard Plaza
• Park Mall

For carpark rates, you may visit this SGCarMart website.
Under "Tools and Tips", click "On The Move" and "Carpark Rates".


By Bus - Alight at Bus Stop No. 08057 (Dhoby Ghaut Station)

• SBS Buses - 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N, 5N, 6N, 7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 36B, 111, 124, 124A, 128, 162, 162M, 174, 174e, 175, 502, 502A, 518, 518A
• SMRT Buses - 77, 106, 167, 171, 190, 700, 700A, 971E, NR6, NR7

Nearest MRT Station: Dhoby Ghaut

Opening hours
8.30am to 6.00pm

Admission to Istana is free for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents. Other visitors are required to pay SGD1 per person for the entrance fee.

St John's Island 圣约翰岛

Basking in the sun and enjoy the seabreeze on St John's Island! One of the southern islands of Singapore, mostly visit by those who want to take a break from the bustling city.

You may also consider to stay overnight at the bungalow on the island with a group of friends for some bonding session.

Alternatively, visit the nature and take some photos!

How to get there?
Address: 14 St John's Island Singapore 098599

By Ferry from Marina South Pier
Address: No. 31 Marina Coastal Drive #01-04 Marina South Pier Singapore 018988
Tel: 6534 9339

Ferry rates: S$15 (Adult) / S$12 (Child aged from 1 to 12 years old)

By Car -

• Along ECP (Towards Changi), exit towards Marina Station Road, turn right to Ctrl Blvd and turn right again to Marina Stn Road
• Turn left and drive straight towards Marina Coastal Drive, park at the Carpark at Marina South Pier

By Public Transport -

• Nearest MRT Station - Marina Bay (Exit A, Take Bus No. 402)
• Alight at Bus Stop No. 03419 (Marina South Pier Terminal)

Ferry Schedule
Check the ferry schedule to avoid time wasted on waiting.
Website: http://www.islandcruise.com.sg/ferry-schedule.html

The ferry undertakes to St John's Island before reaching Kusu Island. Take a stroll at St John's Island since you had already paid S$15 for the ticket. Keep your ticket and take back the ferry to Kusu Island after stopping by at St John's Island.

*During the annual Kusu Pilgrimage, the ferry will undertake to Kusu Island directly.

For more information on the transportation and booking of bungalow, visit these websites:

• http://www.islandcruise.com.sg/
• http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/nature/southern-islands/st-johns-island/

Kusu Island 龟屿岛

One of the Singapore islands located nearby the southern part of Singapore. Due to its turtle-like shape, it is also known as "Tortoise/Turtle Island".

On the island consists of the well-known and popular temple - Da Bo Gong Temple / 大伯公庙. Many devotees undertake to this island to offer their prayings in the hope of good health, luck and wealth. This is especially so during the annual Kusu Pilgrimage which occurs on the ninth lunar month, between September and November.

For more information/history about the island, visit here.

How to get there?
By Ferry from Marina South Pier
Address: No. 31 Marina Coastal Drive #01-04 Marina South Pier Singapore 018988
Tel: 6534 9339

Ferry rates: S$15 (Adult) / S$12 (Child aged from 1 to 12 years old)

By Car -

• Along ECP (Towards Changi), exit towards Marina Station Road, turn right to Ctrl Blvd and turn right again to Marina Stn Road
• Turn left and drive straight towards Marina Coastal Drive, park at the Carpark at Marina South Pier

By Public Transport -

• Nearest MRT Station - Marina Bay (Exit A, Take Bus No. 402)
• Alight at Bus Stop No. 03419 (Marina South Pier Terminal)

Ferry Schedule
Check the ferry schedule to avoid time wasted on waiting.
Website: http://www.islandcruise.com.sg/ferry-schedule.html

Meanwhile, the ferry undertakes to St John's Island before reaching Kusu Island. You may want to take a stroll at St John's Island since you had already paid S$15 for the ticket. Keep your ticket and take back the ferry to Kusu Island after stopping by at St John's Island.

*During the annual Kusu Pilgrimage, the ferry will undertake to Kusu Island directly.

For more information on the transportation, visit these websites:

• http://www.islandcruise.com.sg/
• http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/nature/southern-islands/kusu-island/

Old School Delights (OSD) [MOVED]

Reminiscing the good old school days at this cafe, some of the food and small little items that we used to have in Primary school can be found here!

How to get there?
Address: 215M Upper Thomson Road Singapore 574349
Tel: 6458 4518
Website: www.oldschooldelights.com

By Car -

• Along Upper Thomson Road (towards Sembawang road), turn left into Jln Pelatina and immediately turn right to park along the stretch of road
• Alternatively, park at Sin Ming Plaza or Thomson Imperial Court (cross the road, within walking distance)

By Public Transport -

• Alight at Bus Stop 53049 (Aft Thomson Road PO) / 53041 (Bef Thomson Ridge) - Bus No. 52, 132, 162, 163, 165, 166, 167, 410, 855, 980
• Alight at Bus Stop 53039 (Thomson CC) - Bus No. 52, 130, 132, 162, 162M, 163, 165, 166, 167, 855, 980

Nearest MRT Station: Marymount (Take Bus No. 410)

Recommendations

• Home-Style Curry Chicken (Chicken meat is tender)
• Cakes! (Sticky Chewy Chocolate Fudge is good)

Budget

S$10 - S$20 per person

Buckaroo [CLOSED]

A place to let your hair down and enjoy your meal with your close friends and family. Quite secluded and located near HandleBar.

How to get there?

Address: 12B Andrews Avenue Singapore 759930 (Off Sembawang Road)
Tel: 6754 2621 (Make reservations to avoid waiting during weekends)

The place is usually crowded on Fridays and weekends.

By Car/Bike -

• Exit from Seletar Expressway (SLE)
• Drive towards Lentor Avenue and Yishun Avenue 2
• Right turn towards Sembawang Road and then
• Right turn towards Andrews Avenue

*Park along the roadside as long as it doesn't obstruct other vehicles (at your own risk).


By Public Transport -

• Alight at Bus Stop No. 58081 (Opp Jalan Janggus) / 58089 (Aft Andrews Avenue) - Bus No. 882

Opening hours
Daily from 4pm to 10.30pm except Tuesdays
Closed on Tuesdays
*Last food order at 10pm.

Recommendations

• Buffalo Wings (Select the level of spicyness; we chose level 3 "Insanity")
• Mushroom Spagetti
• Cheesie Fries
• Pizza
• Salad

Budget
Prepare to burn a hole in pocket: S$20 - S$30 per person

Handle Bar

Secluded in the north area of Singapore and away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you could relax and chill out with your friends at Handle Bar.

Recommend to try the Cocaine wings and Sudden Death wings

How to get there?

Address: 10 Lock Road Singapore 108938
Make reservations to avoid waiting during weekends

Opening hours

Tues to Fri: 12pm to 12am

Sat & Sun: 10am to 12am

Closed on Mondays

Hup Seng Duck Rice 合成鸭饭

Craving for salted vegetable duck soup and duck rice? This stall will be what you are looking for!
Reach early as there are always limited seats and long queue.

How to get there?

Address: Blk 36 Sin Ming Avenue Singapore 575710
Tel: 6454 3810
Opens daily from 8.30am to 2.30pm

Nearest MRT Station: Upper Thomson

What I've ordered comes with servings for 2 persons and you've gotta try the salted vegetable duck soup. The duck rice isn't complete without the soup. Damage to my pocket = S$15.

Wang Dae Bak Korean BBQ Restaurant 왕대박

Located in Amoy street among the shophouses, the Korean BBQ restaurant lives up to its name with its Korean "feel" interior, good customer service, friendly staff and great food!

At times, the staff will ask whether you need their assistance and authentically, they use charcoal grill.  

How to get there?
Address: 98 Amoy Street Singapore 069918
Tel: 6226 0450
* Make reservation to avoid waiting

By Car -

• Coupon parking along Amoy Street / Boon Tat Street
• S$1 per 1/2 hourly - Mon to Sat: 8.30 to 5pm
• S$0.50 per 1/2 hourly - Mon to Sat: 5pm to 10pm, Sun/PH: 8.30am to 10pm
• Alternatively, park at the nearby open carpark at Amoy Street

By Public Transport -

• Alight at Bus Stop No. 03041 (Opp PWC Bldg) - Bus No. 186, 970
• Alight at Bus Stop No. 03021 (Prudential Twr) - Bus No. 57, 131, 167, 532 - 536, 542, 543, 548, 550, 555 - 561, 563 - 565, 569, 700, 761, 971E

Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place or Tanjong Pagar / Telok Ayer

Opening hours
Daily except Sundays: 11.30am to 2.30pm / 5.30pm to 10.30pm
Closed on Sundays

Recommendations
Comes with banchan (반찬) and barley tea, you could order:

• Marinated spicy chicken S$18
• Spicy Pork belly S$18
• Seafood pancake S$18
• Prime Rib S$28
• Cold noodles (naeng myeon / 냉면) S$8

Suggest to patronise the restaurant after work; the shop consists of ventilation but after the BBQ, definitely you'll smell.

You may also visit Vanilla Bar & Cafe バニラ located nearby.

Wanton Mee (Pontian 笨珍)

Recommended by my relative about this wanton mee shop located in Pontian district, away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore city.

Their wanton mee comes with thin slices of "char siew", wanton, meat ball and fishballs. Order with "Black" or "Red" sauce selections (dark soya sauce or tomato).

How to get there?
Address: 491-3, Parit Mesjid, Pontian, Johor

From Singapore, drive towards Kukup. Click here for directions.

• Arriving in Pontian, at the cross junction before turning left to Kukup, make a right turn
• Drive straight and you'll drive across the bridge
• Turn right towards Parit Mesjid
• Drive straight, Wanton Mee is located on the left side, just before you turn left into "Lorong Yunus"
• Located opposite "Klinik Rakyat"
• Park your vehicle just outside the shop

* Google Map shows that it's along Jalan Wan Hussein, before turning left into Lorong Yunus

Opening hours

Daily except Tuesdays: 9am to 5pm
Closed on Tuesdays

Budget
RM20 is sufficient for meal orders. Overall trip from Singapore - RM100 - 150 is sufficient to include petrol and toll charges.
*RM = Malaysia Ringgit

Recommendations

• Wanton Mee with additional noodles (Upsize)! 
• Iced Lychee drink (荔枝冰)
• Iced Plum drink (酸梅冰)
• Iced Corn drink (玉米冰)
• Iced Yam drink (芋头冰)

Read about the post on Heng Heng Wanton Mee (Pontian).

Xin Mei Le Rou Gu Cha (Bak Kut Teh) 新美乐肉骨茶 [CLOSED]

Hidden gem among the Korean restaurants along the stretch of Tanjong Pagar road. "Accidentally" found this place and was very satisfied with their food. Besides their Bak Kut Teh, they have other dishes which are very worth trying such as their Curry Fish Head. You will just keep going back for their Curry Fish Head!

How to get there?

Address: No. 90 Tanjong Pagar Road Singapore 088511
Tel: 6226 3290

By Car –

• Coupon parking along the roadside, Duxton Road, Wallich Street, Tras Street and Peck Seah Street 
• Or park at the open carpark along Duxton Hill

By Bike –

• Coupon parking in the alleys along Tanjong Pagar Road or open carpark along Duxton Hill
• Alternatively, park in the Multi-Storey Carpark at Tg Pagar Plaza (FOC)

By Public Transport –

• Alight at Bus Stop 05429 (Bef Wallich St) / 05421 (Aft Craig Road) - Bus No. 80, 145

Nearest MRT Station: Tanjong Pagar (Exit A, 10-15 mins walk)

Opening hours
Mon to Sat: 11am to 10pm
Sun: Closed

Recommendations

• Claypot Bak Kut Teh (Meat is very tender)
• Prawn Sauce Chicken Wings
• Curry Fish Head

Definitely must taste the Bak Kut with the dark sweet soya sauce!

Curry Fish Head

I will definitely go back for more.

*Last Updated on 25 August 2013.

Beach Road Scissor Cut Curry Rice 美芝律剪刀剪咖哩飯

Used to be known as "the old place / 老地方" but now the name had changed. But definitely, this place is well-known for its curry rice and most importantly, the food is good.

How to get there?
Address: 229/231 Jalan Besar Singapore 208905

By Car -

• Coming from ECP, exit Rocher
• Coming from CTE, exit Moulmein, drive towards Lavender Street
• Park along Jalan Besar Road, Kitchener Road or Petain Road (Coupon parking) 

By Public Transport -

• Alight at Bus Stop 07319 (Aft Allenby Rd) - Bus No. 23, 64, 65, 66, 67, 130, 139, 147, 857
• Alight at Bus Stop 07231 (Bef Tai Hoe Hotel) - Bus No. 21, 125, 130

Nearest MRT Station: Farrer Park (15 mins walk from City Square Mall)

Opening hours
Daily from 11am to 3.30am

Budget
Less than S$10 per pax (Depends on how much you've ordered)

CrazyWorld Cafe 疯狂世界 (CLOSED)

Incoporating music and design concept into the cafe, a cosy cafe that serves western food, taiwan beer and nice waffles. A really nice place to chill out with friends.

How to get there?
Address: 24 Temple Street Singapore 058569
Website: http://www.crazyworldcafe.com

By Car (Coupon Parking) -

• Along South Bridge road, turn left into Erskine road, park at Maxwell FC carpark
• Along South Bridge road, turn right into Spring Street, park at carpark beside Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
• Along New Bridge road, turn left into Temple Street, park along roadside carpark lots

By Public Transport -

• Alight at Bus Stop 05189 (Opp Sri Mariamman Temple) - 166, 197
• Alight at Bus Stop 05269 (Maxwell Road FC) - 80, 145
• Alight at Bus Stop 05013 (People's Park Complex) - 2, 12, 33, 61, 63, 80, 143, 190, 197, 851, 961, 970
• Alight at Bus Stop 05039 (New Bridge Center) - 2, 12, 33, 54, 63,124, 143, 147, 190, 851, 961, 970

Nearest MRT Station: Chinatown / Tanjong Pagar (10 - 15 mins walk)


Opening hours
Tue to Thurs: 12 noon to 10.30pm
Fri: 12 noon to 12am
Sat: 1pm to 12am
Mon: Closed

*Café ceasing operations in March 2013.

Johor Bahru City Square

Located just a stone's throw away from Singapore, the shopping mall is quite popular among Singaporeans travelling to Malaysia for a short weekend shopping trip.

How to get there?
Address: Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 2263668
Website: http://www.citysqjb.com

From Singapore to Johor Bahru:

By Car/Bike - Drive towards Woodlands Checkpoint (CTE, SLE) and head towards JB Sentral
*Prepare Touch & Go card/Cashcard / Bliss card or pay cash for parking

By Public Transport -

• From Queen Street Bus Terminal (Nearest MRT Station: Bugis)
• SBS Bus No. 170 (45 mins to Singapore custom, use Ezlink card/cash)
• Johore Express Bus (30 mins to Singapore Custom, travel by expressways, pay by cash $3.30 per adult, $1.50 per child)
• Causeway Link Express Bus (CW2)
• About 30 mins to Singapore Custom, travel by expressways
• Adult price - S$3.30
• Return from Johor Bahru, Adult price - RM3.40/S$3.40
• Taxi (Check with the driver on the pricing, about $12 per pax)

Queen Street Bus Terminal is located next to The Church of our Lady of Lourdes.

Suggest to bring small notes to buy the bus fare.

• From Kranji MRT Station (Take at the Bus Stop opposite the MRT Station, about 15 mins to Singapore Custom)
• SBS Bus No. 160 or 170 
• Causeway Link Bus (CW1)

• From Woodlands MRT Station (15 mins to Singapore Custom)
• SMRT Bus No. 950 (From Interchange)

Nearest MRT Station: Bugis / Kranji / Woodlands

*Remember to tap your ezlink card or keep your bus ticket when you alight at Singapore Custom, you'll need to tap your card or show the ticket to take back the same bus after Singapore Custom towards Johor Bahru Checkpoint. It's the same when returning to Singapore.


What's there at City Square?

• Food
• Karaoke
• Movie
• Games Arcade
• Shopping
• And of course, more shopping!

City Square expanded! There's a new building next to the existing one and more shops are opened in the new building such as Adidas, Pandora, Sephora, etc.

Budget
Travel by bus will cost less than RM10.
Bring about RM100 - RM200 for other activities.
JB City Square shopping mall has money changer if you need to change currency.

You could also shop at KSL City Mall which is nearby.

Updated as at 20 June 2015.

Sembawang God of Wealth Temple 三巴旺财神庙

Popular among devotees praying for the seek of wealth and impressive God of Wealth statue, standing at 28 feet tall. Will only be able to view the statue on 2nd floor during special occasion (usually is on the 1st day of Chinese New Year).

How to get there?

Address: No. 28 Admiralty Street Singapore 757611
Tel: 6555 3040
Website: http://sembawanggodofwealth.sg

By Car -

• Seletar Expressway (SLE) Exit towards Woodlands Ave 12 & 10
• Park along the roadside as long as it doesn't obstruct the traffic.

By Public Transport - SMRT Bus No. 962

Nearest MRT Station: Sembawang (Take Bus No. 962 from Opposite Sun Plaza)

Operating hours
Sembawang God of Wealth Temple - Daily 24 hours
Matsu Temple - 6.30am to 8pm
Qing Shui Zu Shi - 6.00am to 7.30pm

Besides the God of Wealth Temple, there are also Matsu Temple (马祖庙) and Qing Shui Zu Shi (清水祖师) located nearby. This area consists of 3 different temples. Remember to bring at least S$20 to buy the praying items.

Dal-In Korean BBQ Restaurant 달인

"Dal-In/달인" refers to "Expert". Recommended by my friend, so my guess is that this restaurant is expert in cooking Korean food.

How to get there?

Address: 17 Boon Tat Street Singapore 069618
Tel: 6225 1006 (For Reservation)

By Car -

• Coupon parking along Boon Tat Street
• S$1 per 1/2 hourly - Mon to Sat: 8.30 to 5pm
• S$0.50 per 1/2 hourly - Mon to Sat: 5pm to 10pm, Sun/PH: 8.30am to 10pm
• Alternatively, park at the nearby open carpark at Amoy Street

By Public Transport -

• Alight at Bus Stop No. 03041 (Opp PWC Bldg) - Bus No. 186, 970
• Alight at Bus Stop No. 03021 (Prudential Twr) - Bus No. 57, 131, 167, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 542, 543, 548, 549, 550, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 563, 564, 565, 569, 700, 761, 971E 

Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place or Tanjong Pagar / Telok Ayer

Opening hours
Mon to Fri: 11.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 2am
Sat: 5.30pm to 10.30pm
Sun: 11.30am to 10.30pm

Recommendations
Usually, my orders are:

• Jajangmyeon (자장면 - black soybean paste noodles) or
• Jjambbong (짬뽕 - spicy noodle soup)

With additional charge of S$3 per order for dinner orders as these are meant for lunch orders.
Comes with banchan (반찬), so it's always very filling after the meal.

Budget
S$20 - S$30++ per pax (depends on your order)

Vanilla Bar & Cafe バニラ

It's a cosy bar & cafe located along the shophouses, provides Japanese fusion food with coffee and they do serve cocktails, beers and desserts during evenings.

How to get there?
Address: 3 Boon Tat Street #01-01 Singapore 069612
Tel: 6423 0366
Website: www.vanillacafe.com.sg

By Car -

• Coupon parking along Boon Tat Street
• S$1 per 1/2 hourly - Mon to Sat: 8.30 to 5pm
• S$0.50 per 1/2 hourly - Mon to Sat: 5pm to 10pm, Sun/PH: 8.30am to 10pm
• Alternatively, park at the nearby open carpark at Amoy Street

By Public Transport -

• Alight at Bus Stop No. 03041 (Opp PWC Bldg) - Bus No. 186, 970
• Alight at Bus Stop No. 03021 (Prudential Twr) - Bus No. 57, 131, 167, 532 - 536, 542, 543, 548, 550, 555 - 561, 563 - 565, 569, 700, 761, 971E

Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place or Tanjong Pagar / Telok Ayer

Opening hours
Mon to Thurs: 10.30am to 11pm
Fri: 11am to 12 midnight
Sat: 11am to 9pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays

Budget

S$20 - S$30 per pax

Mini Star Fermented Beancurd 星仔香港臭豆腐

"Stinky tofu" (Fermented beancurd/臭豆腐) is well-known in Hong Kong and Taiwan. But in Singapore, there is also this shop that sells it.

It does smell a bit when we arrived there. We ordered the thin slices of the "stinky tofu". Besides the fermented beancurd, you could order some other food.

How to get there?
Address: 795 Geylang Road Singapore 389678 (Near Geylang Lor 41)

By Car -

• Coupon parking along Geylang Lor 41

By Public Transport -

• Alight at Bus Stop No. 81069 (Opp Lor 39 Geylang) - Bus No. 2, 13, 21, 26, 40, 51
• Alight at Bus Stop No. 81129 (Bef Geylang Fire Stn) - Bus No. 24, 28, 43, 70, 76, 135, 154, 155

Nearest MRT Station: Paya Lebar

Opening hours
Daily from 12 noon to 2am.

Budget

Bring about S$10 - $30 per person.

*The fermented beancurd costs at least S$4 per plate.

Tan Hock Seng Cake Shop 陈福成饼家 [CLOSED]

Happened to pass by this traditional cake shop and found many interesting childhood snacks. Good to buy some back to "nom nom".

How to get there?
Address: 86 Telok Ayer Street Singapore 048469 (#01-01, Far East Square)
Tel: 6533 1798 / 6533 6572

By Car -

• Park along Boon Tat Street or Amoy Street and walk over

By Public Transport -

• Alight at Bus Stop No. 03041 (Opp PWC Bldg) - Bus No. 186, 970
• Alight at Bus Stop No. 03021 (Prudential Twr) - Bus No. 57, 131, 167, 532 - 536, 542, 543, 548 - 550, 555 - 561, 563 - 565, 569, 700, 761, 971E 

Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place (10 - 15 mins walk) / Telok Ayer

Opening hours
Mon to Sat: 9am to 7.30pm
Sun: 12.30pm to 3.30pm
Public Holiday: 9am to 5.30pm

What's available?

• Colour sugar biscuits
• Green bean cake
• "Jie Hong" 桔红 (Tastes like mochi)
• Five Spice Cake 伍香糕
• Glutinous Rice Cake 水糕
• Wife Biscuit 老婆饼
• Almond biscuits 杏仁饼
• And other many choices

Swanston (Your Essential Store) 双胜

Located at People's Park Food Centre Level 2, Swanston provides good deals for toiletries. It's always crowded, especially during weekends or evenings.

How to get there?

Address: 32 New Market Road Singapore 050032 (People's Park Food Centre #02-1004/7, beside OG Building)
There's also a bridge connecting OG to the building level 2 which you will see Swanston.
Tel: 65345776

By Car -

• Park at the Multi-Storey Carpark behind People's Park FC (Turn left into Park Crescent, then turn right into the carpark entrance)
• Alternatively, park at People's Park Complex.

By Public Transport -

• Alight at Bus Stop No. 05013 (People's Park Complex) - Bus No. 2, 12, 33, 61, 63, 80, 143, 197, 961, 970, CT8, CT18, CT28
• Alight at Bus Stop No. 06171 (Opp Subordinate Court) - Bus No. 51, 143, 174, 186

Nearest MRT Station: Chinatown

Opening hours
Daily from 10am to 9pm.

Products available

• Shampoo
• Toothpaste
• Facial products
• Perfumes
• Suntan/Sunscreen Lotion
• Other toiletries

Mode of payment
Cash terms

Alternatively, Ocean Cosmetics is located just above Swanstons on 3rd level, selling similar products too!