SINGAPORE: DEFINITE GUIDE FOR A WEEKEND | cathhalim.com

SINGAPORE: DEFINITE GUIDE FOR A WEEKEND


We escape to Singapore for the great local food, the wonderful array of cafés and the ever expanding bespoke bar scene. I lived in Singapore for a good 10 years yet every time I come back, everything only feels mildly familiar. Perhaps it's the fast-moving landscape in Singapore, or the bustling scene for many new establishments. A complete guide to the sunny island — curated for those whose travel consists of art, coffee and great food.

Top & Bottom: ATS The Label / Shoes: Superga

TO STAY




The Warehouse Hotel
Hotel
Having recently been listed as one of Design Hotel's Singapore picks, The Warehouse Hotel is fast becoming Singapore's top boutique hotels. A thoughtfully designed hotel refurbished from an old warehouse, it provides a unique experience in the Lion City.


Raffles Hotel
Hotel
A heritage hotel built in the 1800's, Raffles Hotel is Singapore's iconic luxurious experience. The hotel also houses different boutiques and restaurants that are unique to the sunny island. Stroll around its courtyard and be captivated by its old colonial beauty.

TO EAT
When it comes to dining in Singapore, you'll really never run out of things to eat. From the restaurants, cafés, bakeries and even to the bars — there's always options. Keeping this list to as concise as to what you can eat during the weekend in Singapore, here are some of my top picks!

Ronin
Café
The last time I came to Ronin, I was very pleased with my coffee. A big fan of fuller roast, the coffee at Ronin was extremely splendid. Tucked away on Hong Kong Street, this place is a must if you're a coffee snob.



Punch
Café
From the owners of Ronin, Punch is their next venture to all things brunch. A dear friend recommended this place and I've always came back since trying it for the first time. Despite the prices being hefty for a brunch, the items listed on the menu are carefully considered and are interesting dishes. Have a go at their super yummy poached pear pancakes!

 

Sunday Folks
Café
I travel all the way to Sunday Folks for their waffles and wonderfully made ice-cream. Lavender is my absolute favourite flavour here. Despite their desserts being picture perfect, they taste extremelly good. The queue tends to get a little insane especially on the weekends, so be prepared to wait. I can promise that it will be worth the wait.

Chin Mee Chin Confectionery
Café
Put aside the latest bakeries like Tiong Bahru Bakery, Plain Vanilla Bakery and let this old-school confectionery take you through time. Opening its doors in 1925, this coffee shop exudes an old-world charm with its ceiling fans and marble-top tables, typical of coffee shops of the 1950s. A simple breakfast of kaya toast and coffee will take you through time.

 


The Populus
Café
Identifiable for their scrumptious brunch, The Populus is also popular for their coffee. Packed even on weekdays, its no wonder that this is fast becoming a popular brunch venue for anyone visiting the island.




SPRMKT Kitchen & Bar
Restaurant
We recently came to know of SPRMKT through a friend, convincing us that this pretty place is beyond how it looks. The brunch specials comes with free-flow of wine and beer and is a unique mix of flavours. Have a go at their breakfast specials and tell us what you think!


TO SEE & SHOP


Singapore has a growing and bustling art scene, impacted by the local government's increased investment in the creative industry. Over the last few years, there has been a lot of refurbishments in the local galleries on top of the many international art shows. The retail scene has also seen a few interesting concept stores, all of which are worth a visit.

 

National Gallery
Landmark
In recent months, perhaps you have seen the explosion of Yayoi Kusama's works especially throughout social media. The National Gallery has undergone a complete rebranding, with it now showing interesting art shows brought from all over the world. Don't forget to check out the gallery museum store, which has also recently gone through a huge transformation.

Monocle Shop
Shopping
Opening its door in Chip Bee Gardens, the Monocle store is the first flagship store in Singapore. Housing a cafe, and several curated products, the two-storey shophouse is a breath of fresh air to retail stores in Singapore.

 

Beyond The Vines
Shopping
Beyond The Vines is a local womenswear label with pieces that are meant for everyday wear. Its a rarity to find a local Singaporean brand not only thoughtful in its design yet also have an impressive branding. The pieces are ever-lasting and easy on the pockets.

Gardens By The Bay
Landmark
Something about Gardens By The Bay screams an absolute craziness. In here, plants and flowers grow in a man-made greenhouse like dome. I don't know how to begin to describe it but the variations of plants here are incredible. Depending on seasons, the Gardens houses different types of exhibitions of flowers. 


Looksee Looksee
Landmark
Born from the brilliant minds of Lo and Behold Group (one of Singapore's most successful lifestyle group) comes Looksee Looksee, a tea salon and a reading room. Find some of the monthly curated reads from creatives all over Singapore. Sip some tea, pick a book and let the good times roll.

Books Actually
Shopping
For all book lovers in the world, Books Actually is a must head-to place in the lion city. An eye-feast completely filled with magazines, local authors' published works, international books and knick knacks. 


There is really plenty to do in this city and so much other food, bars or galleries that I'd like to show you. Instead of reading through it, you can view my guide easily by exporting the CATHHALIM.COM: Singapore map into your Google Maps application. Mobile and web friendly. Enjoy!

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