Monday, December 31, 2007

Singapore Fifth Avenue - Orchard Road

Orchard Road in Singapore is one of the major tourist attraction especially during Christmas festive season every year. Tourists come here for shopping, eating adn accommodation.

Orchard Road is a one way street stretching 2.5 km from the intersection with Orange Grove Road and ends at the intersection with Handy Road. 3 Mass Rapid Transit stations serve the whole stretch of the Orchard Road.

Orchard Road has its name from the nutmeg, pepper and fruit orchard that was abound at both sides of the street in 1800s. Mr Orchard had a garden and plantation here and hence the road got its name.

Among the notable historical sites to visit along the Orchard Road are the Istana which is the residence of the President of Singapore. It is only open during open days usually during festive celebration.

Goodword Park Hotel is another historical site. Previously known as Teutonic Club, it exists since before World War I.

For those who are nature lover and who wishes to have relaxation, Singapore Botanic Garden should be his choice.

Orchard Road is synonymous to shopping paradise. It is ornamented by pedestrian shopping malls, upmarket restaurants, bistros, coffee chains, hotels, night clubs etc.

Tang Plaza with its typical Chinese pagoda tower is a homegrown department store. Situated at the junctin between Orchard Road and Scotts Road, it is founded in 1934 adn established on Orchard Road in 1950. Visitors can purchase garments, accessories etc here.

For visitors with deep pockets a visit to Ngee Ann City will not be disppointing. Its anchor tenants include branded boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Channel, Vacheron Constantin and a Japanese department store - Takashimaya. It also houses the Southeast Asia largest bookstore - Book Kinokuniya.

For learned visitors, beside Book Kinokuniya at Ngee Ann City, one may pay a visit to Wheelock Place - the Borders. It has a rich collection of not only books but also CDs, DVDs on various topics and themes. American visitors will definitely feel at home there even though you are in Singapore.

If one is looking for produces from the Philippines, Lucky Plaza is surely your choice. It is a focal point for domestic Filipino workers during weekend and public holidays.

Far East Plaza at Scotts Road is famous with its cheap fashion items and food outlets. Visitors may find cheap and good local food at the food courts.

Down near the Somerset MRT is the CenterPoint where one can find another old department store - Robinson and Mark & Spencer.

Plaza Singapura is located next to the Istana entrance. It houses the Golden Village Cineplex,Carrefour and other shops.

Written by Chai Yong from http://www.temasekmap.com/ and http://www.window-safety-lock.com/.
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