Hi Everyone,
Just back from an amazing 4 day break in Singapore. This visit I had a wonderful personal guide – Andrew. Andrew went to great lengths to make sure I really uncovered Singapore, taking me down historical trails, teaching me about the wonderful food cultures and showing me some fabulous unique Singapore shopping.
Keep on reading to see what we got up to day 1.
FunkyForty Uncovers Singapore – Day 1
Tiong Bahru Herritage Trail
The day started in the most perfect way ever with a visit of Tiong Bahru and breakfast at the Tiong Bahru Bakery. Opened in collaboration with French celebrity baker, Gontran Cherrier the bakery is reputed as being the best French bakery in Singapore.
Famous for their perfect croissants and the kouign amann. A layered heavily caramelised and buttery pastry.
The pastries really were the yummiest French pastries I have ever tasted! My dear Singapore Airlines Bear felt the same way – unfortunately – smile!
Then we went on a Tiong Bahru discovery tour. Of particular interest is the architecture. In the 1930’s the SIT (Singapore Improvement Trust) built Art Deco homes for locals to live in.
Later in the 1960’s the HDB (Housing development Board) replaced the SIT. Higher buildings came about like those in the distance.
Interestingly today the Singapore government has a system in place which ensures every local Singapore person is in the position to buy their own home. Approx 85% Singaporeans do and approx 80% of these own a HDB home.
Dress – Adrift
I am walking along the 5 foot path. Built in front of residential buildings in Singapore. This is where the locals will meet and socialise. A picture of this can be seen on a wall near by.
Next stop the wet market and Hawker centre for food. Did you know there is even a Michelin star Hawker centre?
I was fascinated by the items you could buy for the deceased.
From there we visited the Monkey God Temple. More about the Monkey King here.
The oldest Monkey God statue here is almost a century old. I decided to pay my $3 and carry out the traditional prayers here – sending blessings to my loved ones.
Lunch time
Amazing lunch at the Peranakan Petit restaurant. Peranakan being a special food to celebrate the fusion of the Chinese and Malay kitchens. I can definitely recommend you try this restaurant should you visit Singapore.
Souvenir Shopping
Imagine, you decide to take a year off work when you have your second child. Instead you decide to open a little shop with design objects. That is exactly what Mei Ling and Edward decided to do with their store Supermama.
One year turned into a long term occupation. Now working closely with many design/ art studios in Singapore and traditional craft facilities in Japan to produce meaningful souvenirs that represent the contemporary Singapore culture.
The best themed Singapore souvenirs you can buy!
Kampong Glam District
Just around the corner from the Supermama store. Andrew pointed out the most impressive Sultan Mosque, built in 1824 for Sultan Hussein Shah, the first sultan of Singapore.
Dress – Adrift, Shoes and Bag available at Schuhe G31
Keep walking around Kampong Glam to discover the many wall paintings, cafes and Turkish/ Arabian influenced shopping.
Little India
Next stop Little India. Walking down the colourful shop lined streets I really felt like I was in India. This area is where to go for any little gold trinkets or other bargains.
For a spot of 24 hour shopping we visited Mustafa – the most amazing department store. It started in 1973 with a mere 900 Sq.ft. Now a total shopping space of 150,000 Sq.ft is still not enough to accommodate the growing customer traffic. It’s here I buy my Singapore girl outfit – what do you think?
Dinner
Finally time for dinner – not that I had room after the huge lunch but what can you say when another feast appears before your eyes! We went to ION food republic, a food court down Orchard Road.
My camera is tucked away at this stage so please excuse i-phone photos!
Good night from the Christmas lights along orchard Road.
Stay tuned for day 2 later this week!
A special thanks to Andrew for all your patience and fabulous guiding around amazing Singapore!
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Thank you for letting me have a look at all those wonderful places in Singapore it is very interesting
I’m sorry , I’m a bit late reading your post , Yvonne .
What an incredible place ! I love your pictures and your outfits are really beautiful .
I look forward to reading your next post xx
Thanks Susan, so so sweet of you 😉
xxx Yvonne
You got to see so much. Little India looks so colourful – wonderful! x #TopoftheWorldStyleparty
Yes it really was wonderful dear – Day 2 will be published tomorrow 😉
xx Yvonne
Great post. Great outfits! Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Nicole at High Latitude Style
Thanks Nicole – have a fab Friday xxx
We stopped off in Singapore for one night on the way back from Australia in 2010 and I loved it! I really wanted to stay longer. Hopefully I’ll get to go back one day! Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
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