Orchard Road

Shopping in Singapore will not be complete if one did not shop along Orchard Road. Orchard Road derives its name from the sprawling orchards of nutmeg and pepper that once dominated the area in the 1840s.

Orchard Road starts at the junction of Bras Basah and Handy roads. Dhoby Gaunt MRT Station marks the beginning of the road.

Not far from Dhoby Gaunt MRT station is the Istana, the official residence of Singapore's president. It is well guarded with personnel armed with MP5 Navy. I was here on the National Day and the gate was wide open. Not sure if the public was allowed to enter on that day but the security personnel were intimidating.

Facing the Istana is Istana Park, dominated by an imposing steel sculture flanked by garden courtyards.

There are a lot of shopping malls along this road but due to time limitation, we only visited 2 malls there. The Paragon, a swanky mall noted for hip designer boutiques.

The massive brown granite facade of Ngee Ann City with its twin tower is a must visit mall. One of Southeast Asia's largest shopping malls, it has the Japanese Takashimaya department store and boutiques selling designer labels.

While in Ngee Ann City, do grab a floor directory so one can easily locate the intended stores. The Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel and Tiffany flagship stores are here. Singapore's largest bookstore, Kinokuniya is found on the 3rd floor.

Orchard Road was sure colourful on the National Day with booths and stalls been set up selling all kinds of goods.

There was also street performers and this old man caught my attention with his peformance.



He asked paser by to try his act and this adventurous young man took his challenge.