milaniemonic.blogspot.com: Singapore Indie-sling Stopovers

The most whopping antithesis to visiting one of Asia’s most modern metropolis is to simply go mainstream. Sayang naman.

Alright, the typical tourist trail is great too but I declare! that an ‘indier’ travel itinerary bids a fresher perspective and is therefore more fitting for cosmopolitan destinations like Singapore. An ‘indie’ itinerary as in indie music or in indie art is something more original and forward-thinking. It is more obscure, low-budget, creative, unique, may appeal only to a small, niche audience but definitely more fun and exciting. You can experiment, be original and be a little weird. The best part is that you can cater to your own inner travel persona: as a shutterbug, as a nature-lover, as an artsy Museum-goer, as a foodie and even as a queen-of-cheap shopaholic. Or are you a little bit of everything? Sling thru these SG destinations:

MINT Museum Of Toys

(Moment of Imagination & Nostalgia with Toys)

26 Seah St (behind Raffles Hotel), ☎ +65-63390660 (9:30AM-6:30PM daily)

Guided tours (45 min) available and recommended. S$15/7.50 adult/child (under 12).

take a stroll at Singapore's Art & Heritage district

Definitely better than any throwback Thursdays. The best of your childhood memories will rush in because this five-storey building houses some 50,000 pieces of toys! This is the collection of local enthusiast Chang Yang Fa. His world-class toy collection is consolidated from over 25 countries.

the Fab Four!

It has everything from wind-up toys to Darth Vader masks. Also on display:

crossing over the lighter side

Astro!

"You need not be an avid toy fan to revel in the nostalgia of childhood memorabilia"

saddle up

It's a TOY Wonderland!

hey Mickey!

Mr. Punch Café

1920’s inspired Resto/Café at the rooftop of Mint Museum of Toys

Cap off your vintage inspired visit with a meal at Mr. Punch Cafe

Haw Par Villa

262 Pasir Panjang Road

How to get there: Take the MRT Circle Line (yellow) alight at Haw Par Villa Station (CC25)

“The park features more than a thousand statues and life-size dioramas depicting Chinese legends which also showcase Confucian beliefs. While most of the statues are gruesome and bloody, some of them are really quirky and well…interesting.”

colorful and kitschy

one of the punishers

hope floats

Are casino dealers accessories to the crime?
I think I'm feeling the chill...

really ouch!

the perfect backdrop for one quirky holiday

40 Hands Coffee

Blk. 78 Yong Siak Street near Tiong Bahru Market

(Alight at Tiong Bahru Station (EW17) after Redhill Station.Then walk at Tiong Bahru Road –going to Outram Station then right turn at Kim Pong Road where Tiong Bahru Market is, pass by Moh Guan Terrace (pass by Hua Bee Resto & Open Door Policy Resto) then Yong Siak Street!)

photo credit: 40 hands coffee

A low-key coffeeshop in a charming neighborhood offering the creamiest latte! Forty Hands is rumored to serve the best coffee in Singapore. Level of difficulty in finding this place is a notch higher but definitely worth it. Enjoy Tiong Bahru Estate neighborhood as well while sipping your coffee.

photo credit: 40 hands coffee. 40 hands ultimate latte art battle :)

“An average of 40 HANDS are required in the production of coffee, from plant to cup.

40 Hands Coffee was created by several individuals with a passion not only for outstanding coffee but a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of the millions of coffee growers in poor and developing countries.”

Books Actually

9 Yong Siak Street,Tiong Bahru Estate

(for an unforgettable literary fix)

This is right in front of Forty Hands on the other side of the street.

exercise your mind. read!

“An independent bookstore founded by a couple of booklovers, Books Actually could be quite a romantic and charming place, far from the madding crowd. Channel your inner bookworm!”

Lau Pa Sat

18 Raffles Quay (near Raffles Place MRT). Open 24 hours.

It is a nicely done up Victorian-style hawker centre, but a little pricier and hence quieter than most. The satay here is famous though, and there's a long row of outdoor stalls on the south side (open only in the evening), with Fatman Satay (Stall #1) generally getting the best reviews.

nom nom nom

Chinatown

Alight at Chinatown Station and exit at Pagoda Street.

http://milaniemonic.blogspot.com/2013/05/temple-run-singapore-sling-day-3.html#links

go temple-running or shopping at Chinatown

Cavenagh Bridge, Raffles Statue and the Merlion Park

Merlion Park
(Raffles Place MRT exit H, off Fullerton Rd).

photo credit: worldtoptop.com

Cavenagh Bridge
(next to Fullerton Hotel. Singapore's oldest bridge and its only suspension bridge, constructed in 1869, now a pedestrian walkway across the mouth of the Singapore River.)