Arab Street Neighbourhood Faves

Jonna's favorite perfume shop is a fairly new one down past Saied's carpet place at the far end of Arab Street.  I used to go to that big one on the corner of Bussourah, but don't know it's the best.  

If you exit Dilips, turn left and go to the last block (I think).  He mixes your personal perfume.

The gift shop we all love is Khim's Collections just down from Alaturka.

Khim’s collections on 13 bussorah street is the shop Geri introduced me/us to with all of the home decor, lacquer ware, placemats etc.

There is Mahaco on 51 Arab street right across from that Turkish cafe on the corner, that has the silk for clothing and it has beautiful throws and table runners near the back of the shop.  The sister store down Arab street closer to the Golden Mile shopping centre is called Asia Silq I think.  you could check with Mahaco to confirm the store number.

Toko Aljunied on 91 Arab Street( i can’t remember if this is the new address, but if not it is only a few doors away if this is the old address.)  is where they sell the silk sarong wraps with batik prints and Malay Kabayas.  Jonna,Geri and I have purchased several of the Sarongs from this store and she will show you how to wrap it and wear it different ways.  She is really great.

The Little Shophouse on 43 Bussorah street has the Peranakan beaded slippers, Nonya ware and fun scarves and collectibles.

The perfume place I like is Sifr on Arab.  However, it's probably not great for a group.  The same owner also owns the perfume shop on the corner of Bussorah on the way to temple.

The cake shop -- I thought it tasted gross and ended throwing it out.

At the mosque they have robes for women to borrow.

JONNA SAID

Silk shops on Arab St. Bobby Fabrics is one.

GERI SAID

.I  didn't buy fabric on Serangoon Road.....my favorite shop was Mahaco Impex on the far end of Arab Street.  I usually dealt with Madam Jaz (lovely lady), but her sons are wonderful, too.  They also own a newer shop at the beginning of Arab Street nearer the mosque....you can ask at Mahaco. 

Singapore FESTIVALS throughout the year

APRIL

Water festival (Burmese Temple)
14 Tai Gin Road
Tel 6251 1717


MAY / JUNE

Dragon Boat racing


Vesak Day
Toa Payoh Temple
Bright Hil Road temple

MOVIES I want to watch

Le Choriste - French - recommended by Whitney

TV series (recommended by maybe Warren?)  British Empire, Indian expat

Indian Summers

Singapore Things to do with Out of Towners

SENTOSA - playground island with some touristy attractions like Universal Studios, Aquarium, etc.
Great for beach - eat at Tanjong Beach Club.

CHINATOWN - Visit Sri Mariaman Hindu temple, walk around Temple, Smith and Trenganu Street.  Look at markets/stalls, shop for touristy knick knacks, Chinese baked goods etc.

Ice desserts (Taiwanese style, best is Mango on Mango) 67 Temple Street

Best bakery Tong Heng Confectionery 285 South Bridge Rd

(right in front of Buddha Tooth temple)

Temples - Buddha Tooth temple.

Favorite temple - the one on Telok Ayer Street.

DIM SUM - go to Yam Cha - an institution if in Chinatown but favorite dim sum places:

4^th floor Takashimaya – Teow Chow Imperial Cuisine

1^st floor Plaza singapurea – Tim Ho Wan, famous HK place, long lines

NOODLES - go to Mr. Wong @19 Smith Street, fun to take a photo of him stretching his handmade noodles

LITTLE INDIA -  Visit Indian Hindu temple on Serangoon, show Bangle Shop, show Mustafa, do Henna tatoos.

 Banana Leaf is great b/c you can eat on banana leaves so a cultural experience.

ARAB QUARTERS - See Sultan Mosque, walk along Arab street for shops, visit Haji Lane for more contemporary things.

- Beirut Grill - vegetarian moussaka amazing.

PALAU UBIN – boat ride and rental bikes to see the old Kampong village life how Singapore was some 50 years ago.

MUSEUMS - So many fantastic museums!  Our favorite is Asian Civilizations Museum.  For a more unique experience, head to the Peranakan Museum, much more unique to the Singapore story.  Afterwards, you can eat at True Blue Cuisine, it's Peranakan food so order Rendang and pomelo salad, this is also on Armenian Street.

TOURS - Hop on and off bus is fun, I send people on that if I can't spend the day with them.  The Bumboat ride is an even better way to see parts of Singapore.  For those with more time in Singapore, I think there are so many choices of walking/historical/cultural tours.

MODERN - it's fun to show the CBD skyline, Merlion, Marina Bay Sands area, Clarke Quay etc.  Walking down Orchard Road is always fun for shopping.

VIEWS – go up the Pinnacle on Duxton, you need an MRT card and have at least 5 sgd on it to get up the turnstiles…a bit confusing how to get up there, but ask the 7/11 guy for the right elevator

PAMPERING - Pedi/mani at LUSH in Holland village also foot massage at the Foot Reflexology above 7/11 in Holland Village, or day trip to Batam, INdonesia by boat to go to Tempat Senang Spa