This is not your typical list. Conventional activities are all hipster and cool. Which is why here at Discover SG, I’m introducing you to the slightly bizarre things. Are you ready? Let’s find out where you stand on the true blue Singaporean scale.
1. Shop at a local pasar malam
Our local pasar malam is a fashion world, food paradise, game zone, and antique auction all rolled into one. I mean, where else can you get an ear pick, Chinese wooden drum stool, and a giant bunny plush toy all at the same place?
Has it been a long time since you’ve stepped into a street market? If you’re feeling a tiny bit lost, well, fret not. I recommend you to follow Twitter account Pasar Malam Updates for the latest deets.
2. Play chess with ah gong
It’s the battle of the brains. These retirees are so absorbed in their chess games that they probably don’t even know if you’re stealing a peek over their shoulder. If you think you can handle the pressure and the strong possibility of them kicking your little monkey butt — go for it.
Address
Chinatown Complex, 335 Smith Street
3. Try your hand at 4D & TOTO
The culture of 4D and TOTO in Singapore is flourishing. If you’ve seen the long queue at the Singapore Pools stores — especially if you live in Chong Pang — you’ll nod in agreement. Maybe you’ve got a set of numbers in a fortune cookie, or a recurring dream? Better buy 4D or TOTO.
4. Get your personal care & toiletries fix at lesser known stores
Most of us amateurs replenish our personal care products in Watsons, Guardian, and Unity. Bargain experts know better — they shop at lesser-known stores like Swanston. I once bought a Simple Gentle Care Shampoo at this kind of stores and it costs me less than S$5. Most retail stores sell it S$9.90. I felt like a fool.
Swanston’s
Address: People’s Park Food Centre Level 2, 32 New Market Road
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 9pm
Cash only
5. Quad cycle at East Coast Park
In terms of team building activities, quad cycling — hands down — beats kite flying and rollerblading. It requires a group of people to join forces and support each other to combine their individual strengths.
If you’re not much of an athlete, I suggest you sit at the back. The pedals at the front require you to exert more leg power, and good lord, you will not feel your thighs for at least three days. Bring along a cap, wear sunscreen, and drink plenty of water.
Address: East Coast Park Service Road,
6. Visit old shopping centres
Let’s face it, most shopping malls aren’t built like the old ones anymore.
To give you a head start, check out Beauty World Centre. My favourite hang out place is the bookstore and open-air hawker centre. The Feng Ji Shu Shi Char Kway Teow is one of its main highlights.
Address: 144 Upper Bukit Timah Road,
7. Buy secondhand books at Bras Basah Complex
Forget Kinokuniya and Popular. Bras Basah Complex is the ultimate destination for bibliophiles. (It also houses Cats Socrates, a beloved indie store chock-full of adorable knick-knacks.) Popular books like the Harry Potter and Twilight series are a dime a dozen.
There are also quite a number of biographies and magazines like Reader’s Digest and National Geographic. See to it that you bring along some wet wipes, because these pocket-friendly reading materials come with a catch — they’re dusty.
Address: 231 Bain Street, Singapore 180231
8. Eat kachang puteh. Difficulty level = high
It used to be really easy to find a kachang puteh kiosk. Now? They’re as rare as a chance to kiss the Pope’s ring. I did a quick Google search and found that there’s one kiosk at Cathay Cineleisure Orchard. I’ll definitely miss eating nuts out of a paper cone.
9. Go shopping at OG
OG may not be as posh as Robinsons, but it’s got its own charm. The vast variety of fashion apparels is the sundae, while the shopping vouchers and pearls are the cherry on top. OG treats their customers right. They have a habit of shelling out freebies whenever their customers hit a minimum purchase.
Address: 60 Albert Street, OG Albert Complex
Tip: If you find that OG is not your cup of tea, you can hop on over to Bugis Junction, which is right around the corner!
10. Have ice cream from a cart
Here’s a back story. My father’s a Buddhist and I frequently tag along with him to visit the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple at Waterloo Street. Because of the cheaper parking rates, he would often park his car at the car park next to Sim Lim Tower.
And I’ve discovered something along the countless journeys. Rain or shine, this ice cream cart uncle is always there. For as long as I can remember, he’s been selling ice-cream at the exact spot since I was a primary school kid. He works fast and he’s not much of a talker.
This is an unpopular opinion, but the mixed ice-cream from ice cream carts are better than ice cream from some cafes — and they’re cheaper, to boot!
Aside from this uncle at Sim Lim Tower, you may find ice cream carts along Orchard Road.
(Header image credit: Tralleo)
Also read: 8 Delish Meals Under $10 In Orchard That Will Leave You Satisfied! – Part 2
