Location: Downtown Core

Singapore’s Lost Elegance

Modern Singapore stands today, close to 200 years after it came into being as a trading post, as one of the most advanced cities in the world. Icons of the new age now dominate the metropolis, its financial district, much of which came up on land that was made out of marshland and water, is now an amazing maze of glass and steel for which the sky seems the only limit.

Against all of this, it probably will be difficult to imagine Singapore as having been anything other than a city of skyscrapers – even if some fragments of the past are still found within the modern world; certainly not the elegant municipality it seemed to be a century ago as postcards and photographs from the era certainly depict. Having the air, almost, of a European urban centre, the commercial centre of the municipality had by the centenary of its founding, already taken on the appearance of the “great commercial emporium” its founder, Stamford Raffles, had envisioned of it.

Progress has seen that that charming and dignified old Singapore could not survive. The 1950s was probably when the beginning of the end came with the addition of the first “skyscrapers” to the waterfront (interestingly there was an attempt to limit the height of buildings at the waterfront back in the 1920s to a height of 96′ 6″). Much was also to follow, especially in the post independent years and by the 1970s the face of the financial district would drastically be changed.  The 1970s also saw substantial amounts of land being reclaimed, creating the land on which Singapore has built its city of future.

Empress Place and Princess Square

The statue of the founder of modern Singapore, Raffles, was moved to (its current location at) Empress Place from the Padang on the occasion of the centenary of British Singapore’s founding. The colonnade seen around it was damaged and removed during the war years.

Another view of Empress Place, with the Fullerton Building (completed 1928) already constructed.

Princess Square – looking up High Street towards Fort Canning Light. The Singapore Cricket Club is on the right and the Hotel de L’Europe stands at the location of old Supreme Court (now part of the National Gallery).

Battery Road/ Fullerton Square

Fullerton Square, before the Fullerton Building came up. Part of the first HongKong Bank Chambers can be seen on the left. The Exchange and the old General Post Office on the right is where the Fullerton now stands.

Battery Road, seen with the Tan Kim Seng fountain (since moved to Esplanade Park)

Another view of Battery Road at Fullerton Square. The Medical Hall is where the Straits Trading Building now stands.

Battery Road at the turn of the century. The Dispensary, at the corner of Bonham Street is where 6 Battery Road (Chartered Bank) now stands.

Another view up Battery Road.

Finlayson Green

Finlayson Green at the turn of the last century. The Straits Times offices can be seen on the left with the offices of the Dutch shipping company Koninklijke Paketvaart Maatshappij on the right along with the three storey headquarters of Behn Meyer.

Another view of Finlayson Green.

Anson Road / Robinson Road

Anson Road, with the once iconic Boustead Institute at the meeting of Anson and Tanjong Pagar Roads.

Robinson Road. The Neo-Classical former Eastern Extension Telegraph Company Building (1927) and part of Telok Ayer market can be seen on the left.

Another view of Robinson Road.

Collyer Quay and the lost waterfront

Built along a bund constructed by convict labour in the mid-1800s, Collyer Quay was completed in 1864 and was soon lined with rather grand looking edifices. By the time the road was widened in the second decade of the 1900s through further reclamation, buildings such as the Alkaff’s Arcade and the five storey St. Helen’s Court had already been erected.

Now around which some of the tallest buildings are found, limits on the height of buildings along the waterfront was a subject of much discussion in the 1920s. In 1921, the Municipal Commission took a decision to limit the height of buildings along the waterfront to 96′ 6″ (about 29.5 metres), the height of St. Helen’s Court. This was to permit “much needed circulation of air at ground”. This was to however be challenged by the architects for soon to be built Union Building, who were successful in having the restrictions relaxed despite objections. One objection raised by John Little’s positioned behind the new building was motivated by a concern that the height of the Union Building would be of “disadvantage and inconvenience to them in the matter of light” (see: The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 30 January 1922).

Collyer Quay in the late 19th century. The first HongKong and Shanghai Bank chambers (completed in 1892) can be seen at the near end.

A view from the far end of Collyer Quay at Finlayson Green. Princes Building, the 1909 built Alkaff’s Arcade can be seen along with 5 storey St. Helen’s Court. St. Helen’s Court, which was later to be renamed Shell House and subsequently Clifford House after the new 15 storey Shell House was built, was then the tallest building along Collyer Quay

Collyer Quay in the 1930s, with the second Ocean Building (built in 1924) along with Princes Building, the Arcade, St. Helen’s Court, Union Building (1924) and the Fullerton Building (GPO, 1928) already up. Trolley buses had by that time replaced trams as public transport.

The waterfront in the late 1920s with Johnston’s Pier.

Clifford Pier, built in 1933, in uncluttered settings.

The view of the waterfront from the inner roads with the Union Building, HongKong and Shanghai Bank Chambers and the Fullerton Building.

A view of the Fullerton Road end of the waterfront.

The waterfront in the 1960s. By this time, taller buildings such as the Asia Insurance Building, had already begun to transform the skyline.

The Esplanade

The Esplanade, late 1920s.

Anderson Bridge, when first completed.

Connaught Drive, possibly in the late 1920s.

This article originally appeared on Jerome Lim, The Long and Winding Road, and is republished here with permission.

(Feature Image: Singapore’s 63 Islands! Here Are 6 Islands You Can Visit To Get Away From The Crowd!

Ambassador Highlights #1: Food Tastings, Secret Life of Pets Preview & Beers!

Here at DiscoverSG we’re all bout local events and amazing eats! This weekend the DiscoverSG team and our brand ambassadors headed down to some exciting events!

Here are DiscoverSG’s Brand Ambassador Highlights this month!

1.La Semaine Franҫaise (The French Week)

(Image credit: Dining City SG)

Appreciating the taste of French Cuisine tonight.

A photo posted by Kimberley Yong (@kimberleyyong_) on Aug 23, 2016 at 4:45am PDT

Presenting two of my favorite dishes from last night’s magnificent spread. Compliments to the chef. . From 10 to 17 September, 25 restaurants across the city will be offering exquisite deals of French Food and Wine to share the best of French classic and fusion gastronomy. During this French week, La Semaine Francaise, all first time or frequent French foodies will be able to experience a 3 course meal at these 25 restaurants for just $40++ for lunch and $58++ for dinner. . This is just one of the many interesting weeks or festivals Singapore has to offer. To keep up with more exciting events, follow @discoversgofficial here on Instagram or visit their website <www.discoversg.com> It’s never a boring week with @discoversgofficial ?

A photo posted by Kimberley Yong (@kimberleyyong_) on Aug 23, 2016 at 8:12pm PDT

What’s better than a little French Food to spice up your week? Nothing really according to DSG’s brand ambassador Kimberley Yong.

Supported by The French Ministry of Agriculture, DiningCity, played host for this year’s Le Semaine Francaise (or The French Week for us English speakers). Kimberley tasted some delicate french hors d’oeuvres paired with classic French wines against the backdrop of classic architecture.

For the full list of participating restaurants:

(Image credit: Si Yu)

If you love Asian fusion food and are constantly looking out for new restaurants, we’ve got you covered. Known for its eclectic take on Asian cuisine, Si Yu was there to see it happen!

What did she love best about Ding Dong? The oriental theme and eclectic design of Ding Dong of course!

(Image Credit: Craving for something sweet? Chef Jet Lo serves up a lighter version of the popular traditional Cantonese dessert.The Ding Dong mango with pomelo and sago is reinvigorated with mango foam sorbet and passionfruit puree. With each bite, accompanying fresh pomelo bits and freeze-fried mango chips add an interesting texture.

A weekend in Singapore is just not complete if you’re not catching a movie! Thanks to United International Picture, DiscoverSG’s brand ambassadors Estella Ho and Stephanie (piinkmasquerade) were lucky enough to get tickets to the sneak preview of Secret Life of Pets!

Ever wondered what your pets were thinking and doing when you left the house? The brilliant minds behind Despicable Me and Minions have brought to life an animated comedy about the lives our pets lead .

If you’re a animal lover, a child at heart or if you’re looking for something lighthearted to catch this week (out in cinemas 1 September), head on over to your nearest cineplex and catch Secret Life of Pets!

4. Chang Beer Fest

The weekend is all about kicking back with friends, having a drink or two and getting our hands on some delicious food! The DiscoverSG team and our brand ambassadors (Shivon Chua, Dacia Klee, Anna Ng, Isabel Lee, Rae, Nicole Lee, Vanessa Ho) had an amazing time at the Noise Singapore Festival 2016 – Show Your Support For Our Local Talents!

[NEW] A Poke Theory Serves Up Poke Bowls That Do Not Disappoint!

New kids on the block, A Poke Theory, strongly believes that healthy food does not equate to tasteless food. Sibling duo, Joey and Vannessa, have always dreamt of starting a business together. Therefore, as foodies themselves, opening a fast food-first concept was undoubtedly the perfect plan.

A Poke Theory

Situated right in the heart of the CBD, A Poke Theory was born out of Joey’s love for roasts, and Vannessa’s passion for wholesome grub. Take a peek into their personal Instagram accounts. You’ll notice the stark difference in food preferences. Joey (@buttergoggles) lives for meat. While Vannessa (@feedvannessa) swears by fruits, vegetables, and smoothie bowls.

However, everything converges nicely to create food that is healthy without compromising on taste or ingredients.

What are poke bowls?

Poke bowls originated in Hawaii. They were once served as snacks for the fishermen who seasoned and ate the cut-offs from their catch while out at sea. Poke bowls can be closely compared to the Japanese chirashi don, where fresh sashimi is served on top of a bed of sushi rice.

The concept

At A Poke Theory, the choice is yours.

1. Start by picking a base that best suits your dietary requirements – signature sushi rice, jasmine brown rice, lemon herb quinoa, or romaine lettuce.
2. Then, choose your star of the show – salmon or tuna, with either spicy or non-spicy options.
3. Complimentary toppings include Japanese cucumber, cherry tomato, pineapple, shredded carrot, edamame, tobiko, furikake and nori flakes.
4. It’s the premium toppings that shake things up in your poke bowl. Premium toppings include Barbequed corn, lime avocado, kale chips, crispy salmon skin and roasted honey and spice cashews. If you’re lucky, you might even catch Joey’s signature roasts before they sell out. These seasonal meats are roasted on the spot in limited quantities. Be sure to snag some before everyone else does. At $1 to $2 a pop for premium toppings, you can go crazy! A tiny splurge goes a long way for a party in your mouth.

My customised poke bowl

For the love of avocado, I very predictably picked the avocado miso salmon. My additional toppings? You guessed it – more avocado and cashews!

Two words describe my poke bowl: absolutely divine. Credits don’t go to my impeccable choice in toppings. Rather, it’s the thoughtful concoction of flavours that were infused into each ingredient. Of course, the freshness of the seafood made a big difference too!

The buttery salmon blended perfectly with the creaminess of the avocado dressing. The accompanying fruits and vegetables were refreshing, and cleansed the palette well. Even though my poke bowl was on the house (Joey is an old friend from Ngee Ann Poly!), it’s safe to say that the premium ingredients are well-worth every penny.

The premium ingredients all had a little twist to their flavours – a dash of spice or a zest of tang. For someone whose record is six bowls of rice in one sitting, I have to add that I really enjoyed A Poke Theory’s signature sushi rice. Infused with garlic, chillis and seasoned with sushi vinegar, the rice is sticky. The taste of vinegar, though not as strong as your typical sushi rice – which was exactly to my liking, but otherwise highly subjective.

Sweet endings

Remember to leave room for dessert – guilt-free superfood smoothie bowls. I was spoilt for choice. Part of me wanted a refreshing smoothie bowl as I was stuffed from my poke bowl. The other part knew that I had to get either the Cacaoholic or the Maca Nutter. That’s because I usually only eat dairy-based flavours for dessert

Cacaoholic did not disappoint. The texture was akin to ice cream without the bite, or a popsicle without the structure. I especially enjoyed the raw cacao nibs that added a nice crunch to the smoothie bowl. Just had to buy a bag of roasted honey and spice cashews for the road because they were way too addictive!

All in all, A Poke Theory is a great concept. It’ll suit anyone, from the busy professionals who are looking for a delicious, easy-to-eat meal to health-conscious individuals in search of tasty alternatives, and picky eaters like myself who love a highly customisable meal.

https://www.facebook.com/apoketheory/videos/1727934657461047/

A Poke Theory
Location: 27 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069623
Website What Do You Get When You Put Burger And Japan Together? Burger King’s New Japanese Burger!

[Compiled] Here Are ALL The Highlights From This Year’s Singapore Night Festival!

If you weren’t in the vicinity of Bras Basah and Bugis last weekend, you (almost) missed out on one of the most spectacular night festivals in 2016! This year’s Singapore Night Festival went off with a bang, and the streets of Bras Basah and Bugis came to life with beautiful art installations, light projections, roving performers and plays.

This year’s theme was fittingly named “Innovations and Inventions”, the perfect entanglement of 19th century industrialisation interwoven with design. We created a list of highlights from this year’s Singapore Night Festival which was definitely worth the crowd!

(Image credit: (Image credit:
(Image credit: Peranakan Museum)

By far one of the busiest zones, Armenian street was chock full of roving street performers, live music and art installations. Couples danced the night away in the pedestrian only streets swaying along to the music presented by the Substation.

Looking for something to pull you into a world of wonder ? House of Curiosities may just be thing you’re looking for. Based on the storyline of The Mechanical Heart, it tells the heartwarming story of inventor Professor Chambers and his son Christopher. Eccentric and featuring steampunk creations and Victoria era art and fashion, this exhilarating performance is a must-catch during the Singapore Night Festival.

Ticket price: $16 (Adults), $13 (Concession*) Inclusive of $1 SISTIC Fee
Timing: 6 – 8pm, 8.30 -10.30pm, 11pm – 1am

Zone 4: Singapore Management University

(Image credit: Yahoo.com)

If you’re looking to kickback with friends over drinks and light snacks, head on over to Campus Green of the Singapore Management University. Offering a barrage of bites, drinks and small knick knacks, this is a zone for all you foodies!

Zone 5: Singapore Art Museum, Queen Street, Waterloo Street and National Design Centre

(Image credit: (Image credit: Singapore Art Museum)

End your night at the Singapore Art Museum, the facade becomes the backdrop of light projections. Sit back and admire the complex light show move across the buildings complementing the architecture of this national attraction.

If you missed out on this awe-inspiring showcase of art, lights and sound. Do not fret! The Singapore Night Festival continues this weekend, 26-27 August (this is your last chance! Don’t say we didn’t warn you!) So bring your friends, family and significant other to this extra-special weekend out!

Here’s A Recommended Guide To Help You Conquer Singapore Night Festival!

Joseph Schooling Is On A Victory Parade, Here’s How And Where You Can Catch Him!

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Be The Best With These Rare Pokemon! We Included Their Exact Spawn Locations!

If you’ve been out playing Pokemon Go all week, you probably know that Pokemon-spawning areas are virtually everywhere. However, where are the rare pokemon locations?

There are some specific locales in Singapore that are home to rare and powerful Pokemon. We’re here to let you in on the rare pokemon locations, so you can find all 11 rare pokemon! Read on if you’d like to add these elusive gems to your collection and further your quest to become the very best!,

1. Ponyta

Image Credits: With its luscious, red-hot flaming mane and tail, the incredibly rare Ponyta is one you’d want to collect for bragging rights. Easily one of the prettiest Pokemon around, this fire horse Pokemon – and its evolved form especially – is the closest you can get to catching a unicorn!

Rare pokemon location – Ponyta has been spotted at:

• Yishun Park
• Resorts World Sentosa

2. Chansey

Image Credits: Kind and caring, the adorable Chansey is a ball of happiness. If you’re an avid Pokemon fan, you would probably remember that this lovely creature was always at the Pokemon Centre.

It was always helping Nurse Joy heal Pokemon back to health in both the game and animated TV series. Chansey also boasts an incredibly high HP. While it may not be a fighter, it can certainly hold its own in a gym.

Rare pokemon location – Chansey has been spotted at:

• Changi General Hospital
• Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

3. Snorlax

Image Credits: All Snorlax likes to do is eat and sleep, but don’t let its lazy, cuddly appearance fool you. This Pokemon is extremely powerful in battle! Snorlax is backed by high HP and defence stats, making it a popular Pokemon for trainers holding gyms.

Rare pokemon location – Snorlax has been spotted at:

• Blk 401, Hougang Avenue 10
• Bedok Point
• VivoCity
• Nex
• 5 Tampines Central 6, Singapore 529482
• Tampines St 83
• City Plaza

4. Lapras

Image Credits: YouTube

With its friendly appearance and gentle nature, it’s hard not to fall in love with Lapras. Despite its docile look, this Pokemon also has relatively high combat capabilities. It is another popular choice for battles or gym takeovers.

Rare pokemon location – Lapras has been spotted at:

• Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3
• Choa Chu Kang Avenue 3
• 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956

5. Vulpix

Image Credits: Author

Fire fox Vulpix is already stealing our hearts in its own right. Look how cute it is!

However, its evolved form, Ninetails, will propel it to the top of your must-catch list. This Pokemon is an elusive one, with rare sightings in Singapore. Fire-type Pokemon are strong when up against Grass, Bug and Ice Pokemon, so it’s always useful to have some of them!

Rare pokemon location – Vulpix has been spotted at:

• Sentosa Siloso Beach
• Beauty World MRT Station

6. Dragonite

Image Credits: Dragonite looks like a cuddly teddy bear. However, don’t let Dragonite’s harmless appearance fool you! It is actually pretty impressive on the battlefield!

The most advanced stage of Dratini’s evolution, this Pokemon is incredibly rare and hard to obtain. It is highly sought after by ambitious trainers. Dragonite is also evidently useful for holding gyms. Just take a look at the sheer number of Dragonites reigning in gyms all over Singapore!

Rare pokemon location – Dragonite has been spotted at:

• Suntec City
• Tiong Bahru Plaza
• Singapore Management University (SMU)
• Marina Bay Sands

7. Electabuzz

Image Credits: Now, this is a Pokemon you don’t usually chance upon! This shockingly (pun intended) fierce Electric-type Pokemon would make a great addition to your team. Especially since there aren’t many Electric-type Pokemon around at the moment. Just what you need to take down Golducks, Slowbros and Vaporeons.

Rare pokemon location – Electabuzz has been spotted at:

• Eco Park Tampines
• Near White Sands Primary School
• Resorts World Sentosa

8. Arcanine

Image Credits: YouTube

If you thought hunting for Growlithe is tough, wait till you try searching for Arcanine. A cross between a tiger, wolf and fox, this Pokemon is one you’d definitely want to catch. Arcanine is said to have one of the highest combat stats amongst the non-legendary first generation Pokemon.

Rare pokemon location – Arcanine has been spotted at:

• Clark Quay area (near Riverside Point)
• Chinese and Japanese Gardens

9. Hitmonchan

Image Credits: With a name that pays homage to renowned martial arts artist and action star Jackie Chan, Hitmonchan certainly packs a punch.

You may be unsure if this Pokemon is worth hunting for. However, do note that fighting-type moves are the only moves that are effective against normal-type Pokemon! Hitmonchan would defo be useful in gyms. Time to take down that Snorlax!

Rare pokemon location – Hitmonchan has been spotted at:

• West Gate Mall
• National University of Singapore (NUS)

10. Porygon

Image Credits: Unlike any other Pokemon, this prism-like Porygon is completely made out of a computer program. It does not require any food or sleep to survive!

Pretty cool, huh? While this Pokemon isn’t best suited for combat, Porygon’s sheer elusiveness justifies the need to catch one.

Rare pokemon location – Porygon has been spotted at:

• City Square Mall
• Clementi Mall
• Orchard Central Mall
• Esplanade
• 271 Bukit Batok East Avenue 4, Singapore 650271
• Parklane Shopping Mall

11. Pikachu

Image Credits: Author

We saved the best for last – you didn’t think we’d leave this out, now did you? Undisputedly the most famous Pokemon of all time, Pikachu remains as one of the most loved Pokemon to date.

If you didn’t manage to catch Pikachu at the start or hatch it from an egg, fret not, because here’s where you can find it!

Rare pokemon location – Pikachu has been spotted at:

• Universal Studios Singapore (Sentosa)
• Near Jurong West Temple
• Tampines West Community Club
• Marina Bay Sands
• Gardens by the Bay (near carpark exit)

And there you have it – 11 of the rarest Pokemon that have been sighted in our city! While we don’t have access to internal spawn data, trust us when we say that the aforementioned places are your best bet to catch ’em all. Happy hunting!

(Photo header: Our Lives Have Changed Since Pokemon Go! 12 Things Every Player Can Relate To!

The Smoothie Bowl: The Singapore Food Craze That (Kinda) Took Off

Acai (pronounched ah-sigh-ee) has managed to make a name of itself amongst fashion forward Instagramers and the health conscious. Considered one of the more popular superfoods, the acai berry comes from acai palm trees which can only be found in Central and South America.

What’s an acai exactly? Simply put, it’s a berry…with superpowers.

No, really!

Acai berries are known to provide a variety of
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Image credit: Absolute Acai

Image credit: Absolute Acai

Image credit: Absolute Acai

Address: 3 Pickering Street #01-38, S048660
Contact: 6224 4088
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri, 10am-8.30pm; Closed on Weekends

3. Seed and Soil

Seed and Soil is one a stop solution for all your healthy, on the go pick me ups. Seed and Soil carries several different cold pressed juices from green juices to juices meant for healing and detox, perfect if you’re haven’t been feeling your best. Seed and Soil carries 3 main smoothie bowls; the Cacao Warrior, Green Glow and the Pitaya Sunrise.

A guilt free chocolatey dessert, the Cacao Warrior is made from a rich chocolate smoothie topped with fresh fruits and raw cacao. Perfect for a post-workout energy boost!

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Image credit: Image credit: Park Bench Deli

Address: 179 Telok Ayer Street, S068627
Contact: 6815 4600
Opening Hours: Mon, 12pm-10pm; Tue-Fri, 10.30am-10pm; Closed, 4-5pm daily

Smoothie bowls are a great source of nutrition, they’re filling and it helps that they’re very Instagram-worthy.While smoothie bowls are available on our sunny island, they’re pretty pricey and they’re far and few between. Which is probably why the smoothie bowl craze never took off here (that and we Singaporeans LOVE our local eats!). Let’s hope that someone comes up with a cheaper alternative that is right outside our doorstep soon!

5 Uniquely Flavoured Mooncakes Too Good To Pass Up

Let’s be honest, when we were kids, Mid Autumn Festival used to be all about lanterns and fighting over delicious baked skin mooncakes. While we’re still pining for mooncakes, it’s the uniquely flavored especially rare ones that grab our attention.

We did some prowling in the yearly- mooncake scene and we have gathered some rare and unique tasting mooncakes that sound amazing and definitely worth the splurge.

Uniquely delicious,  we present you 5 rare mooncakes you MUST try this Mid Autumn Festival.

If you love Caramel

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Image credit: GoodWoodPark Hotel

If you’re looking for mooncakes that’ll give you a light buzz, this year you can look forward to the Gin Pineapple Snowskin Mooncake available at GoodWood. Reminiscent of a tropical cocktail, this mooncake is packed with cubed pineapples and a dash of gin for a dessert worth the splurge.

If you love Savoury Treats

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