Tag: Kampong Glam

Classic Cars, Street Art And Live Performances Breathe New Life Into Kampong Glam This 24 Nov

If there’s any district that grew up with me and moulded me into an adult – a Singaporean adult – it’s Kampong Glam, my most beloved neighbourhood on the island.

I’ve been stalking the back alleys of Kampong Glam since I was cutting my teeth on shisha and first boyfriends. My wardrobe matured on vintage picks from Haji Lane, my music taste expanded through the bass underground at Blu Jaz, my love for Malay food blossomed at Maimunah and Minang House.

Nestled amongst the Iranian carpet dealers, Turkish restaurants and Malay fabric shops that have withstood the test of time, are an array of newer arrivals that have since made this old-school neighbourhood incredibly hip.

However the district still retain its old world charm, despite the many hipster cafés and indie boutiques that have multiplied over the years.

Also, who can resist a warm cup of teh tarik with friends at Kampong Glam on weekend nights?

The Spirit Of Gotong Royong

If you’re constantly wondering what else is there to do at Kampong Glam asides eating and shopping for fabrics, you’ll be pleased to know that a host of exciting programmes await you this weekend.

In support of URA’s Kampong Glam Heritage Day Out on 24th November, Arab street will be closed from 3pm till midnight to host a series of activities fit for the entire family.

Here are some activities you can expect at Kampong Glam Heritage Day Out:

1. Classic Cars Display

You don’t see many classic cars in Singapore, but they do exist!

If you love all things classic and retro, head down to the event to catch a spectacular collection of classic cars by Malaysia And Singapore Vintage Car Register (MSVCR).

2. Art Jamming

From jumping around in bouncy castles to dressing up as Marvel characters, there’s something for the kids to look forward to at Kampong Glam Heritage Day Out!

3. Live Performances

Hyping up the crowd at Kampong Glam is Beats Encore – a live percussion and drums ensemble from Republic Polytechnic.

This youthful crew is made up of young, aspiring and impartial musos who believe in uplifting their traditional drums and percussions like none other.

4. Street Art

From its underground graffiti roots in the mid-1990s to its current mainstream renaissance, Singapore’s street art movement has come a long way.

Presented by street art collective RSCLS and Jaba, catch them in action as they paint the town red.

This event has been rallied together by the merchants, religious & arts institutions, organic arts groups, varied performers and many others, who make up Kampong Glam’s neighbourhood.

If you’re not planning on getting a haircut at a hipster barbershop or sipping tea at one of the many cafés at Arab Street this Saturday, 24th November, head on down to Kampong Glam Heritage Day Out to relive your younger days and school excursions.

Kampong Heritage Day Out
Address: Arab Street
Date: 24 November 2018
Time: 4pm – 10pm
Website

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(Header Image Source: One Kampong Gelam)

10 Places To Fly Your Drone For Amazing, Never Seen Before Photos Of Singapore!

For a country filled with skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the view from above is better than on the ground. As such, we’ve come up with a list of top 10 places to fly your drone and capture amazing, never-seen-before photos of Singapore from above!

From tourist destinations to historical landmarks, you’ll be inspired to get your drone out with this list.

Civilian War Memorial 

A memorial for all the civilian victims of the Japanese Occupation in Singapore, the 67m tall Civilian War Memorial structure reveals its quiet elegance from above.

(Photo credits: Yeo Wei Kai)

At this gorgeous monumental structure, you can pay homage to the innocent victims while capturing a photo of this quiet beauty.

Civilian War Memorial
War Memorial Park, Singapore 189562

Esplanade

Find beauty within the theatre halls, the outdoor theatre, and even from above!

A drone photographer’s dream come true, the Esplanade is an unmissable drone picture spot with its multitude of interesting angles.

The Esplanade
1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981

One°15 Marina

At ONE°15 Marina, non-boaters can appreciate the nautical lifestyle just by being at the location of one of the largest fleet of yachts for charter and cruising in Singapore.

(Photo credits:
(Photo credits; : Benjamin Seetor)

(Photo credits: William Cho)

It’s time to get a better view beyond the suspended walkways.

Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953

Sentosa

(Photo credits: Joel Chia)

We all know how beautiful Palawan Beach in Sentosa can be, but who knew a good aerial shot could make our famous beach look like it’s part of the Maldives!

Sentosa
Sentosa Island, Singapore 099981

Adventure Playground at Tiong Bahru Park 

Take a trip back to the past with some playground pictures!

(Photo credits: Stefan Chow with Avetics)

Colourful and architecturally interesting, the Adventure Playground at Tiong Bahru Park will definitely be a fun challenge, especially if there are kids running about.

Adventure Playground at Tiong Bahru Park
Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 168732

Upper Seletar Reservoir

Satisfy your need for symmetry at Upper Seletar Reservoir!

(Photo credits: Tan En Hui)

With perfectly aligned foliage and a running track that circumnavigates the reservoir in straight lines, play around with angles in your drone photography.

Upper Seletar Reservoir
Mandai Road, Track 7

Marina Barrage

Situated right next to MBS, flying your drone at Marina Barrage allows for a wide variety of angles and focus in your photos!

(Photo credits: Jake Wang)

Capture picture perfect memories of families flying kites, friends and lovers enjoying picnics, and like the picture above, the beautiful architecture of Marina Barrage with the iconic Singapore skyline in the background!

Marina Barrage
8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951

Speaking of…

Marina Bay Sands

Where arts, business and luxury meets, MBS provides the drone photographer with elaborate architectural designs alongside lush, green foliage and a calm waterfront.

(Photo credits: ThousandWonders.net)

Pro tip: Visit CÉ LA VI and the iconic infinity pool for an aerial shot of both MBS and the Singapore Skyline!

Marina Bay Sands
10 Bayfront Avenue, 018956

Kampung Glam

Take a trip down memory lane at Kampung Glam, where buildings are low and vibrantly coloured.

(Photo credits: Erwin Soo)

Catch glimpses of the colourful shop houses as you navigate your drone around the area.

Kampong Glam
85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501

Before you take off on an inspired drone-photography session, do check out the latest guidelines for Drone Flying by CAAS. For more information on the Dos & Don’ts, and how to apply for the right permits, head on over to the CAAS website Baby Photographers: These Amazing Pictures Of Little Ones Will Melt Your Heart

8 Kampong Glam Places For Cool Vibes, Best Drinks, And Music That Will Soothe Your Soul

1. Going Om

Decent dive bars are hard to come by, yet Going Om ticks all the criteria of a good bar on our list. Tucked in the eclectic Haji lane, this bar brings a homely and cosy atmosphere. You can sit on little stools with small tables and listen to great live music. Chill at this bar and enjoy the relaxed vibes. This hidden gem is definitely a good getaway from the busy city life.

Drink prices here are pretty decent with a daily happy hour from 5pm to 9pm and house pours from $8.

63 Haji Ln, Singapore 189256
Tel: 65 6396 3592
Opening Hours: Tue-Thu 530pm-1am, Fri 5.30pm-3am, Sat 3.30pm-3am, Sun 3.30pm-1am (Closed on Mon)

Unwind and relax while you listen to live band performances at Blu Jaz Cafe. This cafe is a bohemian-style pub that has pretty cool interiors and a laid back feel. Set up in a restored shophouse along Bali Lane, Blu Jaz features authentic live jazz, resident DJs and comedy sessions. While the 1st floor usually plays host to local Jazz and Funk banks, the 2nd floor is frequently taken up by local DJs playing 90s Hip Hop to Reggae. On its top floor, expect a quieter lounge catering to their frequent spoken word and poetry performances by local troops.

Whether you are looking for an intimate cosy corner, or prefer outdoor seatings at the courtyard, this place provides it all. Blu Jaz has an extensive menu which features bar snacks to Western comfort food, Asian local delights, and a large selection of beers, spirits and cocktails.

 11 Bali Lane, Singapore 189848
Tel: 65 6292 3800
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 12pm-1am, Fri-Sat 3pm-2am (Closed on Sun)

Chill the night away with authentic Mexican food at Piedra Negra. Opened by the same management at Blu Jaz, Piedra Negra serves up delightful Mexican food in an affordable casual dining style. Covered in colourful murals with eclectic pieces of furniture, this place is hard to miss.

Don’t worry about getting a seat here. The restaurant is pretty big and there are tables that are built in as part of the walls that can be unfolded out. Head in if you prefer relaxing in its plush cushioned bar stools casted in soft dim lights with Mexican music playing in the background.

Piedra Negra
Address: 241 Beach Road, Singapore 189753
Tel: 65 6291 1297
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-1am

4. Bar Stories

Located on the 2nd floor of a shophouse, Bar Stories is a quirky little bar. Don’t expect to refer to a drinks list, there is no menu. Every drink here is crafted by a team of mixologists who will bring out the best flavours. As this swanky spot gets a little packed in the evenings, it is recommended that you make a reservation before you make your way down.

Bar Stories
Address: 55/57A Haji Lane, Singapore 189248
Tel: 65 6298 0838
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 3pm – 1am, Fri-Sat 3pm – 2am, Sun 3pm-1am

5. Maison Ikkoku

If you’re looking for a great brunch on a weekend, drop by this quaint little cafe. Exposed brick walls, old furniture and bare bulbs light the cafe with its industrial-retro interior. Maison Ikkoku serves up quite a good range of brunch items and is famous for their quality coffee.

While the 1st floor of the shophouse houses a cosy cafe, its 2nd floor is a cocktail bar by night. Head up to its cosy bar after a good meal at the cafe. Select from the menu of cocktails or simply let the bartenders serve you a cocktail specially catered to your taste buds. With the recent trend of mixology bar openings, this bar is a cut above the rest and is sure to leave you refreshed after a drink or two!

Tel: 65 6294 0078
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 9am-7pm

Tel: 65 6294 0078
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 4pm-1am, Fri-Sat 4pm-2am

If you’re looking for a chill out spot with good coffee, Working Title is the place to go. This cafe is connected to the hostel right above. It has a relaxed, slightly hipster, and indie vibe, with an eclectic choice of furniture that was collected from preloved stores. Pop in for a relaxing time with a friend or with your laptop after the long afternoon exploring the area around Arab Street and Haji Lane. If you’re looking for some extra peace with free wi-fi and sockets, you’ll find an unexpected light and breezy outdoor area to get some work done. The backyard space of the cafe also hosts musical performances at times.

Check out their wide variety of food
Tel: 65 6295 5509
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm

7. The Lab

As you can tell by their name, The Lab is all about experimenting and trying new things especially when it comes to food. Designed somewhat like an underground laboratory, with assorted lab equipments and copper pipes running down their walls, this cafe is a sight to behold.

The Lab serves up a mixture of experimental Western and European cuisine. You’ll find food from cuisines such as Dutch, Hungarian and Russian on the menu. When you’re here, do try their interesting drinks which are served in beakers and syringes of syrup or coffee.

The Lab
Address: 1 Jalan Pisang #01-01,Singapore 199069
Tel: 65 6299 5681
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 1230pm-10pm, Sun 1pm-930pm

8. I AM Cafe

Located at the junction of North Bridge Road and Haji Lane, I AM cafe is inspired by the city of Amsterdam. Halal Certified and opened by 3 Muslim friends, this cafe is an open space concept which serves hearty sandwiches, burgers, pastas and pizzas. One of the must try dishes on their dessert menu is the Rainbow Mille Crepe and Red Velvet Cake baked by one of the owners’ mothers. If your definition of a good chill out place includes good cakes and drinks or a comforting lunch, I AM Cafe is the place to visit!

Do note that this cafe doesn’t take reservations so do drop by early to snag your seats!

I AM Cafe
Address: 674 North Bridge Road #01-01, off Haji Lane, Singapore 188804
Tel: 65 6295 5509
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 1130am-11pm, Fri-Sat 1130am-1am, Sun 1130am-10pm

Awed by all the bohemian vibes and cosy atmosphere at the Kampong Glam district? If your definition of a good chill out place includes good music, delightful desserts or a good meal, be sure to make your way down this weekend to explore the Kampong Glam area!

(Header image by expatliving, edited by writer)

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