OUR TREASURES: Orchard Road
Every often-visited country in the world has famous streets that are instantly recognizable and absurdly become a symbol of the country itself. To name a few -- there’s Rodeo Drive, Silom Road, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Champs Elysee, Gran Via, Roxas Blvd., Jalan Jaksa, Abbey Road – and who in the world haven’t heard of Orchard Road?
In the 1800s, Orchard Road was an alley with pepper and fruits plantation on either side – this is where it got its name. But full scale modernization and commercialization started only in the 1970s.
This road is synonymous to shopping. The largest, the most modern, the busiest shopping malls are located here. Ngee Ann City houses Louis Vuitton and other luxury brands and the largest bookstore in Southeast Asia (Kinokuniya). There's also the Scott’s, Wisma Atria, Plaza Singapura, Singapore’s very own Tang’s, the Paragon, the Centerpoint, Raffle’s Place and Lucky Plaza -- where Filipinos meet on weekends! So many shopping malls here that seasoned professional shopper Sofia have to stay for more than a week to cover it all! Intellectual Morgan, with his elite IQ -- took the challenge of counting the beggars we come across -- he counted 17! Don't mind them; chances are, if they're Singaporeans, they got more money than us.
This historic road is not exclusive for shopping, entertainment and begging -- Down the road is The Istana – the official residence of the President of Singapore! This has to be the most beautiful building in this area.
In the 1860s, a part of land along Orchard Road was acquired by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) of Thailand and this is now our Royal Thai Embassy! Woohooo! Thailand boleh also lah!
Orchard Road is a one way street, ok? –remember that. But since I’m quite sure you won’t be coming here by driving yourself, any taxi will do –they are one of the most honest ones in our region, so don’t be afraid to take a cab. If you’re using the Metro (Subway, Tube or whatever you call it), get off Dhoby Ghaut Station. Please remember NOT to get off Orchard Station because it’s actually on Scott’s Road. Ha!
In the 1800s, Orchard Road was an alley with pepper and fruits plantation on either side – this is where it got its name. But full scale modernization and commercialization started only in the 1970s.
This road is synonymous to shopping. The largest, the most modern, the busiest shopping malls are located here. Ngee Ann City houses Louis Vuitton and other luxury brands and the largest bookstore in Southeast Asia (Kinokuniya). There's also the Scott’s, Wisma Atria, Plaza Singapura, Singapore’s very own Tang’s, the Paragon, the Centerpoint, Raffle’s Place and Lucky Plaza -- where Filipinos meet on weekends! So many shopping malls here that seasoned professional shopper Sofia have to stay for more than a week to cover it all! Intellectual Morgan, with his elite IQ -- took the challenge of counting the beggars we come across -- he counted 17! Don't mind them; chances are, if they're Singaporeans, they got more money than us.
This historic road is not exclusive for shopping, entertainment and begging -- Down the road is The Istana – the official residence of the President of Singapore! This has to be the most beautiful building in this area.In the 1860s, a part of land along Orchard Road was acquired by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) of Thailand and this is now our Royal Thai Embassy! Woohooo! Thailand boleh also lah!
Orchard Road is a one way street, ok? –remember that. But since I’m quite sure you won’t be coming here by driving yourself, any taxi will do –they are one of the most honest ones in our region, so don’t be afraid to take a cab. If you’re using the Metro (Subway, Tube or whatever you call it), get off Dhoby Ghaut Station. Please remember NOT to get off Orchard Station because it’s actually on Scott’s Road. Ha!
Take that!
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Related Post: Tales from the Orchard
3 Comments:
Yup, everyone knows where Orchard Road is. You were right about that analogy, foreigners tend to stereotype the whole country with just one famous street. Hmmm, clever.
Pisanu, is that you in the header banner? You cutie you! How do you wolf whistle in text?
I have had a nice pose at Cartier Store in Ngee Ann City, a high end mall along Orhard Road, this famous & very clean spacious sidewalks street in Singapore where you'll find a ritzy shopping mall like, Paragon, Wisma Atria, Ngee Ann, Centrepoint, Ion City to name a few, a swanky shops, posh hotels & resto
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