Destination Singapore Beach Road
We spent two nights at Destination Singapore Beach Road by Park Hotel Group and loved the location because it made it easy for us to check out the local sights. The hotel is conveniently located close to downtown (just two stops away from Gardens by the Bay if you take the MRT from the Nicoll Highway Station), but there are also plenty of options for activities in the immediate vicinity as well.
First, you should enjoy the hotel itself. The rooms are nice, especially if you get one with a couch to enjoy the views of the surrounding city. The breakfast buffet is a great way to start the day, but make sure you get there at reasonable times so as to avoid the late rush as it can get a bit crowded.
Folklore Restaurant
If you get the chance and feel up to trying something new then you should definitely check out the hotel’s restaurant, Folklore. Here, you’ll find traditional Eurasian and Peranakan dishes such as Beef Cheek Rendang and Peranakan Chap Chye. For the uninitiated, some local dishes can be quite spicy, so just beware! I especially loved how tender the Beef Rendang was, but, oh my, did the sauce pack some heat!
Little Thailand
When you’re ready to head out from the hotel and check out the local food scene all you have to do is walk next door or across the street. The area of the Golden Mile buildings is called “Little Thailand” because of the heavy Thai influence here with the shops and stores. However, you can find different types of cuisine all over the place. You know it’s good when the locals are pulling up plastic chairs with their friends. You can find dishes for around $3 SGD (Singapore Dollar) in the area, which is about $2.20 USD (US Dollar).
Haji Lane
A for-sure stop in the area should be Haji Lane. It’s colorful, filled with history, and has lots of little shops and eateries for you to peruse. One of the biggest draws to coming here is checking out the cool street art all over the place. Get your cameras ready and head down to start snapping those shots.
Masjid Sultan
The Sultan Mosque is located just around the corner from Haji Lane and should be on your list of things to see in the area. The large, golden dome is hard to miss, especially if you’re coming down the street located directly in front of the mosque. The Masjid Sultan was designated a national monument in Singapore in 1975.
Gardens by the Bay
These aren’t necessarily “in the neighborhood,” but they deserve a visit all the same and they’re only two stops away on the MRT (walk around the corner to the Nicoll Highway station and then get off at the Bayfront stop), which is basically right next door! If you’re doing a two-attraction pass then we recommend the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. They’re both indoors and air-conditioned!
Flower Dome
Our first stop here was the Flower Dome, which is one of the big domes you’ll see as you’re walking around the area. It, of course, will have lots of beautiful flowers! When we went there was the Tulip Festival happening, which was celebrating the culture and heritage of The Netherlands. This is a great stop on your visit to the Gardens, especially if you’re planning on going to the Cloud Forest next (it’s right beside this dome).
Cloud Forest
The Cloud Forest is probably one of the most popular and/or famous attractions in Singapore because of how cool it is. The massive waterfall that greets you right at the entrance and then the giant mound of nature that you’ll spend time walking inside and around is really quite amazing. Every now and then you’ll see and feel a nice misting in the area, which further adds to the effect of being in a true, natural cloud forest.
Thanks for reading! Please, let us know what you think of these gems and any other gems you know of in the area!