Orchard Road is the main shopping area in Singapore and has some tallest
skyscrapers, best shops, malls and hotels you will find in Singapore. In fact
it is one of the most recommended places to stay during your Singapore visit
because it is very lively, well connected by public transport (like MRT stations,
buses) to the most of the places you want to go, one of the best places to eat
and has very good nightlife, bars and coffee shops.
This place got its name from the orchard, pepper and nutmeg plantations that
existed here till the early 20th century. After those plantations were destroyed
by a disease, this area often became a victim of floods due to its geographic
location, until the construction of Stamford Canal in 1965. Over the next few
decades this area gradually transformed into the most premier shopping area of
Singapore.
Orchard Road is a one-way street and has one of the highest concentration of
shopping malls. It has three important MRT Stations Orchard MRT Station (most
popular) and two more Somerset and Dhoby Ghaut. There are several underground
pedestrian walkways between the malls and between the streets. It has
several upscale restaurants, cafés, nightclubs and hotels. Shopping remains the
most important activity of the Orchard Road. It is also has the official
residence of Singapore's President.
WHERE TO STAY:
Although most of the places to stay on Orchard Road are premium hotels, still
there are several other options available for more reasonably priced
accommodations.
Premium hotels include:
Four Seasons, Goodwood Park Hotel, Grand Hyatt, Hilton, Le Meridien, Marriott,
Meritus Mandarin and Shangri-La. Prices of these hotels average more than $250
per night.
Mid range and Budget accommodations include:
The Elizabeth, Orchard Parade Hotel and YMCA International House is the most
reasonable option.
VISITORS CENTER:
Singapore Visitors Centre is located at 160 Orchard Road or call in Singapore
1-800-736-2000 for all the information you will need.
ORCHARD ROAD SHOPPING MALLS:
There are places for both premier and budget shopping. You will fine ethnic
collectibles, hand woven carpets , souvenirs and textiles. Latest electronics
and top-notch international designer labels.
Popular Shopping Malls include: The Far East Plaza, Paragon, Ngee Ann City,
Orchard Point, Far East Shopping Centre, Forum the Shopping Mall, Lucky Plaza,
Liat Towers , Orchard Emerald, Orchard Towers, Orchard Plaza Wisma Atria, Plaza Singapura, Shaw House, Shaw Centre, Tanglin Place, Tanglin
Mall, Wisma Atria and Wheelock Place. You can even get custom tailor-made suits
and women's clothing. Almost every shopping mall has its own food court.
SPA:
One of the best spa you can get is at Singapore's biggest spa located at "Andana"
on Orchard road.
Another one is Estheva Spa.
NIGHTLIFE:
Singapore's nightlife is best around south of Orchard Road. Some good bars, pool
tables, nice cocktails. Orchard Towers is sometimes called the red light area of
this place.
To find streets information in Singapore see www.streetdirectory.com.sg/
.
