The Finest Things to do in Orchard Road

Here are the top things to do in Orchard Road because there are so many possibilities. Orchard Road was an unidentified road in the early 1830s that was surrounded by fruit orchards, nutmeg plantations, and pepper farms. However, if you go along the glamorous street now, you’ll see futuristic retail centres, the occasional cocktail bar, whatever sort of cuisine you desire, and smaller shops with up-and-coming local brands.

1

Emerald Hill Road

An old nutmeg orchard that transformed into a neighbourhood in the early 1900s was located at Emerald Hill. Businessmen Seah Eng Kiat and Seah Boon Kang purchased the region in 1900, and they later sold smaller portions of land to new owners so they could construct terrace homes and shophouses.

By the 1930s, Peranakan family were living in a significant portion of the homes at Emerald Hill. The descendants of early Chinese settlers who married locals and lived in Southeast Asia are known as Peranakans, also referred to as Straits Chinese or Babas.

Many of the structures in Emerald Hill are typical shophouses connected by five-foot ways, which are covered verandahs. The pintu pagars, which are fence-like pairs of rotating doors, are still present in the shophouses. Emerald Hill also boasts a variety of traditional terrace homes that combine ornate European characteristics like neoclassical columns with regional accents like vibrant wall tiles and panels with Chinese-inspired floral and bird themes. In 1989, Emerald Hill was designated as a protected reserve.

2

Singapore Art Museum

The Singapore Art Museum is located on Bras Basah Road in the heart of Singapore’s main retail area. Nearly 8,000 works of modern and contemporary art from Singapore and Southeast Asia may be found at the museum. This museum, which is operated with facilities that meet international standards, has almost 10,000 square meters of display space and 14 fully climate-controlled halls.

Along with paintings, photography and installation pieces are also on show. The many themes that the artists from the area portray are intriguing, and the displays are perfectly positioned to teach visitors more about the Southeast Asian nations. A modest store, a cafe, and a restaurant are also available at the museum.

3

Fort Canning Park

Many of Singapore’s historical turning points have been seen by Fort Canning Park, a famous hilltop landmark. The hill originally housed the palaces of kings from the fourteenth century as well as the Far East Command Center’s and British Army Barracks’ administrative centers. On the hill, at the Underground Far East Command Center, more formally known as Battle Box, was where the decision was taken to hand up Singapore to the Japanese on February 15, 1942.

4

National Museum of Singapore

The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest museum in the country and has been around since 1887. Under its 19th-century colonial façade, it employs cutting-edge technology to portray the history and development of the country. In its galleries, which take you on an immersive journey where innovative storytelling redefines the typical museum experience, new views on the Singapore narrative are highlighted.

The National Museum, a significant cultural and architectural landmark in Singapore, often conducts avant-garde activities and events. These include the well-liked Night Festival, eye-catching art installations, as well as performances and movie showings of all kinds. A broad range of amenities and services are also available, including a resource center with a growing library of around 15,000 books on topics including cultural studies, design, and Singaporean history.

5

Cinema at The Cathay

In 1990, The Picturehouse, an arthouse theater, debuted in the Cathay. The theater introduced alternative films to Singapore’s downtown and, oddly enough, remained the only venue for the viewing of arthouse films in the community. Nowadays, it has developed to include daily showings of the newest Hollywood blockbusters.

Festivals, director discussions, and other special events are also held in Cathay cinemas. The theater is situated in the Cathay Building, just a short distance from the Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. In Singapore, Cathay Cineplexes also manages a number of other movie theaters.

6

The Istana

The Government House was the previous name for the Istana. The Singaporean President’s office is housed in the opulent landmark on Orchard Road. The structure was constructed between 1867 and 1869 by Sir Harry St George Ord, the first governor of Singapore.

It was built in the neo-Palladian Anglo-Indian style and boasts lovely landscaping, a 105mm Japanese cannon, a 6-foot-tall statue of Queen Victoria carved out of Sicilian marble, four ponds, and an ancient well. Every year, the public is welcome to visit the Istana grounds to mark the following holidays: Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Labor Day, and National Day.