Gnarfgnarf activities in Singapore

Man's worst nightmare: Orchard Road's endless rows of luxury stores

Bar hop from Boat Quay to Clarke Quay...

Beer... fresh from the Brewer... at Clarke Quay's Brewerkz Microbrewery

One drink too many somewhere between Sing's hotspots...

fashion and shopping

The island of Singapore may be small but it's one of the best shopping destinations in Asia! Whether you're a wealthy business tycoon or a dead broke back-packing tourist, a chick or a dude, you can get trendy stuff to wear in Singapore. Hit Orchard Road and spend a full day or two just going through the many many stores and shopping malls. For those who survive on Chanel, Gucci, Ferragamo and Versace you won't be disappointed. Just hit the big malls like Takashimaya, Wisma Atria and Isetan at Shaw Centre and have your fill. For the regular shoppers, fear not. Orchard road has enough variety to so you can easily choose not to completely drain your resources.

Check out the local designer stores. Very creative and affordable both in the clothing, bags and shoes departments. Look for Celia Loe, Daniel Yam, Arthur Yen and many many others. This Fashion is a cool chain of stores that sells funky stuff for really cheap. There's more on the list. Hit town and you will know what I mean.

For electronic goods, check out Sim Lim Square and Mustaffa Shopping Centre. The latter should not be missed if you're a serious shopper of electronic goods. Get the latest cameras (digital, APS…etc, you name it they have it) and discmans here. Plenty of other products as well. Mustaffa is a great place for cheap grocery shopping too. Be amazed by their selection of curry powders and spices!

party!

Singapore is a great place to party. Yuppy folks in their severe work gear hit the many bars, pubs and dance-spots throughout the week to ease the stress and pain of work. Students in their post and pre-exam delirium do the same. No good reason for visitors not to. Check out the following spots!

Mohammed Sultan Road

Take a cab or bus here and you will see a small short street filled with bars and nightclubs. Tranquil during the day but lights up at night. Check out Madam Wong's. Popular dance hang-out. Very crowded during weekends so go early or queue when your favorite dance hit is being played inside! Good atmosphere and lively crowd. Other smaller outfits like Sugar, Ta Jie and the many others along Mohammed Sultan are worth checking out too. Cover charge isn't too expensive, even on weekends so this is a great place to pub and club crawl with friends.

Jiak Kim Street

Zouk, this funky dance place is completely happening! Caters to students and yuppies, this outfit sometimes boasts of cool DJs from beyond Singapore. Wherever you're from, you can strut your stuff here. Check out Velvet next to Zouk, more for the older crowd but equally cool. A bit more expensive than Mohammed Sultan but worth the fun for one night!

Pacific Plaza

There are some cool spots in town too. Have a taste of Venom at Pacific Plaza. Plays top contemporary hits and sometimes eighties so the young and the less young (but never old) can have a rolling good time. Cross the road and hit Brix and Bar None. Yuppies probably prefer these two. Brix is located at the basement of Hyatt hotel. Bar None is a minute away and is placed at the basement of Marriott hotel. Good live band. Lots of fun and party atmosphere.

Boat Quay

This little street by the Singapore river is home to a good number of al fresco eateries and pubs. Great atmosphere and fabulous view of the skyline as you dance or eat the night away. Busy looking yuppies have their corporate lunches here during the day. Things change in the evening. Sleeves rolled up and ties loosened, executives like to have a beer or a coffee or some stringer stuff here after a hard days' work. Take the cute little bum boat across to Clarke Quay. This is a larger quay and is home to some fantastic restaurants, bars and clubs. Just take your pick. If one night isn't enough, come back the next day! Good live music in the open courtyard and good stall foods in the alleys for those who want a snack with their beers!

Those who prefer good bars, go check out the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel. This colonial style bar has lots of atmosphere. Enjoy the peanuts that flood every table and the floor. See if you like Penny Black at Boat Quay. Typically English in décor and style, this hangout is popular among the working crowd and those who simply walk pass it. Good bar food here as well. Go to Hu Bar for a really cool atmosphere. Located at the Singapore Art Museum itself, this hot spot is popular among the really funky types. Check it out and see if you fit in!