MY Singapore Ultimate Summer Vacation: Day TWO

As you know, Singapore is a melting pot of cultures. It is a multi-racial society that is home to many customs, traditions, and religions. You can see this in its different areas where rich heritages are preserved. Places like ANN SIANG HILL, CHINATOWN and ARAB STREET offer a unique experience because it is full of history and culture while still remaining very Singaporean.

We got to see all this on our second day in Singapore. The best part though was that I finally had the time to see my Tita Florence and spend time with my cousins Mark and Alexandra (so sad Victoria could not make it). They joined Carlos and I as we toured these places. It was such a great experience for us–there was so much to see and to do. We got to try an assortment of authentic cuisine, and shop for one-of-a-kind clothes, shoes, accessories, and home decor. It was such an eye-opener for me, because I thought Singapore shopping was just limited to Orchard Road. We discovered so many amazing restaurants and shops!

Galvez reunion! It was so great to catch up with them–the last time we saw each other was more than a decade ago!

And of course, my favorite chicken rice.

First stop: ANN SIANG HILL and CLUB STREET. Once home to traditional Chinese clans and exclusive social clubs, the area is now peppered with a variety of interesting shops, cafes and bars. I love how quaint and cozy the establishments here are–there is just so many little private nooks and corners to discover. This place has much character, with its architecture maintained and houses beautifully restored.

I’m pretty sure this place gets crazy at night, hence the sign.

I love this royal blue building behind us!

Pretty shutters.

The floral tiles are so dainty!

Old meets new.

Tita Florence and Carlos.

The Fernandezes and the Galvezes.

We found this little bakery/specialty store down the street.

The shop was so cute!

It carried plenty of vintage items.

And mini cakes! We tried this strawberry one.

Next, we walked over to CHINATOWN, which was just a few blocks away. The place is filled with merchants selling traditional handicrafts, fine silk, gold and jade jewellery and medicinal teas. And of course, there are lots of places to eat here! We had just eaten lunch when we got here, so we looked for dessert. We found this yummy place that served the best shaved ice in Singapore. So sarap! Oh and we also visited a Chinese temple.

Yes, the sign says we’re in Chinatown.

I love that the street is so colorful. Happy to be here.

Lots to see.

At MEI HEONG YUEN DESSERT for the best shaved ice.

These were wonderful. Really the best!

This one was mine: black sesame and almond flavor.

I know this isn’t Chinese, but we found it in Chinatown haha. This place is GOOD! Try the pretzel!

Mayi also joined us that day. So happy to have her with us during most of the trip.

Inside the temple.

Buddha.

Incense.

Carlos and I.

We ended our tour at ARAB STREET. Here you will find an assortment of shops selling textiles, perfume and accessories. I particularly liked row of restaurants that carried traditional Muslim food and many other Western cuisines. Of course, we saw the largest mosque in Singapore–the Sultan Mosque which is a landmark in the Kampong Glam Malay Heritage District.

Mayi and I.