Distance: 5 km
Get snap-happy with our photo-friendly walking tour that’ll take you all over town to capture Singapore’s most Instagrammable icons and landmarks. From the city’s best avo toast to outdoor parks and heritage landmarks – pose, post and prepare for the likes to roll in!
A. Carrotsticks & Cravings
Kick off your IG marathon with the ultimate breakfast #foodporn at this Aussie-style brunch spot at the Quayside. The little indoor/outdoor space ain’t much, but perch al fresco and snap away at your aquamarine-hued mermaid latte and the best smashed avo on toast in town.
7 Rodyk Street #01-34, +65 8128 9326, 7.30am-4pm Mon to Fri, 7.30am-6pm Sat & Sun carrotsticksandcravings.com
B. Sri Thendayuthapani Temple
Make your way up the road over to one of the Hindu community’s most important monuments. In 1859, the Chettiar community established Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road, and the colourful temple next to Fort Canning is dedicated to the six-faced Lord Subramaniam (Lord Muruga). The magnificent five-tiered gopuram (entrance tower) is just the first of many architectural marvels to shoot.
15 Tank Road, +65 6737 9393, 8am-12pm, 5-8.30pm daily
C. Fort Canning Park
Once you’re done being a culture vulture, it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors of Fort Canning, spanning 18 hectares of greenery. Featuring nine historical gardens, journey to the past to Sang Nila Utama Garden, which re-imagines a 14th-century palatial garden complete with rose-coloured Javanese split gates and a symmetrical layout. The lotus-strewn waters of The Forbidden Spring (aka. Pancur Larangan) is where the wife and consorts of the King used to take their baths – don’t miss it.
River Valley Road, park lighting hours 7pm-7am, nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/fort-canning-park
D. Tiong Bahru architecture
Tiong Bahru is all heritage meets old-world charm meets hipster vibes and ‘Streamline Moderne’ art-deco architecture. Start at the horseshoe-shaped flat at Moh Guan Terrace and Guan Chuan Street to get snap-happy amidst the low rise apartments and their curved spiral staircases. Then take a wander around all the cute and quirky cafes, bookstores and boutiques in the nabe.
E. House of Peranakan Petit
Stop off for a well-deserved Nyonya lunch at House of Peranakan Petit, an intimate 30-seater that serves up beautifully-plated home recipes by chef-owner Bob Seah. Quaint interiors, mint-coloured walls, wood carvings and Peranakan art make this an IG and foodie heaven.
42 Eng Hoon Street, +65 6222 1719, 11.30am-3 pm and 6-10pm Mon, Wed to Sun, houseofperanakan.com.sg
F. Tiong Bahru murals
Created by local muralist Yip Yew Chong, you’ll find nods to bygone eras along the walls and alleys of Tiong Bahru. Depicting the hawker centres of yore, the ‘Pasar Tiong Bahru’ vignette is a must-see, as is the ‘Bird Cage’ corner.
Pasar & Fortune Teller: Block 73 Eng Watt Street
Bird Corner: Block 71 Seng Poh Road
G. BAKALAKI Greek Taverna
Now kick back and relax, Mykonos style, at this authentic Greek taverna. One of Tiong Bahru’s most sought-after eateries, be sure to book ahead as it’s always chocca! Loud, boisterous and most importantly, delicious – you’ll find grilled octopus, halloumi, moussaka and all the usual faves on offer. Shop the deli prods to take home (the Greek yoghurt is to die for).
3 Seng Poh Road, +65 6836 3688, 5-11pm Mon to Thu, 11.30am-2.30pm and 5-11pm Fri to Sun, bakalaki.com
ManulifeMOVE has no association with any of the landmarks, dining venues, galleries or retailers included within this walking guide, selected by LUXE, and disclaims any liability as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.
Photo Credit: dibrova – iStock.com
