See & Do
Colonial District
At the base of Orchard Road leading down to the harbour and river’s edge is the colonial or civic district. Home to colonial buildings, museums and galleries and parks, the area has witnessed many of the country’s landmark moments in history. While necessity dictates that the historical buildings often sit alongside new office blocks and shopping centres, the government has still managed to protect a good number of its most attractive structures.
In some cases inspired urban redevelopment has seen attractive buildings being given a new life as places for people – the Singapore Art Museum and Chijmes being two notable examples. In other cases, such as the Raffles Hotel, historic buildings were rebuilt and expanded in award-winning style.
Development wins occasionally too, as was the unfortunate case with the tree-lined park on Bras Basah Road that is now the site of the new and rather ugly Singapore Management University. Put this aside though when you explore the city’s heritage buildings – your presence and feedback will help to preserve them further, as will the district’s dual purpose as a training and tourism centre.
Residential
Little residential space is available in this downtown area, although Killiney and River Valley Roads nearby are popular with expatriates, and offer a good range of apartments within a short walk of the CBD. Closer to the water, new corporate apartments are being built near the Marina area, but these are not yet complete.
Retail
The Raffles Hotel complex contains a large range of boutique stores, including a tasteful range of Raffles souvenirs and gift ideas including food and kitchenware. The largest mall in the area is Raffles City, built on the former site of Raffles Institution, and linked to Raffles The Stamford, the island’s tallest hotel. City Hall MRT is downstairs.
The multi-storied Raffles City includes the gourmet supermarket Jason’s, Guardian, Robinsons and Marks & Spencer. Towards the river along North Bridge Road is the Funan IT Mall (or, more properly, Funan DigitaLife after its 2005 upgrade). Peninsula Plaza, also on North Bridge Road, specialises in camera stores, including Cathay Photo.
Places of Interest
You can start a day’s exploration of the area at Fort Canning, one of Singapore’s nicest urban parks, just above the heart of the city. More wild in feeling than the Botanic Gardens and defined by its height above the city, Fort Canning also hosts some memorable arts and culture events under the stars – everything from Ballet Under The Stars and WOMAD to Deep Purple and Fatboy Slim.
It was from here in World War II that Singapore’s British forces carefully watched the harbour, cannons trained for evidence of the Japanese invasion – unaware of the enemy’s rapid progress through Malaysia behind them. Today its cafes and spice gardens provide a place for you to briefly forget about the realities of business. The Padang also saw its share of memomrable wartime moments, although today it plays host to much lighter, happier events. Meanwhile, you can learn all about the war itself at The Battle Box.
From here, head down the hill and move from building to building along Bras Basah Road in the direction of Beach Road and Raffles. Worth a detour up to Middle Road is Sculpture Square, which features modern three dimensional works by local and regional artists.When you see Suntec City in front of you, take a moment to remember that this was once the sea’s edge before the land reclamation process began. Find somewhere cool to chill out in the heat of the day - The Arts House is the city’s oldest government building by the river hosting art exhibits, plays, movie screenings or brush up on your history at Singapore History Museum or at the Singapore Philatelic Museum; then as the sun sets and lights illuminate many of the historic places, head towards the Padang and the Cricket Club or try an aerial view with the DHL Balloon.
