Singapore/Orchard

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Orchard Road is the main shopping street of Singapore. North of the Singapore/Riverside|Singapore River, to the west of the Central Business District, Orchard Road turns into Bras Basah Road as it heads east.

Singapore/Orchard Halal Travel Guide

Presenting..._the_real_ION_(8200217734) - Ion Orchard, Singapore's shrine to shopping

Orchard Road is named after the fruit and nutmeg orchards that used to line it in the 1830s, one of them coincidentally belonging to a Mr Orchard. The manhole covers along the road all depict various tropical fruits. Large trees still shade the road, providing a modicum of relief from the heat. Fortunately, Orchard Road has an extensive network of underpasses that connect many of the malls providing even more shelter from the blistering equatorial heat and, on occasion, rain. Weekends in the area are often packed with local residents and visitors alike out to consume en masse.

Only at the eastern Bras Basah end do the shopping malls peter out, with some fine colonial architecture and a few of Singapore's top museums to be found instead.

The Christmas decorations along Orchard are mildly famous and entirely over the top, with reindeers cavorting through palm trees and gingerbread houses topped with fake snow.

Visitor Centre

  • Singapore Visitors Centre - Oodles of free information on Singapore. There's also a similar but smaller operation in Ion Orchard. Also sells some nice souvenirs.

Travel to Singapore/Orchard

The MRT stations of Orchard, Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut and City Hall on the North-South Line follow the alignment of Orchard Rd. Change to the North-East Line or Circle Line at Dhoby Ghaut or the East-West Line at City Hall.

How to get around in Singapore/Orchard

Singapore-BrasBasah - Map of Bras Basah and eastern Orchard

Orchard Road is walkable, at least allowing plenty of breaks in air-conditioned shopping centres. You can no longer cross the central Orchard/Scotts intersection on foot: instead, take the air-conditioned underground walkway system that links Orchard MRT/Ion Orchard to Wisma Atria, Ngee Ann City and Lucky Plaza (east), to CK Tang/Marriott (north), and to Shaw House and Wheelock Place (west).

What to see in Singapore/Orchard

Two of Singapore's top museums are in Bras Basah, within striking distance of Dhoby Ghaut and Bras Basah MRT stations.

SNM_Concourse - Mixing the old and the new inside the National Museum

  • National Museum of Singapore - Formerly Singapore History Museum, recently refurbished from top to bottom with a new wing added. The star of the show is the permanent Singapore History Gallery, a 2800 sq.m. multimedia extravaganza covering six centuries of island history, navigated with a super-flexible, if occasionally somewhat confusing, interactive audio guide system that lets you choose the events and items to focus on. There are also four Living Galleries focusing on food, fashion, film and photography, plus various temporary exhibitions and a few nice cafes and restaurants.
  • Singapore Art Museum - Modern art from both Singapore and the region. The permanent collection is lackluster, but exhibitions can be interesting. Guided Tours in Singapore/Orchard by ehalal.io (email for prices) in English at 11:00 and 14:00, with an additional timing on Fridays and weekends.
  • Istana - Completed in 1869, this Malay-Indian hybrid building was once the Government House of the colony of Singapore, before being repurposed on independence as the official residence of the President. The 100-acre grounds occupy some of Singapore's choicest real estate and incorporate several gardens and even a 9-hole golf course. There is a Change of Guards ceremony every first Sunday of the month. The Istana is open to the public on only five days a year: Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Labour Day and National Day.

There are few tourist attractions as such on Orchard Road itself and the thing to do here is shop, shop and shop!

Best things to do in Singapore/Orchard

It's difficult to find anything more strenuous to do on Orchard than lugging around shopping bags, getting pampered at a spa and watching a movie, although Orchard Central has some interesting active lifestyle spots.

The_Cathay_5 - |Art-deco frontage of the Cathay

  • The Cathay - A modern shopping mall (partly) hiding behind a stately 1939 art-deco facade and the main draw here is the eponymous cinema on the top floor. The Picturehouse, Singapore's first and only arthouse cinema, shows movies uncut, but many are restricted to 21 and above.
  • Damai | Damai is the lifestyle centre at the Grand Hyatt, offering a spa, pool, fitness centre and healing treatments based on Chinese, (Malay), Indian, and European traditions.
  • Rustic Nirvana - Balinese-style spa with over 80 face and body treatment options, including the inimitably named Kung Fu Bouncing Herbs. Ladies only.
  • Lucky Plaza | Various beauty salons can be found on the fourth floor. Facials, a wax and mani-pedis for a fraction of the cost at salons in the rest of the city. Get a stylish haircut at a full-service salon for about $10, even for ladies. The best salons accept most major credit cards to cater to the demand of tourists.
  • Orchard Central Via Ferrata Wall | There's a Via Ferrata wall and separate rock climbing facilities if you need to stifle the urge to scale the high-rises of Singapore.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Singapore/Orchard

Singapore-Orchard - Map of Orchard Road

Orchard Road and neighbouring Scotts Road form Singapore's premier shopping neighborhood, with several kilometers of road lined on both sides by practically nothing but shopping malls. The latest round of frantic upgrading in 2008-2010 has seen half a dozen new malls open up and most of the rest renovate in an attempt to catch up.

Orchard Road also participates in the annual Great Singapore Sale in June. During this period, street events and late night shopping (till 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays) are held at selected malls, and Muslims are entitled to additional privileges.

Visit a Muslim Friendly Mall in Singapore/Orchard

Ngee_Ann_City_Orchard_Road - The fearsome bulk of Ngee Ann City

While most malls in Orchard are distinctly upmarket and there are one or two that still cater to the average Singaporean wallets. Most of the shopping centres operate from 10:00 to 22:00. A selection of malls, from west (Orchard MRT) to east (Dhoby Ghaut MRT):

  • Far East Plaza - Frequented mostly by teenagers, this mall is a bargain hunter's paradise slowly creeping upmarket. Not bad for unique clothes and accessories at reasonable prices.
  • ION Orchard - Opened 2009, this is the largest new shopping mall on Orchard in years, extending four floors both above and under ground. While the spacey, pulsating, neon-lit facade is dominated by high-street flagships for Louis Vuitton and co and the interior has plenty of more affordable options including Japanese retailers Uniqlo and Muji. The fourth floor has the ION Art gallery, while the basement 4 Food Opera food court, while a bit pricey by Singapore standards, is enormous and very popular. Located on levels 55 and 56, at 218 metres, ION Sky offers a 360-degree view from the highest point on Orchard Road. It houses an observatory and contemporary restaurant Salt Grill, presided over by Australian chef, Luke Mangan.
  • CK Tangs |Singapore's very own old-school department store.
  • Wisma Atria |Designer boutiques and international brands populate this architecturally fascinating mall.
  • Lucky Plaza - Most visitors end up in Lucky Plaza thanks to the dubious street-level camera and electronics stores, which are legendary for ripoffs and poor client service, and are best avoided unless you really know your stuff. However and there's more to the mall than that: affordable souvenirs (2nd floor), low cost salons that offer most services such as manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing and hair services (fourth floor), off-season designer perfumes and cosmetics (most floors) and a affordable and surprisingly good food court in the basement.
  • Ngee Ann City - Where the tai-tais (wealthy ladies of leisure) hang out. Expensive branded goods on the first floors, more affordable shopping in the two basement floors. Also features Kinokuniya, Southeast Asia's largest bookstore, on the 4th floor. As a favourite hangout spot for the Japanese community and there is no shortage of Japanese food to cater to that crowd.
  • Paragon | Long one of Singapore's flashiest malls, packed with Prada, Gucci and other luxury brands, although ION has stolen some of its thunder.
  • Orchard Central - Modern, soaring twelve-story mall with a funky series of outdoor escalators and nice views from the terraces. Floors 7 and above are devoted to food, with restaurants such as Japanese set meal specialist Ootoya or Tsukiji Fish Market with sashimi Rice bowls. The mall also houses the world's tallest indoor Via Ferrata climbing wall, a collection of public art installations by acclaimed international artists and a 24/7-operational Roof Garden.

Centrepoint_9,_Xmas,_Dec_06 - |Christmas decorations at Centrepoint

  • The Centrepoint - One of the stalwarts of Orchard Road, now largely outshone by newer competitors. Their decorations during Christmas used to be among the most flamboyant, but has since toned down. Has a large branch of the Metro departmental store.
  • Plaza Singapura - Singapore's oldest air-conditioned shopping mall, just above the MRT interchange and recently given a thorough face lift. Numerous eating options and a large cinema complex on the top floors. Very busy now that Dhoby Ghaut serves as an interchange for three different MRT lines.

Halal Restaurants in Singapore/Orchard

Orchard is a good place to sample not just Singaporean food, but food from all over the planet. That said, if you're pinching pennies, prices tend to be slightly inflated by Singaporean standards, but well, at least it's not as bad as Sentosa.

Almost every shopping mall has its own food court with several Halal restaurants, but for gourmet snacking, it's hard to beat the collection of shops and stands at Takashimaya's basement. Be careful though, those $2 squid balls won't fill you up.

  • Asian Food Mall - One of the cheapest food courts in the neighborhood. Prices are about 30% cheaper than the food courts at nearby malls while still maintaining excellent Singapore standards. Stalls serve local and Asian fare: the Chicken Rice stall usually sells out well before closing and the ayam penyet is no slouch either.
  • Ayam Penyet Ria - Very popular Indonesian eatery specializing in ayam penyet or "smashed chicken", breaded, deep-fried and flattened, served with the fiery chili sambal of the name. For a less spicy treat, sample their excellent rawon ( beef soup).
  • Es Teler 77 - Indonesian food, famous for its coconut milk and fruit ice desserts. Located at the basement of the Cineleisure Mall behind Mandarin Orchard.
  • Food Republic - Food court done up as a series of hawker carts and decorated with various nostalgic knick-knacks. The food is a notch above average (try e.g. the hokkien mee fried noodles, with a perennial queue snaking out in front), and so are the crowds. Slightly more expensive than the competition.
  • Killiney Kopitiam - A Singaporean legend now franchised across the island, this ordinary-looking coffee shop continues to pack in the crowds for its famous kaya toast (a steal at $0.80 per slice), with the kaya itself also sold at $3/5 for a small/large jar. For lunch or dinner, try the more substantial Chicken Curries with grilled French bread ($4.50).
  • Sajis Indian Food - Known for its Indian rojak, deep-fried goodies served with an amazing peanut dip. Halal.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Singapore/Orchard

Singapore/Orchard - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Singapore/Orchard, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Singapore/Orchard. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Singapore/Orchard and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Singapore/Orchard. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Singapore/Orchard. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSingapore/Orchard: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Singapore/Orchard.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Singapore/Orchard: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Singapore/Orchard, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Singapore/Orchard.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Singapore/Orchard, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Singapore/Orchard, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Singapore/Orchard and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Singapore/Orchard, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Singapore/Orchard, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Singapore/Orchard without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Singapore/Orchard is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Singapore/Orchard.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Singapore/Orchard is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Singapore/Orchard, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Singapore/Orchard Media: info@ehalal.io


Muslim Friendly Hotels

Accommodation on Orchard Road incurs a hefty premium for the location and is uniformly expensive (at least by Singapore standards). Cheaper rates are usually offered only by older hotels in varying states of decay.

  • [https://+Plaza+on+Scotts&hotelId=133344&&.Zz405f76c79ef54468ba751b9-206204 Royal Plaza on Scotts - A modern hotel catering to Muslim travellers, offers free in-room wired/elsewhere wireless Internet, a swimming swimmingpool and gym along with all services expected of a fine hotel. Even modest rooms are well furnished with excellent toiletries. Buffet Halal restaurant (Carousel) offers excellent, Asian and Mediterranean Halal dishes prepared in a Halal-certified kitchen by the Singapore MUIS.


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