Potong Pasir, Singapore travel guide and things to do: Tips from an expert expat

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This was published 1 year ago

Potong Pasir, Singapore travel guide and things to do: Tips from an expert expat

By Belinda Jackson
Updated
Potong Pasir oozes with the history of a bygone era.

Potong Pasir oozes with the history of a bygone era.

THE EXPAT

Shaun McEwan has watched his neighbourhood, Potong Pasir, become gentrified in the 12 years he's lived in the island nation. Originally from Sydney, the MC, auctioneer and charity fundraiser says his is a decidedly non-expat area, on the Kallang River and also right in the centre of Singapore.

SEE

Shaun McEwan has seen Potong Pasir gentrify over the 12 years he's lived in Singapore.

Shaun McEwan has seen Potong Pasir gentrify over the 12 years he's lived in Singapore.

Undercutting the concept of Singapore being clean, efficient and shiny, there are parts of the island state that ooze with history of a bygone era. I love this old-fashioned, colonial Singapore and I'm drawn to the energy of things that have passed. One such area is Spottiswoode Park, with its abundance of colourful shophouses that have been converted to galleries, coffee shops and tasty eateries. Grab a cup of joe at a Singapore institution Kith Cafe (kith.com.sg) and head to Art Porters Gallery (artporters.com) for affordable contemporary pieces that are produced locally or across the region.

DO

I'm fortunate enough to live close to both MacRitchie Reservoir and East Coast Park, which both offer wonderful walking, cycling, paddling, green jungle and fresh air. The TreeTop Walk and suspension bridge at MacRitchie is a must-do in Singapore, especially for nature lovers. The Whampoa River also offers superb cycling paths and the chance to see colonies of otters feasting on freshly caught fish. See nparks.gov.sg

EAT

A favourite area is Kampong Gelam, which is under the watchful gaze of the incredible Sultan Mosque, built in 1824. For cheap and cheerful, you can't go past the House of Kebab on the corner of Arab and Beach Road. Beirut is superb (beirut.com.sg) and the Middle Eastern eateries of Bussorah Street for outdoor dining are a must. The nearby Malay Heritage Centre is well worth a visit. See malayheritage.gov.sg/en

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DRINK

For nightlife and bars, you can't go past the Boat Quay area. It's grungy and has all the noise and colour that adds to the fun and adrenaline. For live music, Hero's is a favourite – cosy, great artists and super service (heros.sg). I'm also a huge fan of the Timbre+ Food Courts that can be found all over the city state – upmarket hawker style food stalls, cold beer, communal eating and high-quality live music seven nights a week. See timbreplus.sg

AVOID

Singapore doesn't really have a no-go zone, but if you want to avoid paying the big bucks for your high-ticket items, then Orchard Road is not for you.

THRIVE

I've really adopted some eastern philosophies since living here, mainly through practising meditation and yoga. The yoga craze has gripped Singapore with a plethora of studios popping up in the heritage shophouses. You can really feel the history in these old buildings, a perfect place to connect with your inner self. Yin Yoga is my favourite, slow gentle stretching while sitting in the stillness.

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