Tuesday, 19 May 2015

Conclusion


Lastly, I stumbled across this cafe and it is located along the Middle Road, behind Bugis+. 


The theme of this cafe is so unique and the interior of the cafe is so beautiful. The tables and chairs are made from wood. It makes the place extremely cozy and forest-like.  


This place is filled with warmth here and it is definitely a family-oriented cafe. Besides it, people whom one to relax can patronise there. The service providers are a little stuck up (probably because I am a student and she thinks that i cannot afford to dine in). Besides this, all is good there. 


The cuisine that is provided is German food. In the menu itself, they even display Germany's attractions and festivals that are to be held there. So cool right? 

Therefore, in conclusion, I can say that my visit to Bugis/Bras Brasah is a success and that I had learnt more than what i should have. 

In overall, the thing that i find interesting about this district is that almost everyone seems so relax here. It seems as though I am no longer in this small country called Singapore. This district makes me so calm and happy with all its arts, heritage and history. 

What I do not like about this district is that I hope that in the process of  converting this district into a arts street, this district will have a 'new look' to it so that everything will not look so old and rundown yet the heritage and history can still be preserved. This applies especially to Bugis Street and this may be less appealing to tourists.





Philatelic Museum




My last stop is The Singapore Philatelic Museum. Singapore Philatelic Museum officially opened on 19 August 1995 and its objective is to create awareness and appreciation in Singapore's history and heritage of philately. Its opening hours are from 1.00 pm to 7.00 pm on Monday and from Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30 am to 7.00 pm. It is FREE for all Singaporean Citizens and Permanent Resident. As for foreign adults, it is at $6 and children from 3 - 12 years old, $4.


It is a museum that showcases one of the most wide-ranging collections of Singapore stamps and philatelic items. There are many rooms such as Room of Rarities, Heritage Room, Permanent Exhibitions, Changing Exhibitions and Museum Shop.  
In Philatelic Museum, there are many handicapped friendly and kids friendly equipment. 


Besides this, there are many hands-on activities that can allowed us not only to learn but to feel. There are many breeds of goat fur that we can feel and appreciate. The display equipment are all in vibrant colors that can attract many kids. 

Besides looking at stamps, kids can learn more about Singapore's heritage and culture and they will learn  to be more appreciative. 
Even though the Philatelic Museum is not as big scale as all the other museums, it have as much information for us to learn from.  


The thing that i find it interesting about Philatelic Museum is that there are many more hands-on activities as compared to other museums. This can allow people to be more willing and learn as well as experience it. From the information that i got from the Customer Service Counter, i learnt that the exhibitions will be changing throughout the year. Therefore, even if we visit this year, we can visit again next year and there will surely be more new and exciting things to us to learn from. 


The thing that i dislike about Philatelic Museum is that I felt that the location is not easily accessible. To top it off, Philatelic Museum is small and it makes it even harder to find. The only reason why i can find the Philatelic Museum is because i came from National Museum of Singapore and i saw it on my way after searching it for a long time. It would be better if there are more signs to direct us there. 








CHIJMES


Secondly, CHIJMES, also known as Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus. It was used as a Catholic convent for 132 years, with Caldwell House constructed in 1840–1841 and the chapel in 1904. 


Caldwell House is the oldest of several buildings that formed the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) complex. It is also the only original building that is still standing since the convent's founding in 1854. Completed in 1841, Caldwell House was commissioned by H.C. Caldwell, Senior Sworn Clerk to the Magistrates, after whom the house is named. The building was designed by George Drumgoole Coleman, an Irish colonial architect famous for his work in Singapore and Calcutta. Typical characteristics of the style of the building include symmetry in the building, and classical European elements such as large rectangular windows, columns, and pediments. Caldwell House was one of the last buildings that Coleman completed in Singapore. In 1990, Caldwell House was gazetted as a national monument of Singapore. 

The Cadwell House is currently under renovation and from the looks of it, I know that this place will turn it to be something extraordinary. I cannot wait for it to be fully renovated and refurnished so that I can pay a visit to it. 



After exploring this huge place for close to 2 hours, I realise that even though this place is so magnificent and beautiful, there are no service/information counters that can assist you when you have questions. The only group of people that you can seek help from is probably the staffs in the cafes/restaurants/bars. Fortunately, there are maps that can guide me around. There are many heritage trails around the place to let visitors know the heritage and history behind it.  



The maps are specific and because of it, I am able to find my way to the Multi-Purpose Hall. 


The toilets are fairly clean even though i did not notice any cleaners around. In the washroom, I notice that it is fully utilised with the basics and it is even air-conditioned with music played in the background. I think I can stay in there forever. hahahahha



This place is definitely a wheelchair friendly place as there are ramps, toilets and lifts that wheelchair bound people can use. As for the car parks, there are a chargeable fee of $3.00 for first hour from 9 am to 6 pm then $1.50 for subsequent 30 minutes. In my opinion, it is too expensive! There are cheaper alternative such as taking the bus or train and its just a 5 minutes walk!


There are a  huge variety of international food choices there. The food stores are arranged in terms of Chinese food and Eurasian food.  As compared to other places, the food here might be slightly pricey as compared to other places BUT it is definitely value for money. 


There are so many food choices that I am in such a huge dilemma while choosing. Finally, I decided to have my lunch at PRIVE restaurant. It is a outdoor concept restaurant that visitors are able to enjoy the view while dining. The meal is so filling and delicious meal there! Besides this, the service providers are so friendly and attentive and this is definitely a plus point! 





The key attractions of CHIJMES is its bars during the night. This place is so beautiful at night with its lighting that you will not want to go home! I did not get to enjoy this view as I visited the place during the day. But i definitely regretted making this choice.
http://www.supremehotelsingapore.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Chijmes.jpg


Next, it will be the multi-purpose hall. Imagine having your wedding at this magnificent place. It is so romantic with its high-rising ceiling that you will think you are in a European country instead of Singapore! I am unable to take photos when i visited CHIJMES as there are wedding ceremony going on. However, I am able to peek in through the small holes of the curtain. It definitely look as grand as the photo above.   
http://ivantanphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/julia144.jpg




What I like about CHIJMES is that this place has a relaxing feeling and this have eventually slowed down my fast pace life. Whenever I visit CHIJMES, I will be so carefree and stressfree. Even though this place is located in Singapore, the ratio of foreigners to Singaporeans is 9:1. This have eventually make me feel as though I am not in Singapore, a stressful country.  

What I do not like about CHIJMES is that you can hardly spot anyone that are able to answer your question about CHIJMES. There are no information counters that I can seek help from. Thus, it will be better if they have one there. 








Sunday, 17 May 2015

Bugis Street






First and foremost, I had visited Bugis Street. Bugis Street is famous for its fashion apparels and you can find anything and everything there at a low cost. This place is highly liked by the Singaporeans for its cheap pricing of products and services. Bugis Street is homed to more than 800 over shops and it is the biggest street shopping location in Singapore. You can purchase many souvenirs there and you can even enjoy different kind of services there at low cost! Some of these services include manicure/pedicure parlors, hair salons and many many more.


Most of the Singaporeans know where Bugis Street is located. There are many bus operators that bring you to Bugis Street. Some of it are bus 2, 7, 12, 32, 33, 63, 80. And once you alight at bus stop Bugis Junction, you definitely cannot miss Bugis Street! If you are afraid that you may board the wrong bus or alight at the wrong bus, you may opt to take the train. 
The train is as convenient as taking the bus. You just have to alight at Bugis Station and follow the directional signs and you are able to arrive safely. There are many tour buses that bring tourists to and from their hotels too so keep a look out and be careful!


There are many food stalls at Bugis Street available for visitors to choose from and these are some examples. The XXL fried chicken and golden fried mushroom is very delicious here. It is so aromatic that nobody can resist it.They are one of a kind and you can only taste such delicious food here and only here!


 The food at level 2 of Bugis Street is exceptionally delicious! there is a stall that sells delicious crepes and it is definitely a 'must try' there! Once you reach level 2, you do not have to find the place, the smell can bring you there. Many people rush over to have their share as they have many unique combinations such as crepe with banana and chocolate that it is hard for people to resist! 



Next, there are lots of clothes and souvenirs that are on sale. You can even purchase souvenirs at a low price of 8 for $10 where one is less than $2, how cheap can that be! The services provided is good as well. 



The stall-tenders will be more willing to help you and even if you do not buy their products in the end, most of them do not show attitude to you (at least not infront of you). 



The exit signs are displayed very clearly and you can easily spot it from afar. But even so, Bugis Street is not wheelchair friendly as it do not have big lifts for the people to use from. So if visitors whom are wheelchair bound and wants to visit Bugis Street, I am afraid that it will be tough on your part! :(


What I like most at Bugis Street is that the service that they provide are affordable and of top quality. I can have my manicure done there at $18 when i have to pay $38 at other places. I can save $20 and I think it is very affordable. The service providers will even engage in a conversation with you so that you will not be bored.  


Even though there are good points about Bugis Street, what i do not like the place is that some stores (if not most) sell clothes that are repetitive. You can find the same design of clothes at 5 different stores at a different price. Therefore, it will be nice if they have different design of clothes across Bugis Street. The other thing that i do not like is that the entrance of Bugis Street looks a little rundown and this had made me doubt the quality of things that are sold there. 







Introduction

In this modern century, many people spend their time gaming, watching videos, surfing the internet. But do you know that there are many more interesting things that you can do in Singapore for FREE? Would you rather stay at home and waste your time away or spend some time learning Singapore's history and others work of art? 


National Museum Of Singapore



Well, according to Yoursingapore.com, I know that Bras Brasah and Bugis precinct is rich in Singapore's heritage and it is homed to many museums, national monuments and arts school. So, if you would like to spend your time meaningfully, you may visit some of these attractions in Singapore for FREEEEEE 



BUGIS STREEEET









Therefore, i had decided to visit some of these attractions such as 
Armenian Church, St. Joseph's Church, CHIJMES, National Museum of Singapore, Philatelic Museum and Bugis Street. All of this attractions are truly an eye opener experience for me and i definitely did not regret spending half of my day there.  









CHIJMES






Whats best is that even though there are so many attractions, all of it is at walking distance! So even though Singapore may have hot climate, fret not! Most of this attractions are air-conditioned!




Armenian Church













Armenian Church!! 
Oldest church in Singapore! 
Besides its normal chapel, there are cemeteries located in there as well! How unique!










Singapore Philatelic Museum












More museums! What an enjoyable and knowledgeable museum-hopping day!