Singapore Fifth Avenue - Orchard Road

Orchard Road in Singapore is one of the major tourist attractions especially during Christmas festive season every year. Tourists come here for shopping, eating and accommodation.

Orchard Road is a one-way street stretching 2.5 km from the intersection with Orange Grove Road and ends at the intersection with Handy Road. 3 Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations serve the whole stretch of the Orchard Road.

Avenue

Orchard Road has its name from the nutmeg, pepper and fruit orchard that were abound at both sides of the street in 1800s. Mr Orchard had a garden and plantation here and hence the road got its name.

Among the notable historical sites to visit along the Orchard Road are the Istana which is the residence of the President of Singapore. It is only open during open days usually during festive celebration.

Goodwood Park Hotel is another historical site. Previously known as Teutonic Club, it exists since before World War I.

For those who are nature lovers and who wish to have relaxation, Singapore Botanic Garden should be his choice. It is situated near the Orchard Road.

Orchard Road is synonymous to shopping paradise. It is ornamented by pedestrian shopping malls, upmarket restaurants, bistros, coffee chains, hotels, night clubs etc.

Tang Plaza with its typical Chinese pagoda tower is a homegrown department store. Situated at the junction between Orchard Road and Scotts Road, it was founded in 1934 and established on Orchard Road in 1950. Visitors can purchase garments, accessories here.

For visitors with deep pockets, a visit to Ngee Ann City will not be disppointing. Its anchor tenants include branded boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Vacheron Constantin and a Japanese department store - Takashimaya. It also houses the South East Asia largest bookstore - Book Kinokuniya.

For learned visitors, beside Book Kinokuniya at Ngee Ann City, they may pay a visit to Wheelock Place - the Borders. It has rich collection of not only books but also CDs, DVDs on various topics and themes. American visitors will definitely feel at home there even though they are in Singapore. Plenty of American visitors and expatriates frequent this bookstore.

Lucky Plaza which is situated near the Tang Plaza is a focal point for the Filipino workers during weekends and public holidays. Visitors may find produces from the Philippines in the Lucky Plaza.

Far East Plaza at Scotts Road is famous with its cheap fashion and food outlets. Visitors may find cheap and good local food at the food courts here.

Down near the Somerset MRT is the CenterPoint where one can find another old department store - Robinson and Mark & Spencer.

Plaza Singapura is located next to the Istana entrance. It houses the Golden Village Cineplex, Carrefour and other shops.

There is an open bar/food outlet near to the CenterPoint and next to the traffic lights. Visitor may have a cup a drink here and watch the crowd in the Orchard Road.

Orchard Road is crowded with visitors from all over the World especially during weekends. A visit to Orchard Road is a good experience of strolling world class shopping street but in a tropical country.

Singapore Fifth Avenue - Orchard Road

This articles is written by Chai Yong from http://www.temasekmap.com which is about handy map of Singapore, Batam & Bintan and Johor & Johor Bahru and a related ebook.