Strolling down Orchard Road, you will be forgiven for thinking that all residents of Singapore shop, eat, and shop some more. The two odd kilometres of malls is packed with shoppers on any given day and night. The most popular stretch between the intersection with Scotts Road and National Museum of Singapore, is serviced by three Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train stops, namely Orchard, Somerset, and Dhoby Ghaut.

The flashiest mall to date is ION, which is not only artistically striking from the outside, but also a pleasant experience in the inside. Upon alighting at Orchard MRT station, you will find yourself at the B2 level of ION, inhaling a slight scent that keeps you guessing, while shadows of “fishes” swimming above your head, and an endless variety of local and international brands await you.

Although most of the malls have been upgraded, each continues to carry its own personality.  There’s a place everyone feels most at home in, whether you are teens (*Scape, Orchard Cineleisure), families (Paragon, Centrepoint, Plaza Singapura), or foreign maids (Lucky Plaza).  There are a number of hotels along the road, as well as in the immediate vicinity, and they offer options to different budgets. As it is also home to the Istana, or the palace where the President of Republic of Singapore lives, you could pop in for a visit on special days.

Newer shopping clusters have sprung up in Marina Bay area, yet Orchard Road maintains its familiar charm.  No other place could be easier to navigate.  Have a movie date at Cathay, dinner at Ngee Ann City, followed by a S$1 ice cream sandwich from the roadside vendor. The all-day merry chirps of the birds will lead you to even more excitement to discover.

Orchard Road shopping