Farewell to Singapore: Favourite Haunts of SG in Pictures

When it came to leaving Singapore, saying farewell to this beautiful melting pot of cultures, colours and modern living proved harder than Casandra thought. Here’s her ode to Singapore in pictures.

Mama of two Casandra Harding-Whatman lived in Singapore for five glorious years. She moved here from Canada via the UK with her Kiwi husband Stephen and her two adorable kids Mimi (12) & Keaton (9). She is a die-hard East Coaster and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. While she was here she co-owned a healthy snack food company called Ministry of Balls and was also an Expat Relocation Field Consultant with LandPlus, which helped her explore every inch of the island. From Tuas to Punggol and back to Tanjong Pagar she has seen it all.

The Little Red Dot definitely stole her heart… she misses all her amazing friends, singing power ballads with uncles in taxis, easy access to unforgettable Asian adventures, the constant warm weather, and of course Din Tai Fung. Oriental Wontons with Black Vinegar & Chilli Oil for life!

Click through Casandra’s gallery of pictures of her favourite haunts in Singapore

This picture was taken on the first day that The National Gallery opened in 2015. I have been a member ever since. Whether exploring exhibitions with friends or checking out the Biennale with the kids it will remain as one of my top 5 places in Singapore. The gift shop and the cafe are the best in town.

No one can ever say Singapore is boring when it comes to colour. This country has inspired me in the colour department ever since I arrived in 2013. Perfect pops of colour on grey days… perfection.

This pic was taken just before I ran a 10km run at the crack of dawn. Chinese Garden is right up there in the wow department when it comes to great places to explore. Definitely right up there next to Fort Canning and the Botantic Garden (and way less crowded!). Don’t forget to climb the pagoda. There are beautiful views of Singapore and the spiral staircase is picture perfect from the top.

This is my favourite location to take a snap in the Gardens by The Bay. So many iconic Singapore symbols in one picture. Love it.

The Super Trees still bring an element of awe and wonder five years after I first laid eyes upon them. They are like something out of the future but also rooted right here in the present. I love them all year round but especially during the Christmas Holidays when the are all light up and they “dance” and twinkle away to classic holiday songs.

I have been to PulauUbin 10-15  times and I will always go back for more. Whether with friends, my husband or the whole family it remains one of my favourite days out. Once you arrive on this little island you are transported back in time and are instantly on the island time. Everything is a little bit slower and more lovely on this peaceful, rustic island. Highlights are renting bikes and stopping for picnics, visiting the most beautiful outdoor Buddhist temple, spotting monkeys and wild boars, and of course stopping at makeshift stands to partake in icy cold fresh coconuts served by adorable uncles. The bumboat rides to and from are also lots of fun.

Between the incredible fresh fruit/veg and wet market, the cool cafes and shops, street art and the beautiful 1930’s architecture I can’t exactly pin point my favourite thing about TiongBahru. An afternoon here is the perfect cure for whatever ails you.

I have spent a huge amount of time in this leafy and diverse park running and cycling the length of it. Stretching from Changi Airport all the way to Gardens by the Bay, East Coast Park is favourite go to park to feel the “cool” breezes, exercise and eat at all of the awesome f&b outlets scattered along its 16 kilometres. Watching the Fan Ladies and seeing all of the trees in bloom are also up there in things I will miss.

Walk down a side street in an older neighbourhood and I am sure you will find one, two or many dotting an alley. Some of my favourite places to scout them out are in the East Coast, Little India, Chinatown and of course the beautifully coloured Spirals in Bugis. These bad boys were taken just off East Coast Road. Swoon.

Is there a better way to while away a Sunday then chilling out at one of the many beach clubs on Sentosa?! This picture was one taken at Ola Beach Club on Siloso Beach. Swim, play in the sand, eat, drink and repeat. I am going to miss Sentosa a lot. It always feels like a mini holiday… minus the airfare.

Just spend an afternoon or two walking around Little India and you will be greeted by a riot of colour and smells. But one of my favourite things to do was explore and find with my kids all of the amazing street art littered around the area. What’s not to love about a free outdoor art gallery?!

One of my favourite things to do is explore the neighbourhoods of Singapore and discover the beautiful hand painted tiles that adorn a few of the sidewalks around this little Island. In some cases these little bursts of patterned gems are close to 100 years old. #ihavethisthingwithfloors. Some of my favourite streets are Blair Road in Tanjong Pagar and Lorong 24A in Geylang. Happy hunting

This photo was taken on a quiet Tuesday afternoon on Keong Saik Road. Quite suddenly the solitude of our lunch was interrupted by a raucous Lion Dance. It was there to help celebrate and bring good fortune to a new shop that had just opened. I will miss this spectacle of noise and colour… especially during Chinese New Year.

Is there anything more beautiful than North Bridge Road all dolled up!?  Whether it was the mid-Autumn Festival (when this picture was taken) or the Year of the Dog, this part of Chinatown certainly knows how to celebrate. I also love The Pinnacle peeking through in the background.