There is a constant debate between the East-siders and the West-siders on which side of the island is the best. Growing up, you would have friends who live at the far ends of Singapore. Those who stay in the West whine whenever they need to travel to the East and vice versa. Making a trip to the other side of the island could almost be considered a day trip on its own.

East-siders believe that the East side is the best—and for good reasons. The East of Singapore is dotted with interesting hot spots and amazing food locations that are more than enough to make the West-siders jealous. Not convinced? Here are 15 Things To See, Do and Eat In The East of Singapore That Proves That The East Is The Best.

EAST COAST PARK

East Coast Park deserves to have an entire post of its own. Spanning across 185 hectare with a running track stretching 15km long, this is the ultimate hub for all things outdoorsy. Cycling, rollerblading, going on family runs—it all happens at this one park. We are pretty sure you have memories of the park as the ultimate chalet and barbecue spot for all your class outings. Yes, even you Westies.

Marine Cove within the park has just recently reopened after renovations, and now boasts amazing playgrounds and an expansive selection of restaurants. If East Coast Park is not the best park in Singapore, then what is?

East Coast Park
East Coast Park Service Road
Singapore 449876
Tel: +65 1800 471 7300
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Stations: Eunos/ Kembangan/ Bedok

FACTORY OUTLET SHOPPING AT CHANGI CITY POINT

Changi City Point—one of our favourite shopping malls in the East of Singapore—is where you can find many factory outlet stores. Some of the popular shops include Adidas Factory Outlet, Nike Factory Outlet and Charles & Keith Factory Outlet.

GO FISHING AT MAINLAND TROPICAL FISH FARM

The #eastiekids would probably recall spending time at Mainland Fish Farm scooping up little guppies to keep as your own. You can also feed the koi fishes on site, and go prawning with some pals!

Shop around for aquarium accessories and more at the farm. This is one of the best chill- out spots in Singapore for some weekend fun.

Mainland Tropical Fish Farm
1 Pasir Ris Farmway 1
Singapore 519352
Tel: +65 6287 3883
Daily: 8.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

FEAST ON THE BEST LAKSA IN SINGAPORE

Need we say more? Katong is one of the best spots in Singapore for some sinful albeit irresistible laksa. Case in point: 328 Katong Laksa.

328 Katong Laksa
53 East Coast Road
Singapore 428771
Tel: +65 9732 8163
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

Photo Credit: The Business Times

TAKE TONS OF INSTAGRAMMABLE PICS AT JOO CHIAT ROAD

Joo Chiat Road is a conservation area in Singapore, situated between Geylang Serai and Marine Parade Road. The pastel-hued, old-world architecture of the protected Peranakan shophouses will transport you back in time, thus making it one of the more prettier photo spots in Singapore!

Besides providing endless photo opportunities, the road is also home to some great restaurants, eateries, and shops!

Photo Credit: Gallop Stables

GALLOP AROUND WITH HORSES

Situated in Pasir Ris Park, the Gallop Stable Pasir Ris offers public riding, where you can get upclose with a horse, and even feed their 13 resident ponies!

Gallop Stables
Pasir Ris Central, Pasir Ris Park
Singapore 829168
Tel: +65 6583 9665
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

Photo Credit: NTUC Club

SPLASH AROUND AT WILD WILD WET

Let us not forget the place that all the 90’s kids looked forward to during outings with classmates and friends. Newer water parks around the island such as Adventure Cove in Resort World Sentosa may overshadow this rustic water park, but it is a place that all Easties (or Singaporeans in general for that matter) hold close to heart.

Wild Wild Wet is still up and operating, so if you want a little trip down memory lane, just hop on down to Singapore’s largest water park! The entry prices are also pocket-friendly.

Wild Wild Wet
1 Pasir Ris Close
Singapore 519599
Tel: +65 6581 9128
Mon to Fri: 1pm – 7pm
Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

Photo Credit: Jeffrey and Flora

DINE AT EAST COAST LAGOON FOOD VILLAGE

Every Singaporean knows that East Coast Lagoon Food Village is one of the best places to visit for the best local dishes at reasonable prices. Char Kway Teow, Carrot Cake, Satay, and a plethora of seafood stalls. This food centre is a place we will always return to for classic Singaporean fare.

East Coast Lagoon Food Village
1220 East Coast Park
Singapore 468960
Tel: +65 6225 5632
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

Photo Credit: dreamtravels4you

STROLL ALONG CHANGI POINT COASTAL WALK

This boardwalk is the ideal place to catch Singapore’s sunrise and sunset. It is tucked away in the western end of Changi Point, and gives visitors a breathtaking view of the coastline. The 2.2km-long boardwalk is well-lit and opens for 24 hours.

Changi Point Coastal Walk
7A Gosport Road
Singapore 509710
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

Photo Credit: Your Singapore

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN PERANAKAN CULTURE AT THE KATONG ANTIQUE HOUSE

This antique house educates visitors about the Peranakan culture, featuring pretty costumes, crockery, and furniture out for display. Mr Peter Wee, the friendly owner of the Katong Antique House and a fourth-generation Peranakan himself, is always more than happy to educate visitors on his Peranakan heritage.

Katong Antique House
208 East Coast Road
Singapore 428907
Tel: +65 6345 8544
Daily: 11am – 4.30pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

DIG INTO SOME LOCAL FARE AT SINPOPO

Founded by the people behind Awfully Chocolate, Sinpopo Brad can be found along Joo Chiat Road. Everything about the café screams ‘nostalgia’—from the types of food served, right down to the retro interiors and plating.

You can find vintage tiles, chairs, and even a menu that is remodeled after old school attendance books. One of Sinpopo’s specialties includes the Nasi Lemak Set For 2 (S$25), which comprises of a selection of ingredients to go with your rice.

Sinpopo Brand
458 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427671
Tel: +65 6345 5034
Tue to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
Closed on Mondays
Nearest Station: Dakota

There are many other cafes in the Tanjong Katong and Joo Chiat precinct. Check out our guide here!

Photo Credit: Forest Adventure

COMPLETE ACTIVITIES AT FOREST ADVENTURE

The Forest Adventure Course at Bedok Reservoir Park is a great place to challenge yourself with their 35 obstacles courses in four different sites. Think climbing, swinging from tree to tree, and even ‘flying’!

There is also the Kids Course, which is excellent for your little tots to hang loose and have fun.

Forest Adventure
Bedok Reservoir Road
Bedok Reservoir Park
Tel: +65 8100 7420
Tue to Sun: 9.30am – 6pm
Closed on Mondays
Nearest Station: Tampines

DINE AND STAY AT RABBIT CARROT GUN

This café is set in a quaint refurbished shophouse and serves up classic dishes such as Eggs Benedict, burgers, and more.

Settled above the diner is The Rabbit’s Warren. It runs a bed and breakfast concept, with five luxurious suites that will take you back in time. No need to travel far for a quick little satiation!

Rabbit Carrot Gun and The Rabbit’s Warren
47 – 49 East Coast Road
Singapore 428768
Tel: +65 6348 8568
Nearest Station: Dakota

SHOP AT THE LARGEST IKEA IN SINGAPORE

Singapore only has two IKEA outlets—one along Alexandra Road and the other in Tampines. Easties would be proud to hear that the one on our turf is the largest one in Singapore. That could only mean more shopping, and more meatballs!

IKEA Tampines
60 Tampines North Drive 2
Singapore 528764
Tel: +65 6786 6868
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

CHANGI AIRPORT IS MERE MINUTES AWAY

Residents in the East enjoy commutes to Changi Airport! No expensive cab rides or hour-long train journeys. The airport is right on our very own turf. It is even convenient to just pop by for meals or study dates!

Changi Airport
Airport Boulevard
Tel: +65 6595 6868
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

Singapore is made up of many small neighbourhoods, each bearing its own charm and treasures. Being born as and growing up as Singaporeans who reside in the West, the Alexandra neighbourhood is particularly close to our hearts.

We speak for many when we say Alexandra has so much to offer for that quintessential Singaporean experience. Today, Singapore may be a prosperous first world country, a financial hub, a trading port, a tourism destination – but all of these cannot hold a candle to the simplest of joys and bittersweet nostalgia we get from the places, food, and activities that we grew up knowing.

For one, Alexandra brings much comfort to our souls and while we welcome the new that keeps coming in, the neighbourhood remains one that we will always love.

From the olds of Alexandra Village Food Centre and Queensway Shopping Centre to the news of HortPark and Park Hotel Alexandra, here’s our guide to Alexandra – 13 Things To See, Do, Eat And Love about the charming neighbourhood.

#1 ALEXANDRA VILLAGE FOOD CENTRE

The hawker culture is a big part of Singapore, and it is a lifestyle that we are always proud to share. There are no lack of hawker centres in Singapore, and though the ones that are often in the limelight do not include Alexandra Village Food Centre – or AV for short – there is really a lot to love here.

AV operates throughout the day, and you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner here. Popular finds include BBQ Seafood, Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice, Claypot Laksa, and Avocado Milkshake. You might find the last two very endearing, and they sure are. We will talk more about them in a while.

#2 ANCHORPOINT FACTORY OUTLET

If you do not already know, Anchorpoint – the shopping mall right across Ikea – is actually a factory outlet. In other words, a sale takes place 365 days a year! It is a rather mixed mall so you pretty much have everything covered.

Residents and visitors alike enjoy the discounts and slashed price all year round. Brands who have boutiques in this mall includes Charles & Keith, Typo, and Cotton On.

#3 AQUA LUNA – A SWANKY OPEN-CONCEPT BAR BY THE INFINITY POOL

It isn’t our first time professing our love for new rooftop bar, Aqua Luna, neither would this be our last. Sitting within Park Hotel Alexandra, Aqua Luna is like a gastrobar in the outdoors that offers a splendid view.

Catch the sunset while admiring Alexandra from a different perspective, and munch on bar grubs and mains – all at the less-than-crowded Aqua Luna.

#4 HORTPARK – A 22-ACRE PARK CONNECTOR

Dubbed as the first gardening lifestyle hub in Asia, HortPark is a 22-acre park connector that is situated within The Southern Ridges. There is a 10km long trail that is great for a leisure hike. Nature lovers would surely love it here.

#5 IKEA – FURNITURE SHOPPING

Because you need not have a new home to shop for furniture. We are sure many of you agree when we say a day spent randomly strolling in Ikea is our idea of fun. There is something therapeutic about walking through the different “rooms” and set-ups, and of course, we need to satisfy our craving for Swedish meat balls before we leave.

#6 KENG ENG KEE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT FOR ITS MOONLIGHT HOR FUN

Possibly one of the most famous old-school restaurants in the West, Keng Eng Kee (KEK) is your typical “tze char” restaurant, but their popularity over the decades have brought about expansion to the business, and today, KEK is a big scale restaurant that occupies two units, on top of its resident tables in the coffee shop.

Our all-time favourites are the Moonlight Hor Fun, Claypot Pig Liver, and Salted Egg Yolk Crab.

#7 BATTLE OF THE BEST LAKSA 

No, Katong is not the place to go for Laksa. Alexandra is. Because the three best ones in Singapore are all concentrated in this neighbourhood.

You have Zhen Shan Mei Claypot Laksa, 328 Katong Laksa, and Janggut Laksa all in one area. What more can you ask for in life, really?

#8 OLD SCHOOL FURNITURE SHOPS

You can hardly find such old school furniture shops in Singapore anymore. Think rattan chairs, wooden tables, and all that our grandparents used to seek comfort in. Alexandra sure invokes a sense of nostalgia every time we are in the hood; even more so when we walk past these shops.

#9 PARK HOTEL ALEXANDRA – A MODERN HOTEL WITH INFINITY POOL, PREMIUM ROAST BUFFET RESTAURANT AND SWANKY BAR

The addition of Park Hotel Alexandra, the first hotel within the district, will change the facade of the neighbourhood forever, but we are embracing this change. Complete with an infinity pool that overlooks the green belt of the Southern Ridges, a premium roast buffet, one of the most gorgeous bars in Singapore and a stylish coffee place all within the premise, Park Hotel Alexandra is a charming one.

You may wonder what it is like to do a staycation within a residential area, and we will tell you it is nothing short of wonderful.

The hotel is modernistic in design with a tranquil vibe, spacious and clean. And we love the outdoor infinity pool so much – it’s like a resort but in the city! Deck chairs are aplenty for you to kick off your shoes and to unwind with your Kindle or magazines. If all else fails, the stunning bar will keep you occupied.

#10 QUEENSWAY SHOPPING CENTRE IS THE GO-TO PLACE FOR SPORTS EQUIPMENTS

No secret, right? Everyone knows to go to Queensway Shopping Centre for a one-stop “solution” for all our sporting needs. The prices are usually 10% lower than town’s, and you can find just about any sports brand here.

By the way, Janggut Laksa is the very crowded stall in the middle of Level 1.

#11 THE FAMOUS AVOCADO MILKSHAKE

You would have known by now that Alexandra Village Food Centre is synonymous with Avocado Milkshake. For some reason, Mr Avocado Exotic Juice at Alexandra Village Food Centre does it so right that Singaporeans now know Alexandra for his milkshake.

For the uninitiated, it is simply a refreshing drink of blended avocado with gula melaka syrup. You have to try it to understand how that creamy goodness is so addictive.

#12 SALUTE COFFEESHOP

This is not your usual coffee shop. Here at Salute, expect new-age finds of European and Western food – all in a coffee shop setting.

The stalls include Two Wings for their fried chicken wings (which were sadly mediocre), Stew Kuche for crackly German Pork Knuckle, and Immanuel French Kitchen that dishes out pretty affordable Duck Confit.

#13 TRADITIONAL CONFECTIONERY SHOPS

We have all sorts of fancy bakeries in town, but regrettably, the number of traditional confectionery shops have been on the decline.

Modernisation had us realising the beauty of these traditional confectionery shops where we can still find old-school bread loaves, buttercream cakes and homemade spreads. These were what we grew up eating, and at Alexandra, we can count on Love Confectionery and Chinatown Tai Chong Kok Confectionery Hue Kee.

Be a tourist in our own country by exploring the best kept secrets around the Alexandra neighbourhood and answering simple questions at apps.facebook.com/trailsofalexandra.

From now till 30 November, embark on an online explorative quest through the interactive map of Alexandra and stand a chance to win attractive prizes! What’s more, encourage your friends to take part in the quiz on Facebook to increase your chance of winning the big prize – a 1-night Weekend Staycation in a Suite at Park Hotel Alexandra!

This post is brought to you by Park Hotel Alexandra.