5 Things To Do In Orchard Besides Shopping

Janelle Yong
Thu, 14 Feb 2019 00:00:00 Z

This famous shopping belt offers more than retail therapy

PHOTO: GLEN BOWMAN/CREATIVE COMMONS

As Singapore’s most famous shopping hub, Orchard Road is a popular haunt for tourists and locals alike. But retail therapy isn’t the only thing that Orchard has to offer. If shopping doesn’t appeal to you, here are 5 other reasons you might want to visit Orchard.

1. Go skateboarding

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Despite its reputation, Orchard isn’t just shopping malls and high–rise buildings. With plenty of ramps, stairs and other obstacles, Somerset Skate Park is a popular hangout for youths to practice their skateboarding skills. Everyone’s welcome here, from beginners to experts, so grab a skateboard and join in the fun, or simply sit back and watch as the skaters show off their best stunts.

Somerset Skate Park, 1 Somerset Road, Singapore 238162

2. Visit a farm

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A farm in the heart of the city? Say hello to Comcrop, an urban farm located on the roof of the *SCAPE building. This rooftop farm grows organic plants and herbs such as basil, ghost peppers and mint, which it then supplies to local restaurants and eateries. The farm conducts free monthly tours on the first Saturday of every month, but there are limited places available, so be sure to register early.

Comcrop, #04-01 *SCAPE, 2 Orchard Link, Singapore 237978

Find out more here

3. Admire old Peranakan architecture

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The gorgeous shophouses along Emerald Hill offer a glimpse into Singapore’s past and the rich heritage of Peranakan culture that this area once held. The striking contrast between these well–preserved relics and the fancy high–rise buildings that occupy the rest of Orchard Road is certainly remarkable, making this the perfect place for Instagram photoshoots.

Emerald Hill Road

4. Learn to fight

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Get ready to work up a sweat at Evolve MMA, a mixed martial arts school which teaches Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu–Jitsu and other forms of martial arts training. Useful for self–defence, discipline and improving your arm strength so you can carry more shopping bags at once without breaking a sweat.

Evolve MMA, 181 Orchard Road, #06-01 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896

Find out more here

5. Appreciate art

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While art galleries and museums are hardly uncommon in the downtown area, an art gallery in a shopping mall is admittedly more unusual. Opera Gallery in ION Orchard features a spectacular collection of works from various artists, even famous ones like Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali.

Opera Gallery, 2 Orchard Turn, #02-16 ION Orchard, Singapore 238801