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Where is it all happening in Singapore?

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brendanrtw
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Where is it all happening in Singapore?

Post by brendanrtw » Mon, 06 Apr 2009 9:16 pm

My girlfriend and I are moving to Singapore in June, having spent the last 7 years working in London, but living in the counrty.

We've got 4 weeks to find something (my company are putting me up in a serviced apt. for a bit), and so need to move fast. I'm not familiar with Singapore, and although I know it's small, we'd like to narrow our options down. We'd like to rent somewhere with lot's happening, bars, cafe's clubs etc .... and not necessarily an "expat area" .... we're here to experience as much of the culture as we can.

So far places like Chinatown, Bugis & Orcard road are promising .... anyone got any other recommendations (or places to avoid)?

Thanks!

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jpatokal
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Post by jpatokal » Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:26 pm

Singapore is small, it doesn't make a huge difference where you live. The River Valley road area is the traditional city-center expat enclave, it's within easy reach of everything but still quiet. Rentals are quite high though.
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Post by Jeppo » Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:45 pm

Singapore has a culture? :???:

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Vaucluse
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Re: Where is it all happening in Singapore?

Post by Vaucluse » Tue, 07 Apr 2009 1:56 pm

brendanrtw wrote:We'd like to rent somewhere ... not necessarily an "expat area" .... we're here to experience as much of the culture as we can.

So far places like Chinatown, Bugis & Orcard road are promising ....
:lol: No expats within miles in either of those places.



As mentioned earlier, it really doesn't make much of a difference, it is tiny. Generally you'll find the places that are 'happening' where the expats do live in town.
This is also where the 'yuppie' locals live.

I'd suggest you look around Robertson Quay. Very central, lots to do and quite nice.
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Addadude
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Post by Addadude » Tue, 07 Apr 2009 2:05 pm

I would second Roberston Quay and River Valley Road for so-called 'happening' places in town.

Don't narrow your options too much even if you only have 4 weeks as, compared to London, Singapore really is tiny with fast commutes. If like beach activities for example, the East Coast is a nice area with a very low-rise feel. It will take you about 30 - 40 mins to get into town by public transport.

Burlington Square in Bencoolen St is very central as is the Mount Sophia area.
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Post by rosborn » Thu, 09 Apr 2009 2:15 pm

I third River Valley / Robertson Quay Rd area.
There are sections that don't feel as built up / urban as Orchard Rd. You said you lived in the country so you may prefer it to be little laid back. I personally find Bugis, Chinatown very urban. On River Valley Rd is Fort Canning park which is a small oasis and if you like running you can do a couple of loops of it and it's lovely. Plus, if you live close enough to walk to Robertson's Quay then you have maybe 30 bars, cafes, restaurants to choose from. That section of the river is more laid back.
You may want to check out condo called Aspen Heights. They're refurbishing the pool until Aug and many units are vacant so landlords may do you a good deal. We know it well and it's a good condo with good grounds / feel and very close to Roberson's and city. You will need to go through an agent to find something anyway so first day consider going to see i) River valley, 2) Tanglin (which is near botanicals and start of Orchard) and 3) Orchard. Good luck

brendanrtw
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Post by brendanrtw » Thu, 09 Apr 2009 4:06 pm

Great feedback all .... River Valley / Robertson Quay Rd seem to be getting thumbs up from everyone, so looks like a good place to start!

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