A Day As A Tourist In Singapore Part 1

Yong Siak Street, I haven't even heard of the name before I went there. But it's a nice neighbourhood, it's like 1980's settings in 2012 time, although I don't exactly know how 1980's look like.

When you are at the junction, you will be greeted by this 4-storey residence. It's quite rare in Singapore nowadays isn't it? And it just appears retro to me.

4-storey retro looking residence

There are a few cafes along this street, and some indie bookstores and merchandise shops. We went to visit a few of them, like Books Actually, which sells books (obviously) and some vintage stuff.

1960's comic books

A whole shelf of vintage toys

Vintage soft drink glass bottles

Books actually

The store front

We didn't manage to buy any thing from the store, because the prices are a bit on the higher end, but at the same time I feel quite sad for bookstores that people are buying fewer books nowadays.

We also came here for the food, and our target of the day was 40hands. It sells coffee, sandwiches and paos. But I shall not elaborate too much about the food here, I will have a post about the food in my Food Blog. Just to post some pictures of the cafe interior.

The counter

Ninja, yeah creepy

There are also some apparently abandoned shops that still has the retro zig-zag gates and we also took pictures of the back of a building which still has the spiral stairs.

Spiral stairs at the back of the building

Spiral stairs

Zig-zag gate

Shophouses with zig-zag gates

Corridor with the retro feel

Interestingly, there's a very modern high-rise condominium at the end of this street, called Regency @ Tiong Bahru. We thought it's such a big contrast to have a modern building in the background of a retro setting.

Regency next to the old buildings of Yong Siak Street

If you are tired of the busy city life, you should come visit this quiet and peaceful neighbourhood. Find a cafe and read your favourite book, accompanied by the smell of laidbackness.

Visit them at @ Yong Siak Street.