by Ke
nneth K. Ong
The dictionary defines inspiration as the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative. And oftentimes when I am in need of such, I take a few days off to catch some inspiration.
Inspiration comes in many ways, shapes, and forms. It may come in the way the architecture and surroundings, the smell and taste of food, or even just from something you see or read while walking. And that is why i was extremely excited with a walking tour around Bugis, Singapore’s culturally rich Arab quarter which I was not able to explore the last time I was in Singapore.
I started the day with breakfast at the Landmark Village Hotel’s Club Lounge together with the hotel’s General Manager, Chew Yun Meng, Far East Hospitality MarCom Executive, Dennis Yong and Business Development Manager, Eugene Lee. Conversing while enjoying the view, I learned that Village Hotels and Residences, owned and operated by the Far East Hospitality Group, offers authentic, friendly, comfortable and memorable stays, where guests get a unique experience of the Singapore’s local culture and indigenous offerings of the communities where its properties are located. And since the Landmark Village Hotel is right in the middle of Bugis, I become more excited and did not want to waste another minute.
From the Landmark
Village Hotel and with the knowledgable Andrew Tan, Landmark’s Assistant Front Office Manager, leading the way, me and Sunstar Davao’s resident traveller Jinggoy S. were given an insider’s tour of the many streets and alleyways of the district.
The most prominent landmark in Bugis would be Singapore’s largest mosque, the gold-domed Masjid Sultan that is just diagonally across the hotel. History and architecture buffs will love the many beautiful shophouses that is the norm in the area. One can also visit the Malay Heritage Centre which used to be the official residence of the Sultan of Johor before it was converted into a museum. if you look hard enough, you can find the Children Little Museum along Bussorah Street where one can step into Singapore’s past.
Shopaholics can shop for Persian rugs, fabulous textiles and exotic perfumes from the many shops lining Arab Street. If you are looking for quirky things, try visiting Haji Lane, Singapore’s “smallest street”, where artisan food shops, services and boutiques flourish. Mallrats can also opt to shop at the Bugis Junction and Iluma malls which is just a short walk away.
And don’t even get me started on food!
Bugis hosts an eclectic mix of many different restaurants from many regions of the world. Name a type of cuisine, be it French, Italian, Indonesian, Malay, Mexican, Chilean, Swedish, Bugis is just full of restaurants and eateries. “Every road has a place to eat and chances are that when you turn a corner you will find discover a new restaurant of cafe” beams Andrew “there is even a cafe here that serves great Tea Tarik but has no name, but it has been there for years yet it still has no name and the locals still flock to it.”
And after thousands of steps and perhaps as many calories from tasting the food, we returned to the Landmark Village Hotel. Where I finally noticed the little details of the hotel that pay homage to the area around it following the Village Hotel’s brand philosophy of embracing the area’s local culture. Now I can definitely say that I am inspired, correct that, amazed. Amazed that in the face of modernism, Singapore still retains its natural and unique “kampong” or village appeal.
You can learn more about the Landmark Village Hotel and its 393 rooms and suites by visiting their website at www.stayvillage.com/Landmark.
