WHAT DO Geylang, the Singapore Botanic Gardens and plastic surgery have in common?
The three could not be any more dissimilar except for their being featured alongside one another in an alternative list for Singapore's tourists by Time magazine.
In a feature entitled "10 Things to Do in 24 Hours", published in the May 4 edition, writer Daven Wu lists places where the "real charm of Singapore lies", and where locals "in the know live and play".
The article eschews run-of-the-mill attractions like Sentosa and Orchard Road for interesting nuggets like plastic surgery, gadget hunting at Sim Lim Square, and dining at the White Rabbit at Dempsey.
The inclusion of Geylang by Time, in particular, has drawn considerable attention - being highlighted in two reports by local Chinese newspaper Lianhe Wanbao.
Geylang has dislodged Bugis for the crown of the island's red-light district, and boasts "great period architecture", "leggy street walkers" and some of the best Indian, Malay, Chinese and Peranakan cuisine, says Time.
Interviews conducted by Wanbao regarding Geylang's selection, however, depict Singaporeans' polarised opinions about the place.
Many feel Geylang is complicated, sleazy and disgraceful. A long-time shopkeeper of 30 years tells Wanbao that drunk fights are a common occurrence every weekend.
Mr Liu, in his fifties, who has been working in a Geylang factory for 30 years, complains of the many prostitutes who often harass him while he is having lunch in the area.
On the contrary, some who spoke to Wanbao feel that Geylang does possess an inimitable charm, with its coffee shop culture and rustic buildings still intact from decades ago.
To many, Geylang is also a foodie haven that is ever growing, most recently with the introduction of China specialties like duck's neck and hot pot.
The top ten things to in 24 hours, and what Time says about them
1. Singapore Botanic Gardens
Wander through this “bucolic retreat”, says Time, and marvel at the bountiful species of orchids at the National Orchid Garden.
2. Artwork at the Ritz-Carlton
A hotel is not the most common place to view art, but this collection includes works from Andy Warhol, David Hockney and Rainer Gross, and viewing is best of all, free.
3. Chinatown Heritage Centre
Entire sets of bedrooms and street scenes are immaculately recreated – an “authentic slice of Singapore’s history”, says Time.
4. Plastic surgery
Have a quick shot of Botox or a facelift at swanky Camden Medical Centre with celebrity surgeon Woffles Wu, recommends Time.
5. Electronics for cheap
Funan Digitalife Mall and Sim Lim Square offer a whole platter of gadgets which are 10 to 20 per cent cheaper than commercial outlets, says Time.
6. Haji Lane
A place for the fashion conscious, “recalling Le Marais in Paris or New York's Meatpacking District”, says the listing.
7. Singapore Flyer
The attraction is not a hit with the locals, which means no long queues to get up on the world’s largest observation wheel. Best view of the city at dusk, recommends Time.
8. The White Rabbit
Once a former church, the restaurant at Dempsey Hill is the place to meet fellow socialites and be seen.
9. Geylang
10. Zouk
Singapore’s nightlife is quite “racy”, says Time, and Zouk is the heart of action – a “rite of passage” of sorts for the young clubbing crowd.
For more, visit Singapore: 10 Things to Do in 24 Hours Introduction - TIME
Source: Geylang one of top ten things to do in S'pore
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