Exploring Tanglin: Singapore's Hidden Gem of Luxury and Nature - A Local's Guide
To my delight, this affable chap – let's call him Jake – turned out to be a veritable fountain of information about Tanglin. His enthusiasm for his adopted neighborhood was infectious.
Ah, mes amis, let me tell you about the delightful character I encountered in Tanglin, a charming district nestled in the heart of Singapore. It was a balmy afternoon, the kind that makes you want to seek refuge in the nearest air-conditioned café. As fate would have it, I found myself at Caffé Beviamo in Tanglin Mall, a cozy little spot perfect for people-watching and savoring a well-brewed espresso.
As I settled into a corner table, my attention was drawn to a young man nearby, exuding an air of relaxed confidence. He was chatting animatedly with the barista, peppering his speech with "man" and "bro" in a way that was both endearing and amusing. Intrigued, I struck up a conversation, introducing myself as a curious traveler eager to learn about local life.
To my delight, this affable chap – let's call him Jake – turned out to be a veritable fountain of information about Tanglin. His enthusiasm for his adopted neighborhood was infectious, and before I knew it, we were deep in conversation about hidden jazz bars, lush botanical gardens, and the perfect truffle fries. Jake's insider tips and colorful descriptions painted a vivid picture of Tanglin's unique blend of nature and luxury, leaving me eager to explore every nook and cranny of this fascinating area.
Q&A with Jake
Are you from here originally, or are you a visitor? How long have you been in this city?
I've been living in Tanglin for about 9 years now. It's a sweet spot, man. Right in the heart of Singapore but with this chill, upscale vibe.
What's your favorite thing about living in or spending time in this city?
The best thing about Tanglin? It's gotta be the mix of nature and luxury, bro. You've got the Botanic Gardens right there, but also these high-end malls and fancy restaurants. It's like the best of both worlds.
If you had a free day to explore, what would be your ideal itinerary? Where would you go and what would you do?
Alright, here's my ideal day in Tanglin:
- Start with a morning jog in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, it's a UNESCO World Heritage site, man.
- Hit up Dempsey Hill for some brunch.
- Afternoon, I'd check out the shops at Tanglin Mall.
- End the day with dinner at Yantra in Tanglin Mall.
That's a solid day right there.
Local Flavor: What's a restaurant you've really enjoyed here? Is there a particular dish you'd recommend?
Yantra in Tanglin Mall, hands down. It's this killer Indian joint that just reopened after a massive renovation. You gotta try their Purani Dilli Murg Makhani, it's Old Delhi butter chicken. The flavors will blow your mind, bro.
Hidden Gem: Have you discovered any lesser-known spots in the city that you love? What makes them special?
Hidden gem? Gotta be the Astor Bar at The St. Regis. It's this low-key, classy spot with live jazz. Perfect for a chill evening with some bespoke cocktails. It's not exactly hidden, but it's definitely a gem.
Cultural Experience: Is there an art gallery, museum, or cultural site you've found interesting? What stood out to you there?
The Singapore Botanic Gardens, man. It's not just a park, it's a legit cultural site. They've got this insane Orchid Garden with over 1,000 species. It's like stepping into another world.
Outdoor Escape: Where do you go when you want to enjoy some nature in or near the city?
For nature, it's gotta be the Botanic Gardens again. 82 hectares of pure green paradise right in the city. It's like nature on steroids, but in a good way.
Shopping Spots: Have you found any great local shops or markets? What kind of unique items have you seen?
Tanglin Mall is where it's at for shopping. They've got these cool European boutiques like Hanna Lee and Santorini. You can find some unique fashion pieces there that you won't see anywhere else in Singapore.
City Vibe: Is there a particular neighborhood or area of the city that you think really captures its essence? Why?
Dempsey Hill, no doubt. It's this old British army barracks that's been turned into this trendy enclave of restaurants and lifestyle spots. It's got history, good food, and a cool vibe. That's Tanglin in a nutshell.
Insider Tip: Based on your experience, what's one piece of advice you'd give to someone visiting this city for the first time?
Here's my insider tip: Don't just stick to the main attractions. Explore the side streets around Tanglin. You'll find some amazing colonial-era architecture and hidden cafes.
Jake's Top Picks
Top 3 Bars
- Astor Bar: Classy joint with live jazz and killer cocktails. Perfect for a sophisticated night out.
- The Other Room: Hidden speakeasy in Marriott Tang Plaza. Experimental cocktails that'll blow your mind.
- Martini Bar at Mezza9: Sleek spot in Grand Hyatt. Over 30 types of martinis. Enough said.
Top 2 Casual Restaurants
- PS.Cafe at Harding Road: Lush greenery, comfort food, and killer truffle fries. It's like eating in a fancy treehouse.
- The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar: Jean-Georges Vongerichten's casual spot. Killer pizzas and burgers in a bright, airy space.
Best Local Cafe
Caffé Beviamo in Tanglin Mall: Cozy spot with great coffee and pastries. Perfect for people-watching or a quick caffeine fix.