Orchard Road is known as the premiere shopping destination in Singapore. I’m no a shopaholic but I do enjoy my trips to the mall. I always look forward to visiting shopping centers during my trips, especially because I’ve always been frustrated at the limited options in my city. While waiting for the late afternoon boarding call of our cruise to Malaysia, I decided to have a quick visit to Orchard Road. I didn’t have enough time to make a worthwhile shopping run so I decided to do a quick walking tour of Orchard Road instead. I just really wanted to get a glimpse of this well celebrated shopping mecca.


Orchard Road generously shaded by tall trees.

Orchard Road Walk

I arrived right at the center of Orchard Road after taking an MRT ride from Harbourfront Centre (exchange at Dhoby Gaut station). Despite the sweltering mid-day heat, a leisurely walk passing by the huge malls was possible. The generous shade was provided by the towering trees lining the whole stretch of Orchard Road. I started walking eastwards following the row of attention grabbing malls. Because of the huge tourist draw in this area, the malls in Orchard Road seem to strive outdoing each other either by sheer size or eye-catching architecture.


ION Orchard. One of the newest mall in the area. Just by looking at the jewel-like glass exteriors, you’d instantly made the conclusion that it’s a pricey mall. 

Beautiful jewel-like glass facade of ION Orchard.


Unique entrance/exit to the MRT at Ion Orchard.


Wheelock Place across the road from ION Orchard.


Continuing the walk eastwards.


Mandarin Gallery.


Pernakan Place. Nice colonial architecture and row of shophouses / alfresco dining.

Facing Orchard Point.


Orchard Central. Tallest vertical mall in Singapore. They have a nice roof garden at the 11th and 12th floors.


I love the geometric glass exteriors of Orchard Central! so inspired.

Would’ve been nice to have more time for Orchard Road but we already spent half the day at the Singapore Flyer, which I also enjoyed. Next time, I’d be very interested to visit these spots also:

  • Photography Galleries:
    • 2902 Gallery (11 Mount Sophia, Block B, #B2-09) – largest dedicated photo gallery in South East Asia.
    • epSITE (Wheelock Place 501 Orchard Road #03-18/19) – photo gallery by Epson.
  • Battle Box (Fort Canning Hill) – underground command centre now used as a musem depicting the final days of the battle of Singapore.
  • Istana  (next to Dhoby Ghaut MRT) – official residence of the President of Singapore. Open only five days a year: Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Labour Day and National Day.
  • Far East Plaza – popular young fashion mall.
  • IonSky (56th and 57th floors of the Orchard Residences) –  218 meter observation deck. Highest point in Orchard and provides a panoramic aerial views of Singapore.