a. Durian Cafes
Close to Santa Grand Hotel Aljunied are a string of “Durian Cafes” offering fresh fruit all year round.
Known as the “King of Fruits” the Durian features an intimidating spiked shell and a strong pungent odour when opened.
However the flesh is truly an experience that absolutely MUST be tried while you are here. There are many different varieties, each with a different texture and taste, some wet, fleshy and sweet, others dry and more tart.
Do take note however, that depending on what varieties are in season, the charges and prices can be unexpectedly hefty, do check and confirm prices BEFORE opening the fruit. For more details do check with our hotel staff.
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b. Singapore Indoor Stadium
Also known as the National Stadium this indoor arena hosts a whole bevy of sports events, concerts and performances. The event calendar for the Stadium is available here. (link to http://www.sis.gov.sg/eventsCalender.asp ) Do stay up do date on what they have going on. From Santa Grand Hotel East Coast to the venue it is best to take a taxi, which will cost around $5.00 (depending on traffic and surcharges)
If you are looking at holding your own event the stadium has a number of event options and is available for rental.
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c. Geylang Serai Malay Village
After the British dispersed the Malay floating village at the mouth of the Singapore River in the 1840s, Geylang Serai became their ethnic enclave, retaining a strong Malay identity right up to this very day.
Here lies the home to Singapore's best Malay trades and food, with casual and inexpensive eateries and quaint shops selling traditional wares dotting the area.
Other highlights are the Malay Village, the Geylang Serai Market and the Haig Road Hawker Centre. For good bargains in a more modern atmosphere, check out the outstanding array of textiles at the Joo Chiat Complex and Tanjong Katong Complex.
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d. Geylang Seafood Stalls
We won’t name any specific restaurants or stall, merely to say that you should wander this stretch in the evening and try some of the delicacies on offer. The whole stretch of about 2 km has a famous stall on every corner. It is a cornucopia of sights, smells and tastes. To at least walk here in the evening is an absolute must do while you are staying at Santa Grand Hotel Aljunied.
Do be warned though – this is a nightlife district, so not for the faint of heart and even in Singapore’s super safe low crime environment do keep careful hold of wallets and handbags. The best time to stroll through this area would be early evening – around 9:00 or 10:00 pm
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e. Immigration and Checkpoints Authority
If you are staying in Singapore specifically to apply for or work out immigration, work permit or other issues then Santa Grand Hotel Aljunied is the ideal choice for your accommodation.
You can either take bus to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or take the nearby subway train at Aljunied MRT Station which is two stops away from the ICA. As you emerge from Lavender MRT Station, you will see the ICA building infront of you.
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f. Mustafa Centre
Mustafa Centre is a shopping emporium in every sense of the word. Legends abound about its founder, who is reputed to be a marketing guru. The centre itself is a department store, supermarket, pharmacy, jeweller, hotelier, travel agency and post office all rolled into one. Founded in 1971 as a garment store, Mustafa Centre has definitely come a long way. Within its modest blue glass facade, you will find almost everything you wanted, and probably some things you didn’t realise you needed. More than 90,000 items are sold on a total retail space of 70,000 square feet - at some of the lowest prices in Singapore. this center plays host to tourists and locals looking for bargains.
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g. Bugis Street and Market
In the 50s and 60s Bugis street was the key entertainment and clubbing district of Singapore – it was famous for its outrageous transvestite shows and clubbing options. Today it is very much a family and shopping venue, with many tourist and local trinkets on offer as well as local delicacies.
Do be sure to drop by the historic temples and bring good luck and fortune by rubbing the stomach of the smiling Buddha stationed in this pedestrian mall.
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