From iconic tourist spots to heritage buildings and ’70s shopping centres, our favourite celebrities reveal the places they get most nostalgic about this National Day:
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(Text: Camillia Deborah Dass / Additional reporting: Natalya Molok)
“Gardens By The Bay has always held a special place in my heart. I remember going there and feeling like I was in a scene out of Avatar with its giant supertrees and magical technicolour lights. It’s also at Gardens By The Bay that I shot my first Hollywood film Crazy Rich Asians. That movie paved the way for me to meet James Cameron and his wife Suzy who collaborated with me on a sustainability project called Red Carpet Green Dress for the Oscars party. I will be partnering with SGIFF this year in a special exhibition that will be held at the Gardens in October. Stay tuned for more details!”
“My husband and I love Luke’s Oyster Bar & Chop House at The Heeran. It’s so hidden away that once you’re inside, the ambience and beautiful view of the city will make you feel like you are in a metropolitan oasis instead of a mall. I love the service and the selection of wines. Their fresh oysters and phenomenal steaks make this our go-to place for a romantic night out.”
“One of my favourite places has to be The Ritz-Carlton’s Colony. We’ve had every major milestone celebrated there, from birthdays and weddings to memorials, births and just casual dates. We feel like part of the furniture and have known the really wonderful people there for many years. They are the real reason we go there so often.”
“My favourite spot, for now, is Tanjong Pagar Centre. Firstly, it’s where I go to work out. Secondly, it’s like a mini Korean or Japanese town with all the eateries popping up around that area. It’s a quiet and great place to hang out during the weekends. My favourite part is Stärker Signature because it’s nice and quiet and I can just chill out with a mug of beer.”
“I’m sad that the soon-to-be en-blocked Queensway Shopping Centre will be gone. As a sneaker hear, I enjoy the wide range of selections and I can spend hours there just looking at shoes. Back when I was a rock head, there was a store at the corner where an old uncle sold CDs for cheap. They were original, I checked! Everything from Mötley Crüe, Metallica, Slayer to Limp Bizkit and Slipknot. Most importantly, Queensway Shopping Centre has the BEST – and I mean THE BEST – chicken curry rice I have ever tasted.”
“My favourite place would have to be my old family home near the Botanic Gardens, I spent most of my life, till I was 30 there, and I associate a deep sense of peace and being cared for there. The people I love most are all part of that house, and I still feel all the emotions when I walk through those doors even at 56-years-old.”
“For me, it’s got to be the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. It’s my favourite spot because I live for nature therapy. I need birds, insects, monkeys and even bats to make my everyday urban existence connect to nature.”
“My favourite spot would be either East Coast Park or the Botanic Gardens. In 1987, it was at East Coast Park where my wife and I decided to “go steady” (it was only our second date but we already knew we were meant for each other!). As for the Botanic Gardens, my wife and I used to go there a lot when we were dating, and when we started our family, we brought our children there to picnic, explore and play. Something about the Gardens makes us happy.”
“Anywhere along Boat Quay would be a contender for being the favourite, but specifically Skinny’s Lounge. Not only was it the place I got married, but it’s always where I bring friends who are visiting. The people are great, cocktails are strong, and there’s bak chor mee or prata down the road. Bonus: The view of our skyline – it’s an unforgettable sight.”
“The Singapore Zoo is one of my favourite spots in Singapore as I remember, fondly, talking many trips with my parents there when I was little. A visit to the zoo was not complete without a ride in the tram and my parents would make sure we fit that in each time.”
“I grew up in Jurong so I have too many memories at the old Jurong Entertainment Centre (now JCube). Hanging out with my friends after school, watching movies with my family, and I also got caught once sneaking away with a friend to go ice skating when I wasn’t supposed to. Oops!”
“East Coast Park is my favourite hideout. I love to take a walk to the jetty in the evening after dinner at the East Coast Lagoon Food Village, which is also my go-to place for salty duck soup. I believe being near the ocean helps cleanse away negative energy too!”
“My favourite hangout place is Legendary Hong Kong restaurant in Jurong Point. I have been coming here for 4 years. The food is authentic HK cuisine, the staff are super friendly and the service is good and quick. Also, the food is amazing! I celebrated my 40th birthday here and even though it’s in Jurong and I stay in the North, we come here quite a bit. My team and I usually have lunches there as well. I love it here and usually go once a week.”