Haji Lane

Whilst I posted recently about the joys of dérive (note: this is not the same as getting lost), we ourselves did some exploring recently. We had heard a rumour about an interesting street in the Kampung Glam area of town called Haji Lane. Off we trotted form some exploration, and reportage. We had also heard that this was the narrowest street in Singapore. The lane itself did not disappoint. The lane did have some pretty cool shops, including one that sold vintage clothes and ice-cream (Pluck). No, we didn’t try the ice-cream yet, but yes, we will definitely post about it when we do!!! (the toils of service...)


Haji Lane also has one very small theatre. Pitch Black claims to be "...the only boutique screening room, art gallery and café featuring High Definition Blu-Ray Projection and 6.1 Cinematic Surround Sound.". More importantly, we were told that screenings were free, provided that you bought a certain amount of booze and food. When we go, we'll let you know what it's like.
The lane felt like a small back street in any city, and the mix of trendy labels and boutiques was a welcome diversion. We even had time to stop and have a chat with a wedding photographer that we almost went with for our wedding.

Pluck, 31/33 Haji Lane, Tel: 6396 4048
Pitch Black, 63 Haji Lane, Tel: 6392 3457
39 East Photography, 39 Haji Lane, (S)189232, Tel: 9740 8317


Something else we did recently was visit the main Singapore Train Station (Tanjong Pagar railway station) Built in 1932, the station is reminiscent of those that we see in the UK, with art-deco architecture of the period. the station is a working station, with regular services between Singapore and the western seaboard of Peninsula Malaysia, with stops including Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur. Inside, main attractions are some huge freezes and tile pictures. Interestingly, and as far as I know, the station And the tracks in Singapore are Malaysian state land, with the land on which the station and the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) railway tracks in Singapore are situated held by KTM on a 999-year lease.


Well worth a trip, and quite interesting. There's even a signal box that wouldn't look out of place in the UK.




Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, 30 Keppel Road (S)089059