OLD BECOMES NEW AT TIONG BAHRU

Tiong Bahru was Singapore's first housing estate, set up during the 1930s. For a long time, it was even known as Mei Ren Wu ("Den of Beauties"), since it was a district famed for being used by rich businessmen to house their mistresses.

Now, this rich and colourful past has been seized upon by the hip and creative to breathe new life into this suburban neighborhood. It serves as an ideal spot for spending a day walking around, ducking into privately-run coffee shops, design offices, little clothing stores and other unique speciality outlets.

Check out Tiong Bahru Commons (www.thebureau.com.sg) to nose around their one-of-a-kind creative co-op space, a hub of quirky design under the moniker 'Bureau for the Advancement of Lifestyle and Longevity and Success' aka BALLS.

When your feet begin to ache, stop by Drips (www.drips.com.sg) for a cup of freshly brewed Java coffee or one of their delectable fruit tarts. Their Avocado Gula Malacca cake is simply to die for.