As a fellow OFW in Singapore, I know how challenging it can be to navigate a new city, especially when you’re pressed for time. Recently, I had an appointment at the Philippine embassy located at 111 Somerset, and like many OFWs, I wanted to make the most of my trip. So, Drel and I decided to explore the area and find out what other fun activities we could do nearby.
Now, you might think that the only thing to do in the shopping district of Singapore is to shop, but we weren’t in the mood to splurge on expensive items or dine at fancy restaurants. Instead, we decided to take a leisurely stroll and discover some hidden gems that we could share with our kababayans.
If you’re like us and looking for quick and chill things to do after your embassy appointment, then keep reading. In this blog, I’ll share some of the Instagrammable spots and relaxing activities near Somerset MRT for OFWs to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to unwind or explore Singapore’s vibrant culture, I’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started!
1. Photo shoot at the skate park
If you’re looking for a unique and edgy spot to take some Instagram-worthy photos, the skate park near Somerset is definitely worth checking out. While it may seem like an unconventional location, this skate park is much more than just a place for skaters and extreme BMX riders.
With its vibrant wall graffiti and rustic vibe, the skate park provides the perfect backdrop for a cool photo shoot. Best of all, entry is completely free, so you can come at any time to snap some pictures. Just be aware of skaters and riders using the ramp to avoid any accidents or injuries.
It’s important to note that the park is an open-air, no-roof facility, which means that it can get quite hot during the middle of the day. However, with a bit of creativity and planning, you can still capture some amazing shots that will make your friends and followers envious.
Need some inspiration for your photo shoot? Consider taking some portraits against the colourful wall art or posing on top of the ramps. With a little bit of imagination, the possibilities are endless. So, grab your camera and head over to the skate park near Somerset for a fun and unique photo shoot experience.
Here are some shots we took for inspiration!
2. Chill at The Cocoon Space on top of Design Orchard
If you’re in need of a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, The Cocoon Space on top of Design Orchard is the perfect place for you. This rooftop park offers stunning views of Orchard Street from sunrise to sunset, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and unwinding. With its vast seating area, you can easily spend hours here watching the city go by.
The best part is that admission to The Cocoon Space is completely free, and you’re welcome to bring your own food and beverages to enjoy while you relax. If you’re looking for a dining option, The Cocoon Space also houses a café called The Alchemist that serves up delicious food and drinks. It’s a great place to escape the heat and enjoy a meal or coffee with friends.
To visit The Cocoon Space, simply head up two flights of stairs located on the side of Design Orchard’s main entrance near the pedestrian crossing. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, take the concrete spiral staircase on the other end of Design Orchard and walk up until you reach the top. You’ll spot The Alchemist once you’re on the rooftop – just walk up the bleachers until you reach a short garden passage that leads to the café.
The Cocoon Space and The Alchemist at Design Orchard
Address: 250 Orchard Road, Singapore 238905
Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 10pm
Contact Information: +65 6363 1661
Here are some shots we took for inspiration – enjoy!
3. Shop for minimalist household items at Nitori, the IKEA of Japan
If you’re looking for affordable minimalist household items, you can drop by Nitori, the Japanese version of IKEA, at The Heeren. It’s on the same building as COURTS Nojima. Their prices are cheap starting at S$1.90, similar to that of IKEA, Daiso and Japan Home.
Since the outlet is relatively new, having only opened in March 2022, it’s not as crowded as the more established IKEA outlet in Alexandra. This means you can shop for household essentials in a more relaxed environment without having to battle the crowds. Nitori offers thousands of products for all areas of your home, such as the living room, bedroom, dining room, bathroom, kitchen and more.
You can find Nitori on Level 3 of COURTS Nojima at The Heeren.
Nitori at COURTS Nojima
Address: 260 Orchard Road, The Heeren, Singapore 238855
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11am to 9pm
Contact Information: +65 6733 0688
Website: https://www.courts.com.sg/
4. Shop for cheap sporting goods at Decathlon in The CentrePoint
Looking for affordable sporting goods? Decathlon is the go-to store for sports enthusiasts on a budget. With 15 outlets scattered around Singapore, you can easily find one near you. One of the newer stores is located in The CentrePoint along Orchard Road, which opened in 2020. This two-level store offers a wide variety of sporting equipment, including cycling goods, hiking equipment, sporting outfits, running shoes, and more. What’s even better is that you can score some amazing deals, such as a running top for as low as S$2.90 or hiking sandals for S$19.90.
While this outlet doesn’t have areas for trying out sports like table tennis, badminton, soccer, and basketball, you can still try on some wheels inside the store, like adult bicycles and roller skates. And because it’s relatively new, the store isn’t as crowded as some of the other Decathlon outlets in Singapore, making it easier to shop at your leisure.
You can find Decathlon at The CentrePoint on Orchard Road.
Decathlon at The CentrePoint
Address: 176 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238843
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Contact information: +65 6225 4773
5. Photo-walk along Orchard Road
Walking along Orchard Road is not only a great way to get your daily steps in but also a chance to explore and capture some stunning photos. Start your photo-walk from Somerset MRT and make your way towards Dhoby Ghaut MRT. Along the way, you’ll find several Instagram-worthy spots such as the Istana Park, which is a great place to take a break and enjoy the scenery.
As you continue down Orchard Road, you’ll be surrounded by towering buildings like Orchard Gateway and Hilton Singapore Orchard, offering you great opportunities to capture stunning architecture shots. However, if you want to spice up your day trip, why not head to Chinatown instead for a different perspective? Or, when you reach Dhoby Ghaut MRT, explore the nearby Fort Canning Park, which provides a more relaxing environment to unwind and take in the beautiful sunset.
Keep in mind that there are many other exciting things to do near Dhoby Ghaut MRT, and we’ll be sharing more about them in a separate blog post. So, put on your walking shoes and grab your camera for an adventure-filled day!
Enjoy these snapshots from our photo-walk along Orchard Road!
In conclusion, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the vibrant relaxing activities near Somerset MRT for OFWs and make your after visit to the Philippine embassy in 111 Somerset more enjoyable. While the Nassim Road location is under renovation, this temporary location offers the convenience of being able to easily access the city and its attractions after your appointment. No more walking long distances or spending a fortune on transportation – in the meantime. Enjoy your trip!
