5 Things I Love….Singapore

Earn Chen is about as local as you get in Singapore. He grew up along the city’s Bukit Timah Rd and is now co-owns the city’s best high-end streetwear store with DJ and record producer James Lavelle. Located in a two storey house on Devonshire Road, Surrender stocks limited edition goods from brands such as Maharishi, Porter and Good Enough and has been described as ‘a brave new concept store that might save the world from retail boredom’ . Here he shares his favourite 5 things to do on the island nation.

ZOUK
Voted one of the best clubs in the world. Zouk has other smaller rooms including Velvet Underground, Phuture as well as The Wine Bar. It also houses original artworks by Andy Warhol, Murakami, Keith Haring, Lichtenstein etc ….. as well as an impressive soundsystem by Gary Stewart Audio. Basically, I grew up going to Zouk; it’s almost like a family with the guys there.

SENTOSA ISLAND
My favourite spot to hang out during Sunday afternoons. It’s great to hang out at the beaches at Sentosa which also has a couple of nice bars like Cafe Del Mar at Siloso Beach, KM8 Bar at Tanjung Beach as well as a great Italian restaurant called Il Lido at Sentosa Golf Club with excellent food; scenery.

HOLLAND VILLAGE
It’s like a local hangout…. full of restaurants and cafes. Unpretentious; relaxing…. even just to buy your groceries, lunch or coffee.

BUKIT TIMAH ROAD
It’s where I grew up. Along Bukit Timah Road, you may also find great hide away restaurants away from the city. From French cuisine like Mimolette restaurant at Saddle Club to great Italian cuisine at ‘Valentino’ restaurant - the best Italian food in Singapore - or EN Lounge Japanese restaurant. Definitely gives you the neighbourhood feel and you can rub shoulders with the friendly locals.

DEVONSHIRE ROAD
It’s the place where I work at…. its parallel to Orchard Road, the main shopping district, but without all that buzz. More layed back with more greeneries.