10 places we can’t help but feel nostalgic about

1. 77th Street
The iconic streetwear shop started as a small store in Far East Plaza before expanding into various malls such as Bugis Junction and even into heartland ones such as at Tampines Mall. It was frequented by teenagers especially during the 1990s and noughties, who bought its funky accessories and baggy Alien Workshop jeans. The brand will close its last shop at Ang Mo Kio Hub at the end of this month due to high rentals, so stock up on your favourite threads for #throwbackthursday before it’s too late.

2. Haw Par Villa
Who doesn’t know Haw Par Villa, located along Pasir Panjang Road? After various incarnations, the park has become an adventure spot. Journeys, the company appointed by Singapore Tourism Board to run it, has organised educational adventure games and intends to organise more of such activities for schools and the public. Admission to the park is free.  

3. Fish & Co. @Glass House
This Fish & Co. outlet, affectionately known as the Glass House due to its full glass structure, is located right beside Park Mall. With a seating capacity of 300, an elaborate nautical decor, and a live band, the Glass House is also the most popular Fish & Co. outlet. It was due to close last month but the restaurant managed to get its occupancy extended until October. You can still go there to tuck into seafood and a whole load of memories before it’s 
too late.

4. McDonald’s at East Coast Park
This McDonald’s has occupied a distinctive spot in East Coast Park and in the hearts of Singaporeans with its playground and drive-through. The revamped space opening today will be the only outlet in Singapore with a salad bar and a dessert bar, and a range of premium menu items exclusive to it. 

5. Jurong Bird Park
Attracting visitors and school kids on excursions since it opened in 1971, Jurong Bird Park is one of the most familiar places from our childhood. The park will be relocated to Mandai as part of the precinct’s redevelopment into a new ecotourism hub in 2020.

6. Underwater World Singapore
Established in 1991, Underwater World Singapore is probably the spot where kids, parents and grandparents first took a walk “under the sea” at its iconic 83m Underwater Tunnel. It was also likely the first time many got to marvel at sharks, rays and colourful reef fishes swimming before the days of cable documentaries.

7. Singapore Zoo
Opened in 1973, the Singapore Zoo is renowned internationally for its beautiful wildlife park settings where animals roam freely in their habitats. But to many Singaporeans, it is also among the first places our parents brought us to when we were young. The zoo is set to be transformed in a big way come 2020, as part of the redevelopment of Mandai precinct into a nature destination to celebrate and protect Singapore’s biodiversity. 

8. Zouk
The grand dame of clubbing in Singapore welcomes both A-listers and ah-bengs. That is what makes Zouk so great, apart from being the place to hold the gigs of international guest DJs, live performances, the most exciting fashion events and even flea markets. Zouk will be moving from Jiak Kim Street to Clarke Quay by the end of the year. 

9. National Library on Stamford Road
It still hurts us to talk about the much beloved National Library, with its unmissable red bricked structure and S11 coffee shop. The library was officially declared open on November 12, 1960 by President Yusof Ishak and  closed its doors in March, 2004. A year-long series of events were held to commemorate the special place the National Library had held in the hearts and minds of people. In place of this temple to learning now stands the Fort Canning Tunnel. The National Library is now located at Victoria Street.  

10. National Stadium 
For more than thirty years, the National Stadium was the venue for 18 National Day Parades and other major sporting, entertainment and social events such as the SEA Games and concerts of popular icons such as Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey. Yep, it was where we watched our national soccer team triumph in 1977, 1980 and 1994, felt the power of the Kallang Roar and belted along with singer A-Mei. The stadium was demolished in 2010 and reopened in June 2014 as part of the Singapore Sports Hub in Kallang.