March 8, 2009
Pasar malam in laid-back Amsterdam
See festivals all year round and have dinner on an old ferry in the Dutch city
By Frankie Chee
SINGAPOREAN ABROAD
IN AMSTERDAM WITH...
Yew Kee Chung
Age: 34
Occupation: Design studio owner
Length of stay: Eight years
Apart from its infamous red-light district, Amsterdam is a festival city with something going on throughout the year.
The capital city of the Netherlands is also home to more than 50 museums, including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum.
Mr Yew Kee Chung, 34, who owns a design studio specialising in the design of promotional materials for lifestyle products and services in Amsterdam, has been living there for eight years. He recommends cycling as the best way to get around the city.
The bachelor also advises taking a boat ride along the canals to appreciate the city's historical architecture.
And when one gets hungry, a restaurant located in an old ferry is a good bet for some great chow in an offbeat locale.
GETTING AROUND
The best way to explore the city is by...
Cycling. Amsterdam is a pretty small city and there is a 400km bicycle path network within the city limits.
The best time to visit is...
During summer, when it rains least and people tend to smile the most. When the sun shines, a lot of Amsterdammers will go outdoors - to get a tan, read on their balconies, drink at the restaurant terraces and ride in their boats in the canals.
Which places in the city excite you?
Theatre festival venues during summer excite me the most. Amsterdam is full of festivals all year round, from an African Film Festival to the annual Pasar Malam.
Yes, it is called a pasar malam. Indonesia used to be a Dutch colony so there are many Indonesians here. It features exhibitions, performances and dance events in venues all over the Netherlands.
A city of canals
FOOD AND WINE
Your favourite breakfast is at...
De Bakkerswinkel (Warmoesstraat 69, 1012 HX, Amsterdam, www.debakkerswinkel.nl). They have great bread and freshly baked scones.
Your favourite eating place is...
Restaurant Pont 13 (Stravangerweg 891, 1013 AX, Amsterdam) is located in an old ferry that was built in 1927 and is now permanently docked in a slightly secluded part of the city. The interior is very charming and the atmosphere warm and unpretentious. The food is hearty and offers good value for money. Its fish main dish and chocolate cake are my favourites.
The coolest place to chill out is...
The self-service restaurant on the top floor of the newest and biggest public library in Amsterdam, the Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam (Oosterdokskade 143, east of Central Station). You can have Oriental fried noodles, a pizza with four kinds of cheeses or simply get 'drunk' on glasses of mint tea.
The library is a stunning seven-storey designer paradise filled with all kinds of magazines. Though it has an almost over-designed interior, the vibe here is casual and young.
CULTURE FIX
What do you think Singaporeans will like most about your city?
The laid-back, 'anything goes' atmosphere, the romantic canals, especially in the evenings, the fresh air, because there is little traffic in the city centre, and the historic architecture. All these make a stark contrast to Singapore's urban lifestyle.
Are there any language barriers?
The Dutch speak amazing English. Linguistically, they are exceptional. They study four languages in school: Dutch and English, which are compulsory, and students choose two others such as German and French.
THINGS TO DO
Where is the one place you always take your friends when they visit?
For sure, I would take them for a boat ride along the canals. The city looks so different when you are in a boat looking at life on land.
What is the one thing you must do in your city?
Ride a bike. You can rent one from the thousands of bike rental places in the city centre. It costs around 7 to 10 euros (S$13.70 to S$19.60) for 24 hours.
SHOPPING
Where is the best place to go on a shopping spree?
Harlemmerstraat. You can look for fashion, gifts, wine, cheese, candy, homeware and electronics all on one street.
What would make a good souvenir of the city?
Anything from Droog design (Staalstraat 7b, Amsterdam, www.droog.com). It is the pride and joy of the Netherlands' design industry. It started the conceptual product design movement that influenced many young designers today. The world-famous design house has been commissioned by brands such as Mandarina Duck, Bang & Olufsen, Levi Strauss and British Airways.
FESTIVAL TOWN
Are there any notable festivals that travellers should look out for?
There is the Overhet IJ Festival (www.overhetij.nl) that features experimental theatre performances. It will be held at the NDSM wharf from July 2 to 12 this year.
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