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Introduction
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Singapore is an essential stop on any Southeast Asian itinerary. At once a modern cosmopolitan hub and a place of true heritage and history; this destination has left many a traveller enamoured and eager for more. You’ll be wowed by the architecture, inspired by the food and enlivened by the atmosphere. Wondering where to start? Then read on – we’ve got you covered…
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Discovering food in Singapore With 20,000 eateries to feed a nation of around 5 million, it’s no wonder that Singapore is cooking up such a storm when it comes to its global food reputation. As one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, its melting pot of cultures has resulted in one of the most vibrant and exciting food scenes around – and we can’t get enough of it. The traditional hawkers are without question the best place to go to gain a sense of the eclecticism of the Singaporean food culture, and the increasing number of refined and often Michelin star rated chefs are drawing worldwide attention. It was a challenge to narrow them down, but we’ve drawn up a list of our top three Singapore restaurants.
Restaurant Andre Restaurant Andre was created with a specific vision in mind, and this is clear throughout every step of the mind-blowing culinary journey that you will embark upon as soon as you arrive.
The intimate dining space and even the reception are immaculate and stylish and yet feel like home. This is largely because Chef Andre Chiang’s wife selected just about each piece of furniture. But if you’re in love with the décor, you will be stunned by the food. Works of art adorn the plates here, so delicate you’ll barely want to touch, but tuck in and you’ll be transported to a world of exquisite textures and innovative flavour combinations. Seafood features heavily, and Andre’s French training and Asian heritage are combined here to fantastic effect.
4 Pollen Pollen is a dining experience that is quite impossible to recreate elsewhere. Nestled in a leafy Mediterranean garden and with access to the beautiful flower dome, this restaurant is cool and contemporary. The menus change by season and feature an array of produce from around the world. The dinner tasting menu should not be missed, and dishes such as scallops, kohlrabi and sea lettuce are paired with wines for the most discerning palates. Cocktail hour here is worth a visit too, and daiquiris are Pollen’s speciality. This is a vibrant restaurant and a mainstay on the Singapore foodie scene.
Shinji by Kanesaka, Raffles Hotel An outpost of the two-Michelin starred sushi bar from Tokyo, Shinji is a wellestablished favourite that offers fresh and exciting Japanese cuisine the heart of the iconic Raffles Hotel. An outpost of the two-Michelin starred sushi bar from Tokyo, Shinji is a wellestablished favourite that offers fresh and exciting Japanese cuisine the heart of the iconic Raffles Hotel. Striving to share an appreciation for ageold Japanese culinary traditions, Master Chef Koichiro Oshino leads a world-class native Japanese team of artisan chefs. At £225 ($450) a pop, the Omakase Shin Set Menu might seem costly, but for the pleasure of tucking into multiple courses of warm, hand-pressed sushi and a succession of seafood plates such as botan ebi sashimi and steamed abalone, we’d say it’s money well spent.
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Where to shop From niche luxury boutiques to street-side flea markets, shopping doesn’t get any better than in the shopping paradise that is Singapore – whatever your budget. The city loves to shop, and from the best designer malls to the quirkiest local boutiques, we’ve compiled a list of our top Singapore shopping destinations to give you a head start when you hit the streets.
Singapore Boutique Shopping
Haji Lane
Singapore is a bustling fashion and design hub, and when wandering its vibrant streets and malls it’s impossible not to stumble upon at least one eclectic local boutique showcasing some of the city’s best creations.
Head to the colourful shut Haji Lane, one of the narro that lies nestled in the hea Kampong Glam.
Whether you find yourself perusing the traditional crafts in Bugis’s gallery store Supermama, picking up some unique Singaporean stationary in nearby store Farm, delving into local fashion at The Emporium on Millenia Walk, or getting a taste of Asian apparel as a whole in Mythology on Club Street, there’s no chance of you leaving Singapore empty handed.
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Orchard Road This famed boulevard epitomises the glamour and extravagance of Singapore’s shopping scene; flanked by countless iconic shopping malls, you can expect to find everything you’re looking for and more – especially with so many personal shopping and concierge services to hand. Robinsons, Club 21, and 313@somerset are just some of the providers that can transform your trip into a luxurious and hassle free shopper’s paradise. Be sure to pay a visit to Tangs, a firm favourite amongst us at Black Tomato. The department store not only features some of the city’s best designers, but a classy personal shopper service that will leave none of your fashion queries unanswered – other than how you’re going to manage the unpacking without your new assistant when home.
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Getting cultural Singapore’s arts scene is constantly blossoming, with every trip offering a new must-see performance, exhibition, or gallery opening. Given the diversity of the cultures and nationalities that make up the vibrant citystate, it’s perhaps unsurprising that this is the case. We’ve drawn up a list of our favourite art attractions – from those that are fresh on the scene, to the classic establishments that we’ve found ourselves revisiting time and time again.
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Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay Nicknamed ‘durian’ for its resemblance to the iconic South-east Asian tropical fruit, this not-for-profit arts centre is one of the busiest in the world. With about 3,000 performances yearly, Esplanade’s world-class venues have hosted a diverse range of dance, music and theatre performances, in addition
to captivating visual arts exhibitions and more. Presenting some of the best and most cutting edge phenomenon in performing arts, including Beyond Time, a recent Taiwanese drumming and dance performance, heralded as magical, beautiful and complex.
Peranakan Museum The Peranakan Chinese are the descendants of Chinese immigrants to the Malay Archipelago, and their rich and interesting culture has been curated into a series of fascinating exhibitions in the Peranakan Museum. Learn about the Peranakan community’s leading figures, their customs and even their clothing as you tour this significant relic
within the city. It is guaranteed to offer a deeper insight into the rich tapestry of communities that give Singapore its thrilling atmosphere. For those left wanting more, make sure to stop at True Blue Cuisine just next door, a fantastic restaurant that specialises in Peranakan delicacies, based on recipes passed down the generations.
National Gallery Singapore Head downtown for the world’s largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian art at the recently opened National Gallery. Situated in Singapore’s Civic District, the Gallery consists of two national monuments, the former Supreme Court Building and City Hall, and has a combined floor area of 64,000 square metres (688,890 square feet) –
making it the largest visual arts venue in Singapore. The gallery displays art from the 19th Century to present day, with a focus on presenting the development of Singaporean and regional cultures. The result is the intricate and beautifully woven story of one nation’s melting pot of social, economic and political histories.
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DAY 1 – Ethnic neighbourhoods and the singapore botanic garden
Day 2 – Marina bay and the national gallery
Your first day in Singapore will begin with a cultural tour of the city. Explore Kampong Glam first, the home of the Malay community. Be awed by the golden dome of the Sultan’s Mosque, and the vintage shops on Haji Lane. A stop in Chinatown will follow, here you can sample the delicacies on Chinatown Food Street and discover the healing properties of Chinese medicines. Chinatown’s elaborately decorated Bhudda Tooth Relic Temple is a must see.
The morning of your second day will be spent cruising through the Marina Bay and down the Singapore River. This is the perfect way to soak in the skyline and to learn more about the city state’s foundation.
Your final cultural hub to see will be Little India, a bustling community at the heart of which lies the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, eclectically coloured and covered in beautiful Hindu carvings. Have lunch at the Banana Leaf Apolo, a traditional Indian restaurant, before heading over to the Singapore Botanic Garden for the afternoon. The UNESCO listed gardens are utterly tranquil and are home to the National Orchid Garden, the world’s largest display of the national flower of Singapore. You will have enough time to relax in your hotel later on or to sample a famous Raffles Hotel Afternoon tea before heading out to dine at Restaurant Andre, a world renowned restaurant, bringing you some of the finest haute cuisine.
That afternoon a visit to the National Gallery, which houses the world’s largest public display of modern Southeast Asian art, is a must. This is the perfect insight into the rich tapestry of cultures that makes up the city, and will certainly leave you feeling inspired. That evening we recommend you view the bright city lights with a cocktail in hand at Ce La Vi, at the top of Marina Bay Sands hotel. This is an utterly breath-taking perspective on the city. After drinks, head back to the Raffles hotel for an exquisite and innovative meal at Shinji.
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Day 3 – Orchard road and gardens by the bay For your third and final day, take the morning at leisure. Why not check out some of the fantastic shopping on Orchard Road, where you will be wowed by the wares of local and international designers? A break for lunch should be taken at a Hawker Centre, where you can sample some local delicacies and something quintessentially Singaporean. We like Lau Pa Sat, for its central location, and its impressive architecture – an octagonal shaped building, filled with ornamental columns. Spend your afternoon at Gardens by the Bay, a collection of botanical gardens housed in futuristic structures and home to some of the most stunning tropical plants. You can while away plenty of time here and should make sure to come back for dinner at Pollen, a modern restaurant with a delectable menu, which is housed inside the gardens.
Our Singapore itinerary The perfect add-on to any Southeast Asia itinerary; this is an ideal way to spend a few days discovering the beauty of Singapore…
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Singapore’s best hotels CAPELLA SINGAPORE Fall back on plush bedding and gaze out on the expansive views of the South China Sea and verdure Singapore rainforest at Sentosa Island’s Capella Resort & Spa. Here, colonial grandeur meets contemporary chic amidst 30 acres of rolling lush gardens. With a 12,000 square foot luxury spa, restaurants offering world-class cuisine, and three swimming pools to compete with the island’s three beaches, we’ll leave you with the gentle reminder that it is important (though not obligatory) to venture out and see the city sights at some point during your stay…
Location
At the end of a meandering private driveway on Singapore’s Sentosa Island, only 25 minutes from Changi Airport, the stunning architecture of the Capella Resort and Spa awaits. Sentosa’s championship two course golf club is a mere two minute drive away, with easy access to celebrated Singaporean sites such as Gardens By the Bay, The National Gallery, and Little India also at your finger tips.
Your Room
With its earthy, neutral tones and smooth teak interiors, your room will leave you calm and relaxed from the start. Wander through your walk in wardrobe, rejuvenate beneath the jets of your outdoor rainforest shower, or soak in the bubbles of your private balcony jacuzzi before you curl up on your king sized bed and take in the panoramic views of the azure South China Sea and beautifully landscaped gardens. This is the life.
Why We Like It
We love the sheer sense of space at Capella, amidst this vibrant island metropolis. From the expanse of the surrounding sea to the acres of tropical gardens, it’s hard to believe you’re only a short car journey away from the centre of one of the most bustling cities in the world. So kick back and enjoy the twinkling lights of the distant skyscrapers as you sip on a cocktail made with Capella’s very own brand of rum.
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Singapore’s best hotels THE ST.REGIS SINGAPORE Think hand cut chandeliers, marble bathrooms, and perfectly refined elegance and you won’t be far off Singapore’s St. Regis Hotel. Whether you’re letting off some steam on their indoor tennis court, cleansing your limbs in the spa’s ornate steam chamber, or taking a soak in your room’s freestanding bath, this gem of a hotel offers luxurious and unrivalled amenities only moments away from the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road.
Location
Standing proud at the heart of the city’s premier shopping district, The St. Regis is only steps away from the world-class shopping of Orchard Road and the lush greenery of UNESCO World Heritage Site Singapore Botanic Gardens. An oasis of calm and repose in the midst of Singapore, this is the ideal residence for the discerning luxury traveller; settle in, freshen up, and head for the city sights.
Your Room
With its hand-painted chinoiserie silk wallpaper and French marbled bathrooms, your room epitomises renaissance romance. Take in the city view as you recline on the Jim Thompson silk throw pillows of your king-sized bed, or seat yourself at your charmingly upholstered bay window.
Why We Like It
It never ceases to amaze how St. Regis Singapore manages to create such an ambience of peace and serenity when only minutes away from the city’s busiest shopping parade. Tucked away within manicured tropical greenery, its spa has recently been named the best in Singapore. Perhaps it’s the abundance of museum quality art that has such a soothing effect, with works by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, and Li Chen setting a backdrop for ultimate tranquillity.
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Singapore’s best hotels Raffles, Singapore Since its birth in 1887, the legendary Raffles hotel in Singapore has undergone many a make-over however it continues to reign strong as one of the world’s favoured grand-dame hotels, and rightfully so, which other hotel can boast a charming personality from each and every one of its 103 suites?
Location
Declared a national monument, Raffles Hotel Singapore is a landmark in itself. Within the hotel’s grounds, you’ll find landmarks aplenty – a museum, a shopping arcade, a Jubilee Hall and, our favourite, a Victorian style theatre. Looking a little more broadly, the hotel, set in Singapore’s business district, is in the perfect location for hopping around Singapore. Plus, arrival from the airport is a straightforward 20 minute journey.
Your Room
High ceilings, elegant period furnishings, and teakwood floorings are a standard for any suite at Raffles Hotel Singapore. From then on, suites are completely individual. The grand hotel suites are a showcase for quality antiques and artworks and are known for their character – you won’t find two pieces the same here. The Palm Court suites, on the other hand, embody simplicity and serenity.
Why We Like It
The hotel’s 55,000 plants have seriously impressed us, you could spend hours wandering through the gardens with many a secluded spot to unwind in amongst the flora. It was, however, the hotel’s attention to detail that really won us over. In keeping with the colonial charm, you’ll find a world-renowned florist and can enjoy your morning British cuppa at the Ah-Tengs Bakery.