Discova Singapore Destination Guide 2023/24

Singapore

Warmest welcome to Singapore aka Little Red Dot

The story of Singapore is one of trials, tribulations, and triumphs. In a short span of just over 50 years, this little island has evolved from a colony to a city-state with a unique identity, forged by a spirit of resilience.

My name is Angela Tan, a licensed tourist guide, and it is this spirit that drives me to showcase the architectural wonders, lush parks and gardens, proud heritage, world-class attractions, and amazing cuisine of Singapore to visitors from around the world.

Knowing that I have helped Singapore make an impact on our guests or made our visitors feel special gives me a huge sense of achievement and happiness as I look forward to welcoming my next guests.

Indian Ocean

Sumatra

MALAYSIA

INDONESIA

Singapore

Singapore doesn’t have clear cut seasons, and temperatures remain consistent year-round, hovering between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. Humidity is high and thunderstorms happen on an average of 167 days per year. In general, it’s hottest in April, coolest in January, and greenest in November.

* The actual climate in Singapore’s Regions can vary a bit.

Things to Know Singapore

5.6 million

Capital City Time Zone

Singapore

UTC +8, SGT, Singapore

Language

Malay is the national language in Singapore, but English is the lingua franca. The majority of Singaporeans speak English as a first language, generally in addition to another mother tongue of Malay, Chinese, or Tamil.

Population Currency

The official currency is the Singapore dollar. The Brunei dollar is also accepted at a 1:1 exchange rate. Some hotels and shopping centres will accept other major currencies like US and Australian dollars, Japanese yen, or the British pound. ATMs are everywhere and major credit cards are widely accepted without surcharges. Money can be changed easily at moneychangers, but also at banks, which don’t charge a service fee.

Visa

Citizens from most countries can travel to Singapore for 30 or 90 days without a visa. There are 35 countries that need to apply for a visa in advance, and 14 of these are eligible to apply for an eVisa.

Festivals

Experiencing local traditions

Chinese New Year

Mid-January / February

Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, usually falls in the middle of January, and all of Chinatown comes together for two weeks to celebrate with extravagant decorations and ornaments on houses, malls, and in the street.

The Dragon Dance and the Chingay Parade are a must-see.

Thaipusam

February

In February, the colourful Hindu festival of Thaipusam brings the streets of Little India to a standstill. The festival features a procession in which Hindu devotees carry milk pots and large kavadis elaborately decorated with peacock feathers and flowers. These kavadis are a real sight to behold, especially since many of the carriers also pierce themselves through numerous parts of the body as part of the offering. Witness the procession anywhere along the streets that run through Little India, and observe the families and friends of those taking part as they offer chants and prayers of encouragement.

“One of the best parts about Singapore are the many green spaces in and around the city. For anybody who wants to escape the concrete jungle for an afternoon, I recommend going to the MacRitchie Reservoir, Singapore’s largest nature reserve. It’s home to a vast array of birds, animals, and plants and offers plenty of beautiful hiking trails. The highlight, however, is the spectacular Tree Top Walk – a 250-metre long suspension bridge that connects the two highest points of the nature reserve and offers breathtaking views of the forest canopy and its inhabitants.”

Responsible Travel Initiatives

Carbon Impact Correction

We partnered with Path Net Zero in early 2023 in order to provide our partners with an international, certified carbon emissions calculator. We can now measure the carbon emissions of the Discova tours you book for your travellers, and find alternative, lower-impact solutions.

Social Enterprises...

...are an easy and sustainable way to give back to local communities. In Singapore, we work with a variety of social enterprises that create opportunities for disadvantaged members of the community.

Local Community

By working closely with small businesses, we support the sustainable development of the communities whilst allowing travellers to experience the local life in Singapore.

Protecting Children

The ChildSafe Movement trains individuals and organisations and provides them with the tools to protect children and youth. Your travellers can rest assured that they follow child safeguarding standards when they travel with Discova, and that all of our global staff are ChildSafe trained, from our tour guides right to our top management teams.

What to Eat

Local flavours and delights

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Singapore’s “national food”. The chicken is blanched, soaked in cold water to keep it tender, then served with rice cooked in chicken stock, ginger, and pandan for fragrance and flavour. The dish is served with a lime chilli dipping sauce.

Chilli Crab

This seafood speciality consists of steamed hard-shell crabs stir-fried in a sweet and savoury tomato-and-chilli sauce. Local variations are common — some vendors serve chilli crab with sambal sauce and egg. Order a side of bread to soak up that good gravy!

Pandan Chiffon Cake

An airy-light chiffon cake cooked with creamy coconut milk and pandan leaves, which give it a striking green colour. It’s soft, light, and perfect for breakfast or dessert. Pair it with a cup of Milo for a classic Singaporean snack.

“Bread and coffee might not seem that interesting, but kaya toast is so much more. The kaya jam is made of sweet coconut milk, egg, and pandan, then spread over toasted bread and paired with a soft-boiled egg. The combination of sweet and savoury, light and hearty is divine. Pair it with a cup of kopi, or kopi-O if you like it black. It’s the perfect breakfast.”

Explore Our Regions

SINGAPORE

City Centre

Sentosa Island

Outskirts

Singapore Strait

Batam Island

INDONESIA

Bintan Island, Riau

INDONESIA

Singapore Destination Guide

City Centre

A city famous for its innovations, lively foodie scene and blend of cultures, travellers will love the diversity Singapore’s buzzing city centre has to offer!

Johore Strait

Malaysia

Senoko Industrial St.

Sungei Kadut Industrial St.

Choa Chu Kuang

Sembawang

Lower Seletar Reservoir

Upper Pierce Reservoir

Yo Chu Kan

Singapore Little India Walking Tour Private 5

Little Red Dot Tour Private Half-Day 1

Johore Strait

Hougang

Changi Airport

Jalan Eunos St.

Singapore Night At A Glance Tour Private 2

Selat Pandan

Clementi

Queenstown

Bukit Merah

Sentosa

Sebarok Channel

A Gourmet Singapore Street Food Tour 3

Discova Hawker Food and Wine Tour Private 4

Geylang

Marina South

Singapore Strait

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

1. Little Red Dot Tour Private Half-Day

An intriguing tour of Singapore’s “Little Red Dot”, during which travellers explore its fascinating culture. Visitors start with a bumboat ride along the stunning Singapore River, stopping at Merlion Park to take pictures with the iconic statue, before continuing to the Civic District’s restored colonial buildings and famous landmarks. On Orchard Road they can shop to their heart’s content, and enjoy a relaxing stroll in the National Orchid Garden. Here, an astounding 60,000 plants, including the Vanda Miss Joaquim, Singapore’s national flower, are housed.

2. Singapore Night At A Glance Tour Private

An exciting evening tour around the city, experiencing Singapore’s renowned, vibrant nightlife. The highlight of the tour is a bumboat ride down the Singapore River from Clarke Quay to Merlion Park. Thereafter, we proceed to Long Bar in the buzzing business and financial centre of the city, Raffles Place. Our last stop will be the dazzling light show of Gardens by the Bay Conservatory and the spectacular Supertree Grove.

3. A Gourmet Singapore Street Food Tour

A gastronomic adventure through Singapore’s Chinatown. From local hawker stalls to unique dessert shops, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant mix of old and new. They can indulge in mouthwatering street food, explore lively market stalls, and savour the unique flavours that define this cultural hub. Chinatown’s culinary delights offer a mix of tradition and innovation, leaving travellers’ taste buds craving for more.

4. Discova Hawker Food and Wine Tour Private

Travellers looking for a unique and memorable way to explore Singapore’s hawker culture, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, can join our fantastic food and wine tour. They will visit three different hawker centres and sample local dishes paired with sparkling, white and red wines, learning about the unique history and evolution of hawker culture, as well as how it reflects Singapore’s rich history and identity.

The Discova Difference: Discover the very best of Chinatown’s famous street food specialities, including a Michelin street-style main course.

The Discova Difference: This tour offers a rare opportunity to experience Singapore’s hawker culture with a twist of wine pairing, enhancing the flavours and stories of the local dishes.

5. Singapore Little India Walking Tour Private

An exploration of the vibrant and diverse Little India on a tour that takes travellers to a market, a spice shop, a garland shop, a colourful villa and a Hindu temple. They’ll get to taste a delightful variety of local food and drinks, learn about the spices and flowers used in Indian culture, and experience the spirituality and beauty of the temple.

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Recommended Hotels in City Centre

CENTRAL DISTRICT

The Clan Hotel Singapore

Meaningful journeys all start somewhere. The Clan Hotel’s began with the clan associations that dot the neighbourhood, where Singapore’s forefathers helped Chinese settlers make the land their own. The impressive 5-star hotel offers a fitness centre, terrace, a restaurant and bar, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. The property is a short walk from Chinatown Heritage Centre and the city centre.

CENTRAL DISTRICT

Carlton Hotel Singapore

Carlton Hotel offers 940 elegantly designed spacious rooms and is strategically located in the heart of Business District. A warm welcome and cosmopolitan facilities like the Executive Club Lounge, two restaurants, a patisserie, gym and pool, as well as 13 outstanding functions rooms at reach, create seamless and enjoyable stays for all guests.

CENTRAL DISTRICT

The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore

A harmonious blend of timeless heritage and modern luxury, the 155-room Capitol Kempinski Hotel follows years of restoration, bringing out the best of the neoclassicalstyle Capitol Building (1933) and Venetian Renaissance-style Stamford House (1904). Today, the hotel has pride of place in an integrated lifestyle complex, with close proximity to Singapore’s top attractions.

Oasia Downtown Hotel Singapore

Designed by noted architecture firm WOHA, the 27-storey 314-room Oasia Hotel Downtown is a breath of fresh air and welcomed greenery in Singapore’s Central Business District. A true respite in the city, the tropical skyscraper is refreshingly sleek inside, thanks to the modern functionalist style of architect and renowned designer, Patricia Urquiola.

CENTRAL DISTRICT

Pollen Singapore, Singapore

Outskirts

Beyond the glossy centre, Singapore offers unique cultural and craft discoveries. Clementi

Woodlands

Senoko Industrial St.

Sungei Kadut Industrial St.

Upper Pierce Reservoir Hougang

Jalam Kayu Yo Chu Kan

Selat Pandan

Lower Seletar Reservoir

Bukit Panjang Geylang

Singapore Seletar Airport

Mount Faber Trails and Garden Tea Private Tour 3 Sentosa

Singapore Strait

Johore Strait

Malaysia

Strait

1. Uncut Singapore 9am Tour Private

Uncover the hidden treasures of Singapore as we delve beneath the surface of this vibrant nation. Guests join us on a unique walking experience to Jalan Besar, where the uncut version of Singapore awaits. They’ll explore the clash of old and new, discover heritage sites, cultural gems, and local lifestyles. Here they’ll immerse themselves in the stories of migrant workers, engage with the lesser-known industries, and visit places of worship that serve as social hubs.

2. Street Art and Graffiti Tour Private

Invite your travellers into the vibrant world of Kampong Glam, with its bright fabrics, Persian rugs and gemstones. Together we explore the rich history of the “Arab Kampong”, hear stories of a pioneering Arab family with their own MRT station and catch the aroma of freshly roasted coffee while passing popular cafes. Your clients can also encounter one of Singapore’s last traditional barbers and unleash their artistic side in a legal and approved graffiti workshop, guided by a street art artist.

The Discova Difference: A privileged exploration beyond Singapore’s glitz and glamour with Discova.

The Discova Difference: Encourage their creativity with Discova’s exclusive graffiti class in Kampong Glam, guided by a skilled street-art artist.

3. Mount Faber Trails and Garden Tea Private Tour

A rewarding 3.5-hour hike through Singapore’s natural beauty, starting from Mount Faber, with stunning city and Sentosa Island views along the way. Visitors explore the simple trails, marvel at futuristic architecture like Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch, and conclude at a scenic park popular among locals. Here they can relax and savour a packed morning tea and meal, before wrapping up the excursion at Labrador Park.

4. Kueh Kueh Walking Tour

This tour invites travellers to discover the variety and history of kueh, a traditional Southeast Asian snack made from rice flour and coconut milk. They will get to try different kinds of kueh, such as putu piring, a steamed rice cake with palm sugar filling, and learn how to make their own popiah, a Chinese spring roll. During this delightful learning experience, they will hear insider stories of the origins of the Peranakan history and adaptations of the snacks.

The Discova Difference: Follow Discova to uncover the natural and manmade wonders along the trails of Mount Faber, a popular hiking and exercise spot often overlooked by Singapore’s visitors.

The Discova Difference: Travellers explore the diversity and history of the city and its outskirts through traditional Southeast Asian snacks.

5. Vanishing Craftsmen Walking Tour

This tour aims to preserve and highlight the vanishing craftsmen of Singapore, who represent the culture, skills and memories of the early pioneers. Your travellers will get to meet the personalities behind unique trades, taste local dishes that are slowly disappearing, and experience the contrast of the old and new in this rapidly-modernising city.

Kampong Glam, Singapore

The Discova Difference: Experience the fading heritage of Singapore through its craftsmen, cuisine and cityscape.

Destination Guide

Singapore

Recommended Hotels in Outskirt

CENTRAL DISTRICT

Park Regis Singapore

Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa offers a unique concept with stylish interior design in 27 hectares of land and lagoon. Each villa and bungalow has its own private sundeck and balcony with views of the lagoon or private garden. The resort’s highlight is its over-water bungalows, the first of its kind in Vietnam. Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa also offers a wellness experience.

CENTRAL DISTRICT

Goodwood Park Hotel

Built in 1900, Goodwood Park Hotel is Singapore’s iconic heritage hotel, with its impressive Grand Tower gazetted a national monument in 1989. Uniquely sited on a landscaped hillock in the shopping and lifestyle hub of Orchard and Scotts Road, the hotel has 233 elegantly appointed guest rooms with contemporary amenities, two swimming pools, fitness centre, five distinctive restaurants and a deli. A unique resort-style experience awaits in this urban sanctuary steeped in old-world charm.

Clarke Quay, Singapore

Sentosa Island

Where nature and entertainment meet, Sentosa Island has a little bit of everything for curious learners.

Brani Island

Sentosa Island

1. Universal Studios Free & Easy Tour

Universal Studios Singapore is Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park. Immerse your clients in the storytelling of Hollywood as they’re transported by adrenaline-pumping rides, interactive shows and a wide variety of exciting attractions based on blockbuster movies and popular television series.

2. S.E.A Aquarium Free and Easy With One-Way Transfer

The S.E.A. Aquarium is home to over 100,000 marine animals and 800 species, including a thriving shipwreck habitat, nurturing grounds for fish, mangrove tree roots teeming with diverse species, and encounters with endangered shark species like the hammerhead and silvertip, offering a truly unforgettable experience of the wonders beneath the ocean.

3. Walk Down the History of Sentosa with Nature

Travellers discover the hidden beauty and fascinating history of Sentosa with this adventurous hike along Mount Imbiah Trail and a thrilling visit to Fort Siloso. Here they’ll marvel at the stunning views from the Skywalk, a treetop walkway that overlooks the city and the sea, hear the stories and relics of Singapore’s coastal defence and WWII history at Fort Siloso, and witness the scenes of two historic surrenders.

4. Sentosa Perfume Making Class

Give them something distinctive with an experience of the magical perfume world, exploring a dazzling array of exotic and rare scent ingredients, including orchid fragrance oils from around Asia. Your clients can create their very own 100ml signature scent that reflects their personality and style. This is unique and fun activity will awaken their senses and unleash their creativity.

Destination Guide

Singapore

Recommended Hotels in Sentosa Island

SENTOSA ISLAND

Hard Rock Hotel

Featuring decor inspired by rock and roll culture nestled within tropical landscaping, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore is situated within Resorts World Sentosa. Guests of the hotel enjoy access to the free-form swimming pool over a sandy man-made beach equipped with poolside cabanas. The hotel also boasts a beach volleyball court, 30 function rooms and a 24-hour fitness centre.

SENTOSA ISLAND

Equarius Hotel

Situated within Resorts World Sentosa, the luxurious Equarius Hotel provides spacious air-conditioned guestrooms with an iHome system and private balcony. Guests can rise in the morning to magnificent views of forest or ocean from their room balcony, before heading out on the nearby nature hikes or to experience the thrills of the resort’s most popular attractions.

SENTOSA ISLAND

Village Hotel Sentosa

Village Hotel Sentosa offers a fun and vibrant stay for families and urban explorers. This family-friendly hotel’s 606 sun-washed hues rooms reflect the natural surroundings and the sea. Offering a host of services and amenities tailor-made to put children at the centre of any vacation, from the four thematic pools to the carnival-like welcome at the lobby featuring a Village Cart offering local sweets and snacks, and a Mini Hotelier experience, guests can look forward to a slew of fun or head out for an adventure as the hotel is just minutes away from Singapore’s best family-friendly and the island’s latest attractions.

Oasia Resort Sentosa

Oasia Resort Sentosa welcomes guests to a rejuvenating retreat to refresh, recharge and refuel. The resort’s 191 suites and rooms are spread across the Wellness Sanctuary, a three-storey heritage building and the Palawan Wing, a contemporary six-storey annexe. Nestled within the resort is the award-winning Oasia Spa, a sanctuary of healing and relaxation with Asianinspired signature treatments. Tailored to the traveller who values wellness and a well-balanced lifestyle, guests can participate in various wellness and fitness activities, from sunrise Qi-Gong, sunset Yoga, Aqua Zumba classes, to wellness workshops where guests learn about sustainability, healthy living, urban farming and self-care tips. SENTOSA

Riau (Indonesia)

Enhance your travellers stay in Singapore with an extension to beautiful Riau, where incredible fauna and flora and an intriguing history tour await.

Batam Highlights Tour of Culture, Nature and History 2

SINGAPORE

Sentosa

Batam Island

INDONESIA

Mangrove Planting Give Back Project 1

Bintan Island, Riau

INDONESIA

Rempang Island

Galang Island

Bintan, Riau, Indonesia

1. Mangrove Planting Give Back Project

An incredibly rewarding and ecofriendly activity in a mangrove nursery in a nearby village of Riau. Here, visitors can plant mangrove plants along the coast, while learning about the importance of these habitats for biodiversity and coastal protection. They can also interact with the local community and listen to stories about how they collaborate to protect and restore the mangrove forests.

2. Batam Highlights Tour of Culture, Nature and History

Travellers discover the best of Batam in one day with this tour that combines culture, nature and history. They will marvel at the Batam Monument and the Duta Maitreya Temple, learn about the bird nest delicacy, cross the scenic Barelang Bridge and visit the historical Camp Vietnam. Afterwards, they can look forward to a tasty lunch and relaxation at Vio Vio or Glory Melur Beach.

Recommended Hotels in Bintan, Indonesia

Banyan Tree Bintan

Just a 55-minute ride via highspeed catamaran from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Banyan Tree Bintan presents sublime resort living, idyllic environs, a myriad of recreational and leisure facilities, an award-winning spa, tasteful dining opportunities and a Sanctuary for the Senses. It is the island’s only all-pool, all-villa resort, featuring a collection of Indonesian-styled villas with spectacular views of the South China Sea.

Cassia Bintan

Guests of Cassia Bintan can expect fun, indulgent beachfront living by the South China Sea. They can choose to be served by the friendly crew, or whip up their own delish meals in the serviced apartments’ chef-perfect kitchens. They can chill and hang out with other guests at Meeting Point Cassia Bintan, the newest addition to the exclusive Laguna Bintan Integrated Resort that offers extended facilities, including indulgent spas and an 18-hole golf course.

Singapore

An unforgettable 4-day discovery of the best of Singapore

SINGAPORE

Singapore is a small island nation that packs a big punch. It’s a diverse and vibrant place where different cultures, cuisines and religions coexist harmoniously. Beyond the skyscrapers and shopping malls, Singapore has a rich history and heritage that can be discovered in its hidden gems, such as its ethnic enclaves, nature reserves and museums.

Immersion in the vibrant city lifestyle of Singapore, whether it’s through its rich culture, tantalising food, or indulging in a refreshing Singapore Sling.

An off-the-beaten-path tour to experience the authentic daily life of locals, discovering the scenic Mount Faber Park, diverse minority cultures, and the vibrant community of foreign blue-collar workers.

Exploration of must-visit attractions like Universal Studios Singapore (USS) and the S.E.A Aquarium in Sentosa.

Woodlands

Changi

Bukit Batok

Singapore

Singapore River

Marina Bay Sands

Sentosa Island

Little India

Day 1

Guests embark on a captivating evening tour, cruising along the picturesque Singapore River on a bumboat, followed by watching the Garden Rhapsody Show – a magical and fitting way to begin a discovery of Singapore.

Day 2

Day two marks an immersion in the vibrant atmosphere of Little India during a delightful walking tour. Travellers will indulge in exotic culinary delights and experience the area’s cultural diversity with a taste of local cuisine and the opportunity to get a temporary hand tattoo. In the evening, they venture to Chinatown, where they will stroll amidst beautiful murals that depict the rich history of Singapore. Later, they can head to Marina Bay Sands to witness the awe-inspiring Water and Light Show, concluding their day on a memorable note.

Day 3

Your travellers embark on an exclusive journey with a specialist guide, revealing the hidden gems and lesser-known aspects of Singapore. Together they explore the charming older neighbourhoods of the city and observe disappearing handicrafts, gaining unique insights into the cultural heritage of the country.

Day 4

On the final day, your clients can choose a thrilling adventure on Sentosa Island, a haven for family fun, or delve into the lesserexplored historical side of Sentosa for a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.

Goodwood Park Hotel CENTRAL DISTRICT

Incentive Travel & Corporate Retreats

Known for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, world-class facilities, and diverse range of activities, Singapore has become a preferred destination for incentive travel and corporate retreats.

World-Class Accommodation

Singapore provides a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to boutique resorts and serviced apartments. Many of these venues offer stateof-the-art facilities and breathtaking views, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay for participants. The iconic Marina Bay Sands, the legendary heritage Raffles Hotel Singapore, the tranquil escape in the heart of the city, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, are but a start to the exceptional stays available here.

Diverse Activities and Experiences

Singapore offers an array of activities and experiences that cater to diverse interests. Participants can explore iconic, innovative landmarks of Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, experience the vibrant cultural districts of Chinatown and Little India, or enjoy thrilling adventures at Sentosa Island. Team-building activities such as cooking classes, scavenger hunts, and outdoor challenges can also be incorporated to promote collaboration and camaraderie among employees.

Professional Development Opportunities

In addition to team building and networking opportunities, corporate retreats in Singapore can incorporate professional development elements such as workshops, keynote speeches, and industry-specific conferences. Participants can gain insights from renowned experts and thought leaders, enhancing their skills and knowledge.

Educational Opportunities

We ensure our innovative range of themed programs and educational tours for adults and students make a positive impact and provide opportunities for inspiration, exploration and learning.

Kok Fah Technology Farm (KFTF)

KFTF is a leading agricultural company that uses hightech machinery, equipment and systems to produce fresh and quality local leafy vegetables. KFTF also follows the cold chain process to ensure the best delivery to its customers. KFTF is a fantastic place for educational tour as it showcases some of the world’s most advanced technologies and processes in the agricultural industry.

NEWater Visitor Centre

At NEWater Visitor Centre, newcomers can learn about water sustainability and the incredible NEWater production in Singapore. The centre features interactive tours and workshops that let visitors experience the water treatment process, explore the Waterwise Arcade, and discover exceptional water-cleaning technologies.

SG Mobility Gallery

The SG Mobility Gallery gives curious travellers insight into how Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) designs the city’s land transport system with efficiency, liveability and inclusivity in mind. It has interactive and multi-sensory exhibits that give visitors unique opportunities to plan a transport network and train as public transport workers using AR and VR technologies.

High Tech and Quality Institutions and Factory Visit

An opportunity for visiting students to learn from and interact with some of the top educational institutions in Asia, like the National University of Singapore and Republic Polytechnic. These renowned educational institutions welcome international students and offer a wide range of courses and activities, including a visit to high tech factory in Singapore.