One of Southeast Asia’s most innovative cities, lively Singapore has an intriguing history, a world-class food scene and a famously focused eye on the future. All too often a mere pause on the journey to Malaysia or Indonesia, Singapore is a fascinating destination in its own right. Whether you’re dreaming of ambling around Gardens by the Bay, touring top-notch museums, picnicking in the Singapore Botanic Gardens as a family, or filling your bags with designer pieces on Orchard Road, this fantastic city is bound to delight. Buzzing hawker centres with stalls specialising in mouth-watering family recipes, chic Michelin-recommended restaurants and glitzy hotel bars will thrill keen foodies, whilst neighbourhood tours of Chinatown or Kampong Glam offer an insight into a rich, complex past. The plethora of indulgent resorts and characterful boutique hotels in Singapore is seriously impressive, too; all the more reason to linger for longer!
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295 rooms Officially founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles on behalf of the British, Singapore has a much longer history. A trading post dating back to the 14th century, the city-state has long been a melting pot of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences. This fusion of cultures can be seen everywhere: including in the ornate temples and clan houses of Chinatown, the brightly-painted shophouses of Little India and the elegant Peranakan buildings of Emerald Hill. Delve into this particular past at the Peranakan Museum and NUS Baba House, or trace Singapore’s wider history at the National Museum and the Singapore National Gallery. The ArtScience Museum will be a sure-fire hit with the whole family.
Dubbed the ‘City in a Garden’, Singapore also prides itself on its greenery. Amble around the beautifully maintained Singapore Botanic Gardens, stroll through the lush National Orchid Garden, or tour the impressive Gardens by the Bay. Early morning or late afternoon wanders come highly recommended: Singapore is hot and humid, and there’s always space for another ice cream!
Food tops many a Singaporean visitor’s wish list. The city is filled with hawker centres, where families run stalls specialising in a single dish, and Singaporeans gather to feast throughout the day. Sample Hainanese chicken rice and fragrant laksa, sip a beer with friends, or people-watch to your heart’s content as the buzz continues into the night. This is also a city famed for its hip speakeasies and innovative Michelin-rated restaurants; well worth booking in advance.
Singapore’s CBD and neighbouring Marina Bay are the city’s swish, contemporary heart, with futuristic skyscrapers, glittering rooftop bars and world-class museums. This is a top spot for well-heeled travellers and business visitors.
Fans of designer labels and expansive malls need look no further than Orchard Road, Singapore’s famous shopping boulevard. For a more relaxed experience close to the shops, consider neighbouring Dempsey Hill, with its smart galleries and eateries.
Atmospheric Chinatown, by contrast, is home to glamorous restored shophouses, colourful temples, bustling night markets and the city’s legendary hawker centres, along with seriously cool hole-in-the-wall bars.
Kampong Glam, known for its boutiques, brunch spots and street art, was the city’s Malay and Arab Quarter, and, like Little India, it will fascinate foodies, heritage aficionados and keen vintage shoppers.
You’ll find 1930s art deco edifices aplenty in charming Tiong Bahru. Boutique boltholes sit alongside bakeries, cafes and independent bookshops, and the vibe is more laid-back.
Venture across the water to Sentosa Island — home of Universal Studios — for Singapore’s top beach clubs and family-friendly luxury resorts. You’ll be further from the city’s late-night scene, but the impressive resort facilities more than make up for it.
The city’s hotels can be broadly divided into two categories. On one hand, Singapore boasts beautiful heritage hotels, whether housed in restored shophouses or grand 19th-century buildings opened whilst the country was in British hands. Many of these have been extensively renovated to suit the contemporary traveller, whilst retaining their original charm. Shophouses, in turn, reflect the gradual gentrification of neighbourhood such as Chinatown, and feature antique furnishings, original artwork and handwoven textiles. Many have trendy cocktail bars and atmospheric Southeast Asian eateries.
The other group, also likely to boast brilliant bars and restaurants, are Singapore’s crop of stylish contemporary hotels. These are often sleek high-rises with panoramic city views, rooftop pools, well-equipped gyms and exceptional spas. In both cases, you can expect polished, friendly service and an impressive attention to detail, making Singapore an all-the-more appealing holiday destination.
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