Singapore Destination Guide
Singapore Holidays »
Singapore, lah! This modern city-state is small in stature but packs a punch on the holiday front, with a magnetic urban environment and old-world Asian charm. The four official languages of Singapore reflect its diversity: English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. It's a little cultural microcosm of Asia.
There are more than five million in this city state – which includes 63 islands – at the tip of the Malay Peninsula. Yet, the streets are clean, the buildings gleam and traffic jams are non-existent.
More than 50 per cent of its area is parks and this 'garden city' is known for its top shopping and fine food. When the bright lights of Marina Bay come calling, there’s little sense in resisting the lure of one of Asia’s most glamorous cities.
Dance to the Singapore beat at…
- Zouk: Singapore’s world-famous nightclub
- Home Club – attracts UK dance DJs
- Butter Factory – best for hip-hop
Top Attractions »
Boasting plenty of high-quality restaurants, trendy new nightclubs and a stunning water-lined location, there’s so much to see and do in Singapore you won’t know where to start! The landscaped, cage-free Singapore Zoo is a premier attraction, famed as one of the prettiest zoos in the world.
Those visitors who don't have the zoo on their list of things to do in Singapore may well be planning to shop. Orchard Road is comparable with New York's Fifth Avenue or Tokyo's Ginza when it comes to retail therapy.
Universal Studios Singapore, the Botanic Gardens and Sentosa Island all ensure there’s no shortage of familiar sights to enjoy in the ever-changing Lion City.
Sample the sights from…
- Singapore Flyer (bird’s-eye aerial views)
- Botanic Gardens (the city’s green lungs)
- Singapore Zoo (for a unique Night Safari)
Eat and Drink »
Singapore does more than a 'Singapore Sling', but the iconic tipple should still find a plus on your must-try list. Singapore restaurants are famed for their fare. A blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Western influences make for gastronomic treats. Being a maritime city, Singapore also does seafood well and its most famous dish is probably chilli crab.
You can find Michelin-starred tapas at 'Esquina', and a fun crowd at The Cufflink Club, while fine dining at a modest price can be enjoyed at The Clan Restaurant. If you want to try a bit of everything cheaply under one roof, your best bet is to find a 'hawker centre', where you can get a hearty meal for a few dollars. Be sure to try the Tian Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre!
Treat your tastebuds to…
- Kaya toast and eggs from a kopitiam
- Tasty hawker food at Maxwell Road
- Chilli crab cooked Singaporean style
Where to Stay »
There's always a high season here, so booking Singapore accommodation well in advance is advisable. The high turnover of business guests means this can be a tough town if you're looking for budget properties, but they do exist; primarily in Little India, Bugis and Clarke Quay.
Mid-range hotels cluster near the western end of the Singapore River and you'll find a few boutique properties in Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar too. The most choice exists at the luxury end of the spectrum - anyone who's anyone has heard of Raffles Hotel. If you're on a romantic break or are looking for a family-friendly resort, you might like to try Sentosa Island.
Sleep somewhere unique...
- Kam Leng Hotel for old world Singapore
- The Scarlet Hotel – Singapore’s first boutique hotel
- Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island
Shopping »
What's not to buy here? Shopping in Singapore is almost a national pastime. Ann Siang Road is a designer fashion hub saturated with patisseries and niche bookshops. Little India draws a mixed crowd (and includes the shopping hot spot Mustafa Centre), while Singapore's Chinatown is one of Asia's most dynamic.
For a choice of more than 300 high fashion stores and restaurants, ION Orchard is where it's at. Haji Lane is a vintage-lover's dream, but the mother of all Singapore shopping is to be had on Orchard Road – a meticulously landscaped 2.2-kilometres of six department stores, 22 malls and close to 5,000 brands.
Stuff your suitcase with souvenirs from…
- Orchard Road’s boutique stores
- Tiny backstreet shops in Chinatown
- Hip fashion boutiques on Haji Lane
Singapore like a Local
Singapore events pop up throughout the year, so consider timing your trip to celebrate with the locals. Marina Bay lights up for the annual Singapore Formula One Grand Prix, while the Singapore Food Festival tempts epicureans with its delectable delights.
If you're invited to a Singaporean's home, be sure to take off your shoes before entering. When choosing an appropriate gift, keep in mind that white flowers are usually reserved for funerals and clocks also bear bad symbolic connotations. Most Singaporeans speak more than one language, but you will find Mandarin the most widely spoken.
Time your visit for local events...
- Chinese New Year – late January
- Singapore Arts Festival – May
- Deepavali – November held Hindu festival
Insider tips...
- Always pack an umbrella in your day pack in case of tropical showers and some tissues – you won’t find many napkins at food stalls
- The retail day doesn’t start until 11am but the best time to shop is in the evening when the temperature has dropped and the main shopping strips such as Orchard Road are still buzzing. Most shops don’t close until 10pm.
- Tourists can claim a refund on the 7 per cent Goods and Services Tax on purchases above SGD$100 at the departure hall of Changi Airport within two months from the date of purchase
