Singapore Fling!
One Day
24 hours in Singapore, where do you start? Well, I think that’s quite an easy one. The river is the epicentre of Singapore proper, so taking a 40 minute ‘bumboat’ cruise gives you the perfect orientation, gliding past both the old and new sights of Singapore, learning more about the history and culture. You’ll start and finish in Clarke Quay, which really comes to life in the evening when the old shophouses (shops at the bottom, living quarters at the top), now open as restaurants, bars and shops. Evening cruises are also available if you land later during the day.
Following this wonderful introduction, I’d recommend building up a bit of an appetite and walking (take it easy with the humidity!) to Lau Pa Sat food market. This Grande Dame of Victorian architecture houses a fabulous array of local cuisine as once provided by the hawkers of the city; just do as the locals do and ‘chope’ a table by placing a tissue packet/business card, whatever ‘claims’ it – essential when you’re joining the fun in the CBD at lunchtime.
For the afternoon I’d suggest heading back to the civic district and up to Haji Lane and the Kampong Glam area. Kampong Glam is Singapore’s oldest urban quarter, and one of its coolest. Start at the Sultan Mosque; its gold-leafed dome making it impossible to miss. Take a good look at the base of the domes and you’ll see glass bottle ends – these are old soy sauce bottles donated by the poorest Muslims so they could contribute to the construction. You can learn more with one of the guided tours. The area is full of shophouses featuring boutiques, craft shops, perfumiers, textile shops and Haji Lane is at the heart – a colourful mural-clad alley, home to numerous watering holes and restaurants, including the rather incredible ‘Selfie Coffee’ where yes, you can have your face immortalised on your own frappe.
If you’ve only got one night in Singapore, then the world’s first Night Safari would be on my list. Take a tram ride or walk through the 35-hectare reserve, observing the nocturnal habits of the resident animals; the mission of the reserve is to protect biodiversity and the park focuses on the captive breeding of species which are threatened in their natural habitats. For all devotees of ‘The Secret Life of the Zoo’, this is the chance to see it in action!
Two Days
On your second day a more in-depth tour of one of the cultural areas should be on the cards - perhaps Chinatown, Little India or the Perankan culture in Katong. You’ll find plenty of options available and most of them will involve markets and food, so don’t eat too much breakfast!
After a morning delving into the cultural past of Singapore, bring things bang up-to-date (or even a little further into the future) with a visit to the exceptional ArtScience Museum. Located in a visually stunning building on Marina Bay Sands, the permanent exhibition Future World was an absolute highlight; effortlessly melding traditional art forms with new technology to create something I’ve never seen before. It brought out the little kids in all of us and I challenge anyone not to be mesmerised by at least one of the installations here. The tickets are on a timed basis, so pre-book for the popular afternoon slots.
Your next stop is Gardens by the Bay, the perfect tribute to Singapore’s vision to move from being a ‘Garden City’ to becoming a ‘City in a Garden’. The gardens feature biodomes with an ever-changing flower display and cloud forest but are most famous for the Super Tree Grove and Skyway – a series of ‘trees’ ranging up to 50 metres tall, man-made but with planting panels so that orchids, ferns and other suitable plants can grow on the super-structures. They look great during the day, but the real spectacle comes later, with a twice-nightly ‘Garden Rhapsody’ show of sound and lights – truly spectacular and a fitting way to end your time here.
Three Days
Lucky you! For me three days or more would depend on who you’re with. If you’re with the family, a day out on Sentosa Island would be a lot of fun, riding the luge, having a go at the high ropes or even the zipwire unless you’re a wimp like me. There’s also a Universal Studios here, so plenty to keep the kids entertained. Older ones might appreciate the beach clubs and resort feel of Sentosa.
Couples might prefer to spend their time visiting some of the art galleries or museums, such as the Asian Civilisations Museum where you’ll find out more about Sir Stamford Raffles. Speaking of whom, if you haven’t found a way to fit in a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar then now’s the time to do it! It might cost $37.50 but YOLO, right? I would also recommend a stroll around the beautiful botanic gardens. If you’re here on a weekend you’ll find half of Singapore is with you, enjoying some fresh air and exercise, visiting the national Orchid Garden, picnicking and maybe even taking in a free concert.
However long you have in Singapore, I can help you get the most out of your time there with some personal recommendations of tours, restaurants and hotels, so please get in touch to find out more.