your essential singapore guide
SHOPPING | DINING | NIGHTLIFE | WELLNESS | ATTRACTIONS
Come Feel the Excitement!
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Nestled amongst the steel and glass is a vibrant living culture. Lion dance troupes performing streets away from kompang drummers. The strains of a Chinese Erhu fitting in perfectly with the buzz of a modern train station. Where old customs of pounding spices, herbal remedies and batik wear are very much alive. In this city of tomorrow, you never have to look far to see the past, present and future in one day. Discover this Singapore or make one of your own at YourSingapore.com
elcome to Singapore. We’re thrilled to have you here. Are you excited? You certainly should be. After all, Singapore is a vibrant, exciting city that has seen its fair share of breathtaking new developments in the past 12 months. And the next 12 promise even more dynamic new venues and events in this high-tech, low-stress metropolis. Last year saw the successful completion of our Integrated Resorts, Marina Bay Sands® and Resorts World™ Sentosa; these two resorts have given Singapore’s leisure and nightlife scene a real boost with their host of celebrity-chef restaurants, nightclubs, hotels and
amusement parks. In fact, the 3.5-kilometre Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade which fronts the Marina Bay Sands‰ has today become a stunning vantage point to catch the gleaming sights (and new establishments) dotting the picturesque Marina Bay. The compact nature of the city, with exciting places and spaces concentrated in distinct districts all linked by an efficient public transport system, makes exploring the city a breeze. We’ve packed this guide with full of things to do, places to visit and meals you absolutely can’t miss, and done so in a way that you can create a Singapore experience to call your own. You’re in for a truly unforgettable experience, be it at one of
the city’s nightlife haunts, thriving hawker centres, most interesting historical venues, or exploring the best places to get up close with nature, have fun with the family and, of course, shop, no matter what your taste and budget. Like the city itself, this guide is designed with you in mind. But that’s not all; Singapore is fast becoming the region’s most important events capital and cultural hub. Barely a week goes by without a concert from a musical superstar, a new exhibition from some of the biggest names in art, or a cultural celebration of some kind; and the city also now plays host to some truly worldclass sporting events. You’ll never run out of things to do in Your Singapore.
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YOUR ESSENTIAL SINGAPORE GUIDE 2011
CONTENTS
53
ITINERARIES
ISLAND 04 ORIENTATION 05
Historical monuments.
56 Orchard Road Shoppers’ paradise.
Singapore’s illustrious past.
All you need to know about money matters, hotel reservations and more.
58 Singapore River A lively artery.
08 Getting Around
60 Chinatown
How to navigate your way through the city.
Discover Chinese heritage.
62 Little India
10 Necessary Numbers
Colourful sights and sounds.
Just in case, these are the numbers you may need.
64 Kampong Glam
Ancient seat of Malay royalty.
66 East Coast Park
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YOUR SINGAPORE
& Katong
Seaside pleasures.
14 Dining
Singapore’s filled with a plethora of restaurants and hawker centres that offer different dining experiences.
20 Nightlife Forget about hitting the sack and check out Singapore’s bustling nightlife instead.
Get out and about and explore Singapore’s great outdoors.
94 Coming Soon
Upcoming attractions.
89 Map
Navigating the city.
70 Marina Bay Sands An exciting complex.
72 Sentosa
Asia’s favourite playground.
74 Resorts World Family fun.
76 Architectural Tour Varied building styles.
46 Shopping
Learn about Singapore’s history and multicultural traditions.
This year’s key highlights.
Breathtaking waterfront.
28 Fun
34 Culture and Heritage
80 Calendar
68 Marina Bay
Sentosa
Singapore offers visitors serious retail therapy with its countless shopping options.
78 Off The Beaten Track
Discover hidden gems.
79 Cruise Centre
Quick stopover itinerary.
STB is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of this publication and shall not be liable for any damage, loss, injury or inconvenience arising from or in connection with the content of this publication. You should verify or seek clarification from the individual third parties referred to in this publication.
asia city Media group REGIONAL DIRECTOR, VISITORS MEDIA Celeste Tan COUNTRY MANAGER Andrew Hiransomboon acMg | EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR Ric Stockfis GUIDE EDITOR Ramesh William GUIDE WRITERS Jalean Wong, Kurt Ganapathy, Nur Hidayah Salamat, Zaki Jufri, Zul Andra acMg | PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER Anna Ng ART DIRECTOR Intan Agustina GUIDE DESIGNERS Fenny, Karnika Danhar, Tetuko Hanggoro Prasetyowibowo
40 Nature
Get up close with nature. BM 001 05 11 00
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54 The Civic District
Singapore History
06 Essential Info
CALENDAR
acMG | ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Stephen Lye MEDIA SALES MANAGER Nadine Wang ASSISTANT SALES MANAGER Thila Chandra SENIOR ACCOUNTANT Mila Setiawati ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT Jonathan Quek Group Directors CHIEF executive OFFICER Gretchen Worth CHIEF operating OFFICER Steve Freeman group digital director Greg Duncan CHIEF Financial OFFICER Henry Leung Group PRODUCT Director DIGITAL MEDIA Jane Bay
email asia city staff at: where@asia‑city.com.sg For general enquiries, contact the Singapore Tourism Board Tourism Court, 1 Orchard Spring Lane Singapore 247729 Tel: H (65) 6736 6622 Fax: (65) 6736 9423 Touristline: H 1800 736 2000 (toll‑free in Singapore) or H (65) 6736 2000 (outside Singapore) yoursingapore.com
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ISLAND ORIENTATION We’ve packed as much information into this section to make your stay as enjoyable as possible and your activities seamless. We’ll show you the ins and outs of navigating the city, provide useful numbers and handy tips. And to start things off, a bit of history on the place we call Singapore.
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ounded as a British trading settlement in 1819, Singapore attained independence only in 1965. Yet its history stretches as far back as the second century AD when it first appeared in the renowned Greek polymath Ptolemy’s seminal map, Geographia. Over the next millennia, its fortunes were tied to the neighbouring Hindu kingdoms of Sumatra and Java. But hardly anything was written about this island then and it only “re-emerged” in the 14th century under the name Temasek, or Sea Town. This new identity soon changed when a Sumatran king, Sang Nila Utama, spotted what he thought was a lion on Temasek’s shores and duly christened it “Singapura.” (In Sanskrit “Singa” means lion and “pura” city.) By the early 19th century, the British were looking for a trading settlement in the region to counterbalance the influence
of the Dutch, and under the stewardship of Sir Stamford Raffles, a reputable colonial administrator, they formally set up one on Singapore’s shores on 6 February 1819. Raffles established a free port and soon the new colony attracted merchants from all over Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Within five years the population grew from 150 to 10,000, consisting mainly of Chinese, Malays and Indians - which continue to be the three main ethnic groups in Singapore today. When the Suez Canal opened in 1869, trade increased substantially between Singapore and the West, making the island very prosperous. This prosperity rose unchecked until the Second World War when, in 1942, Singapore fell to the Japanese. After three years of occupation, stirrings of nationalism rose and the cries for independence from Great Britain grew
ISLAND ORIENTATION
Singapore History
louder. Singapore obtained self-government in 1959 before forming a union with Malaya to form Malaysia in 1963. However this lasted a mere two years as, on 9 August, 1965, Singapore left Malaysia to become a fully independent nation. In the years since, Singapore has gone from a rural- and manufacturing-based economy to a knowledgebased first world economy. Today, it constantly ranks among the world’s most liveable cities, with people from across the world attracted to the wonderful contrast between the modern dynamic metropolis and the legacies of history all around them.
Image Courtesy of Nationa l Heritage Board
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ISLAND ORIENTATION
Postal services If you need to mail anything out of Singapore while you’re here, your best bet is to do it via SingPost. For general enquiries, call 1605; but if you need to mail a registered article, call (65) 68412000 (general enquiries and ask to be transferred) or call the Speedpost hotline at 1800-222-5777.
Lost/stolen property
Money matters
Drinking water
The currency in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (S$). Money changing services can be found at many shopping centres and hotels around the island, and the ATMs (generally open 24/7) accept most of the main credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
Tap water in Singapore is perfectly safe to drink.
Electricity and voltage
Cell phone usage
The voltage used is 220240AC, 50 hertz. The plug sockets tend to accept 3-pronged pins more often than not, but adapters are cheap and easy to buy.
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Weather Singapore’s weather is hot and humid, with little variation throughout the year. The average daytime temperature is 31°C (88°F), dropping to around 24°C (75°F) at night. So, dress accordingly.
Singapore’s international dialing code is +65. While in Singapore and if you have international roaming on your cell phone, you don’t have to press +65 as it will
automatically connect you to the local numbers here.
Hotel reservations and accommodation Upon arrival at the airport, please visit its 24-hour hotel reservations counters, which can help get you a room in your preferred hotel. Payment for the first night is required upon confirmation. Terminal 1: (65) 65426966 Terminal 2: (65) 65450318 Terminal 3: (65) 65420442.
If you lose any valuables during your stay, call the Tanglin Divisional Headquarters (21 Kampong Java Road, (65) 63910000 or 1800-391-0000) to report the incident. Should you happen to lose a credit card, call the card companies (see page 10).
Lost passport/ Singapore Immigration Services Should you lose your passport, we suggest you make a police report, then head to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (10 Kallang Road, (65) 6391-6100) to get a temporary visa. Finally, inform your respective embassy so that you can get through customs when you reach home (list of useful numbers is on page 10).
If you are a smoker, you will have to resist the urge to light up in air-conditioned areas such as shopping centres, restaurants, entertainment outlets and cinemas. Smoking is also an offence in public buses, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) trains, taxis and lifts. A maximum fine of S$1,000 can be imposed on first-time offenders. A general rule of thumb is that if there’s an ashtray supplied, go for it.
Tipping Tipping is not a common practice in Singapore as most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge in the final bill. While tipping is not expected, it is appreciated, be it in restaurants where there is no service charge, or anywhere where excellent service is encountered.
Airport Tax A passenger service charge of S$21 should be incorporated in the air ticket (including tickets issued outside of Singapore). If this has not been done, you may be required to pay the S$21 during check-in. In certain cases, airlines may absorb the service charge. Passengers who are in transit for less than 24 hours may leave the
airport without having to pay the service charge upon departure from Singapore.
Shop Tax Free in Singapore As a visitor to Singapore, you are entitled to get the full refund of the 7 percent Goods & Services Tax (GST)* that you paid on your goods that you are taking home. Here’s how: There are two service providers in Singapore processing GST refunds, Global Blue and Premier Tax Free. Shop where you see the signs “Global Blue Tax Free” or “Premier Tax Free” and ask the salesperson for a Global Blue Tax Refund Cheque or a Premier Refund Voucher when you make a purchase of S$100 and above. When leaving Singapore, simply show your vouchers or cheques with your purchases, receipts and passport to the Customs officer at the GST Refund Inspection Counter.
ISLAND ORIENTATION
Essential Info
Smoking
*Small handling fee applies.
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Buses
Taxis
Public buses can bring you to practically every corner of the island, and this is a cheap way to get around. For more information on bus routes and related enquiries, call the TransitLink Hotline at 1800225-5663. Alternatively, log on to www.sbstransit.com.sg or www.transitlink.com.sg.
There are currently four major taxi companies in the city: Comfort and CityCab, (65) 6552-1111; Premier Taxis, (65) 6363-6888; and SMRT Taxis, (65) 6555-8888. The starting fare is between S$2.80 and S$3.20, but extra charges are imposed for advanced bookings or certain peak hours. A nifty little trick is to dial 6-DialCab at (65) 6342-5222 - a service that will automatically route your call to the first company with an available taxi.
ISLAND ORIENTATION
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Singapore’s world-class train system is known as the MRT. Trains are comfortable, clean and run punctually from about 6am-midnight. Fares start from S$1.00 (70 cents with EZ-Link Card) and tickets can be purchased at all MRT stations (See facing page for train routes). Further information on train routes and related enquiries can be found by calling the TransitLink Hotline 1800-225-5663 or by logging on to www.smrtcorp.com.
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For some slightly more exotic ways of getting around, check out these suggestions:
Hippo Bus This fun ride offers visitors the Singapore Sightseeing Pass, which allows for hop-on, hop-off tours of the city over the course of one full day. Day and night tours are available daily from 10am-10pm, with the last bus starting at 6pm. To get your pass, visit the Singapore Visitors
MRT System map
ISLAND ORIENTATION
Getting Around
Centre @ ION Orchard or The Animal Farm @ Orchard. Alternatively, call the Hippo Bus hotline at (65) 63386877 for more info.
River Taxis For a different approach to exploring the island, try one of the river taxis. Singapore River Cruise ( (65) 6336-6111) operates daily from 9am-11pm - with the last trip leaving at 10:30pm. Also available is DUCKTours’ HiPPO River Cruise ( (65) 6338-6877) which operates daily from 10am10:30pm (last trip 9:30pm.)
Trishaws Trishaws allow you to enter an era of old-world charm - a bygone time when life wasn’t such a rush. They can be found in a variety of locations - mainly in the Bugis area, the junction of Waterloo and Albert Streets and around Chinatown, Raffles Hotel and Little India. Agree on the fare before hopping aboard.
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ISLAND ORIENTATION
Singapore Visitors Centres If you’re looking for anything and everything to do in Singapore - be it sightseeing, shopping or eating - just drop by any of the Singapore Visitors Centres for advice on your itinerary. • Singapore Visitors Centre @ Changi Singapore Changi Airport, Arrival Hall, Terminal 1 and 2 Open daily 6am-12am; Terminal 3 open daily 6am-2am.
• Singapore Visitors Centre @ Bugis Street (Along Cheng Yan Place, next to Iluma Shopping Centre), Open daily 11am-10pm • Singapore Visitors Centre @ Orchard (Junction of Cairnhill Road and Orchard Road), Open daily 9:30am-10:30pm • Singapore Visitors Centre @ ION Orchard Level 1, Concierge, Open daily 10am-10pm Alternatively, you can also call the toll-free Touristline at 1800-736-2000, (65) 67362000 (for overseas) between 8am-7pm daily for more information or suggestions.
> EZ-Link • If you’re going to be in Singapore for a few days, then you really should get the EZ-Link card, which is a tap-and-go stored value ticket used on buses and MRT trains. The card is valued at S$15; S$10 is the stored amount in the card and S$5 is the nonrefundable cost of the card, which you get to keep as a memento of your time here.
Free Wi-Fi in Public Areas • Visitors can enjoy free wireless broadband access in Singapore by signing up for Wireless@SG. Users can enjoy free wireless broadband access with speeds of up to 512kbps at most public areas. To connect to the Wireless@SG network, a user just needs a WiFi-enabled device and a registered Wireless@ SG account. Find out more about accessing the Wireless@SG network at wireless.infocomm123.sg.
Necessary Numbers Just in case, these are the numbers you may need: Emergency Police...........................................999 Ambulance...............................995 Fire Brigade..............................995 Flight Information......................... .............................1800-542-4422 Medical services Raffles Hospital (585 North Bridge Road) (65) 6311-1111 Singapore General Hospital (Outram Road) (65) 6222-3322 Gleneagles Hospital (6A Napier Road) (65) 6473-7222
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Credit cards American Express......................... ...............................1800-737-8188 JCB.....................1800-734-0096 Diners................1800-292-7055 Visa.......................800-448-1250 MasterCard..........800-110-0113 Foreign embassies Australia (25 Napier Road)...... .............................(65) 6836-4100 Canada (1 George Street)......... ............................(65) 6854-5900 PRC (150 Tanglin Road)............. .............................(65) 6734-4737 France (101 Cluny Park Road). ............................(65) 6880-7800
Germany (50 Raffles Place).... ............................(65) 6533-6002 Indonesia (7 Chatsworth Road)................................................... ..............................(65) 6737-7442 UK (100 Tanglin Road).............. ........................... (65) 6424-4200 USA (27 Napier Road)................ .............................(65) 6476-9100 An extensive list of all embassies in Singapore can be found at: www.embassiesabroad.com/ embassies-in/Singapore
If you're looking to laugh, squeal, giggle and splash, there's no easier place to do it, than in a funtastic Singapore built around you. Jam-packed with everything from space-age rollercoasters to tropical bird parks, magical resorts to rainbow- coloured aquariums, zoo to the Night Safari. It's an island
Directory enquiry, visit the website at www.yellowpages.com.sg
alive with gazillions of fun things to do. Discover this Singapore or make one of your own at YourSingapore.com
YOUR SINGAPORE We know, and love, our city and we want you to enjoy and savour its many unique gems and highlights. The needs of travellers are diverse and various, so we’ve packed in as much as possible to ensure that no stone goes unturned in providing the ultimate Singapore experience. Whether you’re after a sensational meal at a fine dining restaurant or just want to spend the day exploring our world-class attractions, we truly have something for everyone.
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Singapore’s most creative fine dining establishments
Take your tastebuds on an adventure at
Singapore is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. These picks highlight the ones that add a generous dash of innovation to produce something akin to art.
Guy Savoy
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here’s a multitude of dining options in Singapore, from swanky restaurants to humble hawker centres and everything in between, so you’re spoilt for choice. So take a jaunt around town, a culinary exploration awaits! Singaporeans are often described as a nation of foodies, so the wealth of dining experiences offered should come as no surprise. With a multi-racial population, there’s a rich and distinctive cultural heritage that is showcased beautifully in the unique and varied cuisines offered by the four main ethnic groups — Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian. Thanks to Singapore’s cosmopolitan character which allows for a seamless melding of east, west and everything in between, you’ll also find a variety of innovative fusion restaurants in addition to cutting-edge, contemporary and traditional French, Italian, Mexican and Spanish fare, just to name a few. While restaurants, some of which have been ranked as amongst the world’s best by prestigious publications including the Miele Guide, may be inviting, no culinary tour here is complete without a visit to some hawker centres. So do like the locals do and be sure to treat yourself to some inexpensive and tasty eats. Dig in!
Chinois by Susur Lee
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Chinois by Susur Lee #02-142/143 Hotel Michael, Resorts World Sentosa, 26 Sentosa Gateway, H (65) 68847888. www.rwsentosa.com. HarbourFront
This is celebrity chef Susur Lee’s new fusion (contemporary Chinese with a western twist) restaurant. You’ll find Chinese staples and local favourites (they even have chilli crab). Do try the crispy Peking duck skin with five-spiced foie gras and shredded duck.
FiftyThree 53 Armenian Street, H (65) 63345535. www.fiftythree.com.sg. City Hall
With just seven tables, you’ll find a minimalist approach in the menu too at this delightful establishment. Limited to a three-course set lunch and a six-course
Guy Savoy Casino Level 2, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, H (65) 66888513. www.marinabaysands.com. Promenade
Celebrity chef Guy Savoy’s chic Singaporean outpost at Marina Bay Sands boasts strict fine dining, with prices to match. Try their signature artichoke and black truffle soup with a truffle buttered-mushroom brioche. The delicately-spiced crispy sea bass, with sweet chard and shitake mushrooms, is flown in from Brittany.
Iggy’s 3/F Hilton Singapore, 581 Orchard Road, H (65) 6732-2234. www. iggys.com.sg. Orchard
One of the best establishments in Singapore, and the world, Iggy’s topped the Miele Guide again this year. Owner Ignatius Chan, a trained chef, continues
to pay tribute to fine dining, offering up tasting portions of quality ingredients in unusual combinations. Expect each course to be an interesting and unique blend of Japanese ingredients and flavours with European concepts. It’s currently ranked 28 in the S. Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Les Amis #02-16 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road, H (65) 6733-2225. www. lesamis.com.sg. Orchard
A long-standing institution in Singapore, you can expect quality French fare and stellar service here. The creative mastermind is chef Armin Leitgeb; his lightly smoked eel tiède sits alongside a horseradish and Dijon mustard emulsion, topped with a crispy pork croûton.
Wild Rocket
multiple award-winning chef Andre Chiang’s sleek new venture sees him using fresh produce to create ingenious items that reflect his roots in Southern French nouvelle cuisine.
DINING
set dinner. The food here is interesting, creative and tasty; equal parts molecular gastronomy and traditional European.
Iggy’s
Wild Rocket G/F Hangout @ Mount Emily, 10A Upper Wilkie Road, H (65) 63399448. www.wildrocket.com.sg. Little India
Tucked away on a quiet hill, this delightful eatery serves modern Singaporean food, with house specialties laksa pesto linguine; roast Chilean seabass with chai poh (pickled radish) and chicken congee; and the Wild Rocket strawberry cheesecake is a must-have.
Restaurant Andre 41 Bukit Pasoh, H (65) 6534 8880. www. restaurantandre.com. Chinatown
Housed in a traditional Singapore-style shophouse,
Les Amis
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Choice Ethnic Eats
Chinese From the spice of Szechuan to the fresh seafood of Hainan, there are many facets to Chinese cuisine.
Jumbo #01-07/08 Blk. 1206 East Coast Parkway, H (65) 6442-3435. Bedok
As part of East Coast Park’s famous seafood centre, Jumbo offers the freshest seafood; the chilli crab here is absolutely delicious.
My Humble House #02-27/29 Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Avenue, H (65) 64231881. www.myhumblehouse.com. sg. Esplanade
Ranked the world’s 94th best restaurant in 2007 by the UK’s Restaurant magazine, My Humble House is, with its dark hues and mood lighting, not your conventional Chinese restaurant. The restaurant’s sophistication extends to its exquisite menu as well. Set menus change regularly but look out for all-time classics
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Rang Mahal
My Humble House
such as the crispy tiger prawns with citrus cream on grape salsa.
Indian Rich in flavour with a spicy kick, Indian food rewards those with a penchant for spice while offering many alternative options for vegetarians.
Rang Mahal 3/F Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, H (65) 63331788. www.rangmahal.com.sg. Promenade/City Hall
This long-standing fine dining Indian restaurant celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and has remained popular through the years. Serving regional Indian cuisine (North, South and coastal), signature creations that should be ordered are the tawa seared foie gras, hot stone tandoori lamb chops, tandoori salmon tikka and lal mirch ka paneer tikka (spicy cottage cheese). An extensive menu of excellent vegetarian options is also available.
Yantra #01-28/33 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road, H (65) 6836-3088. www.yantra.com.sg. Orchard
You could mistake this for a nightclub, with its sleek interiors and warm lighting. The menu is divided into vegetarian and nonvegetarian. The raan e yantra, tender, marinated baby leg of lamb, is pure heaven; while mains like the chicken biryani and phirnee (rice pudding with rose, saffron and thandai) are similarly well-executed. > Get Cooking! Sign up for lessons at the following places. • Shermay’s Cooking School #01-76 Blk. 43, Jalan Merah Saga, H (65) 6479-8442. • At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy Fort Canning Centre, Fort Canning Park H (65) 6336-3307.
Tambuah Mas
The Blue Ginger
Indonesian
Peranakan
Quite like Malay food, Indonesian food is extremely popular in Singapore. Crowd favourites include satay and beef rendang.
A fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and even European influences, Peranakan cuisine is a great example of how cultures blend in Singapore. The Peranakans, or Straits Chinese, are the descendants of mainland Chinese immigrants who married local native women in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Tambuah Mas #04-10/13 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, H (65) 6733-3333. www.tambuahmas. com.sg. Orchard
For a taste of the home-styled cooking enjoyed in Sumatra, Sulawesi and Java, look no further than Tambuah Mas. The spices here are blended together delicately, and only the best and freshest ingredients are used to create their authentic dishes. The name “Tambuah Mas” comes from a dialect spoken in Padang and it’s what people say when requesting another serving of food. Don‘t miss the tahu telor (egg beancurd) and rendang lembu (beef curry) among many other enticing dishes.
The Blue Ginger 97 Tanjong Pagar Road, H (65) 6222-3925. www.theblueginger. com. Tanjong Pagar
Filled with old-world furniture and colourful paintings, The Blue Ginger Restaurant is undoubtedly one of Singapore’s best Peranakan restaurants. While the menu here is reworked every six months, it is their popular standards such as the beef rendang, ikan assam gulai (fish tamarind curry), ngo hiang (spring rolls) and kueh pie tee (popiah vol-au-vents) that keep the crowds coming back.
> Susur Lee, internationally acclaimed chef
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YOUR SINGAPORE
In the cultural melting pot that is Singapore, its various ethnic groups offer a diverse range of cuisines, all distinct, and all delicious. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit some of the locals’ favourite ethnic culinary haunts.
The celebrity chef is no stranger to Singapore, having lived here over 10 years ago. In partnership with Tung Lok Group, he now has a restaurant here, Chinois by Susur Lee in Resorts World Sentosa. These are his top three food picks. Fishball noodles (in soup) I like the simplicity of the clear broth, coupled with either the standard springy fishballs or the Hock Chew style ones with a minced pork filling. It’s usually pretty good everywhere here. Durian I’m very Singaporean like that. I don’t think I need to explain this one. Hainanese chicken rice I especially enjoy Boon Tong Kee’s (199 East Coast Road, H (65) 6478-1462). The chicken rice is very fragrant and the flesh is tender and juicy.
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Hawker Hotspots
Newton Food Centre Satay
East Coast Lagoon Food Village Located in a breezy park by the beach, the food choices are vast (there are more than 50 stalls) and all taste wonderful. Some top picks include laksa (a spicy coconutLaksa based dish with noodles and seafood), claypot pig’s trotters, barbequed stingray, satay (skewered sticks of chicken, beef, pork or mutton), curry puffs, and many more.
right in the heart of the business district is replete with grand Victorian architecture and whirring ceiling fans, and a staggering amount of food. Check out specialities like Japanese ramen, fishball/minced pork noodles, laksa, wok-fried seafood, fried carrot cake and even South Indian vegetarian dishes. And don’t miss the satay (skewered barbecued meat served with a peanut dipping sauce) here; they’re delicious.
Lau Pa Sat
Maxwell Food Centre
Bedok
Raffles Place
You can’t say you’ve been to Singapore unless you’ve been to Lau Pa Sat (also known as Telok Ayer market). This institution
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Newton
Maxwell Food Centre
Chinatown
A perennial favourite of many locals, thanks to the vast assortment of food items available. You can sample popular dishes including
Hainanese chicken rice, rice porridge and Foochow fishballs (a variation of the more common version of fresh fish paste shaped into balls, but with a minced pork filling). Don’t miss Mdm Hoon Delicacy’s Foochow oyster cake. A crispy, deep fried cake with peanuts, Chinese celery, minced meat and oysters. For thick and smooth rice porridge, head to Zhen Zhen Porridge. Be sure to order a side helping of yu sheng (thin slices of raw fish), that can be enjoyed as is or mixed into your bowl of porridge.
Makansutra Gluttons Bay City Hall
The perfect hangout for gluttons (or foodies, if you like), Gluttons Bay is named Fish Head Curry
The food here is a tad pricier, but this enduring hawker centre favourite is still worth checking out for its stalls selling popular versions of fried Hokkien mee, barbequed stingray and fish porridge.
Tekka Market & Food Centre Little India
This establishment (comprising a market and food centre) always provides a colourful experience. There is an impressive mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian food here - and the wet market sells spices, seafood, meats and vegetables too. Don’t miss the A M Mohamed Haniffa Hot & Cold Drinks - a fabulous place for a mean masala tea.
Hidden Gems Don’t restrict your culinary adventures to the confines of town. Venture out of the city to offbeat locations and discover some foodie haunts that are off the “eaten” track.
PS. Cafe
Bukit Timah Bukit Timah
The popular Adam Road Food Centre (2 Adam Road) offers some of the most sought after local dishes. Be sure to try the nasi lemak and Indian rojak here. For dessert, opt for a guaca melaka – smooth avocado ice cream drizzled with gula melaka (palm sugar) at Taste Matters (#02-19 Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Road, H (65) 6297-9713) nearby.
Dempsey Orchard
Dempsey is an idyllic wining and dining enclave. For a taste of authentic Spanish food, Don Quijote (#0102 Blk. 7 Dempsey Road, H (65) 6476-2811) has a commendable selection of tapas, paellas and sangrias. PS. Cafe (28B Harding Road, H (65) 9070-8782) is the ideal spot to soak in the lush greens, and the Tippling Club (8D Dempsey Road, H (65) 6475-2217) serves
unique creations influenced by molecular gastronomy. Seafood lovers will enjoy chilli or black pepper crabs at both Long Beach @ Dempsey (#0101, 25 Dempsey Road, H (65) 6323-2222) and JUMBO @ Dempsey (#01-16, 11 Dempsey Road, H (65) 6479-3435).
DINING
YOUR SINGAPORE
Fancy restaurants and fine dining are all well and good, but for a taste of the dishes Singaporeans enjoy on a daily basis, you must visit a hawker centre. Hawker centres have a down-to-earth, unpretentious vibe and often offer delicious street food by hawkers who specialise in serving up just one or a few dishes which they’ve perfected over many years. Here are our picks for some of the best ones to visit.
after the Makansutra, Singapore’s famous food guide. It’s the ideal preconcert choice for many varieties of hawker food served in a charming alfresco ambience right next to the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Take your pick from satay, fishball noodles, roti prata (thin, crispy pancake eaten with curry), or luat (oyster omelette), nasi lemak (Malay mixed rice) and ice kachang (a dessert made of sweet red beans and jelly strands covered by a mountain of shaved ice).
Katong Kembangan
Well-known as a foodie enclave among locals, this suburb offers plentiful dining options. It’s home to the famous 328 Katong Laksa (216 East Coast Road, H (65) 9732-8163), which serves rich and delicious laksa. Another institution is Sin Hoi Sai Eating House (187 East Coast Road, H (65) 6440-6956), which features crab bee hoon (vermicelli noodles). Nearby is Chin Mee Chin Confectionery (204 East Coast Road, H (65) 6345-0419), where you can enjoy some kaya (coconut jam) toast and aromatic coffee.
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Make your Singapore nights electrifying at Zirca
N
ightlife in Singapore pulsates with excitement, energy and a sense of discovery. There are all sorts of things to do for all sorts of folks. Once the sun sets, the city’s nightlife scene comes alive with a host of activities and places to go. Whether it’s dancing the night away at Singapore’s internationally renowned mega clubs and live music venues, savouring international drinking flavours at cosmopolitan watering holes or lounging in some of the most laid-back bars this city certainly takes its partying seriously.
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dish out hip hop, R&B and other urban grooves to keep the dance floor packed. If you’re the fashionable sort, its Fash room is one place to people watch and groove to nu-rave beats courtesy of Adrian Wee and Dave Does.
Mega Party Town From house to trance and electro to hip hop music, there’s no shortage of hip and classy megaclubs for you to let your hair down and party the night away.
Attica #01-03 Blk. 3A Clarke Quay, River Valley Road, H (65) 63339973. Clarke Quay
This is the place for stylish partygoers who simply want to party the night away to some thumping club beats or smooth hip hop tunes. Right in the heart of Clarke Quay, this is an exciting clubbing haunt full of professionals, sophisticates and fashionistas who flock here almost every night to have a great time. With a beautiful crowd, Attica
is indeed the place to see and be seen in. With cushy seats and an inviting bar, this nightspot is made for schmoozing, lounging and grooving.
Butter Factory #02-02/03/04 One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road, H (65) 63338243. Raffles City
This legendary club has built a strong following over the past few years, especially in the Bump room, where resident DJs Mylk and Drem
St James Power Station 3 Sentosa Gateway, H (65) 6270-7676. HarbourFront
Armed with impressive rooms playing host to different themes and play lists, it’s no wonder this super club complex, housed in a stunning former coal powerstation, continues to make waves on the nightscene. Hit Powerhouse to dance, Movida for infectious world and hot Latin music, Dragonfly for Mandarin live music, Mono to reveal the karaoke king in you and Bellini to unwind. As you can see, there truly is something to suit everyone’s taste here.
Stereolab and Stereolounge Ground Floor, Pan Pacific Hotel, 7 Raffles Boulevard, H (65) 63370800. www.stereolab.com.sg. City Hall
Frequented by models, celebrities and industry leaders, this swanky club boasts an offering of the high-nightlife. The venue provides not only eye-candy but also aural delights as they dish out quality house music on state-of-theart sound systems from some of the biggest names in the international dance circuit. It has also been home to official after-parties for the Singapore Grand Prix.
Zirca Block C Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Road, H (65) 6333-4168. www. zirca.sg. Clarke Quay
Playing host to top international DJs and live acts like Peaches, AC Slater, Datarock and Mogwai, the megaclub Zirca has came a long way since
its inception in late 2009. Its dazzling dance music offering and spectacular lighting and laser displays have created a party vibe like no others.
NIGHTLIFE
Butter Factory
Stereolab
Zouk 17 Jiak Kim Street, H (65) 67382988. www.zoukclub.com. Tiong Bahru
Considered the “Great Dame” of Singapore nightlife, Zouk has grown from its humble beginnings 19 years ago into one of the top international clubs in the world today. Winner of the coveted title of “Best Nightspot Experience” at the Singapore Experience Awards for the past two years running, the club continues to push the boundaries of electronic dance music with its consistent line-up of top international and resident DJs and live acts. This is a place to see and be seen, while basking in good music and an even greater vibe.
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Sky High
Put your hands up and dance the night away to some of the most electrifying international and homegrown acts. They’ll keep you rocking all night long!
Take in stunning views of the city over a cocktail at these fine rooftop bars.
1-Altitude
Timbre @ The Arts House
TAB
Home Club
The Pump Room
#B1-01/06 The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Road, H 6538-2928. Clarke Quay
#01-09/10 Block B Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Road, H (65) 6334-2628. Clarke Quay; #01-66/67 Great World City, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, H (65) 6887-3229. www.pumproomasia. com. Tiong Bahru
Blessed with lots of laidback vibes, this small, cosy club is ideal for just hanging out, watching soccer matches or dancing spontaneously. Notable acts such as LTJ Bukem, CSS’ Lovefoxx and Goldie have graced this spot. Indie lovers dig this club for its underground vibe.
Known for the rocking live music at its Clarke Quay establishment, Pump Room is also famed for its range of mircrobrewed beer and sumptuous bistro fare. Check out the widely-acclaimed Jive Talkin’ as they belt out crowd-pleasing Top 40 rock and pop hits.
TAB #02-29 Orchard Hotel, 442 Orchard Road, H (65) 6493-6952. www.tab.com.sg. Orchard
With three types of live music offerings, from daily performances by local acts, an Artist-In-Residence performing for a whole week, and ticketed live gigs which have featured
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the likes of Ryan Cabrera and Album Leaf, TAB is the “liveliest” venue at which you can get up close and personal with the music and still be able to enjoy a yummy variety of bites and beverages.
Timbre Timbre@ The Arts House, #01-04 The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, H (65) 63363386. Raffles Place; Timbre @ The Substation, 45 Armenian Street, H (65) 6338-8277. City Hall; Timbre @ Old School, #0105 Old School, 11a Mount Sophia, H (65) 6338-0800. www.timbre. com.sg. Dhoby Ghaut
What’s one music venue when you can have three, with all featuring the best local and resident bands around. All three venues are in historic buildings and are consistently packed thanks to a diverse food menu (the pizzas are excellent) and music by some of Singapore’s most sought after acts.
Helipad
1-Altitude
Ku Dé Ta
# 61-63/F OUB Centre, 1 Raffles Place, H (65) 6438-0410. Raffles City
Ku Dé Ta, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, H (65) 66887688. www.kudeta.com.sg. Raffles Place
Have a tipple at Singapore’s highest point. Perched on the 61st to 63rd floors of the OUB Centre is 1-Altitude, a multi-experience lifestyle joint that includes a sports bar complete with golf simulator (282), an acclaimed European restaurant (Stellar) and an alfresco gastrobar (1-Altitude Gallery & Bar) which affords incredible views of the city.
Helipad #05-22 The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, H (65) 6327-8118. Clarke Quay
This two-storey bar boasting a massive rooftop helipad offers breathtaking and inimitable views of the bustling nightlife along Clarke Quay and the Singapore River. In the main room, resident jock Special K dishes out funk, disco and electro sounds.
Having first made its name in Bali, this high-end destination is one of the hottest venues in town. The stats say it all: 200 metres above ground, a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view and 14,500 square feet of luxurious space occupied by a restaurant, a club lounge and a poolside terrace, Ku Dé Ta is considered one of the premier destinations for an extraordinary dining and entertainment experience.
Lantern Rooftop, The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay, H (65) 63338388. Raffles Place
Sitting pretty atop the recently opened Fullerton Bay Hotel, this stylish and sophisticated watering hole boasts glorious views of Marina Bay. With a live band or a DJ performing every
night, this popular venue, with its delightful mix of fashionable patrons and after-work crowd is not only the place to see and be seen, it’s also where you can party the night away. What’s more, their signature cocktails are just as good as the view.
NIGHTLIFE
YOUR SINGAPORE
Live and Loud!
Lantern
Loof #03-07 Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop, 331 North Bridge Road, H (65) 6338-8035. City Hall
Chic and tasteful, with playful furnishings teasing the eyes, Loof is a rooftop bar that appeals particularly to creative types. Keep your ears open for the brilliant downtempo electronica on the decks. Overlooking the historic Raffles Hotel, this relaxed place is truly one-of-a-kind.
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Barhopping Around The World Throw those travel plans aside and make a beeline for these internationally flavored joints instead.
Offbeat Options Tucked away from the bustle of the city are enclaves that offer a completely different nightlife experience for a more relaxing evening out.
NIGHTLIFE
YOUR SINGAPORE
Paulaner Bräuhaus
Boulevard – Craft Beers by Archipelago
Muddy Murphy’s Irish Pub
Boulevard – Craft Beers by Archipelago
Le Carillon de L’Angelus
#01-23 Millenia Walk, Times Square, 9 Raffles Boulevard, H (65) 6883-2033. Promenade
#02-03 Tyler Print Institute, 41 Robertson Quay, H (65) 67387429. Clarke Quay; 24 Ann Siang Road, H (65) 6423-0353. Tanjong Pagar
Cosmopolitan Singapore has long been touted as a mix of both East and West. If you’d like to savour this heady concoction then head to this lively outlet by local craft brewer Archipelago. Here you can try ales and beers with both Asian and European influences.
The little French bar’s walls are adorned with French movie posters, and completes its Parisan feel with chill-out music and panels made from dark wood. Ask the garçon for an escargots delicieux and sip on some French wine to enhance your French experience.
Muddy Murphy’s Irish Pub #B1-04 Orchard Hotel Shopping Arcade, 442 Orchard Road, H (65) 6735-0400. www. muddymurphys.com. Orchard
Blu Jade @ Muddy Murphy’s Irish Pub
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Traditional Irish dishes such as shepherd’s pie and Irish stew are the preferred
food here, which you can down with a selection of authentic Irish beers. The bar exudes a homely-Irish feel with its humble interior and furnishing, and attracts boisterous, fun-loving patrons looking to enjoy the craic.
Paulaner Bräuhaus #01-01 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard, H (65) 6883-2572. www.paulaner-brauhaus.com. Promenade
This famed German brewhouse is always popular. Their Munich Lager and Munich Dark are big hits and they also offer a selection of distinctive seasonal beers. Head on upstairs for some Bavarian cuisine like cheese spaetzle, wiener schnitzel, weisswurst and pork knuckles for a lip-smacking experience worth writing home about.
One Rochester Park
One Rochester Park No. 1 Rochester Park, H (65) 6773-0070. www.onerochester. com. Commonwealth
Situated in leafy Rochester Park, this restaurant-cum-bar is housed in a 1930s colonial bungalow surrounded by lush greenery and replete with water fountains. It’s a destination to relax and unwind, and its exquisite home-dining experience features a variety of choices from the a la carte and set menus, complete with a premium selection of wines and spirits.
Pietrasanta: The Italian Restaurant
Pietrasanta: The Italian Restaurant #01-03 Wessex Estate, 5B Portsdown Road, H (65) 64799521. Buona Vista
Tucked away along a treeshaded stretch of Portsdown Road, dining at Pietrasanta is simply a serene pleasure. It’s run like a traditional Tuscan family restaurant, and all the worries of the world will leave you once you step inside. Beyond ambience, the simple, classic Italian dishes created by the Massimini brothers Giuseppe and Loris will delight any palate.
The White Rabbit
The White Rabbit 39C Harding Road, H (65) 64739965. www.thewhiterabbit.com. sg. Orchard
Housed in an old church, The White Rabbit is one of the highlights of the charming Dempsey Hill enclave. Having preserved the original façade and interior, The White Rabbit offers an innovative modern food menu and an extensive drinks list. Situated at the rear of the restaurant, the bar is affectionately known as the Rabbit Hole. Nestled on a grassy knoll, this is a magical place to have a drink or two with friends away from the bustle of the city.
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Sentosa Luge and Skyride
It’s a surprising smile every second at
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Speed demons will love this part toboggan, part go-cart adventure, which takes drivers on a fun-filled race down a 650-metre-long paved track. The adrenaline rush is so addictive that you’ll want another go as soon as you’ve finished. And to do just that, continue your thrills as you hop on to the open-air chairlift of the Skyride and enjoy breathtaking views of the South China Sea as you travel back to the top of the hill.
Siloso Point, H (65) 62750100. www.sentosa.com.sg/en/ attractions/beaches/the flyingtrapeze.
Take the circus act out of the tent and into the great outdoors! Cheer your family members on as you take turns to go on Singapore’s first and only flying trapeze. It is situated so that you feel as though you are soaring right above the beach. Safe and supervised, this is a great outdoor activity for family outings and team-building sessions.
Wave House Sentosa 36 Siloso Beach Walk,
H (65) 6274-0472. www.
wavehousesentosa.com.
Want to see if your kids have the potential to become
pro surfers? Put them to the test at this exhilarating sports destination, where surfers, skateboarders and even snowboarders seek their adrenaline rush while in Singapore. For starters, get everyone on the Double FlowRider®, which is a fastmoving, non-curling sheet of water that is popular with the kids. Learn how to maneuver your boards here before you move on to the FlowBarrel®, a more challenging, endless sixfoot wave. There are also beach lounges and bars, as well as a well-stocked surf shop.
FAMILY FUN
S
ingapore takes fun seriously. We really do! Whether it’s hurtling down the side of a hill, zipping down lines, catching some surf or just hanging out with some very friendly orangutans, there’s never a dull moment to be found in this city full of pleasure, excitement, thrills and spills. There are also plenty of opportunities to learn a thing or two while visiting the attractions – ensuring that your day out is just as educational as it is enjoyable.
Imbiah Lookout, (beside Beach Station) H (65) 6274-0472. www. hg.sg/sentosa/luge.
The Flying Trapeze
Up Close and Personal with Exotic Wildlife
Isle Affair
Be wowed by Singapore’s flora and fauna.
High-octane action on Sentosa Island
HarbourFront
Gogreen Segway‰ Eco Adventure
MegaZip Adventure Park
Beach Station, H (65) 9825-4066 www.segway-sentosa.com.
10a Siloso Beach Walk, H (65) 6884-5602. www.megazip.com.sg.
Round up the family for a practice session on the safe yet absolutely thrilling Segway Personal Transporters, and maneuver your way through the twists, turns and slopes of the Gogreen circuit. If you’re yearning for a bit more action than that, opt for the Guided Eco Adventure and experience the sights and sounds of Tanjong Beach or Siloso Beach in a truly unique way.
Nothing keeps the family together like a day spent engaged in adventurous activities! Featuring one of Asia’s most extreme zip lines, a 15-metre high rope adventure course, a parachute jump simulator and the North Face climbing wall, the MegaZip is fast becoming one of hottest spots in town for an ultimate adrenaline rush. Head on over for an exciting day of activities with the help of their well-trained and experienced staff.
Jurong Bird Park
Jurong Bird Park 2 Jurong Hill, H (65) 6265-0022. www.birdpark.com.sg. Boon Lay
Discover the amazing world of birds through interactive and fun activities at the world’s largest bird park, home to over 8,000 birds. Visit Jurong Bird Park’s four free flight aviaries
featuring birds from Southeast Asia, Africa and South America, or go on an expedition into a world of penguins at the newly opened Penguin Coast. Early birds to the park will get to enjoy the charming company of feathered friends at the Early Bird Breakfast Show. Otherwise,
catch the Birds n Buddies show, a stunning visual fiesta that brings together the largest collection of birds and colourful costumed characters on one stage or the popular Birds of Prey Show featuring majestic winged creatures such as vultures, owls and eagles.
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Night Safari
Night Safari
Spy on over 1,000 nocturnal animals as they frolic and feed in their natural habitat after dark at the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park. Explore the Fishing Cat, Forest Giants and Leopard trails to get up close with these mysterious
Singapore Zoo 80 Mandai Lake Road, H (65) 6269-3411. www.zoo.com.sg. Ang Mo Kio or Yio Chu Kang
Spend an exciting day at the award-winning Singapore Zoo,
set in a lush tropical rainforest with its famous “open concept” animal exhibits. Let your children experience up-close and personal encounters with creatures of the wild and learn about conservation at this world-class wildlife park, which features enclosures such as the Critters Longhouse, Fragile Forest and Reptile Garden. Be sure to also participate in the exclusive Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife and catch the animal shows for an unforgettable experience.
Merlion Park Adjacent to One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road. Raffles Place
Spotting this archetypal symbol of Singapore is easy when you are in the vicinity of the Merlion Park and One Fullerton. Standing 8.6 metres high and weighing 70 tonnes, the Merlion statue has a lion’s head and a fish’s body, and calls this 2,500-square-metre park home. The large figure of the Merlion with water pouring out of its mouth and fish scales on its body is symbolic of Temasek, the name Singapore was known for in ancient times. The majestic, fearsome head
Singapore Flyer 30 Raffles Avenue, H (65) 63333311. www.singaporeflyer.com. Promenade
using them!) because you will have the best panoramic views of Singapore’s awe-inspiring cityscape from your glass capsule. The fun doesn’t stop there. Take more photographs at the lush rainforest right in the middle of the atrium, have your feet micro massaged at the fish foot spa or jump into a real flight simulator for a complete mind-blowing experience.
Standing a majestic 165 metres tall, the Singapore Flyer is the world’s largest observation wheel. Be sure to equip yourselves with cameras and binoculars (the kids will enjoy
Singapore Flyer
The Greatest Views of the City
Explore and Educate
Adventure, adrenaline and photo opportunities abound.
Have fun while you learn something new.
G-Max The Ultimate Bungy Jump and GX-5 Xtreme Swing Clarke Quay, 3E River Valley Road, H (65) 6338-1146. Clarke Quay
GX-5 Xtreme Swing
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also recalls the legend of Sang Nila Utama, who first spotted a lion on the island and gave Singapore its name. The statue was relocated 120 metres away from its original position in 2002 to where it stands in Merlion Park today, in front of The Fullerton Hotel and facing Marina Bay.
Find out what it’s like to be an astronaut on this eye–popping ride, a rocket launch simulator that sends you hurtling 60 metres into the air at a toe-curling speed of 200kph. Want more of this fast and furious experience? There’s also the GX-5 Xtreme Swing, a five-seater capsule that will catapult you 100 metres across the Singapore River from a height of 50 metres. At such speed, your view of the waterfront will definitely be something to remember.
FAMILY FUN
YOUR SINGAPORE
80 Mandai Lake Road, H (65) 6269-3411. www.nightsafari.com. sg. Ang Mo Kio or Yio Chu Kang
creatures of the dark or take a tram ride to experience landscapes modelled after exotic safaris such as those of the Himalayan foothills and Equatorial Africa. To enjoy the complete Night Safari experience, register for the Classic or Premier Safari Adventurer Tour, which includes options such as guided walking trails, photography opportunities, gourmet dining and reserved seats to the highly popular “Creatures of the Night” show.
Escape Theme Park 1 Pasir Ris Close, H (65) 65819112. www.escapethemepark. com.sg. Pasir Ris
> Sheikh Haikel, local TV host and DJ “The Singapore Flyer is great when I want to treat the family to the best view of Singapore’s outstanding skyline. The Singapore Zoo is however my family’s all time favourite! We also cannot wait to get to the Universal Studios in Singapore and try the exciting themed roller coasters. Singapore is definitely a family-friendly place. It is happy, bright and safe every hour of the day. Also, with the numerous arts, music and fashion festivals here, everyone can have a wonderful time.”
Round up the day of play for your kids at this outdoor theme park, which has excellent rides such as the Daytona Go-Kart, bumper boats and the Pirate Ship, for everyone in the family. You can also have a splashing good time at Wet & Wild, Asia’s highest water ride at five storeys high. Check out E!Hub, a hub within Downtown East that offers excellent entertainment, retail and dining options after spending an exciting day at the theme park. Escape Theme Park
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Headliners
Singapore Discovery Centre
The international jewels in our sporting crown.
510 Upper Jurong Road, H (65) 6792-6188. www.sdc.com.sg. Joo Koon Science Centre Singapore
Science Centre Singapore 15 Science Centre Road, H (65) 6425-2500. www.science.edu.sg. Jurong East
YOUR SINGAPORE
Universal Studios Singapore‰
Universal Studios Singapore® Located within Resorts World Sentosa. 08 Sentosa Gateway, H (65) 6577-8888. www.rwsentosa. com. HarbourFront
Experience movie magic at Singapore’s newest theme park, with a myriad of rides and attractions that bring the joys of the silver screen to life. Immerse yourselves in the world of dinosaurs at The Lost World™ and even meet the talking donkey of the land of Far Far Away‰. Here you get to take the concept of storytelling to a whole new dimension. Don’t miss the Lake Hollywood Spectacular show which occurs after sunset, and witness fireworks and musical performances that are bound to take your breath away.
A Boutique Sports Experience Image courtesy of singapore gp pte. ltd.
Experience the thrills and spills of world-class sporting events.
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Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix
S
ingaporeans are avid sports fans; if we’re not jogging, cycling, or playing golf on our award-winning courses, we’re staying up late to watch our favourite teams in action around the world. Last year, the city was acclaimed as “The World’s No. 2 Ultimate Sports City” by the London-
based Sports Business Group, and clinched the Gold Sport City award at the International Sports Event Management Awards in November. Singapore has indeed made its mark on the world stage as one of the best cities to host an international sports event, having welcomed over 370,000 spectators for
the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in 2010, and hosted another successful edition of the FORMULA ONE night race on Asia’s only street circuit. Sports here really is a way of life. Visitors can easily partake in a range of sports activities and events all year round at excellent venues and also during international sporting events like the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Marathon and the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore to name a few.
16-24 May, Singapore Turf Club. Kranji
The world’s top horse owners, jockeys and trainers descend on Singapore for the annual Singapore International Racing Festival. The S$3 million Singapore Airlines International Cup and the S$1 million KrisFlyer International Sprint make up the finale of the week-long Festival.
World Netball Championships 2011 3-10 Jul, Singapore Indoor Stadium. Stadium
The world’s best netball teams converge once every four years and Singapore plays host for the second time in 2011. (See page 84)
2011 FORMULA 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix 23-25 Sep, Marina Bay Street Circuit. Promenade
(See page 87)
Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2011 4 Dec, The Padang.
City Hall
One of the world’s great marathons and among the largest in Asia offers the best way to see the city. (See page 88)
Domestic Sporting Thrills Local and regional events which offer no end of excitement.
Football – The S.League Feb-Nov, various venues
Singapore’s premier football league, the S.League, competes for the 16th time in 2011 after the 2010 season went down to the wire in a thrilling final-day finish. The 2011 season is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat as Singapore powerhouses SAFFC, Home United and Tampines Rovers battle with overseas teams like Etoile FC (France), Albirex Niigata (Japan) and Beijing Guoan (China).
Nov, Sentosa Golf Club. HarbourFront
This European Tour-sanctioned event is Asia’s richest national golf tournament with more than US$5million in prize money. The 2010 edition featured all four of
Triathlon – Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon and OSIM Singapore International Triathlon 20 Mar; and Apr, East Coast Park. Bedok
Few sports capture the determination and supreme fitness showcased in triathlons. Singapore is home to two such top-notch events, the well established OSIM Singapore International Triathlon and the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon, part of the global Ironman 70.3 series.
Badminton – Singapore Open 14-19 Jun, Singapore Indoor Stadium. Stadium
The world’s top shuttlers come together again in 2011 to compete in Singapore’s premier badminton tournament, the Singapore Open.
The highlight of the FORMULA ONE season and the only FORMULA ONE street circuit night race in the world runs for the fourth time in 2011. (See page 86)
Barclays Singapore Open 2011
the Singapore Indoor Stadium in the exciting regional basketball championship, the ABL. Facing the likes of the KL Westport Dragons, the Brunei Barracudas, the Chang Thailand Slammers and the Philippine Patriots, the Slingers promise an adrenaline slam dunk.
SPORTS
Learning will never be the same again after you’ve experienced the Science Centre Singapore’s 14 galleries, each presenting interactive lessons in science, technology and mathematics. Let your children absorb the wonders of anatomy, climate, the oceans and the solar system through exhibits that engage all their senses. Then, treat them to a fun screening experience at the Omni-Theatre, or escape the tropical heat at Snow City.
Want to know how to handle a national crisis, see what you look like flying a parachute, or challenge your family members to a game of crossfire paintball? At the Singapore Discovery Centre, a science centre that also doubles up as a museum and art gallery, you can envision yourself in all sorts of situations. The whole family will have a whale of a time learning about the different facets of city living through a host of exhibits and activities such as the iWerks Theatre and the SAFTI Bus Tour, which offers a taste of military service (a compulsory rite of passage for all male Singaporeans).
Singapore International Racing Festival, Singapore International Airlines Cup, KrisFlyer International Sprint
the year’s Major-winners.
The ASEAN Basketball League
Basketball – The ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Jan-Feb 2011 (Season Two), Oct 2011Feb 2012 (Season Three), Singapore Indoor Stadium. Stadium
Our very own Singapore Slingers take to the court of
Rugby – SCC Rugby Sevens Nov, The Padang.
City Hall
The carnival atmosphere of the SCC Rugby Sevens makes it one of the year’s most anticipated sporting events. Half party and half showcase of top-notch rugby action, this festival of Sevens is held annually at the Padang.
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Discover a city of many cultures at Changi Museum
W
ith its history dating all the way back to the 11th century, you can discover Singapore’s most interesting tales, folklores, arts and culture through its many world-class museums, historical sites and quaint neighbourhoods. From the monumental artworks at the National Museum of Singapore and Singapore Art Museum to legendary sites such as Fort Canning Park and the charming Jalan Besar neighbourhood, immerse yourself in the city’s past for an even more picturesque view of what it is today. Fort Canning Park
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Museums around the City Learn all about the country’s fascinating history at these stateof-the-art museums and galleries.
National Museum of Singapore 93 Stamford Road, H (65) 63323659. www.nationalmuseum.sg. Dhoby Ghaut
Built in 1887, the recently renovated neo-classical building sits resplendent in the heart of the city as the largest museum in the country. The museum is the custodian of Singapore’s 11 National Treasures, which include the Singapore Stone, believed to date back to at least the 13th century. Alongside the remarkable historical-based galleries, look out for the four Living
Galleries detailing culture through the prisms of fashion, photography, food and film and wayang (puppet theatre). The interactive elements, including touch screen displays, smelling pods, and oral histories as well as old film reels, immerse the visitor in a multi-sensory experience of Singapore’s past, with a contemporary touch.
Peranakan Museum 39 Armenian Street, H (65) 63327591. www.peranakanmuseum.sg. City Hall
Delve into the rich history, traditions and culture of
early settlers in the former Straits Settlements of Singapore, Malacca and Penang, and their links with other communities in Southeast Asia at the Peranakan Museum. Thanks to its extensive collection of Peranakan artefacts, visitors can learn about the rituals, traditions and material culture of this unique community. Interactive exhibits targeted at children ensure the whole family is in on the fun. Two temporary exhibition galleries present special programmes throughout the year to engage visitors with the ever fascinating history of this Straits-Chinese community.
Changi Museum 1000 Upper Changi Road North, H (65) 6214-2451. www. changimuseum.com. Tanah Merah
The Japanese interred the allied prisoners of war at the now-demolished Changi Prison. While there, the POWs created a simple chapel in order to have a
place of solace. The chapel was recreated in 1988 and later relocated when the Changi Prison was pulled down. At this new site you can view photographs, drawings and letters created by POWs and civilian internees. You can also sign up for a Battlefield Tour to discover more about the strategies, plots, follies and actions that led to the fall of Singapore in World War II. The museum also serves as an important educational resource centre.
Asian Civilisations Museum 1 Empress Place, H (65) 63327798. www.acm.org.sg. Raffles Place
reopened in 2003 as the Asian Civilisations Museum, housing 10 thematic galleries showcasing over 1,500 artefacts spanning five millennia of Asian cultures. Children and adults alike will enjoy the ExplorAsian Zones, interactive spaces within the galleries; while adults can enjoy the gorgeous ancient artefacts and jewellery, stunning costumes and headgears that are on permanent display.
CULTURE AND HERITAGE
Peranakan Museum
National Museum of Singapore
MINT Museum of Toys 26 Seah Street, H (65) 62870060. www.emint.com. City Hall
Great fun for both kids and adults, discover a plethora Built in 1865 as a court house, of cool, fun and collectible the building has housed the toys here that date all the Registry of Births and Deaths, way back to the 40s and 50s. as well as the Spanning a massive Singapore three-storey space, Mint. From some of the rarest 1989, it was finds here include known as the Ultraman tin toys and Empress Place Mickey Mouse plush Dragon Badge at Asian Museum. It dolls. Civilisations Museum
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World War II Memorials Explore the darkest period in Singapore’s history at these important sites. for arts and entertainment, including sculpture exhibitions, plays, open-air ballet and mega-concerts. The park has plenty to be discovered and behold.
Kranji War Memorial
Singapore Philatelic Museum
Singapore Art Museum 71 Bras Basah Road, H (65) 63323222. www.singaporeartmuseum. com. Bras Basah
House in a restored 19thcentury school, this museum is devoted to the collection, research and display of 20th-century Singapore and Southeast Asian visual art, and is the place to view one of the world’s largest public collections of modern and contemporary Southeast Asian artworks. And with various links with international arts and cultural institutions, the museum facilitates visual arts education, exchange, research and development both within the region and further afield, including with the Centre Pompidou, Guggenheim Museum and Shanghai Art Museum.
Singapore Philatelic Museum 23B Coleman Street, H (65) 6337-3888. www.spm.org.sg. City Hall
This former school once
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served as the school chaplain’s house before it was converted into a bookshop. Restored in 1995, the Philatelic Museum presents Singapore’s collection of stamps and postal artefacts from 1830s to present day. The permanent galleries introduce the world of philately, the world’s first stamp, and how stamps are a window to the world in its exploration of different topics such as science, technology, history and culture. The museum holds special exhibitions on topical issues throughout the year.
Singapore Coins and Notes Museum Third Level, 21 Trengganu Street, H (65) 6222-2486. www. singaporecoinsandnotesmuseum. com. Chinatown
The museum aims to promote an understanding of Singapore’s rich history by taking them through the evolution of the Singapore currency with an amazing collection of Singapore’s coins
and notes collection through the country’s existence. Visitors can enjoy interactive activities, themed galleries and integrated museum programmes as they get engaged with all there is to know about the ever changing face of local currency.
Chinatown Heritage Centre 48 Pagoda Street, H (65) 6338-6877. www.chinatownheritagecentre.sg. Chinatown
This early 20th-century Chinese shophouse is part museum and part heritage collection. Discover the stories of early migrants and coolies from China who braved the perilous journey to Singapore through 13 different stations that provide insights into their lives. There’s even a souvenir shop where you can purchase books, mugs and dolls of Samsui women who also played an integral part in shaping Chinatown’s history.
The Battle Box
The Battle Box
Civilian War Memorial
51 Canning Rise, H (65) 63330510. Dhoby Ghaut
War Memorial Park, Beach Road. City Hall
The Battle Box in Fort Canning was the subterranean command centre of the British Malaya Command Headquarters during World War II. Explore its 22 chambers through a linked corridor, and relive the events of 15 February 1942, the day of Singapore’s surrender, through audio-visual animatronics and special effects. Surrounded by sounds of bombing, follow an orderly guide through the complex and experience the recreated events in its various chambers.
Located on the east flank of the Padang, the Civilian War Memorial is dedicated to those who perished during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore between 15 February 1942 and 12 September 1945. Four identical pillars rise more than 60 metres to symbolise Singapore’s four ethnic groups – Malay, Chinese, Indian and Eurasian.
Fort Canning Park Fort Canning Centre, Cox Terrace, H (65) 6332-1302. Dhoby Ghaut
Fort Canning contains artefacts and memorials of Singapore’s early history dating back to the 14th century and is the location of Sir Stamford Raffles’ bungalow. Once known as the “Forbidden Hill,” it became a military base during World War II. Fort Canning Park is now also a popular venue
Kranji
The Kranji War Memorial honours the men and women from Britain, Australia, Canada, Sri Lanka, India, Malaya, the Netherlands and New Zealand, who gave their lives for freedom in World War II. Its serene green lawns consist of war graves, a state cemetery and memorial walls.
CULTURE AND HERITAGE
YOUR SINGAPORE
9 Woodlands Road.
Memories at Old Ford Factory 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, H (65) 6462-6724. www.s1942.org.sg Bukit Batok
A former automobile assembly plant, this quaint art deco building was the site of the British surrender to the Japanese on 15 February 1942. After the factory shut down in 1980 it was left abandoned for many years until a recent restoration turned it into the detailed museum it is today. Stop by here to view relics, photographs, newspaper clippings and learn more about Singapore’s past.
Kranji War Memorial
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Historic Neighbourhoods By heading away from downtown, you’ll discover some unexpected delights in areas steeped in history and culture.
The Old Ford Factory
YOUR SINGAPORE
Old Ford Factory
Bukit Timah
Bukit Timah Trail
The Queenstown Trail Queenstown began as the squalid slums of the city, but today it is one of the city’s most interesting and oldest neighbourhoods. Bounded by Ridout Road, Alexandra Road, Tanglin Road, the Malayan Railway, North Buona Vista Road and Holland Road, it was named in commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, and is now a bustling area complete with its own amenities - such as libraries, shopping centres and various food centres. Some of the tourist
Bukit Timah
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Bukit Timah Railway Station
attractions to look out for here include the Tiong Ghee Temple and Sri Muneeswaran Temple.
The Bukit Timah Trail The Bukit Timah Trail takes you on a journey down the rich historical heritage of Bukit Timah area. Bukit Timah Road was the principal road that ran from the north to the south of Singapore. Always a busy and important road for traders and travellers, Bukit Timah became an area of immense tactical importance during World War II as the main military food supply depot was located just east of it. Begin your journey at the Bukit Timah Railway Station,
opened in 1915 as part of the Singapore-Kranji Railway, also known as the Singapore Government Railway. Though only a few small structures and the classic cast iron bridge spanning above Bukit Timah Road and Dunearn Road remain, it once served one of the busiest routes in Singapore. Imagine the old route, which ran from the terminal at Tank Road towards Woodlands, where it continued to Malaysia via the former Federated Malay States Railway. Highlights along the route include The Old Ford Factory, a former automobile assembly plant which was also the site of the British surrender to the Japanese on 15 February 1942, and the Bukit Timah Fire Station.
Explore your wild side this weekend at
one of these trails you’ll find the scenic HSBC Tree Top Walk, which is strung 25 metres above ground and is a perfect vantage point to view the beautiful natural setting of the vicinity.
Singapore Botanic Gardens 1 Cluny Road H (65) 6471-7361/ (65) 6471-7138. www.sbg.org.sg. Orchard
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A Stroll Through Nature Get up close with nature, explore wonderful walking trails and even keep fit at these beautiful green locations.
East Coast Park Bedok
Hogging almost the entire stretch of Singapore’s eastern coastline, this is Singapore’s largest park and, judging by the number of people that flock here on the weekends, its most popular. This is perfect for leisurely strolls on the beach or high tempo activities like roller blading and cycling. And as it’s covered with a canopy of trees, it never gets too hot. What’s more, there are lots of eateries, cafes and bars, as well as a cable ski and international competition class skate park that make it just as much a lifestyle destination as it is a recreational one.
MacRitchie Reservoir
Mount Faber HarbourFront
Towering over the HarbourFront area, Mount Faber is a windswept hill home to many species of local flora and fauna. Its trails, in particular the Marang Trail, wind through secondary rainforests, while Faber Walk near its summit offers
MacRitchie Reservoir
spectacular views of Keppel Harbour and Singapore’s Southern Islands. You can dine or stop for a drink at the the Jewel Box, visit the Southern Ridges or take a cable car to Sentosa. > Famous Locals Three places in Singapore owe their names to trees that once grew there. Tampines is named after the tough and durable Tampines tree, Changi is named after the towering Chengai tree and Kampong Glam got its name from a variety of cajeput tree which was famed for the aromatic oils which could be derived from it.
NATURE
I
n a big city like Singapore, it’s always nice to be able to escape from the rushed pace of urban life and head for the numerous green lungs dotted throughout the city for a respite. Best of all, these parks, gardens, nature reserves and farms are very different from one another – ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Located near the Orchard Road shopping belt, this is a historic enclave of parks, gardens and rainforest that’s perfect for seeking respite from the bustling city. The best time to head here is in the morning or in the early evening when the weather is most agreeable. Take in soothing sights like the swan
lake. Boasting 10,000 types of plants - spread over 64 hectares, of which six hectares are original jungle dating back hundreds of years or more - it also has one of the most comprehensive collections of orchids found anywhere in the world at the popular National Orchid Garden. Furthermore, this is also a popular venue for concerts; the mini pockets of gardens and rolling expanses are perfect for sitting on a picnic blanket with a nice bite in hand.
Cajeput tree
Marymount
A short bus or MRT ride from the city centre will bring you to one of the most historic areas in Singapore. MacRitchie Reservoir was built in the late 19th century to cater to the increased demand for water. Today a large tract of rainforest fringes the reservoir and a part of it forms a park that’s used for recreational activities like kayaking and canoeing and cross-country racing. It has five routes that make up its walking trails – two are graded easy, while the rest are graded between moderate and difficult – that are perfect for a ramble. On
East Coast Park
Singapore Botanic Gardens
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Nature in the City
Getting Gritty
Butterfly Trail @ Orchard
Henderson Waves
Forest Adventure
Mountain Biking in Bukit Timah
Go on a Forest Adventure
Hindhede Drive, H (65) 64685736. Bukit Gombak
825 Bedok Reservoir Road, Bedok Reservoir Park. H (65) 8100-7420 (Booking is recommended) www. forestadventure.com.sg. Bedok
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a gorgeous natural retreat with numerous hiking and biking trails that fringe the 163-metre high hill. The six-kilometre mountain bike trail is one of the most challenging mountain bike courses in the region. As you tackle the difficult (but fun) course, you’ll discover a pristine rainforest with an impressive list of flora and fauna (long-tailed macaques, plantain squirrels and rackettailed drongos swing and scurry freely here). Biking here is best done in the morning when it’s relatively cool.
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Take in the wonders of nature as you enjoy the city. These green spots are perfect for rejuvenating and recharging your mind, body and soul. Whether it’s the flight of a butterfly or the intoxicating smells of spices, the city’s rich natural wonders will surprise you.
If the thought of swinging through a forest appeals to you, look no further. Set on the grounds of Bedok Reservoir Park, this is an exhilarating course built between the trees and features no end of ladders, bridges, nets, trapezes, swings and zip lines. Perched five metres above the ground, this is a thrilling way to have fun while learning to overcome whatever fear of heights you may have. Put your limbs to the test, scale rope ladders, or balance yourself on a tightrope. Kids as young as five can participate in activities here, making this an excellent place for the whole family.
Running the Southern Ridges HarbourFront
Set on rolling hills and parks, this is a spectacular way to take in the sights of the city, the Southern Islands and the nearby residential estates. This chain of lush sloping trails meanders through forests and a series of parks. Along the way you’ll find the Forest Walk, a trail made up of an elevated walkway that weaves through the secondary forest of Telok Blangah Hill Park, offering spectacular views of the tree canopy beneath. And if you’re going to catch your breath along the way, do it at the stunning Henderson Waves bridge.
Butterfly Trail @ Orchard Orchard, Somerset
Orchard Road is renowned for its malls, hotels, cafes and restaurants. But do you know that it is also an oasis for butterflies, which shelter at the many parks, gardens and shrubs found in the area? The Butterfly Trail @ Orchard is a four-kilometre long trail right in the heart of the shopping district and includes Napier Road, Tanglin Road, Orchard Turn and Somerset Road before ending at the lush Fort Canning Park. Look out for signposts nestled among pockets of flora (and even on rooftop gardens) that indicate butterfly hotspots. Only a section of the trail is now completed and the remaining section is scheduled for completion by end of 2011.
NATURE
YOUR SINGAPORE
Being on vacation here needn’t mean you have to take things easy. Make no mistake, in Singapore there are lots of places where you can get your adrenaline pumping with a range of rugged outdoor activities.
Fort Canning Park
Spice Walks at Fort Canning Park Fort Canning Green, H (65) 6332-1302. Dhoby Ghaut
Nestled right in the centre of the city, Fort Canning Park is replete with legend. Once thought to be where ancient Malay royalty had their palaces, it later became a burial ground for the local sultans. When Raffles arrived in Singapore in 1819, he was impressed by its prominent location and commanding views over the new settlement he had just founded. So he set up his bungalow here and established Singapore’s first botanic gardens. Today, you can go on a tour of this horticultural haven with a walking tour and learn about the many spices planted here. A miniature replica of a 19thcentury spice garden can be found on the entertaining Fort Canning Spice Trail and it has
Nutmeg
a collection of over a hundredmostly medicinal-plants. Take your pick of exotic spices like nutmeg and clove. You can even learn how to use these spices at the culinary academy, At-Sunrice, which also conducts customised spice tours there. > Dane Cantwell, Group Fitness Instructor, Pure Fitness. The East Coast Park is an excellent place to train for both cycling and running with some nice flat paths. You can even try to combine a cycle-run session there.
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It’s Great Up North In the northwestern tip of the island, you’ll discover a remarkable green sanctuary and a wetland reserve covering the Lim Chu Kang and Kranji districts.
Kranji Countryside
or pop by their beer garden for a refreshing pint.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
This is where you’ll find farms, eco co-ops and other attractive agricultural haunts. Head for the Hay Dairies goat farm for some fresh goat’s milk; Bollywood Veggies for organic vegetables and a yummy, yet healthy, lunch at its bistro; and Green Circle Organic Farm for educational tours and other recreational activities. And if the prospect of heading back to the city after a long day out in the sticks doesn’t appeal to you, then fret not. You can end your day by heading for D’Kranji Farm Resort, where you can stay in comfortable villas. At this farmstay, you can check out their corn and rice plantations
301 Neo Tiew Crescent. H (65) 6794-1401. www.sbwr.org.sg. Kranji
Nestled in the northwestern edge of Singapore, this 164-hectare site is home to over 160 species of birds and over 500 species of tropical flora. Full of mangroves and fascinating amphibians, the conserved habitat is a rich food source for migratory and resident birds such as kingfishers, herons and egrets. All you need are sharp eyes, quiet feet and a pair of binoculars.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
sponges when the tide is low. All parts of the island are easily accessible by bicycle, which can be rented on arrival.
St John’s Island
Hay Dairies
Offshore Escapades Despite Singapore’s small size, it has many different facets. You can find a more languid, rustic slice of life just minutes away from the cosmopolitan, urban areas of the city. Singapore’s offshore islands hark back to a time when life was much simpler.
Kusu Island
Kusu Island
Marina Bay. Take the ferry from Marina South Pier provided by Singapore Island Cruises (#01-04 Marina South Pier). Or charter a boat from one of the many operators there (prices are negotiable). Mon-Fri 10am and 2pm; Sat 9am, 12pm, 3pm; Sun and public holidays 9am, 11am, 1pm,
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3pm, 5pm. The last ferry leaves Mon-Fri 4pm, Sat 4:30pm and Sun and public holidays 6:15pm. Admission: S$15 (adult), S$12 (child). H (65) 6534-9339.
There are many legends and myths surrounding this island located six kilometres off the southern coast of Singapore.
St John’s Island
The most interesting time to visit is during the ninth lunar month, which falls between September and November when according to Chinese legend thousands of devotees would flock here to pray for good health, peace, happiness, luck and prosperity. Other than the distinctive Chinese temple there are three kramats (Muslim shrines), pristine beaches, blue lagoons and spectacular views of the Singapore mainland. There’s also a sanctuary where hundreds of tortoises are
Pulau Ubin
housed. As overnight stay is not permitted on the island, it’s best to visit as a day trip from the city.
Pulau Ubin Tanah Merah, then take bus 2. Hop onto a bumboat from Changi Jetty. The ride costs S$2.50 and operates daily from sunrise to sunset.
A 15-minute boat ride from the northeastern tip of Singapore is Pulau Ubin, which is often referred to as Singapore’s last bastion. Its name, meaning “Granite Island”, is taken from the many quarries that dot the island. Once you step onto its shores you can’t help but feel that you have stepped back in time. Little hamlets, vegetable farms, orchards and numerous tiny shrines from a bygone era
remain till this very day. And most of the island’s thousandodd residents still get their water from wells and power from generators. What’s great is that the island’s numerous charms are unspoilt despite the many day-trippers that visit here. Apart from its rustic charm, what makes Pulau Ubin popular is the extraordinary biodiversity – you’ll find animals like monitor lizards, wild boars, otters, hornbills and kingfishers to name just a few. One of its main attractions is an area with a particularly rich ecosystem known as the Chek Jawa Wetlands. You can explore it via a boardwalk from which you’ll spot corals, seagrass, seahorses and sea
NATURE
YOUR SINGAPORE
www.kranjicountryside.com. Kranji
Marina Bay. Take the ferry from Marina South Pier provided by Singapore Island Cruises (#01-04 Marina South Pier). Or charter a boat from one of the many operators there (prices are negotiable). Mon-Fri 10am and 2pm; Sat 9am, 12pm, 3pm; Sun and public holidays 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm. The last ferry leaves Mon-Fri 2:45pm, Sat 3:45pm and Sun and public holidays 5:50pm. Admission: S$15 (adult), S$12 (child). H (65) 6534-9339.
Formerly known as Pulau Sekijang Bendera, St John’s Island used to serve as a quarantine centre for immigrants until the 1950s after which it was used as a detention centre for political and criminal detainees. In 1975, it was developed into a holiday resort. Now, it’s an idyllic haven with lagoons, walking trails, picnic spots, bungalows and holiday camps for visitors to enjoy as they like. The island is also a hotspot for gorgeous flora and fauna.
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Paragon
W
ith even more malls and boutiques springing up on Orchard Road and all over the island, shopping in Singapore has never been more exciting. From designer labels to haute couture, vintage dresses to designer products, and tech gadgets to homegrown fashion, there is certainly something for everyone, whatever your tastes, needs and budget. Besides shopping, you can enjoy diverse dining options across different cuisines as well as chill out at the many entertainment hot spots around the various shopping districts from Orchard Road to Marina Bay.
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Mall Fever A trip to Singapore isn’t complete without stepping into its many malls. The options here are limitless; you could spend days exploring them and filling up your shopping bags with a range of wonderful buys.
Orchard Road Far East Plaza 14 Scotts Road.
Orchard
From independent streetwear shops, tattoo parlours and dive bars to food, tailors, electronics and sneakers, this mall has it all. Make a beeline for its youth-centric LevelOne, where you can find fashion and accessories at walletfriendly prices.
TANGS 310 Orchard Road, H (65) 67375500. Orchard
A celebrated Singapore icon, TANGS has been around for almost 80 years. With its distinctive Chinese architecture, the department
store, which still stands at the same location since its begining at the junction of Orchard and Scotts Roads, continues to draw shoppers with its range of fashion, homeware and household appliances.
ION Orchard 2 Orchard Turn, H (65) 62388228. Orchard
A veritable shopping and dining mecca, ION Orchard boasts eight levels of boutiques, restaurants and stores ranging from highend luxury labels and high street brands to art galleries and food kiosks. Look out for
duplex flagship stores from brands such as Cartier, Dior, Dolce & Gabanna, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Topshop and Uniqlo as well as debutante labels like Car Shoe, Church’s and Boucheron.
Named after London’s most fashionable address, Knightsbridge is an eyecatching shopping paradise which includes outlets from Brooks Brothers, Topshop flagship and Tommy Hilfiger.
Paragon
Mandarin Gallery
290 Orchard Road, H (65) 67385535. Orchard
333 Orchard Road, H (65) 6831-6363. Orchard/Somerset
Paragon is a fashionista’s paradise just for the sheer range of designer and luxury labels that are housed within such as Prada, Canali and Tod’s to Diesel, Burberry, Givenchy and Gucci’s newest two-storey flagship boutique. Besides designer fashion, you can also find sportswear labels Nike and Adidas, department stores Metro and Marks & Spencer, and lifestyle boutiques like Muji. Foodies should check out the Food Cellar in the basement that boasts many casual dining options.
Mandarin Gallery is one chic mall that boasts a host of independent fashion and jewellery stores like Aliya, benWU and trioon alongside floor-
to-ceiling glass duplexes of labels such as Marc by Marc Jacobs, Bread & Butter and Emporio Armani. This classy retail destination also houses excellent eateries from wellloved ramen joints to fine dining establishments.
SHOPPING
YOUR SINGAPORE
Shop till you drop, then shop some more at
Cathay Cineleisure Orchard 8 Grange Road, H (65) 6738-7477. Somerset/Orchard
If you’re looking for entertainment, look no further than Cathay Topshop Cineleisure Orchard with its multiplex cinemas,
Knightsbridge 270 Orchard Road, H (65) 66038888. Orchard
Mandarin Gallery
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Mango and Food Republic. Don’t miss Discovery Walk, a unique dining-cumentertainment outdoor precinct featuring restaurants like Marché, Brotzeit German Bier Bar, Flying Chillies and Trattoria Cuccina Italiana.
Orchard Central 181 Orchard Road, H (65) 62381051. Somerset
a gaming level (E2Max) and KBox karaoke suites. The mall also boasts youth-oriented shops ranging from toys and accessories to fashion and footwear.
*scape 2 Orchard Link, H (65) 68201708. Somerset/Orchard
This five-storey youth-centric centre is where the young can engage in various activities like dance, art and music in its many facilities, including recording and rehearsal studios, an art
gallery and a performance theatre. Even the shopping and dining here is targeted at the young. You can also listen in to a radio recording session as a local radio station has its studios in the building.
313@somerset 313 Orchard Road, H (65) 64969313. Somerset
313@somerset offers mid to upper-mid tier fashion apparel, food and lifestyle choices from names such as Forever 21, Zara, New Look, Uniqlo, HMV,
> Tracy Philips
Trendspotter, entrepreneur, marketer and fashionista Tracy Phillips always has her finger on the pulse when it comes to Singapore’s pop culture, fashion and nightlife. She gives us the lowdown on shopping in the city. • Shopping in Singapore is… Like having a catching up with close friends, not just a retail experience. • Favourite Shopping Haunts… When the shopping bug hits, Blackjack, Granny’s Day Out, Front Row and Inhabit - The Other Store are usually the first places I’ll hit. Vice &
Vanity • Hot Tip… Give more Singaporemade and designed fashion a chance. Often on-point on style, well-priced, with clever design quirks, they’re a good alternative to the mass chain brands and stimulate the growth of Singapore’s creative community. Brands to look out for include Woods & Woods, Vice & Vanity and more recently, Ling Wu, Ownmuse and Mae Pang.
• Don’t Miss… Orchard Road, because that is the reality of Singapore shopping personified. And if you have time, Haji Lane, Club Street, Bras Basah and Little India for the non-mall retail alternatives, a mix of speciality stores alongside traditional fare.
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Singapore’s first vertical mall offers some charming diversions for shoppers. Art pieces strategically scattered throughout the mall and a five-storey indoor climbing wall to attract the adventurous are a couple of unique attractions here. Food lovers can dine alfresco on the rooftop or descend to the basement for the ultimate Mediterranean experience.
Marina Bay
Marina Square 6 Raffles Boulevard, H (65) 6339- 8787. Promenade/ Esplanade / City Hall
Marina Square is a shopper’s dream come true. Here you can find more than 300 stores from high street fashion and luxury brands to cafes and restaurants. You can even catch a movie or enjoy a round of bowling after that shopping trip.
Raffles City Shopping Centre 252 North Bridge Road, H (65) 6318-0238. City Hall
This fashion-forward mall features four levels of cool boutiques and restaurants. High-end watch brands such as Audemars Piguet, Vacheron
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands® 10 BayFront Avenue, H (65) 6688-8868. Promenade/ Marina Bay
More than just entertainment and dining, Marina Bay Sands also houses the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands‰ , the latest shopping and fashion playground with offerings that include new-to-market brands like French ready-to-wear line Zadig & Voltaire, Taiwanese contemporary ladies brand Iroo and China luxury label Marisfrolg as well as luxury labels Gucci, La Perla, Dior and Prada. Also, don’t miss the traditional sampan rides at basement two where you can soak up the sights of the mall. There’s also an indoor synthetic ice skating rink here where, for a small fee, you can have fun trying out your most creative moves.
Suntec City Mall 3 Temasek Boulevard, H (65) 6825-2667. City Hall/ Esplanade
Shoppers and bargain hunters can have their pick at over 300
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands®
shops and restaurants here. It houses Carrefour, the largest hypermarket in Singapore, as well as entertainment facilities like a five-theatre cineplex, fitness centre and gaming arcade. The mall is not only famous for its shopping but also for its magnificent Fountain of Wealth. Located in the Fountain Terrace zone, it has held the record of the world’s largest fountain in the Guinness Book of Records since 1998.
HarbourFront
VivoCity 1 HarbourFront Walk, H (65) 6377-6360. HarbourFront
Singapore’s largest mall featuring a quirky design (by Japanese architect Toyo Ito) offers almost everything under one roof; from great fashion shops like Diesel, Loang & Noi and Camper to lifestyle offerings like Asia’s first National Geographic Store and the arty Page One bookshop. Looking
for a bite here is an exercise in restraint as VivoCity boasts countless restaurants like AOBA Japanese restaurant, Brotzeit German Bier Bar and Restaurant, and Serenity Spanish Bar & Restaurant among others.
SHOPPING
YOUR SINGAPORE
313@somerset
Constantin and Bezel take pride of place on the ground floor, which also houses hot ready-to-wear labels like Brooks Brothers, Aldo, Guess Shoes and British India. As for high fashion, one can indulge in IWC, Bally, Agnés b, Kate Spade and Coach. Fashionistas also can flock to the second floor for its range of high-street brands like Warehouse, Miss Selfridge and Topshop, while the third floor is dedicated to the home as well as the little ones.
FestiveWalk™ & Galleria Luxury Fashion 8 Sentosa Gateway, H (65) 65778899. HarbourFront
Resorts World™ Sentosa promises a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with over 45 retail outlets offering everything from leading international brands and lifestyle creations to collectibles and must-buy items. Expect stores such as Canali, Damiani (a Canadian high-end jeweller), Asia’s first Victoria’s Secret boutique and, for those with a sweet tooth, a Hershey’s flagship store and Candylicious.
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Unique Singapore Gifts
of many fashion-conscious and well-dressed women in Singapore and around the region.
Don’t leave without these uniquely Singapore-created gifts and souvenirs.
Kwanpen
Ashley Isham
alldressedup #03-11 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, H (65) 6509-3089; L2 Isetan Scotts, 350 Orchard Road, H (65) 6235-7123; #02-37 Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, H (65) 6235- 7123. Orchard
This innovative label is wellknown for its immaculate cuts—lavish draping and exquisite detailing including knotting, ruching and ruffles. Its recent Fall/Winter 2010 offering used Maori imagery as the touchstone for its Tribal Tattoo collection.
Ashley Isham Ground Floor, The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square, H (65) 6536-4036. Raffles Place; #02-15 Mandarin Gallery, 33A Orchard Road, H (65) 62353274. Orchard
Singapore-born, London-based fashion designer Ashley Isham is the man of the moment when it comes to local fashion. His signature draping, strong tailoring and distinctive flair have put him in the upper echelons of global
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high fashion with a celebrity clientele that includes Kylie Minogue and Angelina Jolie.
bYSI 15 boutiques islandwide including #B1-33 Citylink Mall, One Raffles Link, H (65) 6341-9823. City Hall; #01-179/182 VivoCity 1 HarbourFront Walk, H (65) 62724158. HarbourFront
bYSI empowers women with statements of affordable luxury and fast fashion styles. The homegrown label creates designer-worthy apparel for today’s woman and provides commercial yet trend-aware collections to suit the modern lifestyle needs of its customers.
Charles & Keith 20 stores islandwide including #B1-18/19 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Road, H (65) 6238-3312. Orchard
This homegrown fashion label’s range of luxurymade-affordable
Max Tan
contemporary ladies footwear has enabled it to build a popular following since its inception.
Frü Frü & Tigerlily 19 Jalan Pisang, H (65) 62968512. Bugis
What started out as a t-shirt project has exploded into a fullfledged fashion label. Inspired by music from various genres, FrüFrü & Tigerlily debuted at the Singapore Fashion Week in 2008 and garnered an impressive response with their fun, flirty, and lyric-inspired collection names.
Hansel #02-14 Mandarin Gallery, 33A Orchard Road, H (65) 6337-0992. Orchard
Known for her quirky take on contemporary womenswear, designer Jo Soh’s Hansel label has become the darling Charles & Keith
Not to be outdone by the French and Italians, Singapore too has a hot bag brand of its own. Kwanpen offers luxury crocodile products, from handbags to wallets and accessories. With more than 50 years of experience in crocodilian products, Kwanpen has been highly regarded in the leather fashion world and enjoys great cachet among the fashion-conscious.
Mother & Child Project #01-01 16 Mohamed Sultan Road, H (65) 6440-4886. Bugis
The brainchild of designer Anna Tsang, Mother & Child Project is a non-profit social enterprise that offers a wide range of products from tissue pouches to exclusive patchwork quilts and handpainted clothing. All products are made in Singapore by mothers (mostly single mothers), retirees and women recovering from psychiatric illnesses, with profits from sales going back to them.
Purple Gold
#02-323 Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard, H (65) 63373726. City Hall/Promenade/ Esplanade
Available at Aspial, Lee Hwa Jewellery and Goldheart Jewellery outlets including #01-37 to 41 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Road, H (65) 67360266. Orchard
Shades of grey, black and white are the rule for Singapore designer Nic Wong and his label Nicholas. Regarded as one of the first quintessential local designers to break ground in the Singapore fashion scene, Wong got his Kwanpen big break when he won the MercedesBenz Asia Fashion Awards in 2004 and since then has been wowing the fashion set with his crisp, geometrictailored pieces with a clean, understated aesthetic.
Parco next NEXT 2/F Parco Marina Bay, 9 Raffles Boulevard, H (65) 6595-9100. Promenade
Look no further than Parco next NEXT if you want to give your fashion buys a dash of Singapore. Here you can take in unique fashion creations by 25 of Singapore’s up-andcoming fashion guns such as Max Tan, aMuse, Ready Made, Sundays and Jujube.
Whoever thought that a piece of precious metal the colour of purple would take the fashion world by storm? Associated with royalty and nobility, it is no wonder celebrities such as Sir Elton John are fans. Purple Gold was invented in Singapore by metallurgist Professor Loh Peng Chum, whose innovation enabled the metal to be molded into jewellery.
SHOPPING
YOUR SINGAPORE
#03-17 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Road, H (65) 6238 0223. Orchard; #B1-147 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 BayFront Avenue. Marina Bay/ Promenade
Nicholas
RISIS RISIS Gift Gallery, #01-0184 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard, H (65) 6338-8250. City Hall; RISIS Nature Gallery, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Cluny Road, H (65) 6475-5104. Orchard
Singapore’s national flower - the orchid – is given the Midas touch by Singapore jewellery and accessories brand RISIS. Real orchids are dipped in 24K gold and made into pins, earrings, pendants, and brooches – allowing you to take a delicate flower and national symbol all the way home.
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Get Singapore! Give your shopping fix a uniquely Singaporean flavour by buying local. GET SINGAPORE is a non-profit initiative functioning as a collective marketing platform showcasing some of the most interesting and dynamic Singapore brands. For full listings on how you can “GetSingapore” visit www.getsingapore.sg.
shopping
TWG Tea Company #02–21 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, H (65) 6735-1837. Orchard; #01–22 Republic Plaza, 9 Raffles Place, H (65) 65381837. Raffles Place
Blending luxury with the art of tea-drinking is Singapore-based TWG Tea Company. This fine luxury tea brand offers over 800 of the world's greatest single estate teas and exclusive blends such as Sakura! Sakura!
and Charlemagne. Its TWG Tea Salon & Boutique at ION Orchard boasts a tea salon, a retail boutique and a patisserie counter.
Woods & Woods Front Row, #02-08/09 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Road, H (65) 6224-5501. City Hall
Fashion-forward jetsetters will love the cutting-edge clothes of Woods & Woods. Since starting the label in 2001, multi-award winning designer Jonathan Seow has taken his creations to the runways of Tokyo, Berlin and Paris.
New Opening
Burberry
#02-16/17/18 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, H (65) 6509 9326/7
To mark the opening of its largest store in the Southeast Asia region, Burberry has designed a range of exotic leather accessories available exclusively in the store. The range of limited edition accessories includes handbags, wallets, card holders and belts.
TWG Tea Company
> Visitor Privileges
Getting your shopping fix in Singapore has never been more rewarding, especially if you’re a visitor. Just bring your passport to the service counters at any of these malls to get your Tourist Privilege Cards. They entitle you to amazing gifts, discounts and promotions you won’t want to miss out on! • The Centrepoint Enjoy up to 20% and receive fantastic gifts at participating stores mallwide. 176 Orchard Road, H (65) 6737-9000. Somerset • Central Take advantage of Central Tourist Delights Card to receive up to 20% off and exclusive treats. 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, H (65) 6532-9922. Clarke Quay • Funan DigitaLife Mall Receive up to 20% off at participating stores. 107 North Bridge Road, H (65) 6336-8327. City Hall/Clarke Quay
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• The Heeren Shops Receive up to 30% off at participating stores. 260 Orchard Road, H (65) 67334725. Somerset • ION Orchard Enjoy up to 10-15% off regular priced items at participating stores. 2 Orchard Turn, H (65) 68358747. Orchard • Marina Square Receive up to 20% off at participating stores. 6 Raffles Boulevard, H (65) 6339-8787. Esplanade/ City Hall • Orchard Central Enjoy exclusive promotions and offers from participating stores. 181 Orchard Road, H (65) 62381051. Somerset
• Suntec City Mall Enjoy 10% discount or more at over 100 outlets in Suntec City Mall including Duck Tours and epicentre@suntec. 3 Temasek Boulevard, H (65) 6825-2667. City Hall / Esplanade • VivoCity Receive up to 10% off on purchases and services from participating stores. 1 HarbourFront Walk, H (65) 6377-6860. HarbourFront • Wisma Atria The 3-Day Tourist Privilege Card entitles you to up to 20% discount at participating stores. 435 Orchard Road, H (65) 62358177. Orchard
ITINERARIES
For a small country, Singapore sure packs a big punch. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to begin your exploration. With these handy itineraries - many of which can be completed in four hours or less - you can mix and match the experiences that appeal to you and create a personalised tour of the city. Take home some unforgettable memories you can call your own. 53
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Staying on Bras Basah Road, you arrive at the legendary Raffles Hotel, the site of many colonialera stories and home of the Civilian War Memorial
Slow down the pace a little by strolling through Fort Canning Park. Today, the park has found a new life as a venue for outdoor concerts. To complete your experience of Singapore’s heritage, head to the National Museum of Singapore which borders the northeast end of Fort Canning Park. Its collection spans 700 years of Singapore’s history.
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Singapore Sling, which you can still enjoy at the Long Bar. Turning right onto Beach Road, you enter War Memorial Park, home of the Civilian War Memorial, which is often referred to by locals as “the chopsticks” because of its resemblance to chopsticks. The Memorial
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ITINERARIES
Exit at Bras Basah MRT Station on the Circle Line, and your tour begins right above you at the Singapore Art Museum. Occupying the historic 158-year-old premises of Singapore’s oldest Catholic school, St. Joseph’s Institution, the Singapore Art Museum boasts a world-class collection specialising in pieces from Singapore and Southeast Asia. Down Bras Basah Road, at its junction with Queen Street is the site of two more Catholic icons. The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is Singapore’s oldest Catholic church
housing century-old statues and relics of St. LaurentMarie-Joseph Imbert, who may have been the first priest to visit Singapore. Across the road from the cathedral is CHIJMES. A convent school for more than a century, today it is one of Singapore’s most distinctive nightlife and dining venues.
• Raffles City Shopping Centre – Just outside City Hall MRT station, among its tenants is the famous department store Robinsons. • Bras Basah Complex – For a 1970s Singapore shopping experience, head to this oldfashioned favourite opposite the Raffles Hotel. • Central Mall – On Magazine Road, you’ll find a satisfying mix of retail and dining outlets here.
Round the bend up High Street, and make a right onto Hill Street where you’ll see the colourful windows of the MICA (Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts) Building. Passing the bare red bricks of the former Central Fire Station, make a left on Coleman Street, named for colonial architect George Drumgoole Coleman who designed many of Singapore’s
the civic district
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> Shopping in the Civic District
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hile Singapore does not have a capital per se, the financial, administrative and historical centre of the country is its Civic District. From museums to religious buildings, arts venues and national monuments, you’ll learn about Singapore’s past, present and future here.
early buildings. Coleman’s masterpiece the Armenian Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator stands proudly here at the age of 175. The Singapore Philatelic Museum down the road is a stamp collector’s paradise and, turning left onto Armenian Street, you can learn about Singapore’s Peranakans (Straits Chinese) at the Peranakan Museum.
Singapore Art Museum
buildings. City Hall and the Old Supreme Court line your way towards The Arts House on the site of the Old Parliament House, and Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall where the iconic statue of Sir Stamford Raffles stands with folded arms.
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commemorates those ordinary Singaporeans who died during the Japanese Occupation. Continuing onto St. Andrew’s Road, you reach the majestic St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Consecrated in 1862, it is the cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore. With the cathedral on your right, the vast green expanse of the Padang will be on your left. The site of numerous National Day Parades, two recreational and sporting clubs stand at each of its ends. Across from the Padang is Esplanade Park, the site of The Cenotaph which was built to honour British soldiers with links to Singapore who died during World War I. Continuing down St. Andrew’s Road you come to a clutch of Singapore’s grandest
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The Shopping Mall. As you round the bend past Tanglin Mall, Orchard Road finally comes to an end.
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On Killiney Road, just off Orchard Road, Killiney Kopitiam has been serving up
its signature kaya toast since 1919. Back on the main road, Orchard Central and 313@ somerset are among the newer malls on the scene and are home to many gourmet restaurants and popular high
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• Tall Girl, Orchard Central Discovery Walk Standing 20 metres high, and created by German art collective, Inges Idee, it mirrors the architectural features of Orchard Central.
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> Around the Corner • Singapore Botanic Gardens The 152-year-old Gardens are home to thousands of tropical plants and boasts the biggest collection of orchids in the world. • Newton Food Centre A huge variety of Singaporean food can be found at this iconic hawker centre. • Dempsey Hill Formerly military barracks during the colonial era, this lush green alcove is now home to many unique bars and restaurants.
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Exit at Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station and head up to ground level to find yourself at Orchard Road’s eastern end. Plaza Singapura is the biggest mall in the area, and The Cathay with its restored art-deco façade is a great place to catch a flick. Zubir Said Drive at the end of Orchard Road is named after the composer of Singapore’s national anthem “Majulah Singapura” and is home to The School of the Arts. Heading westward, you’ll find yourself
at the majestic gates of the Istana, the official residence of Singapore’s President. Built in 1869, the Istana (Malay for “palace”) occupies a grand compound with lush gardens, a nine-hole golf course, and many historic relics. The Istana is opened to the public five times a year: Lunar New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, National Day and Labour Day.
• Mother & Child, Outside Orchard Parade Hotel One of Singapore’s earliest public artworks, the famous Mother & Child by Dr Ng Eng Teng symbolises the country’s national history.
Orchard Central
starts to take shape. This is what Orchard Road is most famous for: shopping. Ngee Ann City (home to the Japanese department store Takashimaya), the ultra-modern ION Orchard, high-end haven Mandarin Gallery and another famed department store TANGS all reside on this hallowed stretch. Heading right on to Scotts Road takes you to Shaw Centre, Far East Plaza and duty-free shopping paradise DFS Galleria.
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> Art on Orchard • Nutmeg & Mace, ION Orchard A sculpture by Kumari Nahappan inspired by Orchard Road’s heritage as a nutmeg, pepper and fruit orchard.
street fashion outlets; the former has an arty rooftop garden that offers spectacular views of the city below. Further along, one of the old favourites of Orchard, The Centrepoint is home to Singapore’s renowned Robinsons department store. Emerald Hill just beside The Centrepoint was once home to wealthy Peranakans (Straits Chinese). The houses here exude the charm of a forgotten era and many works of Singaporean literature have been inspired by or set in them. OA STEVENS R
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very great city has its distinctive shopping area; Tokyo has Ginza, Paris has the Champs-Élysées, London has the West End and New York City has Fifth Avenue. And anyone who’s heard anything about Singapore knows about Orchard Road. What started out as a country lane running between spice plantations is now a bustling thoroughfare bordered by over 20 glitzy shopping malls and is one of the city’s most visited attractions. While shopping will always be the main reason people head to Orchard Road, it is a place that brims with culture and personality behind its retail façade.
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After Clarke Quay comes Robertson Quay, a part of the river which has flourished in recent years. Classy bars and restaurants like Brussels Sprouts, Brasserie Wolf, Tivoli Beer Bar and En Grill & Bar share the space with several boutique hotels. A massive courtyard area here informally called “Arena” or “Stadium” is where football fans gather to watch games broadcast on huge screens. Inland from the river are Unity Street and Mohamed Sultan Road, once the heart of Singapore’s nightlife scene. The area now exudes an arty vibe with the likes of the Singapore Tyler Print Institute and the Singapore Repertory Theatre.
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now occupied by some of the country’s favourite bars and seafood restaurants. The Penny Black, Harry’s and Red Dot BrewHouse are great places for a refreshing drink. Hop on a River Taxi here for the easiest way to travel up or down the river and learn about its illustrious history.
Mid-Autumn Festival
• Mid-Autumn Festival – Celebrated in September, installations from Chinese mythology adorn the riverbanks. • Singapore River Busker’s Festival – Each November, local buskers display their sometimes odd but always creative and entertaining talents.
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Exit at Raffles Place MRT Station and head out Exit G. Passing under one of Singapore’s tallest buildings, the UOB Plaza, you will be greeted by two sculptures: Salvador Dali’s Homage To Newton and the whimsical Bird by Fernando Botero. To your right is Singapore’s oldest bridge, the Cavenagh Bridge which opened in 1870 and still retains some old signage, which is quaint Bird by in modern Fernando Botero
Singapore. Beyond that is the Anderson Bridge, another colonial-era bridge which forms part of FORMULA ONE’s Marina Bay Street Circuit. Across the river stands the Asian Civilisations Museum, housing the world’s finest collection of Asian cultural artefacts. Next to the museum, the Raffles Landing Site, where Raffles is said to have first set foot on the island, is commemorated by a statue of the man. Continuing upriver, you come to Boat Quay, a crescent of century-old shophouses
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> Around the Corner • Circular Road – Running behind Boat Quay, it’s a great place for cheap local eats and more bars. • Funan DigitaLife Mall - A one stop destination for all your tech and IT needs. • Hong Lim Park – Singapore’s own Speaker’s Corner even featured as a pitstop in Season 16 of “The Amazing Race”!
> Festivals by the River
The singapore river
ITINERARIES
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he Singapore River is the artery which brings life to Singapore, and in many ways is responsible for the birth of modern Singapore. It was on its banks that Sir Stamford Raffles landed in 1819, setting in motion Singapore’s transformation. Today, the Singapore River forms part of the Marina Reservoir, storing a vital water supply for the country. All along its meandering path are places that celebrate Singapore’s past, and showcase its present and future.
the river is the first stop before the hundreds of bars and restaurants in this honeycomb of life. Visiting Clarke Quay is like a whirlwind world tour, with tastes from around the globe within easy reach. Have a single malt Scotch whisky at Highlander, a kebab at Marrakesh Moroccan Lounge and Bar, a mojito at Cuba Libre, Chinese-style seafood at Jumbo Seafood, some craft beer at Brewerkz or dance the night away at one of the area’s many nightclubs. Adrenaline junkies can be launched skyward on the G-Max Reverse Bungee. Across the Ord Bridge is Liang Court, famous for
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to a stretch of grand hotels built here in the 1980s. Stepping into Miramar Hotel, River View Hotel, Furama Riverfront or Copthorne King’s is like a nostalgic step 25 years into Singapore’s past. Saving the best for last, you arrive at the icon of Singaporean nightlife, Zouk. After two decades, Zouk continues to define what it means to party in Singapore and it’s been rated as one of the top clubs in the world.
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its Japanese supermarket Meidi-Ya.
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> Around the Corner
Four-Hour Tours
• Ann Siang Hill – Just off from South Bridge Road, this hillock is a local Bohemian hangout, home to speciality boutiques, niche bookstores and designer hotels. • Duxton Hill – An eclectic mix of bars, restaurants and retail outlets occupy this alcove. • Far East Square – Classy bars and restaurants abound in this area close to Raffles Place.
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unique mosque in the country, Masjid Jamae (Chulia) and its towering green minarets which face South Bridge Road.
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Temple Street itself is much like Chinatown’s other famous streets. There are colourful shophouses everywhere, occupied by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) halls, souvenir shops and provision stores. Walking up Temple Street, make a right onto Trengganu Street which is a bustling pedestrian mall leading to Pagoda Street. Before you turn onto Pagoda Street, you might want to stop at The Olde Cuban, a hidden gem of a bar. On the left of the junction is the Chinatown Heritage Centre, which houses a museum tracing the history of Singapore’s Chinese community. Heading right takes you to the most
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Chinatown is accessible from several MRT stations including Tanjong Pagar, Outram Park and, of course, Chinatown, but the best starting point is Clarke Quay MRT Station. Follow the direction of traffic on New Bridge Road past Singapore’s Speakers’ Corner at Hong Lim Park (where citizens can take a stand to freely express their views and opinions on issues of interest) and you’ll come to Chinatown Point. Along with People’s Park Complex across the road, here you’ll find a mindboggling assortment of household items, electronics, jewellery, souvenirs and Chinese food and drinks.
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hawker centre culture. Around the corner, up Kadayanallur Street and Ann Siang Road, is a winding, covered walkwaycum-staircase that’ll take you down to Amoy and Telok Ayer Streets. On the latter, you’ll find the majestic Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest places of worship.
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> Chinatown’s Festivals • Chinese New Year – The streets glow with dazzling displays of multi-coloured lights and play host to cultural performances and street bazaars in January or February. • Hungry Ghost Festival – As frightening as it sounds, the seventh lunar month (throughout August), is actually a time of lively outdoor song-and-dance performances called getai, and a time to make offerings. • Mid-Autumn Festival – Enjoy the famous Chinese delicacy mooncakes as bright lanterns colour the streets beneath a full moon each September.
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ne of Singapore’s three ethnic enclaves, Chinatown remains , in many ways, unchanged from its early days. Traditions and centuries-old practices still flourish here in shophouse-lined streets that bustle with activity. With good food, spectacular sights, an air of vibrancy and rich heritage at every turn, Chinatown is one of Singapore’s most visited places.
Make a left on Smith Street and take some time to visit a TCM shop like Mei Guo Ginseng or Vitatron & Medical Co to sample some medicinal teas. While on Smith Street, stop at Li-Hong Jade to have a look at some breathtaking pieces of jade jewellery. Turn left onto Chinatown’s main road, South Bridge Road, and head to Temple Street. The temple here is in fact the most revered Hindu temple in Singapore. Sri Mariamman Temple is undoubtedly one of Singapore’s icons, and it is the site of important Hindu festivals like Thaipusam and Theemidhi.
Museum. This majestic Tang Dynasty-inspired temple complex houses a relic said to be a tooth from Buddha. Continuing towards the end of South Bridge Road, you arrive at Maxwell Food Centre. Here you’ll find excellent Singaporean street food. Settle down for a few beers and soak in our unique
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> Around the Corner
Four-Hour Tours
• Selegie Road and Prinsep Street Specialist malls, distinctive bars and al fresco restaurants line the streets close to the city. • Mount Emily An oasis on a hillock where you’ll find the highly-rated restaurant Wild Rocket. • Old School An arts, entertainment and design hub on a former school campus, head here to soak in the creativity.
Little India
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Continue down Serangoon Road past Masjid Angullia and you’ll come to a stretch of shops selling saris, spices, jewellery, provisions, DVDs, electronics, souvenirs and affordable garments. Many restaurants and eating houses dot the area as well. Near the junction of Serangoon
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At the junction with Belilios Lane is the famed restaurant Komala Vilas Vegetarian Restaurant. Head up Belilios Lane and you arrive at a lush green pedestrian area lined with colourful shophouses. This is the Little India Arts Belt, home to some of Singapore’s most renowned performing arts companies including W!LD RICE. Back on Race Course Road, heading right takes you to some of Little India’s best restaurants, including Banana Leaf Apolo, Muthu’s Curry and Sakunthala’s Food Palace. Head left and you’re at Tekka Centre which houses an expansive wet
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Get off at Farrer Park MRT Station on the North East Line, head out Exit B onto Race Course Road and you will find yourself in the shadow of Little India’s most famous landmark, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple’s roots go back to 1855 and is the starting point of the Thaipusam Festival. Cut through Perumal Road and you get to Serangoon Road, one of the main thoroughfares of Little India, running parallel to Race Course Road. Heading against
the flow of traffic towards Syed Alwi Road, you come to a place which is synonymous with Little India and Singapore. There are regular department stores and then there is Mustafa Centre. Stocking an estimated 150,000 different items, Mustafa sells everything from groceries to gold jewellery, entertainment, electronics, clothes, cameras and home appliances. Among the many services it offers, you can apply for a visa to visit India as it is appointed by the High Commission of India as an official agent. Mustafa Centre is open 24 hours a day.
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Follow Buffalo Road back to Serangoon Road to reach Little India Arcade, a historic complex selling textiles, sweets and everything you associate with India. Go with the flow of traffic, then head down Dunlop
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> Little India’s Festivals • Deepavali – As part of the Festival of Lights each November, Serangoon Road and its temples are lit up as cultural activities and bazaars spring to life throughout the area. • Thaipusam – Devotees seek blessings and fulfill vows by carrying pots of milk or elaborate kavadis which pierce their bodies at this procession held in January or February each year. • Theemidhi – This solemn Fire Walking Festival held in October or November celebrates faith, courage and endurance. It begins at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple.
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ne of Singapore’s most fascinating ethnic enclaves, Little India offers a snapshot of life as it is on the streets of New Delhi and Mumbai. Smells of curry powder, incense and perfume fill the air as thousands of people from all walks of life go about their business. Little India is a place where people come together, where people worship and where the stores stock everything from floral garlands to LED TVs.
Street and you arrive at Singapore’s most prominent backpacker district. Other than cheap places to stay, you’ll find many hole-in-thewall bars which are perfect for chilling out after a long day of walking. There’s the authentically Aussie Prince of Wales, the Spanish flavour of Zsofi Tapas Bar and the old west hospitality of The CountrySide Inn.
market, a hawker centre and numerous shops selling various wares.
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Road and Veerasamy Road is the striking Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali. If you head onto Cuff Road at the next junction, you can have a traditional fortune telling session with Mr. Muniyappan and his psychic assistant, Mani the parakeet, which gained fame during the 2010 FIFA World Cup for predicting the outcome of several matches.
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KAMPONG GLAM Royal Fabrics
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ampong Glam, named after a type of eucalyptus tree, started out as a village occupied by the Malay upper-class. It was assigned to the Malay and Arab communities in 1822 and part of it was set aside for the Sultan of Johor. Kampong Glam remains a central place for Singapore’s Malay and Muslim communities and in recent years the area has attracted hipsters, backpackers and people from all walks of life.
>Unexpected Finds in Kampong Glam
Fika Café
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early 20th century. Today, its grounds houses Taman Warisan Melayu (the Malay Heritage Centre), where you can learn about the history and contributions of Singapore’s Malay community, and Tepak Sireh Restaurant, which keeps the traditions of Malay cuisine and hospitality alive.
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Continuing to the end of Muscat Street and turning right onto Kandahar Street, you will pass by several restaurants and eateries housed in classic shophouses. Make a left on Baghdad Street and another left onto Sultan Gate and you arrive at the regal Istana Kampong Glam. Istana Kampong Glam has remained relatively unchanged since its construction in 1846 and it was an official residence of Johor’s Sultans until the
• Thieves Market – Whether you’re looking for a priceless antique, a single shoe or some outdated electronics, you’ll find it at this curiously named flea market along Sungei Road.
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• Fika Café – At the junction of Arab Street and Beach Road is the area’s most interesting cultural blend: a halal Swedish eatery. • Knockout Gear – Amid the area’s tranquility, you can pick up some mixed martial arts (MMA) gear at this shop on Haji Lane. • Visual Orgasm – This tattoo parlour, also on Haji Lane, takes a bit of your personality and turns it into a customised work of body art.
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Get off at Bugis MRT Station and head out Exit B to end up on Victoria Street. Walk past Raffles Hospital and Golden Landmark, which is worth a stop to check out their watch and antique shops, before making a right on Arab Street, which forms the heart of this fascinating area. At the junction of Arab Street and North Bridge Road, you can stop to marvel at Sultan Mosque. To get to the mosque’s main entrance, continue down Arab Street and make a left on Muscat Street. The original Sultan Mosque was built in 1826 by Sultan Hussein Shah of Johor, but the building you
see today was completed in 1928. It is revered as one of Singapore’s oldest and most important mosques.
> Around the Corner • Iluma – This snazzy mall with its multimedia façade and distinctive dining options is a pleasure to visit. • Bugis Village – Shops selling clothes, mobile phone accessories and various wares in a chaotic bazaar.
Backtrack down Baghdad Street, passing by its coffee shops and shops selling textiles, handicrafts and ethnic products, and you end up back at Arab Street. Make a left at the junction of Arab Street and Baghdad Street which is occupied by a dazzling number of silk and fabric outlets. Take your time to browse the traditional threads of Ali Baba Fabrics, Royal Fabrics and Sheila & Co, then stop for a strong but smooth cup of coffee as aromas of shisha engulf you at Café Le Caire. The café is an institution in the area and a hub for all things Arabian, D R including an unbeatable AL N A C selection of traditional tea HOR C RO and coffee.
Turning right on Beach Road, back towards Bugis MRT Station, you can explore two of Kampong Glam’s fascinating laneways. On Haji Lane you’ll find local boutiques like Loft & Public, Pluck, Dulcetfig and Know It Nothing selling an array of contemporary, quirky garments and accessories. Haji Lane’s cafés are a mix of shisha joints like Mosi Café and chill-out spots like Going Om where you can stop for a beer and a chat with their resident cockatoo. Over on
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Bali Lane, you can swing by a household name in the Singaporean live music scene, Blu Jaz Café, for some pub grub, excellent music and an extensive bar menu. You can even pay tribute to Singapore’s roots as a fishing village by picking up some fishing tackle at Anglers’ Outfitter.
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Hour 1 Hop on bus service 196 from Suntec City Mall or 197 from outside St. Andrew’s Cathedral in the city and alight at Laguna Park condominium. Follow Siglap Link around
Take the underpass beside Playground @ Big Splash and walk through Katong Park to Tanjong Katong Road. Once you’re there, hop on bus service 30, which will take you onto East Coast Road. Alight after Ceylon Road. Just down Ceylon Road is the revered Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple. From here, you’ll begin to see Katong’s colourful Peranakan-themed shophouses and its Peranakan heritage can be found at Katong Antique House and Rumah Bebe. East Coast Road is also home to classic eateries offering local specialities like Kim Choo Kueh Chang
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• OSIM Singapore International Triathlon – Held annually in April, Singapore’s biggest triathlon attracts some of the region’s best competitors. • The Singapore Open Windsurfing Championship – Held early each year since 1980, it is the region’s best known windsurfing competition.
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and the laksa (a spicy noodle soup) at 328 Katong Laksa, and classy modern cafes like Temptations. Finish off your evening with a beer and some rocking live music at 57 Chevy inside Katong Village, and have dinner at 126 Coffee Shop.
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Heading west, you’ll find a
Continuing on your way, you reach Marine Cove, the heart of activity at East Coast Park. Bars here like Scruffy Murphy’s and The Beach Hut are some of the country’s favourite watering holes. With everything from fast food to fine dining, retail outlets, pushcart stalls, bicycle and skate rental, and a bowling alley, Marine Cove offers the best of East Coast Park in one place. The bookend to East Coast Park is Playground @ Big Splash which sits on the site of a former water theme park. Restaurants, fast food outlets and coffee joints occupy the Playground, together with the ultra-chic garden gastrobar 1 TwentySix and LilliPutt, a minigolf course where all 18 holes are modelled after a Singaporean landmark or icon.
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collection of Singapore’s most famous seafood restaurants including Jumbo, Long Beach and No Signboard at East Coast Seafood Centre. Past the holiday chalets of Goldkist Beach Resort, the futsal pitches of Sports Planet East Coast and the Singapore Tennis Centre is Raintree Cove. The Japanese restaurant Waraku and Korean eatery Ju Shin Jung here are popular among Singaporeans.
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the back of the condominium, take the underpass beneath the East Coast Parkway, and you’ll arrive at East Coast Park, right by the SKI360° cable ski park. Thrill-seekers can water-ski or wakeboard in a loop around a manmade lagoon towed by an overhead cable. To the west of the cable ski park is the famed East Coast Lagoon Food Village where you can indulge in a wide variety of local food. Beyond that is the Xtreme SkatePark.
> Around the Corner • Joo Chiat Road - Lined with bars, eateries, spas and provision shops, Joo Chiat exemplifies Katong’s blend of old and new. • Parkway Parade - A classic suburban mall which is the biggest shopping centre in the area. • Geylang Serai Market - A typical Singaporean wet market where you can find fresh produce and excellent Malay food.
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lush beach park running about 15 kilometres along Singapore’s southeastern shoreline, East Coast Park is hugely popular with Singaporeans of all ages. It is a place to jog, cycle, skate, eat, have a barbecue and camp for a night with views of the Singapore Straits. Katong meanwhile is a charming old neighbourhood where Peranakan and Eurasian influences can be seen in its architecture and food.
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The Esplanade Bridge takes you to the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, Singapore’s premier performing arts venue. Nicknamed “The Durian” because of its spiky domes which many think
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• Marina Coastal Expressway Running 20 metres beneath the seabed, this new expressway will serve the Marina Bay area from 2013. FOUNTAIN OF WEALTH
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and on the other side, you can see the Civic District across the Padang.
Back out on the waterfront you’ll see The Float @ Marina Bay, the world’s largest floating stage. This 30,000-seat venue has hosted several National Day parades and is also a key part of the glamorous Marina Bay Street Circuit as FORMULA ONE cars speed through the grandstand. Rising majestically beyond to a height of 165 metres, The Singapore Flyer is the tallest observation wheel in the world and offers stunning views of the island and the waters that surround it.
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• Marina South Pier Board passenger ferries from here to Singapore’s Southern Islands.
• Asia Square Part office, hotel, mall and open public space, it will open in 2011/12.
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• Marina Barrage The dam which turned Marina Bay into a freshwater reservoir is a great place for education and recreation.
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Take Exit A from Raffles Place MRT Station and walk towards the waterfront; you’ll arrive at The Fullerton Heritage, a series of restored buildings that are home to a variety of nightlife and dining venues. The old Customs House, Clifford Pier, The Merlion
• Marina Bay Golf Course Fancy a quick round with unbeatable views of the city? You can even play at night beneath floodlights.
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The Fullerton Hotel and The Fullerton Waterboat House are Art Deco masterpieces that have been carefully restored, and now stand proudly alongside new developments The Fullerton Bay Hotel and One Fullerton. Just past The Fullerton Hotel is Merlion Park where the famous Merlion offers a great photo opportunity. Crossing the Esplanade Bridge you get a view of the whole Marina Bay area,
> Around the Corner
• Gardens by the Bay This series of three stunning waterfront gardens will be ready by the end of 2011.
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nce a basin where the Singapore River spilled into the Singapore Strait, Marina Bay began life as reclaimed land in the 1970s. Back then bumboats and Chinese junks were often seen anchored in the bay’s calm waters. The vast expanses of open land in the area made it a centre for recreation. The Marina Bay of today began to take shape in the early 2000s, with the opening of the Fullerton Hotel in 2001, the unveiling of the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay in 2002, and the relocation of our national icon, the Merlion, to Merlion Park that same year. Since then, the area has seen a comprehensive transformation. Marina Bay Sands®, The Float @ Marina Bay, the Singapore Flyer and Marina Barrage have all opened within the last five years, and the area now plays host to the FORMULA ONE night race every September. It was also the site of the opening and closing ceremonies of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in 2010.
Marina Barrage
> Coming Soon to Marina Bay
Backtrack to the futuristic Helix Bridge and cross the bay to the Marina Bay Sands® complex. Complete the circuit of Marina Bay by walking along the Waterfront Promenade, enjoying the numerous art installations and the Marina Bay City Gallery on the way. Beyond are the Marina Bay Financial Centre, the luxury condominium The Sail@Marina Bay, and other spectacular new buildings that make up the New Downtown.
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resembles the tropical fruit, the Esplanade has hosted world-class performers while providing a stage for local talents to shine. At the back of the Esplanade along Raffles Avenue are several malls close to City Hall MRT Station. Behind them on Temasek Boulevard are the Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre and Suntec City Mall, home to the world’s largest fountain, the Fountain of Wealth.
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Special Focus
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Marina Bay Sands‰
Dining The celebrity chef restaurant list at Marina Bay Sands® reads like a who’s who of the culinary world. American chef Mario Batali embraces his Italian heritage at Pizzeria and Osteria Mozza and Wolfgang Puck’s worldfamous CUT redefines the American steakhouse experience. FrenchAmerican delights abound at Daniel Boulud’s DB Bistro Mario Batali
Moderne and Santi Santamaria’s Santi crafts minimalist yet sophisticated Catalan cuisine. Enjoy the ultra-modern and ultrafine European-influenced Japanese classics of Tetsuya Wakuda’s Waku Ghin, and be captivated by the exquisite nouvelle cuisine of Guy Savoy. There’s also Sky on 57, helmed by Singaporean celebrity chef Justin Quek, serving classic Asian fare. Rising above a spread of quick bites and casual eateries, Ku Dé Ta atop the Sands SkyPark® provides an up-in-the-clouds dining
> Marina Bay Sands Skating Rink Singaporeans and visitors alike will now be able to put on a pair of skates and go for a spin in the middle of the tropics. Located at the heart of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands‰, the 600-square metre skating rink is comparable in size to the legendary ice-rink at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Using a top-of-the-line synthetic surface to produce the closest skating experience to real ice, the rink will allow for a hundred skaters to twirl around at any one time and enjoy the thrills of world-class skating. Skates are available for rental and the skating rink opens daily from 10am-10pm.
Shopping An exhilarating shopping experience waits at ultra sophisticated The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands‰. Brands like Burberry, Cartier, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Stefano Ricci and Yves Saint Laurent call The
Sampan Ride at Marina Bay Sands
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Shoppes home along with a Ferrari Store and local outfit Kwanpen. For a classic Sands experience, you can take a Sampan Ride through The Shoppes.
Entertainment
The life of the Sands Theater® kicked off with a rousing run of the legendary Riverdance in December 2010, and 2011 will see many more anticipated events Attractions hosted there. First up is the The Sands SkyPark® is one of first long-running Broadway the world’s largest cantilevers musical in Southeast Asia, and offers breathtaking views the stage production of of the world below from 200 the classic film The Lion metres in the air. Among its King. Still running on landscaped gardens, you Broadway after 13 years, can also have one of the and in London’s West End most thrilling experiences in after 11 years, it will finally Singapore by swimming in arrive in Singapore in March its infinity pool, the world’s 2011. Nightlife lovers who largest elevated outdoor pool. have been waiting The stunning lotuseagerly for the shaped ArtScience opening of Museum at megaclubs Marina Bay Avalon and ‰ Sands is waiting Pangaea in the wings will have to become the to wait no country’s premier The Lion King more in 2011 destination for as they take their touring exhibitions. places in the dazzling Encompassing art, science, Crystal Pavilion floating on technology, design and the waters of Marina Bay. architecture, the Museum’s
MARINA BAY SANDS‰
ITINERARIES
E
mbodying glitz and glamour, Marina Bay Sands® has come to be a symbol of Singapore’s rise as one of the world’s premier travel destinations. Spearheading the changes in Singapore’s New Downtown and towering over the Marina Bay area, it is one of the world’s most iconic buildings, and among its most audacious. Las Vegas Sands Corp owns some of the world’s most famous properties, and Marina Bay Sands® captures the essence of the reputation that comes with the Sands name.
experience like no other. Once the day turns to night, the stars come out to play as Ku Dé Ta transforms into a club offering an unparalleled nightspot experience. Visit Rasapura Masters for a spread of delicious regional street fare in a premium food court setting.
Ku Dé Ta
unique roof collects rainwater to create an indoor waterfall.
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Four-Hour Tours
SENTOSA
Tiger Sky Tower
Palawan Beach
Hour 1 There are many ways into Sentosa; shuttle buses, the monorail, walking or driving across the gateway, but for the ultimate scenic route, cable cars are the only way to go. Head out of HarbourFront MRT Station and take a scenic trek up Mount Faber on Temenggong Road. Surrounded by lush greenery and enveloped by the sounds of nature, you’ll find your way to The Jewel Box. The recently revamped Jewel Cable Car Ride takes visitors to Sentosa
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more than 100 metres above Keppel Harbour. For a truly special treat, you can even make the journey on board a luxurious 7-star Swarovskiencrusted VIP cabin.
Hour 2 As you approach Sentosa, take a look at its eastern half to see the world-class Serapong and Tanjong Courses of the Sentosa Golf Club, which have hosted the Barclays Singapore Open and the Asian Tour. The cable cars arrive on Sentosa at the Imbiah Lookout, close
> Around the Corner • St James Power Station – A former power station which now charges up Singapore’s nightlife scene with an array of outlets in one massive complex. • VivoCity – Singapore’s biggest mall has enough shops to keep you busy for days. • Singapore Cruise Centre – Take a ferry across to the Indonesian islands Batam and Bintan, or cruise up north to Malaysia.
statue of The Merlion or get another view from above at the Tiger Sky Tower.
a chance to take a travelator through a massive oceanarium and even swim with dolphins.
Hour 3
Hour 4
At the western edge of Sentosa Heading south from Siloso is Siloso Point, where the Point, you will come to only restored coastal artillery Sentosa’s white sandy battery in Singapore, Fort Siloso, beaches where the country’s stands. Take time to explore biggest parties have the compound filled with been held. Siloso historic relics and Beach, Palawan head underground Beach and Tanjong to traverse its Beach are home tunnels. The world to Singapore’s famous Underwater fun-loving World Singapore is a beach culture. stone’s throw away from The adventurous the Fort, and offers visitors will enjoy Wave Fort Siloso
House Sentosa where you can surf the FlowBarrel® and FlowRider® sheet waves by the sands of Siloso Beach. The “cape” past Tanjong Beach is also the southernmost point of continental Asia reachable by land. > Sentosa’s Parties • ZoukOut – Asia’s ultimate dance music festival is held annually in early December on Siloso Beach. • Siloso Beach Party – A great way to welcome in the New Year and dance till dawn on 31 December/1 January each year. • Sentosa Spooktacular – This annual frightfest brings the chills of Halloween to the island each October.
sentosa
ITINERARIES
S
entosa means “peace and tranquility” in Malay. It holds a pivotal position overlooking Keppel Harbour and military facilities were built there from the 1880s onwards. The island was later the headquarters of the Royal Artillery during World War II. Its development as a holiday island began in the 1970s and today, it is Singapore’s foremost leisure isle with numerous exciting, fun-filled attractions, resorts, facilities and amenities for all ages. It really is “Asia’s Favourite Playground”.
Wave House Sentosa
to the majority of Sentosa’s attractions. You can visit the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom, take a look into the past at Images of Singapore, get your thrills on the zipline at MegaZip Adventure Park, experience Sentosa 4D Magix, speed down a hill at Skyline Luge Sentosa, see the towering
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Special Focus
RESORTs WORLD™ SENTOSA
Resorts World™ Sentosa
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Dining
whose restaurants around the world have gained him over Over 60 dining outlets can be 26 Michelin stars, has two found within Resorts World outlets opening in early 2011: Sentosa. In addition to trying Joël Robuchon Restaurant and local seafood favourites at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon. Singapore Seafood Republic Channelling the intricacies you can enjoy the fine Italian of Japanese art into his cuisine of Palio™, cuisine, dining at Brazilian flame grilled Master Chef Kunio meats at Fiesta™ Tokuoka’s selfand American titled restaurant is a backyard classics lesson in Japanese at Chili’s Grill culture and history. & Bar. Resorts Fiesta Chinois by Susur Lee World Sentosa also weaves an intricate tapestry features an impressive cast and modern interpretation of of celebrity chef restaurants. Chinese and French cuisine, French maestro Joël Robuchon,
and Scott Webster’s OSIA puts an eclectic spin on Australian standards.
Shopping Guests at Resorts World Sentosa will be spoilt for choice with the opulent array of retail experiences on offer. Besides being home to the first and only Victoria’s Secret store outside the US and the Chihuly Gallery™, where you can find a wide selection of unique glassware by world famous American artist Dale Chihuly, Resorts World Sentosa boasts luxury brands like Bulgari, Canali, Damiani, Jimmy Choo, Rolex, Versace and Vertu.
Attractions Some of Singapore’s best and newest attractions have a home at Resorts World Sentosa. Universal Studios Singapore has already thrilled
countless visitors with its while spreading a message of exciting rides like Jurassic conservation and the need to Park Rapids Adventure‰, take care of our environment. WaterWorld™, Entertainment Battlestar With the theatrical Galactica™, circus spectacular Revenge of Voyage de la Vie™ the Mummy making its home and Shrek 4-D Voyage de la Vie™ at Festive Grand™ Adventure™. and the cutting edge Coming soon, The Crane Dance drawing Maritime Experiential crowds of admirers along the Museum & Aquarium™ WaterFront, Resorts World showcases the history of Sentosa has quickly the Maritime Silk Road and become a site Singapore’s longstanding for big events. importance as a trading Its Compass post. The highlight of the Ballroom™ museum is a massive has hosted multimedia theatre Asia’s biggest which recreates a voyage mixed martial Compass Ballroom to Arabia. The Marine arts competition Life Park™ will be one of the Martial Combat, in world’s largest oceanariums addition to being a venue for and offers visitors a chance to concerts by a diverse range of get up close with its resident international artists. creatures from the deep
Universal Studios Singapore‰
> Universal Studios Singapore One of the biggest draws of Resorts World Sentosa is the Universal Studios Singapore theme park, which comes packed with attractions specially designed for Singapore. Capture a slice of Hollywood movie magic at this world renowned leisure attraction boasting live entertainment spanning seven thematic worlds.
resorts world™ sentosa
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he island of Sentosa has always been associated with the pursuit of pleasure with its exciting attractions, stylish bars, restaurants and lovely beaches. The opening of Resorts World™ Sentosa last year has taken this fun-filled reputation up another notch. With its 5-star hotels, worldclass celebrity chef restaurants, luxe designer boutiques and the thrilling theme park that is Universal Studios Singapore‰, Resorts World Sentosa truly offers something for all ages.
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now part of the Fullerton Bay Hotel, the old Kallang Airport, the Asia Insurance Building on Finlayson Green in the heart of the Central Business District and the Ford Motor Factory on Upper Bukit Timah Road, the site of the British surrender to the Japanese during World War II. The overhauled Cathay Building on the southern end of Orchard Road retains some elements of Art Deco, in ode to its former self.
Special Focus
architectural tour
Palladian
The Fullerton Bay Hotel
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Tiong Bahru
The Shophouse In almost every historical alcove in Singapore, you’ll find rows of shophouses. Endemic to Southeast Asia, shophouses are exactly what they sound like. Ground floors of these buildings were, and are still, shops selling everything imaginable, with the upper floors being residential quarters. Covered walkways or “five foot ways” are a unique element of local
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shophouses, as are window sun-shades. Shophouses fall into five styles: Early, First Transitional, Late, Second Transitional and Art Deco. See some of the best examples of restored century-old shophouses on Haji Lane in Kampong Glam, Smith Street and Bukit Pasoh Road in Chinatown, and Boat Quay along the Singapore River.
The Black–and–White Bungalow Instantly taking passers-by back to the colonial era, black–and–white bungalows are symbols of social status in modern Singapore. These houses are painted predominantly white and
are defined by black timber beams. Black-and-whites symbolised the idyllic life in the tropics that many people dreamt of living in Singapore’s days as a colony. Lush gardens were a must, as were breezy patios and long driveways. Today, black–and–whites still line Adam Road, Tanglin Road, Dempsey Hill and Rochester Park.
Art Deco Art Deco drew inspiration from the various artistic movements of the inter-war period (Cubism, Modernism, Futurism and Art Nouveau) and was influenced by the rapid changes in the first half of the 20th century. Tiong Bahru is Singapore’s oldest public housing estate, and one of the best places to see this style of architecture. Singapore’s other Art Deco icons include the regal Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, Clifford Pier, which is
The spectacular domes and columns of neoclassicism rose up at the end of the 18th century. Statues, sculptures and engravings are the defining features of this movement. While you’ll spot many neoclassical buildings on a walk around the Civic District, it’s worth noting that Singapore is privileged to have two bookends to neoclassicism. The Armenian Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator on Hill Street was built in 1835, at the genesis of the movement, and the Old Supreme Court by the Padang, completed in 1939, is a final hurrah of neoclassicism.
which has stood the test of time in the Civic District. Also in the vicinity is St Joseph’s Church on Victoria Street. CHIJMES, on the same street, is another example.
Feng Shui The ancient Chinese aesthetics system feng shui (or geomancy) plays a big role in Singapore’s modern buildings. Gates skewed at angles, running water and lucky numbers all channel positive qi, or energy. Suntec City is a good place to see the influence of feng shui, evident in its trademark Fountain of Wealth and the fact that its five buildings appear as a left hand when viewed from the air.
Neo-Gothic Deeply rooted in the religious virtues of the medieval era, some of the best examples of neo-Gothic architecture are churches. With its towering spires, cavernous halls and windows adorned with stained glass, St Andrew’s Cathedral is a grand neo-Gothic church Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall
The Black-and-White Bungalow
architectural tour
ITINERARIES
ince its founding in 1819, Singapore has not stopped changing. Fortunately, many links to our past have been protected for us and for future generations. These architectural marvels chart Singapore’s progress from a fishing village to a colonial outpost to one of the world’s great cities.
Inspired by the works of Venetian architect Andrea Palladio and reminiscent of the temples in ancient Rome and Greece, Palladian structures typically have prominent columns and intricate door and window arches. Examples include The Fullerton Hotel by the Singapore River, the Indian Muslim shrine of Nagore Durgha on Telok Ayer Street, the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall and Istana Kampong Glam.
Neoclassical
Kampong Glam
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Special Focus
Special Focus
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Cruise Centre country, and the hawker centre just down the road offers many local delights and affordable bottles of ice-cold beer. With an international cuisine spread and speciality shops like the baking and cooking hub Pantry Magic, Holland Village is a delightful place to spend some time.
Tiong Bahru
Holland Village
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The Changi Museum
Changi With a rich military history which continues to this day, Changi is often cited as being different from the rest of Singapore. Things go at their own pace here, and life carries on much as it did in the past, with a few modern conveniences of course. Memories of World War II can be found at sites like the Johore Battery, The Changi Museum and the famed Changi Chapel near Changi Prison. Changi Village at the heart of Changi offers much to the seasoned traveller. Among provisions stores and speciality shops
selling everything from antiques to fishing tackle, famous Singaporean hawker dishes can be sampled at the Changi Village hawker centre. Changi Beach is an ideal place to take a walk in the evenings, where the calm is broken only by aircraft roaring majestically overheard before landing at Singapore Changi Airport.
Holland Village With a reputation as one of Singapore’s classiest neighbourhoods, Holland Village symbolises all the good things in life, from simple everyday pleasures to special luxuries. A popular nightspot among Singapore’s after-work crowd, its alfresco bars are packed by the time the sun sets. Thambi Magazine Store here stocks one of the biggest ranges of publications in the
Cruise Centre
T
he Singapore Cruise Centre’s International Passenger Terminal is capable of handling a varied range of cruise ships, including contemporary, premium, luxury and expedition ships. Indeed, on many luxurious round-the-world voyages, Singapore is a key stop. Even if you only have a few hours to spend in Singapore while your ship docks at the cruise terminal, you can still experience some of the country’s highlights. Here are the four great ways to spend your transit on our shores.
Shopping Spree While the shopping paradise of Orchard Road is some distance away (see page 46), you won’t have to go far to satisfy your shopping needs. Adjacent to the Singapore Cruise Centre is HarbourFront Centre, boasting a diverse spread of boutiques, great food both local and international, spas, beauty parlours, and a chill-out bar. Just next to HarbourFront Centre is Singapore’s largest mall, VivoCity. Inside are fashion outlets from the highend to the everyday, a myriad of dining options, speciality shops, a department store, a supermarket and a multiplex cinema.
HarbourFront MRT Station, located directly below HarbourFront Centre and VivoCity, is on our MRT system’s North East Line, with Chinatown and Little India only a few stops away from the HarbourFront station. Take in the sights, sounds, smells, colours, history and traditions of these two vibrant ethnic enclaves (see pages 60-63).
Drink Up!
Within easy reach of the Singapore Cruise Centre are many popular local nightspots. St. James Power Station next to the Sentosa Gateway is Singapore’s biggest nightclub, with nine Soak in Sentosa different venues housed Singapore’s island of within a former power leisure and Asia’s station. Sentosa’s playground Siloso Beach, Sentosa is just meanwhile, is across Keppel home to a bevy Harbour. From of delightful bars VivoCity, you like Café del Mar St. James Power can take a shuttle Station and Azzura Beach bus or monorail, Club. Nearby but if you’re at the Jewel Marina at Box up on Mount Faber (see Keppel Bay, on page 41), you can take the Singapore’s only famed Jewel Cable Car Ride to privately-owned Sentosa. Once you’re there, the island, is where you’ll options are endless; Resorts find the classy gastrobar World™ Sentosa, Underwater Privé. World Singapore, Fort Siloso
cruise centre
ITINERARIES
hile the well-known and well-documented facets of Singapore offer experiences that you will always remember, it also pays to take a break from the tourist trail. Singapore is full of secrets that can be uncovered with a little bit of extra legwork.
A quaint neighbourhood less than a mile away from Chinatown, Tiong Bahru is Singapore’s oldest surviving public housing estate. Built in the 1920s and 1930s, the walk-up flats and Art Deco shophouses have historic, aesthetic and economic value; and some have been given conservation status by the government. In fact, two blocks of flats have been completely overhauled and is today the Link Hotel, a popular landmark in the area. What’s great about this enclave is its easygoing nature and its residents, a majority of whom have lived here for decades. Although it’s being contemporised with cafes (including the excellent 40 Hands) and boutique hotels, it still manages to retain an authentic, old-world charm. Tiong Bahru is a food destination par excellence; head for the Tiong Bahru Market or to one of the area’s many seafood establishments for superb hawker fare.
Cultural Adventures
and many more exciting attractions await your arrival (see pages 72-73).
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Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations
Calendar From culture, to arts, sports, nightlife and entertainment here are the year’s hot dates.
T
here’s never a dull moment in Singapore because no matter what time of the year it is, there is sure to be an exciting event in full swing!
> January/February
M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2011
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This renowned festival returns with an “Art and Education” theme and an exciting lineup of international artists this year. With acts ranging from the restaging of highly successful local production Model Citizens, a moving installation piece by local audiovisual collective PMP, storytelling with the imaginative and effective use of props and even a scent-making presentation
by Japanese olfactory artist Maki Ueda, this is something you don’t want to miss.
Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations
Art Stage Singapore
Chinatown comes alive with decorations, street markets and brilliant lights in a kaleidoscope of warm colors this Lunar New Year.
12-16 Jan
The first major contemporary art fair to open the international art season, Art Stage Singapore will feature over 100 top contemporary art galleries from the Asia Pacific region. Held at Marina Bay Sands, this is a much awaited platform for buyers to spot future contemporary art superstars before they hit the big time. Expect quality cuttingedge artworks and fringe art events around Singapore, too. To find out more, visit www. artstagesingapore.com.
Pongal (Harvest) Festival 12-18 Jan
Pongal is the celebration of a good harvest. It is celebrated in Singapore to commemorate the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai. Join in the celebrations with the vibrant cultural activities and fairs happening during the week-long festival at Campbell Lane in Little India.
15 Jan-6 Mar
Year of the Rabbit at the Float @Marina Bay. Catch cultural performances by groups from China , the region and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as well as enjoy delectable local and overseas food treats against the backdrop of the Marina Bay skyline.
Thaipusam
Huayi - Chinese Festival of the Arts 2011
20 Jan
4-13 Feb
Thaipusam is a highly symbolic festival displaying the Hindus’ devotion to Lord Murugan. Witness the carrying of milk pots and spiked kavadis (semi-circular metal contraptions spiked and skewered through the bodies of devotees) through a 4.5-kilometre walk from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple along Serangoon Road in Little India to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple at Tank Road.
Absorb our diverse talents in music, theatre and dance through this 10-day annual arts festival. Chinese artists from all over the world will showcase breathtaking performances spanning traditional and contemporary genres of the arts in a diverse and entertaining programme. Expect the likes of Hong Kong’s Edward Lam Dance Theatre and the National Theatre of China among others.
River Hongbao 2011
Chingay Parade Singapore
1-13 Feb
11-12 Feb
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2011, River Hongbao will have a theme revolving around the
One of the most exciting Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore, the Chingay Parade
features an array of resplendent floats, costumes and multicultural performances enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
NOISE Singapore 17 Feb-7 Mar
For the past couple of years, the Noise Festival has been actively unearthing creative talents under the age of 35 and moulding them into success stories with professional training and media exposure. This year is no different, except that the competition gets livelier with a new line-up including a festival showcase and outdoor concerts.
HSBC Women’s Championship 2011 24-27 Feb
Watch the best female golfers in action on the lush Garden Course of Singapore’s Tanah Merah Country Club for the fourth edition of the HSBC Women’s Championship.
Chingay
> March/April
The Lion King 3 Mar-31 May
Marina Bay Sands® proudly presents the Southeast Asian premiere of The Lion King. Don’t miss this spectacular world renowned production that’ll capture your imagination and thrill your senses.
OCBC Cycle Singapore 2011 4-6 Mar
OCBC Cycle Singapore 2011 offers different categories of races, suitable for participants of all age groups and fitness levels, including mass and team participation events, charity rides, kids and tricycle races. A competitive field of 65 worldclass professional cyclists will compete under a breathtaking floodlit track in the heart of the city.
The Lion King
calendar
calendar
5-16 Jan
The Lion King
Pongal
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Mosaic Music Festival 2011 11-20 Mar
One of Singapore’s biggest and most anticipated music festivals, the Mosaic Music Festival features a stunning range of award-winning musicians and up-and-coming chart toppers from all over the world, with an eclectic mix of music across genres from hip hop to rock, blues and soul to jazz and electronica. The festival’s All Star Jam also sees international performers jamming with local musicians, kicking the rhythm up a notch. This year’s lineup include bass luminary Charlie Haden, American indie-group The National, French electronicatango Gotan Project, post-rock pioneers Tortoise, indie-folk singer Joanna Newsom, British singer-songwriter Ed Harcourt and more.
Singapore Biennale 2011 13 Mar–15 May
The Singapore Biennale is one of the most eagerly anticipated highlights on the local art calendar. Themed “Open House,” the 2011 event presents the latest
developments in contemporary visual culture - particularly Southeast Asian art featuring 63 artists of diverse nationalities. Exciting highlights include Tatzu Nishi’s creation of a luxurious hotel room around the Merlion and Rafael Lozano Hemmer’s large scale interactive light installation. To find out more, visit www. singaporebiennale.org.
Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon 20 Mar
Singapore will witness triathlon at its best, as the internationally renowned Ironman 70.3 series returns.
Fashion Season @ Orchard 2011 25 Mar-8 May
Fashion Season @ Orchard is a fashion extravaganza showcasing the beauty, art and multi-facets of the Spring/Summer fashion collections, presented by the biggest labels from more than 50 flagship stores and 30 shopping malls along Orchard Road, as they unveil their Spring/Summer collections. This six-week
celebration of fashion is built in with a host of fashion shopping and lifestyle experiences and activities - fashion styling workshops, beauty pampering events, fashion shows, parties, photography forum/ exhibitions, eye-catching runway events, contests and shopping privileges.
OCBC Titanium Presents Timbre Rock & Roots 2011
881 15 Apr-1 May
This zany Mandarin musical is a theatrical adaption of the hit 2007 local film of the same name by theatre group Toy Factory Productions. The story revolves around two childhood friends who aspire to become “getai” (stage performances during local festivals) performers.
World Gourmet Summit
15 -16 Apr
26 Apr-7 May
OCBC Titanium Presents Timbre Rock & Roots returns to the Marina Promenade with a spectacular line-up of artists. The inaugural festival in 2010 featured a host of world-class musicians and Grammy Awards winners such as Buddy Guy, The Fray, Gipsy Kings, Jools Holland And His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, among others. Visit www. rockandroots.com.sg for 2011’s artist line-up.
The ultimate indulgence for foodies and epicureans alike, the World Gourmet Summit 2011 returns with its dazzling showcase of gastronomic mastery, featuring the skills and cuisine of Michelin and award-winning masterchefs from Singapore and all over the world. Be a part of its star-studded line-up of events, including its signature Chef’s Table Luncheons, intimate and educational Culinary Masterclasses and special themed dinners.
> May/June
Children’s Season 2011 Fashion Season @ Orchard 2011
1 May- 30 Jun
The popular Children’s Season is back to inspire, engage and educate children through experiential and interactive museum exhibitions and programming at more than 20 museums including National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Art Museum and Mint Museum of Toys.
Asia Fashion Exchange 12-22 May
Asia Fashion Exchange (AFX) is an initiative aimed at developing the long-term sustainability of Singapore’s fashion industry by building capability and profiling local talent on an international platform to establish Singapore’s standing as Asia’s fashion gateway. AFX returns for the 2nd year and includes events for both trade professionals and consumers, featuring events such as Blueprint, a trade show designed to be an international platform based in Asia; Asia Fashion Summit, a business networking conference for over 200 industry professionals; Audi Fashion Festival, a showcase
Singapore Arts Festival 2011 13 May–5 Jun
Themed “I Want to Remember”, the Singapore Arts Festival in 2011 seeks the reconnection to memories, histories and places that we have long forgotten. Told through sights and sounds, “I Want to Remember” engages with a past that redefines the way we look at the present even as we race towards the future. This year’s festival sees the return of the Festival Village at the Esplanade Park, where it plays host to a number of free and ticketed programmes of the Festival. A key component of the Festival Village is also the very first Kids Arts Village, an experience curated, performed and managed by children for children. There’ll also be a whole range of com.mune activities – the participation arm of the Festival – to get you geared up for the Festival.
calendar
calendar
Mosaic Music Festival - Joanna Newsom
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of world-class collections by top international designers and labels; and Star Creation, a fashion design competition to spot budding talent.
Singapore Biennale 2011 - Rafael Lozano Hemmer’s
World Gourmet Summit
Singapore Arts Festival
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Singapore International Racing Festival, Singapore International Airlines Cup, KrisFlyer International Sprint
Singapore International Racing Festival, Singapore International Airlines Cup, KrisFlyer International Sprint 16-24 May
Organised by the Singapore Turf Club, the Singapore International Racing Festival (SIRF) will be held with the region’s richest races - the S$3 million Singapore Airlines International Cup and the S$1 million KrisFlyer International Sprint, sponsored by Singapore Airlines. SIRF is the premier racing festival that attracts the world’s top owners, jockeys and trainers to Singapore, with strong interest from major horseracing countries including Australia, Japan, Europe, Hong Kong, just to name a few.
Great Singapore Sale
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This is a shopping bonanza like no others. During the Great Singapore Sale (GSS) shoppers get to enjoy a slew of sales at up to 70% discount at malls, boutiques and department stores throughout the country – and it goes on for a full two months. There will be a raft
of exciting offers, late-night shopping and a host of exciting perks. What’s more, tourists will be able to stretch their dollar further with the GSS Tourist Privilege Card, which will give even more shopping privileges and discounts! Log on to www.greatsingaporesale. com to download your card and to find out more.
Sundown Marathon 28 May
If there’s something more exciting than witnessing the city light up in the night, it’s watching it alongside thousands of people participating in this one-ofits-kind night marathon in the region – the Sundown Marathon. This unique event provides runners a great opportunity to explore the lesser known heartlands of Singapore, including the Tampines and Siglap areas, in the cool of the night.
OSIM Singapore International Triathlon 18-19 Jun
One of Singapore’s best known home-grown triathlons, this thrilling
annual challenge held at the scenic East Coast Park sees athletes from all walks of life participating in a 1.5km swim, a 40km cycling race and 10km run.
Li-Ning Singapore Open Jun
The Li-Ning Singapore Open is Singapore’s top badminton tournament featuring top shuttlers from around the world. A part of the Super Series events organised by the Badminton World Federation, this is where more than 200 players battle for prize money totalling US$200,000 and valuable world ranking points.
> July/August
World Netball Championships 2011 3-10 Jul
Watch the world’s best netball teams, such as world champions Australia and top teams like New Zealand, Jamaica and England, in action and show your support for the Asian nations like Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Singapore. Be a spectator and witness them vie for the coveted championship
Night Festival
National Day
spot in this world-class ineternational event.
Singapore HeritageFest
Hungry Ghost Festival
16-31 Jul
31 Jul-29 Aug
Singapore Food Festival
The Singapore HeritageFest celebrates and raises awareness of Singapore’s multicultural heritage. Look out for more than 200 exciting performances, exhibitions and activities held island-wide, bringing heritage, culture and the arts closer to the people.
The Chinese believe that during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, hungry souls are released from the spirit world and allowed to roam the earth freely. During this time, joss sticks and lifestyle products made from paper-mache are burnt as offerings to appease the spirits and keep bad luck away. To witness this festival, visit Chinatown and watch a getai performance, which involves singing, storytelling of ancient myths and legends on a makeshift stage, with boisterous acting and vivacious traditional costumes. Just be sure not to sit in the front row because the seats there are reserved for the “souls”!
15-24 Jul
With the theme “curry and spice” this year, not only can you sample dishes and drinks inspired by spices and our culture and heritage during the 10-day festival, you can also have the opportunity to pick up some culinary tips to recreate some Singapore magic back home!
Night Festival 16-17 Jul
Affirming Singapore’s active and vibrant night scene, prominent museums like the National Museum, Singapore Art Museum, The Peranakan Museum and more will open their doors again this year into the wee hours of the night, complemented by a groundbreaking showcase of music and theatre. The revelry will also spill into some of the country’s more notable art spaces, including SMU Green and The Substation. So be sure to drop by!
Hari Raya Celebrations Jul-31 Aug
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a joyous celebration of the end of the Ramadan (when Muslims observe abstinence from food from sunrise to sundown for a whole month). During Ramadan, Geylang Serai, the Malay cultural district of Singapore, is filled with festive cheer and mouthwatering flavours at its street food bazaars. On the eve of Hari Raya, the excitement goes up a notch, with brilliant lights, decorations and colourful cultural events lining its streets.
National Day 9 Aug
Celebrate with us as Singapore turns a year older and in style. Be sure to position yourself where you can catch the dazzling display of fireworks or even a glimpse of our glittering floats, accompanied by spectacular formations by local arts groups and performing artistes.
calendar
calendar
27 May-24Jul
Singapore HeritageFest
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Singfest
19-21 Aug
Aug
Singapore’s largest alternative music event celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, with yet another adrenaline-pumping line-up of performances at the Esplanade. Its aim this year is to “rock without reservations,” as it showcases the country’s latest up-and-coming indie, rock, punk and electronic bands. So make sure you don’t miss the party - you never know what gems you might find.
Singfest has become the biggest rock and pop festival in Singapore, attracting over 17,000 music fans to watch some of the world’s biggest acts. Singfest 2010 witnessed show-stopping performances over three days by international superstars Katy Perry, Kanye West, The Smashing Pumpkins, Tokio Hotel, Wonder Girls, Thirty Seconds To Mars, and many others. Expect an equally stunning line-up at this highly anticipated outdoor music festival this year!
TIME Singapore 2011 25-28 Aug
> September/October
2011 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 23-25 Sep
Singapore’s most exciting and star-studded event arrives again for its fourth installment, once more setting the Marina Bay Street Circuit alight with a roaring hubbub. The event has enjoyed overwhelming response over the past years and tickets were completely sold out in 2010. This is when Singapore
Mid-Autumn Festival @ Chinatown & Singapore River
da:ns Festival 1-16 Oct
This celebration of spirit and movement at the Esplanade continues to showcase groundbreaking talent and soulsearching works year after year. Last year, the ballet Giselle was given a contemporary breath of fresh air while flamenco dancer Eva Yerbabuena tugged at heartstrings with her raw and emotional solo piece. This year promises yet more enchanting productions.
Sep-Oct
Singapore River Regatta
The Mid-Autumn Festival is an auspicious occasion reuniting Chinese families in a celebration that includes indulging in delicious mooncakes (circular-shaped pastries with a variety of fillings) and Chinese tea. These delicacies are best enjoyed amidst the festivities at Chinatown and around the Singapore River which are gloriously lit up with brightly coloured lanterns. Explore the myths and legends behind this colourful occasion, take in a cultural performance or just revel in the festive mood.
29-30 Oct
The sounds of drums beating and oars swishing from energetic paddling can evoke a rush of energy and excitement like no other. Watch more than 2,000 participants from 100 dragon boat teams race for the top prize in this year’s Singapore River Regatta.
Singapore JewelFest 2011 Oct
Every year, Singapore showcases the fine artistry and rarity of jewels in Asia’s most prestigious jewellery retail exhibition in the centre of Singapore’s premier shopping
district, Orchard Road. The event takes on a different theme each year and tells tales of opulence and distinction behind each collection.
US$6 million in 2010, Barclays Singapore Open is now more competitive than before. Held on the lush greens of the Sentosa Golf Club, it is Singapore’s most established professional golf tournament, and the richest national open in Asia. Past winners include Phil Mickelson and Adam Scott.
ARTSingapore
19 Nov-2 Jan 2012
Oct
If you’re passionate about contemporary Asian art, then this event is for you. The longest running exhibition of its kind in the region, this art fair will feature quality works from the increasingly sophisticated arts scene in Asia, attracting established and emerging artists and collectors alike. This is the place for lovers of the arts to participate in talks and panel discussions, pick up on market trends and network with one another.
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Mid-Autumn Festival @ Chinatown & Singapore River
Singapore JewelFest
Christmas is a truly unique experience in balmy Singapore, when the luxurious shopping districts of Orchard Road and Marina Bay come alive in a shimmering kaleidoscope of fairy lights and festive sounds during the annual Christmas light-up. Whilst the malls compete with each other for the most creative and exuberant facade decor, their interiors are filled with special themed events, shopping promotions and tourist privileges to make your Christmas unforgettable.
Barclays Singapore Open 10-13 Nov
With prize money increased to
da:ns Festival
Oct/Nov
Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is the most important festival in the Hindu calendar. Hindus all over the world celebrate the
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2011 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
Christmas in the Tropics
Deepavali Celebrations > November/December
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Uncover the finest treasures of time at Singapore’s first-ever mega watch retail showcase featuring the best in the world of watches. The 4-day grand affair presents the latest watch collections; limited edition timepieces; luxury, jewellery, fashion and sport watches, and everything in between. Don’t miss the exciting activities, promotions and contests this festival has to offer. Experience TIME Singapore 2011 at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center.
gets to revel in the presence of the best race car drivers in the world, including last year’s winner Fernando Alonso, as they heat up our tracks with laps of thrilling high-octane action. Joining them are world-class parties and events and superstar acts from around the globe, as part of Grand Prix Season Singapore’s programming line-up.
photographer Jean Pierre Maurin
Baybeats
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Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) Rugby 7s Nov
This premier international club tournament features teams from all around the world, including New Zealand, Fiji, Australia, South Africa and England, battling it out under
Siloso Beach Party
Join a host of novice runners and professionals, and tackle any one of a few races at the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore or simply cheer them on. There will be 5km runs (for kids), 10km, half marathon and full marathon races around some of the city’s best known sights and landmarks.
31 Dec
Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 31 Dec
Everybody’s just itching to party at this time of the year and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be too, especially with the platter of exciting events in store! Head to the Esplanade waterfront promenade and watch inspiring documentaries or just park yourselves early at Merlion Park, One Fullerton and Marina Barrage for a stunning view of the festivities and endless entertainment by the roving artists. If your idea of celebration is by dancing into 2012, snap up
Be prepared to get wet and wild at one of the biggest beach parties here! Usher in the New Year with 10 solid hours of non-stop dance music by local DJs spinning at the main arena, splashing about in the party’s hallmark foam pool or barrel through the 10-foot wave at Wave House Sentosa. Whatever you do, you’re bound to have a swimmingly good time!
ZoukOut Dec
This dusk-till-dawn audioand-visual spectacle of an outdoor music festival gets party people from around the region excited every year, what with a glittering line-up of the world’s finest DJs. Put on your party gear and head for Siloso Beach in Sentosa for what promises to be another wild weekend of hip hop, trance, electro and dance music revelry.
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Places of Interest Bukit Timah Nature Reserve BB5, CC5, DD5 Changi Museum DD11 Chinese Garden DD3 Clarke Quay FF7 East Coast Park EE10 Escape Theme Park CC10 Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay FF7 Jewel Box at Mount Faber FF6 Jurong Bird Park EE2 Kranji War Memorial BB4 Malay Village EE8 Marina Bay Sands FF7 Marina Barrage FF7 Memories at Old Ford Factory DD4 Merlion Park FF7 Night Safari BB5 Orchard Road EE6 Singapore Botanic Gardens EE6 Singapore Discovery Centre EE1 Science Centre Singapore DD3
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If you’ve longed to own a work of art, but have always felt that your pockets weren’t deep enough, then long no more! Pieces at the Affordable Art Fair will range from as little as S$1000 to S$10,000. Whet your appetite with 60 galleries across the globe offering paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures. Keep your eyes peeled for the up-and-coming artists and you just might get your hands on a future masterpiece!
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tickets to the countdown party at the Float @ Marina Bay featuring some of Singapore’s most happening DJs.
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victory of good over evil, light over darkness. Oil lamps are lit to thank the gods for happiness, knowledge, health and wealth received. During this festive period, Little India is transformed with stunning colourful festive lights, arches and street decor with numerous exciting activities.
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Designed to look like a welcoming palm, this lotusshaped museum is an eyecatching ode to the wonders of science, art and everything in between. Encompassing influences from the worlds of multimedia and architecture among others, this on-the-bay attraction will feature over 60,000 square feet of gallery space that promises to educate and inspire visitors with its engaging exhibits and rare collections. The museum’s opening exhibitions will be most fascinating, as it will demonstrate how trade – via both land and sea – have contributed to shaping modern networks as well as literacy, education, commerce in Asia. Also, learn about conquests of the Mongols when their rule extended from the Far East to the shores of the Mediterranean.
Gardens by the Bay
River Safari
Gardens by the Bay
River Safari
Spanning an impressive 54 hectares on the edge of Singapore’s sparkling new downtown will be the city’s second botanic gardens. Not only will it have a plethora of floral, plant and tree species from around the region set by an impressive lake, it’ll also boast SuperTrees, which are plant-covered structures, and will have themed gardens which will drop down into the grove in stunning vertical displays. There will also be horticultural show gardens, edu-tainment, a flower market and a main event space that can host concerts—all of which will make this among the city’s most exciting attractions. The centrepiece of the Gardens by the Bay are two iconic conservatories which are the largest of its kind in the tropics and will host permanent display of temperate plants and tree species, and a changing display of temporary flower beds.
Slated to be Asia’s first river theme park when it opens in 2012, the River Safari will be the third nature-themed attraction in Mandai after the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari. The River Safari will feature displays of freshwater habitats of famous rivers around the world, such as the Mississippi, the Congo, Nile, Ganges, Murray, Mekong and the Yang Tze. Housing over 500 animal species and 5,000 individual specimens, the attraction will take visitors on an up-close, multi-sensory journey to the realm of the largest collection of freshwater flora and fauna in Asia. Expect to be swept away in the open-air expedition boat rides as you meander through lush greenery, spotting some of the most beautiful and rare freshwater animals and plants. Some highly anticipated residents include the Mekong catfish, giant freshwater stingray and endangered giant river otter as well as two Giant Pandas from China.
coming soon
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RAFF
RAFF RALE FFS LE QS UAY QUA Y
41
4
70
2 NE4
92
T
WAT WER ATLO EROLO SO TR SEE TRTEE
QUEE QUNEE SN TR SEE TRTEE
HAVELOC K ROAD HAVELOC K ROAD
CHINATOWN
O
107
New Majestic Hotel The Scarlet The Club
Cenotaph
16
NORTH CANA L RD NORTH CANA L RD.
PROMENADE D. BLV LES . RAFF S BLVD LE
RAFF
103 107 Hotels
Tan Kim Seng St. Andrewʼs Fountain Tan Kim Seng Cathedral 5 St. Andrewʼs Fountain Cenotaph Cathedral
1
L14 M13 M13 L14
PROMENADE
70
ESPLANADE Civilian War Memorial 103 Civilian War Memorial
SHENTO SHENN TOWA Y N WA Y
53
L
22 22
ESPLANADE CC3
SOUTH B CLUB RIDGE RO CL SUTB AD SOUTH B R EST RIDGE RO ETRE AD ET CHINA ST CHINAREET STREET AMOY ST AMOY. ST TELOK AY ER ST. TELOK AY ER ST CECIL ST REE CECILT ST REET ROBINSO ROBINN R OAD SON R OAD
54
40
55
CTE
/ CLEME NC
24 24
MERCH ANT ROAD MERCH ANT ROAD
15
79
Boat Quay
CLARKE QUAY CLARKE QUAY
D
ET SAIBO STRE SAIBO STREET
K
AD
NE5 NE5
56
IDG E R
EAU AVENUE MA G MAAZ GIN AZ E IN RD E .RD
Institute
69
RIDG E RO
14
NEW B
13
Clarke Quay Clarke Quay
M
Theatre
MICA Building MICA Building
BR
Singapore Repertory Singapore Theatre Repertory
LLEY RO AD LLEY RO AD
63 96 63 96 64 64
F
73 73 49 29 49 29
R VA
32 57 57
48
NEW
RIVE
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62 62
2
Fountain of Wealth Fountain of Wealth
68 Chinatown Point 104 68 104 106 OG Building CC4 106 CC4 People's Park 69 Complex 69 CC3 People's70Park Centre
CITY HALL INTERCH.
LA D CU R R CIR ULA C CIR
Singapore Tyler Print Singapore Institute Tyler Print
RIVE
Shopping Malls
Suntec Singapore Suntec International Singapore Convention & International Exhibition Convention & Centre Exhibition Centre
EW13 NS25 CITY HALL INTERCH. EW13 NS25
B15 D14 45 45 80 B14 80 E15 D14
Chinatown
ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands™
F
med Sultan
OHM AOM HEA DM SE U DL STA ULNT RO AN A RD OAD
Sri Thendayuthapani Sri Thendayuthapani
3
105 105
RIVE DE DE DRIVE ANA ESPL PLANAD ES
D
84 84 82 82 46 81 46 81
National Archives National Singapore Archives Philatelic Singapore Museum Philatelic Museum
2 4
67 67
60 60 61 61
95 95
1
Chijmes
83
Armenian Church
Fort Canning Park Fort Canning Park
93 93 94 47 94
Chijmes
STAMFOR D RO AD STAMFOR D RO 83 AD
Armenian Church
City Square Mall Little India Arcade Mustafa Centre Sim Lim Square The 32 48 Verge
59 59
P) ) P (EC AY Y (EC KW AR RKWA A ST P OA AST P T C O EAS AST C E
Shopping Malls
.
Peranakan Museum Peranakan Museum
The Battle Box
ARMENIAN ST . ARMENIAN ST
FO RFTO CRT
C
The Substation
The Battle Box
UE EN NUE AV E AU U AV CE EN NCEA EM CL LEME C
OXLEY ROAD OXLEY ROAD
E RIS NG G RISE NNI CA ANNIN C
D OA R D NG OA NIG R ANIN N AN
NICOLL HIGHWAY
92 92
National Library & Drama Centre National Library & Drama Centre
E14 47 D15 B15 D15
CC2 BRAS BASAH CC2
STA MFO RD R STA MFO OA D RD R BRAS BASAH OA National Museum D of Singapore National Museum of SingaporeThe Substation
DHOBY GHAUT INTERCHANGE
EBER ROAD ER ROAD
49 50 49 50 48 48
HILL STREET HILL STRE
59 Hotels 59
MID DLE RO MID AD DLE RO AD
Art 68 Singapore Museum 39 BR Art AS BA 68 Museum SA BRA H RO S BA AD SAH RO AD
DHOBY GHAUT INTERCHANGE
amed Sultan
5Theatre
NE6 Court NS24 Hotel Albert CC1 NE6 NS24 CC1 Moon @ 23 58 47 58 Parkroyal on Kitchener Road 47 33 33 Wanderlust
ARD ROAD
M Y A M Y M RO A AM RO D AD
5Theatre
65 65
36 Maghain Aboth 36 Maghain Aboth 37 Synagogue 37 Synagogue 38 38 Singapore 39
Little India 60 60
VISITOR INFORMATION VISITOR INFORMATION
85 85
64 64 66 66 67 67
Istana
Istana
NICOLL HIGHWAY
OC HO BUGIS R R RO OA Bugis CHOR D RO Village AD Bugis Village
BEN
D
OA
E TERRAC SOPHIA E TERRAC SOPHIA
CC5 CC5
BUGIS EW12
Bugis Village 86 R
51 51
NORT NOHRT BRID H BRI GE RO DGE AD ROA D
COO BEN LE N SCO TROEE LETN ST
R EGIE SEL D I E R
87
VIC TIC V ORTIA O S RIA TR SE TTR
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Masjid Sultan (Mosque)
Masjid Sultan (Mosque) AR AB ST AR REE AB T H S AJITRE L ET OPH IR R HAJI ANE OAD LA OPH NE EW12 IR ROAD
58 91
89
88
1
JA
AL
AL
GBHA DGAH DD SA TDR S ET ETRE
90
Abdul Gaffoor Abdul Gaffoor Mosque Mosque
The next couple of years will herald a slew of new attractions across the city. Opening this year and in 2012, these places look set to boost Singapore’s wow factor by providing a host of exciting new experiences for locals and visitors.
JA LA N LA SUL N S T UL AN ST TA RE N ET ST RE ET
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2
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53
AD
KAMP KAON MPG ONKA G PO KAR R D POR R D. HINDOO HINDOO ROAD ROAD
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.
Sri Veevama CLIFF RD Kaliaman RD Sri Temple CLIFF
NE7 Veevama Little India LITTLE INDIA NE7 Kaliaman
LITTLE INDIA
ROA
54
D DESK 52 ER RO DESK AD ROWE ER LL ROAD ROA ROWE D LL ROA D
35
RAC E CO RA CE U CRS OUE RS RO E A D RO
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SERA SENG RAOO N RO NGOO N AD ROAD
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20
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RO BIR AD CH KIN R T OA KIN A RO D A TA RO D AD
62
D
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19
LITTLE INDIA/ ARAB STREET
108
5
4
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18
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KIT CH EN KIT ER R CH O EN 55 ER R AD OA D
17
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34
61
46 46
16
LITTLE INDIA
A
26 27 6 27 25 25 HARD ROAD
1
14
BEA BCEHA R CH O R AD OA
13
LITTLE INDIA
93
INDEX FOOD CENTRES & LOCAL FOOD • 126 Coffee Shop............ 67 • 328 Katong Laksa.. 19, 67 • Adam Road Food Centre ..............................................19 74, 93, 157, 165 (along Adam Rd) 48, 66, 151, 153, 154, 156, 170, 186 (along Bt Timah/Dunearn Rd),
• Chin Mee Chin Confectionery.................19 • East Coast Lagoon Food Village......................... 18,66 • East Coast Seafood Centre...............................66 • Killiney Kopitiam..........56 International Cruise Terminal
International Cruise Terminal This massive new terminal will propel Singapore into the major maritime league. Upon completion, this twoberth facility in Marina South (just a stone’s throw from the heart of the city) will accommodate the largest cruise ships and liners from around the world. With its distinctive rooftop depicting a modern interpretation of rolling waves, the terminal will be an aesthetic masterpiece sure to leave an awesome impression on visitors.
94
Later this year, the doors of the Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium will open at Resorts World™ Sentosa. This impressive new attraction will showcase Asia’s rich maritime history as well as detail the trade in the region over the last two millennia, when explorers discovered and opened up
new trade routes between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Visitors will be able to retrace the Maritime Silk Route of yore between the 9th and the 19th century. It’s not called an experiential museum for nothing – the museum's centerpiece is a 360-degree multimedia theatre, where visitors "board" an Arabiabound sailing ship docked near Singapore some 1,100 years ago.
iFly Singapore
iFLy Singapore
all ages and experience level, which means taking the plunge has never been easier.
Marine Life Park™ One of the world’s largest oceanariums will open its doors in Singapore this year. Housed at Resorts World Sentosa, visitors can get a rare opportunity to discover the wonders of the ocean when they interact with dolphins or snorkel amongst fascinating creatures. Lushly landscaped, it promises to be a great top-quality destination with wading pools and educational programmes designed to educate and entertain visitors. What’s more, Marine Life Park will be heavily involved in marine research and conservation efforts.
Experience one of life’s greatest thrills in a controlled environment. Offering a safer and cheaper alternative to skydiving and located conveniently on Sentosa, iFly Singapore is a skydiving simulator that Marine Life Park™ works by placing visitors into a vertical wind tunnel which recreates a freefall. iFly has packages for
• Lau Pa Sat.........................18 10, 10e, 57, 70, 97, 97e, 100, 107, 128, 130, 131, 162, 186, 196, 196e
• Maxwell Food Centre.. 18 80, 145
• Makansutra Gluttons Bay.......................................18 See The Esplanade
• Newton Food Centre........ ........................................19,57 5, 54, 124, 143, 162, 162M, 518 (along Scotts Rd) 48, 66, 170 (along Bt Timah Rd)
• Tekka Market & Food Centre................................19 See Little India
RESTAURANTS & CAFÉS • Prince of Wales.............63 • Banana Leaf Apolo......63 • The Blue Ginger.............17 • Café Le Caire..................65 • Chinois by Susur Lee........ .......................................14, 74 • The CountrySide Inn...63 • CUT...................................70 • DB Bistro Moderne.....70 • Don Quijote.....................19 • Fiesta..................................74 • FiftyThree.........................14 • Guy Savoy..................15,70 • Iggy’s................................... 15 • Ju Shin Jung....................66 • JUMBO @ Dempsey........ .......................................19, 66 • Jumbo Seafood.............59 • Kim Choo Kueh Chang.... ............................................. 67 • Komala Villas Vegetarian Restaurant.......................63 • Ku Dé Ta...........................70 • kunio tokuoka.................74 • L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon.........................74 • Les Amis........................... 15 • Long Beach @ Dempsey. .......................................19, 66 • Mosi Café........................65 • Muthu’s Curry...............63 • My Humble House......16
• Far East Square...............61
• Plaza Singapura............56
186 (along Cross St) 80, 145, 166, 197 (along South Bridge Rd)
7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 64, 65, 111, 124, 128, 139, 162, 162M, 174, 174e, 175, 502, 518
• Ferrari Store.....................71 • FestiveWalk™ & Galleria Luxury Fashion..............49 • Frü Frü & Tigerlily.........50 • Funan DigitaLife Mall....... ................................52,54,57
• Pluck..................................65 • Purple Gold...................... 51 • Raffles City Shopping Centre........................ 49,54
SHOPPING • *SCAPE.............................48
• Knockout Gear..............65 • Know It Nothing...........65 • Kwanpen......................51,71 • Li-Hong Jade..................60 • Liang Court.....................59 • Little India Arcade.......63
7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 65, 111, 123, 124, 143, 162, 162M, 174, 174e, 175, 502, 518
•
[email protected] See *Scape
• alldressedup...................50 • Ashley Isham.................50 • Burberry......................52,71 • Bras Basah Complex...54 7, 32, 51, 63, 80, 145, 197 (along North Bridge Rd) 2, 7, 12, 32, 33, 51, 63, 80, 130, 133, 145, 175, 197(along Victoria St)
• bYSI....................................50 • Canali.................................74 • Cartier................................71 • The Cathay.....................56 7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 64, 65, 111, 124, 128, 139, 162, 162M, 166, 174, 174e, 175, 502, 518 (along Orchard Rd) 131, 147, 166 (along Prinsep St)
• Cathay Cineleisure Orchard............................48 • Chanel................................71 • Central........................52,58 2, 12, 33, 51, 54, 63, 80, 124, 145, 147, 166, 197 (along Eu Tong Sen St) 2, 12, 33, 54, 147 (along New Bridge Rd)
• Charles & Keith.............50 • Chinatown Point...........60 See Chinatown
• The CentrePoint.....52,57
51, 63, 80, 124, 145, 166, 174, 174e, 197 (along North Bridge Rd) 2, 12, 33, 51, 63, 80, 124, 145, 147, 166, 174, 174e, 197 (along Hill St)
• Golden Landmark........64 • Hansel...............................50 • HarbourFront Centre.. 79 10, 30, 30e, 57, 65, 80, 97, 97e, 100, 131, 143, 145, 166, 409
• The Heeren...............52,57 See CentrePoint
• ION Orchard.....46,52,57 (see The CentrePoint) 5, 54, 105, 132 (along Scotts Rd)
• Jimmy Choo....................74 • Knightsbridge................47 See CentrePoint
See Little India
• Loft & Public...................65 • Louis Vuitton...................71 • Mandarin Gallery.. 47, 57 See CentrePoint
• Marina Square....... 48,52 36, 56, 107M, 195 (along Raffles Boulevard) 70M, 97, 97e, 111, 133, 133M, 162M, 502, 518 (along Temasek Boulevard) 36, 56, 97,97e, 111, 133, 133M, 162M, 195 (along Raffles Ave)
• Mei Guo Ginseng.........60 • Meidi-Ya...........................59 • Mother & Child Project... .............................................. 51 • Mustafa Centre............62 23, 64, 65, 66, 131, 139, 147,
• Ngee Ann City................57 See CentrePoint
• Nicholas............................ 51 • Orchard Central.................. ................................48,52,56 7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 65, 111, 123, 124, 128, 143, 162, 162M, 174, 174e, 175, 502, 518
• Orchard Towers.............57 7, 36, 105, 111, 123, 132, 174, 174e, 502
7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 65, 111, 123, 124, 128, 143, 162, 162M, 174, 174e, 175, 502, 518
• Palais Renaissance.......57
• DFS Galleria.....................57
7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 65, 111, 123, 124, 128, 143, 162, 162M, 174, 174e, 175, 502, 518
5, 54, 105, 124, 128, 132, 143, 162, 162M, 518 (along Scotts Rd) ...7, 36, 111, 123, 174, 174e, 502 along Orchard Rd
• Dulcetfig..........................65 • Far East Plaza...........46,57 See DFS Galleria
See Orchard Towers
• Paragon............................47
• Parco next NEXT........... 51 • People’s Park Complex.... .............................................60 2, 12, 33, 51, 54, 63, 80, 124, 143, 145, 147, 166, 197, CT8, CT18,
32, 51, 63, 80, 124, 145, 166, 174, 174e, 195, 197 (along North Bridge Rd) 14, 14e, 16, 36, 111, 130, 131, 133, 162, 162M, 502, 518 (along Bras Basah Rd)
• RISIS.................................... 51 • Robinsons.........................57 • Rolex...................................74 • Suntec City Mall...........49 • The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands®................49,71 • Salvatore Ferragamo...71 • Shaw Centre....................57 5, 54, 105, 124, 128, 132, 143, 162, 162M, 518 (along Scotts Rd) 7, 36, 111, 123, 174, 174e, 502 along Orchard Rd
• Stefano Ricci....................71 • Suntec City Mall................. .................................52,69,77 36, 70M, 97, 97e, 107M, 111, 133, 133M, 162M, 502, 518 (along Temasek Ave) 56, 195 (along Raffles Ave) 10, 10e, 14, 16, 70, 70M, 196, 196e (along Nicoll Highway)
• Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre.....69 • Tanglin Mall.....................57 7, 36, 105, 111, 123, 132, 174, 174e
• TANGS.......................46,57 36, 124, 128, 143, 162, 162M, 174, 174e, 518
• Tekka Centre..................63 See Little India
• TWG Tea Company... 52 • Versace..............................74 • Vertu...................................74 • Victoria’s Secret.............74 • Vitatron & Medical Co..... .............................................60 • VivoCity.............49, 52, 79 10, 30, 30e, 57, 65, 80, 97, 97e, 100, 131, 143, 145, 166,
• Wisma Atria................... 52 7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 65, 111, 123, 124, 128, 143, 162, 162M, 174, 174e, 175, 502, 518
• Woods & Woods......... 52 • Yves Saint Laurent........71 MUSEUMS, CULTURAL CENTRES AND PLACES OF WORSHIP • Anderson Bridge..........58 • The Armenian Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator............................. .......................................55,77 2, 12, 32, 33, 51, 63, 80, 124, 147, 166, 174, 174e, 197 (along Hill St)
• Asian Civilisations Museum....................35,58 Asian Civilisations Museum II (Empress Pl) 100, 107, 130, 131 (along Empress Pl) 10, 10e, 57, 70, 128, 162, 196, 196e (along Fullerton Rd) Asian Civilisations Museum 1 (Armenian St)......2, 12, 32, 33, 51, 63, 80, 124, 147, 166, 174, 174e, 197 (along Hill St)
• Battle Box..........................37 7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 111, 124, 128, 131, 147, 162, 162M, 166, 174, 174e, 175 (along Stamford Rd – SMU)
• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum.. 61 80, 145, 166, 197 (along South Bridge Rd)
• Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.........................54 130, 133, 145, 197 (along Victoria St) , 14, 14e, 16, 36, 111, 128, 162, 162M, 175, 502, 518 (along Bras Basah Rd)
• Cavenagh Bridge..........58 • The Cenotaph............... 55 100, 107, 130, 131 (along Connaught Dr) 10, 10e, 57, 70, 128, 162, 196, 196e (along Esplanade Dr)
• Central Fire Station...... 55 • Central Sikh Temple....39 • Changi Chapel...............78 • Changi Museum....35,78 2, 29
• CHIJMES..................54, 77 2, 12, 33, 130, 133, 145, 147, 197 (along Victoria St)
• Chinatown Heritage Centre..........................36,61 See Chinatown
• Civilian War Memorial.... .......................................37,54 10, 10e, 57, 70, 128, 162, 196, 196e (along Nicoll Highway) 14, 14e, 16, 36, 111, 128, 130, 131, 133, 162, 162M, 502, 518 (along Bras Basah Rd) 32, 51, 63, 80, 124, 145, 166, 174, 174e, 195, 197 (along North Bridge Rd)
• Clifford Pier..............68, 77 10, 10e, 57, 70, 100, 107, 128, 130, 131, 162, 196, 196e
• Customs House............68 • Esplanade Bridge.........68 • Esplanade Park.............. 55 100, 107, 130, 131 (along Connaught Dr) 10, 10e, 57, 70, 128, 162, 196, 196e (along Esplanade Dr)
• Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay..............................68 36, 56, 97,97e, 111, 133, 162M, 195 (along Raffles Ave) 10. 10e, 57, 70, 128, 162, 196, 196e (along Nicoll Highway)
• The Float @ Marina Bay.. .............................................69
INDEX
coming soon
Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium™
Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium
7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 65, 111, 123, 124, 143, 162, 162M, 174, 174e, 175 (along Somerset Rd) 32, 54, 195 (along River Valley Rd)
• No Signboard.................66 • OSIA...................................74 • Osteria Mozza..............70 • The Pastry Shop & Lounge...............................74 • Pizzeria.............................70 • PS. Cafe.............................19 • Rang Mahal.....................16 • Restaurant Andre......... 15 • Sakunthala’s Food Palace................................63 • Santi...................................70 • Sin Hoi Sai Eating House. ..............................................19 • Sky on 57.........................70 • Tambuah Mas................17 • Taste Matters.................19 • Temptations................... 67 • Tepak Sireh Restaurant... .............................................64 • Tippling Club...................19 • Waku Ghin......................70 • Waraku.............................66 • Wild Rocket..................... 15 • Yantra.................................16 • Zsofi Tapas Bar.............63
36, 56, 97,97e, 111, 133, 133M, 162M, 195 (along Raffles Ave)
• ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands®......71
• Ford Motor Factory..... 77
See Marina Bay Sands
• Fort Canning Park.........37
170 64, 123, 139, 143 (along
95
Clemenceau Ave) 32, 54, 195 (along River Valley Rd) 7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 111, 124, 128, 131, 147, 162, 162M, 166, 174, 174e, 175 (along Stamford Rd – SMU)
• Fountain of Wealth............ ......................................69, 77 • The Fullerton Heritage ... .............................................68 • Istana.................................56 7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 64, 65, 111, 124, 128, 139, 162, 162M, 166, 174, 174e, 175, 502, 518
• Istana Kampong Glam.... .......................................64,77 7, 32,51, 63, 80, 145, 175, 197 (along North Bridge Rd) 107, 107M (along Jln Sultan)
• Katong Antique House.... ............................................. 67 • Kranji War Memorial..37 160, 170
• Little India Arts Belt.....63 • Marina Bay City Gallery.. .............................................69 • Masjid Angullia.............62 • Masjid Jamae (Chulia).... ..............................................61 80, 145, 166 197 (along South Bridge Rd) 51, 63, 124, 174, 174e, 186 (along Upp Cross St)
• Merlion Park...................68 See Clifford Pier
• MICA (Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts) Building................. 55 • MINT Museum of Toys... ..............................................35 • National Art Gallery.....35 • National Museum of Singapore..................34,55 7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 111, 124, 128, 131, 147, 162, 162M, 166, 174, 174e, 175 (along Stamford Rd – SMU)
• Old Ford Factory............37 • Old Parliament House..... ............................................. 55 100, 107, 130, 131 (along Empress Pl) 10, 10e, 57, 70, 128, 162, 196, 196e (along Fullerton Rd)
• Old Supreme Court........... .......................................55,77 100, 107, 130, 131 (along Connaught Dr & Empress Pl) 32, 51, 63, 80, 124, 145, 166, 174, 174e, 195, 197 (along North Bridge Rd)
• Padang........................55,68 See Old Supreme Court
• Peranakan Museum......... .......................................34,55
INDEX
2, 12, 32, 33, 51, 63, 80, 124, 147, 166, 174, 174e, 197
• Peranakan-themed shophouses.................... 67 • Raffles Landing Site....58 • Rumah Bebe................... 67 • The Sands Theater®....71 • The School of the Arts..... .............................................56 • Singapore Art Museum.. ......................................36, 54 7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 111, 124, 131, 147, 162, 162M, 166, 174, 174e, 175, 502, 518
• Singapore Coins and
96
Notes Museum.............36 See Chinatown
• Singapore Philatelic Museum....................36,55
• Kranji Countryside.......44 • Kusu Island.....................44 take 402 to Marina South Pier and connect to boat
2, 12, 32, 33, 51, 63, 80, 124, 145, 147, 166, 174, 174e, 197 (along Hill St)
• MacRitchie Reservoir.40
• Singapore Repertory Theatre.............................59 • Singapore Tyler Print Institute............................59 • Sultan Mosque..............64
• Mount Faber...................41
7, 32, 51, 63, 80, 175, 197 (along North Bridge Rd) 48, 57 (along Ophir Rd)
• Sri Mariamman Temple.. .............................................60 80, 145, 166, 197
• Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple.............................. 67 • Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple..............................62 21, 23, 64, 65, 66, 125, 130, 139, 147
• Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple..............................63 23, 64, 65, 66, 139, 147
• St. Andrew’s Cathedral.... ......................................55, 77 32, 51, 63, 80, 124, 145, 166, 174, 174e, 195, 197
• Taman Warisan Melayu. .............................................64 2, 7, 12, 32, 33, 51, 63, 80, 100, 107, 107M, 130, 133, 145, 175, 197
• Thian Hock Keng temple ..............................................61 • Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall.............55,77 100, 107, 130, 131 (along Empress Pl) 10, 10e, 57, 70, 128, 162, 196, 196e (along Fullerton Rd)
HOTELS • Copthorne King’s.........59 • The Fullerton Hotel........... .......................................68,77 • Furama Riverfront........59 • Miramar Hotel..............59 • Raffles Hotel..................54 7, 32, 51, 63, 80, 175, 197 (along North Bridge Rd) 14, 14e, 16, 36, 111, 130, 131, 133, 162, 162M, 502, 518 (along Bras Basah Rd) 56, 57, 100, 107, 107M (along Beach Rd)
• River View Hotel...........59 PARKS, FARMS & NATURE RESERVES • Butterfly Trail @ Orchard ................................................... 43 • East Coast Park.............40 401 , 13, 15, 16, 31, 36, 43, 48, 55, 76, 135, 155, 196, 196e, 197 (along Marine Parade Rd)
• Forest Adventure.........42 • Fort Canning Park.........37 • Hong Lim Park........58,60 186 (along Upp Pickering St) 2, 12, 33, 54, 147 (along New Bridge Rd) 51, 63, 80, 124, 145, 166, 174, 174e, 197 (along South Bridge Rd) 2, 12, 33, 51, 63, 80, 124, 166, 174, 174e, 197 (along Eu Tong Sen St)
52, 74, 93, 130, 132, 156, 157, 162, 162M, 165, 166 409
• Mountain Biking in Bukit Timah................................42 • Pulau Ubin.......................45 • Running the Southern Ridges...............................42 • Singapore Botanic Gardens......................41,57 • Spice Walks at Fort Canning Park..................43 • St John’s Island..............45 • Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.............................44 BARS & CLUBS • 1-Altitude..........................23 • 1 TwentySix..................... 67 • Attica.................................20 • Avalon................................71 • Azzura...............................79 • The Beach Hut.............. 67 • Blu Jaz Café....................65 • Boulevard.........................24 • Brasserie Wolf...............59 • Brewerkz..........................59 • Butter Factory................20 • Café del Mar..................79 • Cuba Libre.......................59 • Emerald Hill.....................57 See The Centrepoint
• En Grill & Bar..................59 • Going Om........................65 • Harry’s..............................58 • Helipad..............................23 • Highlander......................59 • Home Club..................... 22 • Ku Dé Ta.....................23,70 • Le Carillon de L’Angelus.. .............................................24 • Loof.....................................23 • Marrakesh Moroccan Lounge and Bar.............59 • Muddy Murphy’s Irish Pub.....................................24 • Mulligans.........................24 • The Olde Cuban............61 • One Rochester Park....25 74, 74e, 91, 92, 95, 191, 196, 198, 200
• Orgo....................................23 • Paulaner Bräuhaus......24 • The Penny Black...........58 • Pietrasanta: The Italian Restaurant.......................25 • Privé...................................79 • The Pump Room.......... 22 • Red Dot BrewHouse...58 • Scruffy Murphy’s.......... 67 • St. James Power Station.. ........................................21,79 • St Joseph’s Church...... 77 • Stereolab and Stereolounge...................21 • TAB.................................... 22 • Timbre.............................. 22 2, 12, 32, 33, 51, 63, 80, 124, 147, 166, 174, 174e, 197 (along Hill St)
• Tivoli Beer Bar................59
• White Rabbit.................. 25 • Zirca....................................21 • Zouk..............................21,59 5, 16, 175, 195
NEIGBOURHOODS • Adam Road..................... 76 • Ann Siang Hill.................61 80, 145, 166, 197 (along South Bridge Rd)
• Bukit Pasoh Road......... 76 • Boat Quay....................... 76 51, 63, 80, 124, 145, 166, 174, 174e, 197 (along North Bridge Rd)
• Changi Village...............78 2, 9, 19, 29, 59, 89, 89e, 109
• Chinatown......................79 2, 12, 33, 51, 54, 63, 80, 124, 143, 145, 147, 166, 174, 174e, 197, CT8, CT18
• Circular Road..................57 51, 63, 80, 124, 145, 166, 174, 174e, 197(along South Bridge Rd)
• Civic District............68, 77 • Dempsey Hill............57,76 7, 105, 123, 174
• Duxton Hill.......................61 166, 197 (along Neil Rd) 80, 145 (along Tg Pagar Rd)
• Haji Lane.......................... 76 100, 107, 107M (along Beach Rd)
• Katong Village............... 67 • Keppel Harbour............ 72 • Little India........................79 23, 64, 65, 66, 131, 139, 147 (along Serangoon Rd) 64, 65, 130, 139, 147 (along Jln Besar) 48, 66, 170 (along Bt Timah Rd)
• Marine Cove.................. 67 • Mohamed Sultan Road... .............................................59 • Mount Faber....41, 72, 79 • Pagoda Street.................61 • Robertson Quay...........59 • Rochester Park.............. 76 • Smith Street.................... 76 • Tanglin Road................... 76 • Tanjong Katong Road.67 • Temple Street.................61 • Tiong Bahru.................... 76 • Trengganu Street...........61 ATTRACTIONS • Bukit Timah Railway Station...............................38 • Bukit Timah Fire Station.. .............................................38 • Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom.......................... 72 • Changi Beach.................78 • Crystal Pavilion..............71 • Escape Theme Park......31 3, 5, 6, 12, 17, 21, 89, 354, 358
• Festive Grand..................75 • The Flying Trapeze......28 • Fort Siloso........................79 • G-Max Reverse Bungy and GX-5 Xtreme Swing. 30, 59 • Gardens by the Bay.....93 400
• Gogreen Segway‰ Eco Adventure.......................28
UNLIMITED FUN©
• Goldkist Beach Resort.66 • Helix Bridge....................69 • iFly Singapore................ 72
FunVee City Tour (Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing)
(within Sentosa)
• Imbiah Lookout............. 72 • The Jewel Box................ 72 409
• Jewel Cable Car Ride........ ......................................72, 79 • Jurong Bird Park............29
®
194, 251
• Marina Bay Sands®.....69
Save 45% off#
97, 97e, 133, 133M, 502, 518
• Marine Life Park™........75 (within Sentosa)
• The Maritime Experiential Museum™.. ..............................................75
138
• Palawan Beach...............73 • Resorts World ™ Sentosa.............................79 • River Taxi..........................58 • Sampan Ride...................71 • Sands SkyPark®............70 • Science Centre Singapore.........................32
Only S$19.90 *2nd Day Free
The First Contactless Smartcard in Singapore that let’s you tap and go in to attractions.
(within Sentosa –RWS)
• MegaZip Adventure Park..............................28,72 • Merlion Park.....................31 • Night Safari.....................30
Now during promotion period, get extra 1 Day unlimited use FREE! - Sightsee around on FunVee Hopper Bus to over 30 City Attractions. - City Attractions, Ethnic Attractions and Marina Attraction Routes. - Free Sentosa Attraction Hopper. - Free Transfer from Ctiy Hotel to Singapore Flyer.
City Pass’ Most Popular Attractions: Universal Stud io Singapore s™
N ig ht Sa fa ri
Booking Hotline: (+65) 6738 3338 6738 9897
66, 198, 335
• Sentosa............................. 72 no direct bus – need to take services to HarbourFront Centre and connect to Sentosa service at HarbourFront Interchange
Captain Explorer DUKW Tour
• Sentosa 4D Magix....... 72 • Sentosa Luge and Skyride.......................28, 73 • Singapore Discovery Centre................................32
Marina Bay Sands Sky Park
182, 182M, 193
• Singapore Flyer........31,69 36, 56, 107M, 195 (along Raffles Boulevard) 70M, 97, 97e, 111, 133, 133M, 162M, 502, 518 (along Temasek Ave)
yer Singapore Fl
Jurong Bird Park
• Singapore Tennis Centre. .............................................66 • Singapore Zoo...............30 138
• Siloso Beach....................73 • SKI360°............................66 • Skyline Luge Sentosa.. 72 • Sports Planet East Coast. .............................................66 • Tanjong Beach................73 • Tanjong Pagar Railway Station............................... 77 10, 30, 57, 80, 97, 97e, 100, 131, 145
• Tiger Sky Tower.............73 • Underwater World Singapore........................79 (within Sentosa)
• Universal Studios Singapore®...............32, 75 (within Sentosa – RWS)
• Waterfront Promenade.. .............................................69 • Wave House Sentosa...... ......................................28, 73 • Xtreme SkatePark........66
#
Explorer Package nd
1 Day Pass (*2
Day Free)
Fun Package 2 Days Pass
Captain Explorer DUKW Tour Land & Water Adventure on Vietnam Era Amphibious Vehicle in Marina Bay & Padang / Civic District Boarding Point: Tourist Hub @ Singapore Flyer #01-05 Tour starts: 0930 to 1830 hrs Booking Frequency: Hourly departure Hotline: Duration: 60 mins (+65) 6738 3338 Ticket Price: 6738 9897 S$29.90 (Adult) S$20.90 (Child)
EXP
S$61.90 (A) / S$54.90 (C)
FUN $78.90 (A) / S$58.90 (C)
3 Days Pass $133.90 (A) / S$88.90 (C) (*with Universal Studios Weekday Ticket, excludes black out dates)
For more details, please log on to www.singaporecitypass.com or email us at:
[email protected]
For more details, please log on to www.citytours.sg or email us at
[email protected]
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