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Singapore

Contents

Introducing Singapore 4

Interesting facts 5

A taste of Singapore 6

Must-dos in Singapore 8

Try something different 9

Spending money 12

Five of the best views of the city 14

Our recommendations 16

Hotels 18

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Singapore Statistics

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AVERAGE HIGH MONTHLY TEMPERATURES IN SINGAPORE:

A gateway to Asia and beyond, Singapore is a vibrant nation full of vigour and a cosmopolitan city brimming with possibilities. It’s home to a bustling Central Business District, a famous shopping street, a thriving arts and entertainment scene, lively dining and drinking spots, and many must-see attractions. With a rich culture and heritage, Singapore is a place where passion lines every avenue.

Singapore offers many places and spaces for travellers to create their own adventure. History enthusiasts will delight in visiting museums and revel in the architectural styles of old buildings in Singapore, while nature lovers can check into the wonderful green spaces that provide respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Explorers looking for more unique activities may check out Singapore’s many enticing attractions including National Gallery Singapore, where Southeast Asia’s largest collection of modern art resides, and Thian Hock Keng, Singapore’s oldest Buddhist temple, built to honour the goddess of the sea.

Population

Currency

Official language

Time zone

5.6 million

Singapore Dollar (S$)

Malay, though English is the most commonly spoken language

GMT +7

Introducing

Singapore

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• Singapore holds a national tree planting day every year. On 7th November, everyone from the Prime Minister and foreign diplomats to ordinary citizens plant trees to preserve a green Singapore.

• The five stars in Singapore’s national flag represent the ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. The colour red signifies brotherhood while white represents purity.

• Singapore’s inaugural Formula One motor racein 2008 was the first and only F1 race to be held at night, and the first F1 street race in Asia.

• The only tropical garden with a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site tag is the 156-year-old SingaporeBotanical Garden, home to 4.5 million annualvisitors and a National Orchid Garden.

• Singapore is actually a city of not just one island, but 63. Singapore’s land area includes as manyas 62 offshore islands that surround the mainisland. These include Sentosa (the largest of the62 offshore islands), Pulau Ubin, St John’s Island and Sisters’ Islands.

Interesting facts

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Botanical Gardens

Singapore Flyer

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A Taste of SingaporeSingapore is a melting pot of cuisines, incorporating a rich heritage of dishes consisting of Chinese, Indian,

Malaysian and Indonesian influences. Here are some local delicacies we think you should try out:

Hainanese chicken rice

Steamed chicken served with rice cooked in chicken stock. This all-time favourite dish makes for a quick, fulfilling lunch. The quality of chicken stock is crucial to this dish, and you can tell by the steamed rice oozing with flavour and a fragrant aroma. Pour some dipping sauce over the chicken and give it a go.

Chilli crab

Hard-shell crabs cooked in semi-thick gravy with a tomato chilli base. The steamed crabs are partially cracked, then lightly stir-fried in a paste comprising chilli sauce, ketchup and eggs. Despite its name, chilli crab is not all that spicy. Bread is normally ordered to soak up the gravy, so dig in with both hands!

Hainanese chicken rice Chilli Crab

Laksa Char kway teow

Laksa

Rice noodles in spicy coconut curry soup with shrimp, fish cakes, egg and chicken meat – a cross between Chinese and Malay cuisine. Laksa also has many variants, but the one in Singapore is katong laksa, with cut-up noodles. Cockles and tofu puffs are sometimes added.

Char kway teow

Broad white noodles fried with black Soya sauce, bean sprouts, fish cake, clams and Chinese sausage. You will find this dish in hawker centres and restaurants. Skilled chefs will add a smoky taste to the dish by cooking the noodles at a high temperature.

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There is so much to see and do in Singapore that you might not know where to start! Here

are just a few of our favourites:

Jewel Changi Airport

Jewel Changi Airport transforms Singapore’s world-class aviation hub into a truly inspiring lifestyle destination.

Experience wonderment when you discover the world’s largest indoor waterfall, 2,000 trees and a spectacular, 14,000-square-metre rooftop park that’s home to gardens, walking trails and play attractions, as well as dining establishments and top-notch retail.

Gardens by the Bay

In the heart of a bustling Garden City, Gardens by the Bay’s conservatories are a tranquil oasis. The Flower Dome contains a diverse range of plants from the Mediterranean, whilst The Cloud Forest conservatory boasts a cascading 35-metre-tall indoor waterfall (one of the world’s largest).

Sentosa

On Sentosa Island, visitors will find plenty of attractions to arouse their senses and imagination: peaceful white sand beaches, marinas and trails, the championship-ready courses of Sentosa Golf Club, theme and water parks and countless dining options.

Cultural neighbourhoods

A walk down Chinatown’s narrow streets with their picturesque shophouses reveals Singapore’s rich Chinese heritage. Visitors to Chinatown can experience the interesting and harmonious mix of cultures, where the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is just a two-minute walk from the Sri Mariamman Temple. The precinct is also home to some of the best food on the island, from hipster cafés to established hawker stalls and Michelin-starred restaurants. There’s also Little India, one of the most vibrant and charismatic ethnic districts in Singapore. Here, with the air smelling of spices, incense and jasmine, loud Indian pop music blares from shops. Gaily painted shophouses along Serangoon Road and side streets add to the district’s charm.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

To see a different side to Singapore, head to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. While centrally located on the Island, the reserve feels a million miles from the modern cityscape with its thick tropical vegetation, hiking trails and mountain biking route.

Must-dos inSingapore

Chinatown

Singapore Zoo

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Go beyond the everyday attractions and really get to grips with everything Singapore

has to offer.

The Intan

Visitors can experience the rich culture and heritage of the Peranakans (Straitsborn people of Chinese and Malay/ Indonesian heritage) at The Intan. Enjoy an authentic Peranakan experience on The Intan Tea Tour (by appointment only), then view the carefully curated antique Peranakan house and marvel at the multitude of vibrant relics like shoes, tiles and ceramics.

Coney Island

Formerly known as Serangoon Island, Coney Island was owned by the Haw Par brothers—the duo behind the famed Tiger Balm brand—back in the early 1900s. Today the island has retained its rustic charm and is a sanctuary for a diverse range of plant and animal species. Explore the coastal forests, mangroves and various plants and flowers, some of which are critically endangered.

Corner House

At Corner House, chef Jason Tan’s culinary philosophy takes vegetables to a whole new level. The one-Michelin-starred restaurant’s speciality is French cuisine with elements of ‘Gastro-Botanica’—a term to demonstrate Tan’s use of vegetables as more than just garnishes.

The eight-course Discovery Menu Experience is designed for those who prefer to leave the decision on what to eat to the chef.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park, Sungei Buloh is home to rich biodiversity. There are numerous walking trails and wheelchair-accessible paths throughout the 202-hectare nature reserve, and visitors can discover its native inhabitants such as otters, crabs, water snakes and monitor lizards. Bird-watchers can take the Migratory Bird Trail that goes around the Buloh Tidal Ponds and admire resident birds like herons, kingfishers and sunbirds. Children will enjoy the Junior Adventure Trail where they can mirror the movements of a crab or mudskipper among the mangroves.

Try something

different

The Intan

Corner House

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Spending money

1 beer in aneighbourhood pub $11 Two tickets

to the movies $26

Michelin-starred restaurant for two $400 One-way ticket on

local transport $1.70Meal from

a hawker centre $3

Wondering how many Singapore Dollars you’ll need for your adventure? Here’s a little look at some of the things you might buy whilst you’re there. €1 = $1.51 Singapore Dollars as of December 2019

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Merlion Park

This iconic 8.6-meter-tall statue takes you back to Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village with a stark visual contrast to the city’s growth into a vibrant metropolis. There are two archetypical shots you can take at Merlion Park: a rear view of the statue with Marina Bay Sands in the distance or cross the pedestrian bridge to photograph Merlion against the backdrop of bustling skyscrapers.

ION Sky

Since opening in 2009, the iconic ION Orchard mall has been dubbed the jewel of Orchard Road—due to its futuristic glass and metal architecture as well as its impressive line-up of retail and dining options. Plus, there’s the 360-degree views from ION Sky on the 56thfloor, the highest point on Orchard Road. Witha minimum spend of just S$20 at ION Orchard,visitors will get one ticket to the ION Sky foramazing views of Singapore.

Singapore Flyer

Towering at 165 meters high, Singapore Flyer offers a bird’s eye view of Marina Bay and its architectural landmarks, as well as panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline. On a good day, even parts of Malaysia or Indonesia are visible in the distance. Indulge in a ticket that includes a flute of champagne or an iconic Singapore Sling, or even enjoy a full fine dining experience while in the air.

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Five of the bestviews of the cityWant to see Singapore’s world-famous skyline from a different perspective?

Here are just some of the best places to take in breath-taking views:

Merlion Park

Singapore Flyer13

Gardens by the Bay OCBC SkyWay

Home to more than one million plants, Gardens by the Bay was built on the principle of environmental sustainability, with great care taken to ensure efficient use of energy and water. For an exceptionally unique experience, head up to the OCBC Skyway, a 128-metre-long aerial walkway, 22 metres above ground. Watch the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show that bathes the iconic Supertrees in fantastic special effects.

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

Located 57 storeys up from the heart of the Marina Bay area, the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck boasts scenic views of the panoramic vistas of Marina Bay and Singapore’s world-class cityscape. Take in a bird’s-eye view of Gardens by the Bay and the impressive Supertree Grove or admire the sea view that stretches from Marina South Pier to the Singapore Strait. Look out for the capsules on the Singapore Flyer and the durian-shaped domes of the Esplanade – or the Merlion statue, another major tourist attraction in Singapore.

OCBC SkyWayION Sky

My must-do in Singapore is Gardens by the Bay. There’s so much to see and do, but my favourite is the Garden Rhapsody Show. At 19:45 and 20:45 every night, the super trees and gardens come alive with a light and sound show. It’s simply magical. Arrive early for a good spot.

Lizzie, Travel Counsellor

Eating out is good fun, Clarke Quay is full of fantastic restaurants, bars and cafés. If you want to eat with the locals, then visit the Asian-influenced food markets.

For a pre-dinner or later evening get-together, head up to one of my favourite bars Skai Bar on the 70th floor of the Swissôtel The Stamford hotel. This cool bar serves amazing cocktails with wonderful views over Singapore. It gets busy so be sure to head up early or call ahead for a reservation.

Merv, Travel Counsellor

Our recommendations

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Gardens by the Bay

Clarke Quay

Our Travel Counsellors know the world better than anyone else. Check out their recommendations for the quintessential Singapore experience.

Singapore is a compact city and is best navigated on foot. Lots to see and do - The Botanical Gardens are a gardener’s delight showcasing stunning planting and architecture. The Singapore Flyer is fun and has great views over the Grand Prix Circuit. Sunday brunch at The Fullerton is a must - just exquisite.

Carol, Travel Counsellor

Head to Altitude Rooftop Gallery & Bar for the highest alfresco bar in the world with amazing views! I also love the Urban Adventures ‘Total Singapore Tour’ - cycle around the city in the morning and eat your way around the hawker markets in the afternoon. A great way to see and experience as much as possible in a short space of time.

Suzanna, Travel Counsellor

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Grand Prix Circuit

Cycling Tours

Marina Bay Sands

This landmark hotel is situated in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District and transforms the city skyline. Rooms and suites offer views of the South China Sea or the Singapore skyline, whilst the hotel itself consists of theatres, world-class entertainment and the best shopping and dining in the region. The three hotel towers are crowned by the Sands SkyPark on the 57th storey. At 200 meters in the sky, it provides unobstructed 360-degree views of the city skyline and the sea. It is also home to restaurants, lush gardens, a 150-meter infinity edged swimming pool and the world’s largest public cantilever housing an observation deck.

Fairmont Singapore

Embark on a unique and luxurious journey at Fairmont Singapore, located in the heart of the lion city. Ideally situated at the crossroads of Singapore’s central business districts, world-class shopping and entertainment, this award-winning hotel features lavish guestrooms and suites equipped with a wealth of amenities offering you the highest degree of pampering.

With an extensive collection of 13 distinctive restaurants and bars, enjoy enticing and globally inspired dining choices that will bring you on a journey of sensory delights, from exquisite signature Japanese offerings at Mikuni to authentic Italian dishes at Prego.

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Hotels

Fairmont SingaporeMarina Bay Sands

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Orchard Hotel

The Orchard Hotel Singapore is an outstanding 4-star hotel centrally located in the heart of one of the city’s most famous shopping and entertainment districts. The hotel is also near the central business district, where guests can avail of a variety of restaurants, bars and shops.

Decorated in a contemporary style with an Asian touch, the hotel boasts a putting green, shopping arcade, sauna, fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool as well as five different eateries that serve a variety of cuisine, including authentic Cantonese food and mouth-watering Asian favourites. There is also a giant chess game and numerous other activities for the children, making the Orchard Hotel Singapore an ideal choice for families.

Marina Mandarin

Marina Mandarin offers the best of Singapore’s famous hospitality, with elegant rooms featuring fantastic views of the famous Singapore skyline. There’s plenty of choice when it comes to dining; enjoy a buffet of fresh seafood and international delights at AquaMarine, or head to Peach Blossoms for DimSum and Cantonese cuisine.

Relax beside the hotel’s mineral water pool or take in the views from your room, though should you want to explore further afield, local attractions like The Esplanade, Singapore Flyer and Suntec City Convention Centre are all less than a mile’s distance from the hotel.

Orchard Hotel Marina Mandarin

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