Singapore is a great city of contrasts, embracing both East and West, tradition and the future. Singapore’s downtown Marina Bay boasts spectacular modern architecture and luxury yet a slower pace of life can be found in the food centres and Chinatown, where elders play checkers in the afternoon heat.
Officially founded by Sir Stamford Raffles back in 1819, Singapore is now its own fully independent state, yet traces of its former British sovereignty make it accessible for Western travellers.
The Journey
I travelled to Singapore with a group of bloggers for a whirlwind trip, squeezing the city’s best sights into three days.
We flew there directly from Heathrow with the wonderful Singapore Airlines. Regarded as one of the best airlines in the world, its reputation is well-deserved as our 13.5 hour flight was made as enjoyable as possible. There was a large selection of new movies to get through and the food was excellent, offering a choice of western or Asian food – I loved the Beef Rendang, chicken noodles and lemongrass panna cotta dessert.
We were in awe of the charming ‘Singapore Girls’ (the affectionate name for the air stewardesses), who gracefully glides around the aircraft in their exquisite Balmain-designed traditional dresses. The male air stewards were also very distinguished and were chatty and helpful. Even Singapore airport had a tranquil, zen feeling and offered a stress-free arrival.
The Hotel
Our base in Singapore was the new high end budget hotel Innotel, located in a central part of town on Penang Lane. The staff were very friendly and hospitable and highlights included complimentary wifi, tea and coffee making facilities and bottles of mineral water replaced twice a day. The bed was exceptionally comfy and the quiet location of my room (overlooking a garden) helped with getting a good night’s sleep.
Henderson Waves
The first stop after a long-haul flight (after a few hours sleep, of course) should be Henderson Waves. This spectacular wave-like 274 metre-long pedestrian bridge overlooks Henderson Road and connects Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park, offering a panoramic view of the city. Start at the top and walk down through the lush greenery along metal walkways, taking in the unique flora and fauna.
At the bottom of the hill is a modern visitor’s centre, where you can relax with a cold drink and enjoy the manicured gardens. We found this to be an exhilarating way to get over the fatigue of flying and ease into the hot and humid Singapore climate.
Singapore Flyer
Another great way to see the city up on high is a flight on the Singapore Flyer, standing at an impressive 165m. The 28 glass air-conditioned capsules rotate slowly and offer an unrivalled 360 degree view over Singapore.
Night Safari
Tigers and elephants may be an unexpected sight in Singapore, but the city’s popular Night Safari offers a nocturnal view of some of the world’s endangered species. Take a tram ride around the park with an experienced tour guide and hop off to get closer and experience one of the special trails. It’s a strange experience being so close to predatory animals, but there are in fact deep moats between the public and the animals, creating an optical illusion. Singapore Night Safari is committed to conservation and animal welfare and flash photography is forbidden.
Before beginning the night safari, visitors can watch a show by Malay fire-eaters, dine at the food court or try the fish foot spa. It might be a bit too tourist-orientated for some, but it’s a rare chance to see the world’s most beautiful animals.
As guests of Singapore Tourism Board, we zipping around the city in our own Your Singapore private bus, however, the MRT (mass rapid transit metro system) is famously efficient and taxis are very affordable and frequent.
Trishaw Uncle Ride
But one of the most enjoyable ways of touring the city is to take a Trishaw Uncle ride. Trishaws were used as the main transport method in Singapore before cars, buses and trains and Trishaw Uncle pays tribute to this tradition with a fleet of contemporary motorised bike-carriages, each operated by an ‘uncle’ (an affectionate name for elders in Singapore).
We rode through the city, accompanied by audio commentary, taking in the sights, including a spin through Little India. Uncle kindly provided some bottled water and rice cracker treats to keep us going throughout the ride.
Chinatown
Another must-see is Chinatown, where you can visit the breath-taking Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple (Singapore’s oldest Hindu Temple). In Chinatown you can find wet markets and stalls selling everything from brightly coloured chopsticks and Chinese remedies to traditional horse hair brushes and pickled snakes in a jar.
My favourite area of Singapore is the nearby Ann Siang Hill, lined with hip designer boutiques, concept stores, a quirky patisserie, great restaurants and design hotels.
Sentosa Island
The island of Sentosa is just a short distance from Singapore, so visitors can combine a city break and beach holiday. Sentosa is family-orientated with a number of attractions including the MegaZip Adventure Park, Fort Siloso and a Dolphin Lagoon. However tranquility can be found on the more secluded Tanjong beach and at the chic, refined hotel and spa, Capella Singapore.
Sentosa also hosts the annual music festival Zouk Out, attracting big name DJs who have played at Singapore superclub, Zouk.
Singapore is a vibrant, developing city with so much to see that you could easily spend a week there and not tire of it. It’s an immaculately clean, well-mannered city with vast areas of greenery. However, with Malaysia nearby, a tour of south-east Asia a tempting prospect.
Look out for more on Singapore’s street food, fine dining, shopping and arts & culture…
For more information on Singapore, visit: www.yoursingapore.com
Chérie City was a guest of Singapore Tourism Board.
All photos by Chérie City (except Innotel).