SINGAPORE: VIBRANT | COSMOPOLITAN | MODERN
Located in Southeast Asia, Singapore features a blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. Established as a trading post in 1819, this small sea town attracted settlers from China, India, Indonesia, the Malay Peninsula, and the Middle East to create the melting pot that it is today. Explore this bustling city, noted for its high-rise buildings and gardens, set alongside historical landmarks and cultural precincts. Foodies can treat themselves to a mesmerizing array of culinary delights, rich with contrasting flavors from the East and West.
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BEFORE YOU GO
GETTING AROUND
Trains, buses and taxis are the most common ways of getting around, or you can book a limo for transfers and tours.
STAY
You will find some of the most luxurious hotels in Singapore, from ultra-modern to historic in design. Here is the cream of the crop.
EAT
Local delights include Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chilli Crab, Rojak, Satay, Carrot Cake, Hokkien Mee, Nasi Lemak, Briyani, Dim Sum and an array of spice-infused curry dishes. Most hotels will offer up local cuisine, but your best bet will be to head to the hawker centers. Chinatown Complex Food Centre, Maxell Road Hawker Centre, Chomp Chomp and Newton Circus offer most of these authentic treats.
Here are a few restaurants that have received accolades for their culinary endeavors.
DRINKS
Enjoy fancy cocktails from bars perched high atop skyscrapers. Soak in the breathtaking views of the city, then hop in a cab and go on a hunt for speakeasy bars that are hidden in plain view. The Singapore Sling is a world famous, overly sweet drink, best avoided, unless curiosity gets the better of you. Pubs, clubs and bars are lined along Boat Quay, Clark Quay, Club Street and Ang Siang Hill.
SEE & DO
A mix of cultural and historical sights set in a modern urban paradise. Always striving to be the best, it is undoubtedly clear that this is a country that is proud of its heritage and accomplishments.
Central Catchment Nature Reserve
Singapore Botanic Gardens - UNESCO
SPA
Treatments here are typical of the ones you will find in most spas around the world. The exception would be the foot reflexology which seems to be of a different technique from the ones in the U.S. For an unusual and ticklish experience, there are spas where you dip your feet into a pool, filled with fish that nibble away your dead skin. Aaahhh…
My Foot Reflexology by the Visually Impaired
SHOP
You will find endless multi-storied malls on Orchard Road featuring the latest and greatest from global brands. To score some ethnic finds, head out to Kampong Glam, Little India, Holland Village, Arab Street, Bugis Street, and Chinatown to discover novelties, jewelry, textiles and antiques.
Before you leave Singapore, claim a refund on the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on your purchases, at the airport.