Kranji Countryside

About 22 kilometres (13 miles) north-west of Singapore City is the Kranji countryside. Some of the last remaining countryside in Singapore, in 2005 The Kranji Countryside Association (KCA) was created by a group of farmers who wanted to preserve this important area and way of life. Livestock, vegetables, ornamental flowers and lots of fish are all farmed at Kranji.

Another reason the KCA was formed was to share the process of farming with the community. With so many Singaporeans growing up in a city and urban environment, the founders of the KCA wanted people to have a better understanding of where their food comes from.

The Kranji area has dedicated a lot of its existence to eco-tourism, or as the call it “agri-tainment”. All the farms are open for people to explore. You can visit the 800 goats that make up Singapore’s only livestock. These goats are raised for their milk and you can see them being milked in the mornings between 9:00 and 11:00. You can also visit one of the many fish farms but for something a bit more unique, stop by the Jurong Frog Farm. It’s here that thousands of American bullfrogs are raised before heading straight to the dinner table. You can even grab some frozen frogs legs while you’re there. One of the most popular farms in Kranji is Bollywood Veggies. This vegetable farm does not use any chemical fertilisers, pesticides or growth hormones. Make sure you sample the produce at their restaurant. As the farmers live here, this is technically a home-cooked meal. And what’s better for you than a home-cooked veggie meal.

If you really feel like getting away from the city for longer than a day, then you can actually stay at D’Kranji Farm Resort. Stay in your own villa with a balcony overlooking fruit and vegetable plantations. One of the main activities here is prawn fishing. Catch some prawns and then cook then cook them straight away for that ultra-fresh taste. D’Kranji Farm Resort also has a seafood restaurants and beer garden with live music.

As it’s the countryside, getting to Kranji Farms is not that simple without a car. As the Kranji MRT station is across the reservoir, your best option is to go to Bukit Gombak MRT and then getting a taxi from there. Kranji is pretty much on the other side of the island from the city and main tourist centres but if you want to try something completely different while you’re here, a trip to the Kranji countryside might be just the ticket. 

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Food with a View

With eating being a major pastime in Singapore, it’s only natural that there are some amazing places to do it. If you’re travelling on a budget, you’ve picked a great place to visit as some of the cheapest food in Singapore is the best. But, if you’re travelling on a budget, you might want to stop reading now. The following is a list of the four best places in Singapore to get a great meal with a great view. It’s fine dining at its finest with unique and astonishing surroundings. The following was written with dinner in mind, as that’s when the best food is rolled out with the glittering lights so the city in the background. If you want something a little less expensive all the places are open for lunch as well.

Stellar at 1-Altidue

1-Altitude is the world’s highest alfresco bar. Located on the 63^rd floor of 1 Raffles Place, it offers one of the world’s best views to accompany a cocktail. One floor below sits Stellar. At over 250 metres (820ft) above the ground, try not to get vertigo as you feast on European style dishes, tonnes of fish and seafood and meat straight from the wood-fired grill. Also available is an amazing array of fresh sushi and sashimi. If you can’t decide what to eat from the extensive menu, never fear as you can design your own 4, 5 or 6 course ‘tasting menu’. This is a great way to sample as many dishes as possible.

Ku Dé Ta at Marina Bay Sands

Ku Dé Ta is the main bar, club and restaurant on top of the infamous Marina Bay Sands hotel and casino. If you’re only in Singapore for a short time, this is the place to visit, as your friends at home who are familiar with Singapore will definitely ask you about it. The restaurant serves what’s best described as Asian fusion. Apart from the sushi and sashimi, a lot of the dishes have a very European feel, but with added tinges of Asian flavour. If you feel like going all out, you need to try the signature steak. Specially imported from Takara Ranch in central Kansai in Japan, this is genuine wagu beef. Do not expect to pay anything less than $200 for this amazing beef.

Equinox Restaurant at Swissotel The Stamford

Located on the 70^th floor of Swissotel The Stamford, enjoy views of nearby Indonesia and Malaysia while feasting on upscale European cuisine.  The most traditional restaurant on the list, the room itself uses lots of wood and even mother of pearl making for an elegant but welcoming atmosphere. No sushi to be found here, just English and European favourites from pork with Scotch egg, prunes and whisky sauce to gnocchi with baby carrots, fennel and turnips. If you’re from that part of the world, this is definitely the place to go if you’re missing a taste of home.

Singapore Flyer Sky Dining

We’ve saved the best till last. While all the other places on the list do have incredible views, they are just standard restaurants. In order to take it to the next level, you need to book a capsule on the Singapore Flyer for you next meal. Dining in the world’s largest Ferris wheel is one of the most memorable dining experience you’ll have anywhere in the world. With uninterrupted spectacular views, the finest food and personal butler-style service, Singapore Flyer Sky Dining is the ultimate dining destination. It’s not cheap but it’s something you’ll never forget and perfect for special occasions like anniversaries and Valentine’s Day.   

Just like the locals, you will spend a lot of time eating while in Singapore. All the options above are a chance to dine somewhere that shows off the city of Singapore. A few things to keep in mind; bookings are essential for all four places. Also extra important, with the exception of the Singapore Flyer, is that not all tables in these restaurants are by the window. When booking a table you should definitely try and reserve a window seat to get the full effect of the restaurants selling point. If you do miss out on a window seat, all the restaurants have bars as well which give a lot more freedom in terms of getting a good view. Have a nice meal and enjoy the view!

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Labrador Nature Reserve

Also known as Labrador Park, this nature reserve on the southern edge of Singapore has a very rich history. Construction of a fort was first started by the British as early as 1864. The extensive complex of concrete bunkers and tunnels were completed in 1878, its primary objective to defend Singapore’s waters. The strategic history of this part of the coast actually goes back a little further. In 1842 Admiral Sir Henry Keppel led a successful campaign against the pirates that had been attacking merchant ships in the area. Anchoring his boat off Labrador Park proved to be the perfect vantage point for defeating the pirate menace. A few years later when it came to building new defences against threats from European powers in the area, Labrador Park was an obvious choice. And so work on Fort Pasir Panjang was commenced. The fort also saw some action during World War 2. Although the Japanese surprised the British by invading over land from the north, the guns at Fort Pasir Panjang were used to try and supress the Japanese army once they were in Singapore. However as the guns weren’t designed to be anti-infantry, they had little effect on the advancing army so in February 1942, Fort Pasir Panjang fell. Its remains however, can still be visited today.

After the war, Labrador Park briefly housed an oil refinery.  The long wharf is the only evidence remaining of its existence. In 1951, Labrador Park was established as a nature reserve.

Today Labrador Park is one of the many parks Singapore prides itself on. What makes it unique however is it’s designation as a nature reserve and a coastal park. This leads to not only an abundance of birds but also shore-dwelling sea creatures, like horseshoe crabs and the common hairy crab. Because of the location of the park, coastal walks are very popular here. The main attraction though is still Fort Pasir Panjang. Its strong walls have survived 135 years of weather and as such provide a haunting view into the past. The World War 2 era guns are still standing which gives a good understanding of how the battle went down. Perhaps the most amazing bit of preservation is that the network of underground tunnels still exists. These are sporadically open to the public so if you’re lucky you’ll get to explore them and imagine what it must have been like running back carrying live ammunition.

Another more modern reason for visiting Labrador Park is for the recently opened Eco Gourmet Café. This beautifully constructed restaurant lacks outside walls making you feel like you’re immersed in nature while retaining the comfort of an upscale restaurant. Brunch and lunch are quite casual meaning it’s a good place to stop if going on a nature walk, while dinner is rather more at the fine dining end of the spectrum, but with a backdrop of the sights and sounds of nature at night.

For a walking day the best way to visit Labrador Park is via the newly built Labrador Park MRT station, not exactly on the edge of the park but still very walkable. If you’re visiting just for a meal at the Eco Gourmet Café then driving or getting a taxi is probably your best option.

There are many parks in Singapore but for history and great ocean views without the crowds of nearby Sentosa Island, Labrador Nature Reserve is one of the best options.  

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Universal Studios Singapore

Although we briefly covered Universal Studios Singapore (or USS as it’s known to the locals), the attraction is one of the most popular destinations in Singapore and as such should be given a closer look.

Officially opening its doors on the 28^th of May 2011, USS changed the face of Singapore. For a year people travelling to Sentosa Island could see a mysterious large castle on the horizon, now they had the chance to explore it first-hand.

The best way to get to USS is via the Sentosa Monorail. Literally around the corner from the station, the first sign that you have reached your destination will be the famous Universal Globe. Seeing a larger than life version of the iconic globe you’ve been seeing at the start of movies your entire life will fill you with excitement and have you running to the gates. No matter how old you are, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy shop while at USS. Of course you can make the metaphor a reality by popping into the massive Hershey’s store next to the globe. It’s probably a better idea to leave that until the end of the day though, for what’s in store might be best done on a not-so-full stomach.

Walking through the gates you’ll come across Hollywood. Modelled after the Hollywood Boulevard circa 1970, you’ll walk past shops and restaurants reminiscent of a long lost time. Expect lots of art deco and palm trees.

Getting to the intersection you’ll see an American-style 1950s diner in front of you, New York City to your right and to your left a life-size cargo ship. The entire theme park is built around a lake and the proper way around is anti-clockwise, so head right onto the streets of New York. Replicating the classic New York we all know from the movies, this is the place for food and live shows. As you’re in New York make sure you try the pizza.

After the New York Public Library you’ll follow the path to the left and go from the past straight into the future. This is Sci-Fi City. Opposite the shop selling personal helper robots is one of the newest rides in the park: Transformers: The Ride. This ride could very much be the future of theme park rides. Part roller coaster, part 3D movie, this thrilling adventure puts you in the driver’s seat for a robot battle through a city. With giant wrap around HD screens and the fact the vehicle you’re in is actually moving will create an unprecedented level of immersion. Although at one point you will feel like you’re falling from a building, the lack of actual dips and speed found on a traditional roller coaster means that this ride is appropriate for most people. Definitely appropriate for everyone is the Accelerator, which is a teacup ride with a sci-fi makeover. Next to that however, is something not for everyone. The main attraction of the park, the world’s tallest duelling roller coaster, Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon. This epic roller coaster based on the television show Battlestar Galactica is split into two sections, one representing the humans and one their robot enemies, the Cylons.  Both launch at the same time creating a “race”. With high speed loops and corkscrews, this is a thrilling roller coaster that will leave you breathless.

After Sci-Fi City jump far back in time to Ancient Egypt. This zone is inspired by the second wave of Egyptomania that took place during the early 20^th century. For the young kids there’s the Treasure Hunters ride. Sit back in your in your vintage Jeep and be driven around a classic Egyptian archaeological dig site. For something a bit faster head into the giant pyramid for Revenge of the Mummy. Based on the Mummy movies, this is an indoor roller coaster that takes place almost entirely in the dark. This really creates a unique sensory experience. After the first stage of the ride, with smoke, flames so close you can feel the heat and reverse sections that will make you scream, the car spirals down and down in complete darkness. Occasionally there will be a flash of light to give you a very quick glimpse of your surroundings, which is just a deep dark carven. This darkness makes the photos you can buy at the end especially funny as the lack of light makes you forget anyone is watching.

The next zone on your journey is The Lost World. Based on the classic Jurassic Park movies, the centrepiece of The Lost World is the rapids ride. Starting out as gentle ride through Jurassic Park, you’ll pass through different dinosaur enclosures before a flood breaks out. You’ll find you and your boat hurtling through buildings, up an elevator shaft to waiting raptors before plummeting back down with a mighty splash. It might be a good idea to leave you valuables in a locker for this one. Afterwards you can dry out on the Canopy Flyer. This four-seat ride takes you slowly above the tree-tops of The Lost World giving you a great view of the entire Universal Studios. More fun for the young ones here thanks to the Dino-Soarin’ ride. The same spinning ride you see at every theme park and fun fair, this one is different in that you can manually control the height at which your vehicle, in this case a pterodactyl, flies. Take the long path to your right just after The Lost World and you will find Waterworld. An action packed stage show that is common to most theme parks, except this one is set on a floating stage and uses the water as a main set piece. Expect stunts, splashes and jaw-dropping pyrotechnics.

After The Lost World, walk across the bridge to Far Far and Away. You’ll actually feel like you’ve walked straight into the world of the Shrek movies, with the main street lined with shops straight from the movies. The main thing you’ll notice however is the 40 metre (131ft) castle. Venture inside to find the 4D cinema. Playing is an original short Shrek film which not only displays in 3D but also treats you to sprays of water, moving seats and other physical effects that will make you feel like you’re in the movie. Far Far and Away is also home to a more child-friendly roller coaster. Enchanted Airways is based on an airport complete with ticket booths and departure and arrival information with all locations from Shrek getting mentioned. The roller coaster train itself is designed to look like Dragon who will fly you around without filling you with as much fear as the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster.

The final zone is based on the Madagascar films. The two rides here are relaxing and child-friendly to fit with the theme of the movie, one a simple carousel with characters from the movie and a boat ride which takes place inside the hull of a full sized cargo ship. State of the art animatronics, projections and high-tech sound make this a great and relaxing way to end a long day of rides and adrenalin.

Eating at USS is an adventure of its own.  Besides Sci-Fi City which only has an ice-cream store, every other zone has somewhere to eat, each based on the theme of the zone. From Middle Eastern inspired food in Ancient Egypt to New York favourites in the New York zone. Just time it right as the zero-g inversions of the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster do not mix with food!

Universal Studios Singapore is open every day; expect long queues on weekends and public holidays. If going on these days it’s a good idea to buy your tickets online. If you’re visiting during the week then just show up any time and get your tickets before you go in. All rides are included in the ticket price and crowds are always quite low during the week so you can go on your favourite rides a few times with minimal waiting time.

Built for the young and the young at heart, Universal Studios is a must-stop destination for anyone visiting Singapore. 

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In The Neighbourhood

Singapore’s multiculturalism has created a diverse country made up of many unique neighbourhoods, each offering something different, from the adventurous to the familiar. Whether you want to browse trendy stores in historic Chinese shophouses, smoke a shisha, explore spice markets or feel like a taste of home, there’s a neighbourhood in Singapore for you. 

Ann Siang Hill

Catch the MRT to Chinatown and wander south-east through the historic alleys and you will discover Ann Siang Hill. This small hill is named after the last person that owned it when it was still private land. The area has important historical significance as it was the place that early Chinese immigrants used to come to send letters home to their families. Many professional letter-writers and calligraphers set up shop here to service the illiterate immigrates that wanted to send letters home. Later, Ann Siang Hill became the home of many clans and secret societies, which is a tradition in Chinese culture, especially amongst Chinese not living in China. The shophouses they once inhabited have since been restored and now hosts bars, cafés and a wide variety of shops. If you’re looking for chain stores or boutiques selling well-known brands then you’ve come to the wrong place. Expect shops selling books, vintage toys and clothes, locally designed fashion and a boutique nursery selling upmarket and stylish cribs, cradles and toys. Ann Siang Hill is also home to many restaurants, but if you’re looking to save money, maybe head downhill to Maxwell Hawker Centre. From a reservation-only Japanese restaurant to French and Italian cuisine to a restaurant that screens movies after the meal, Ann Siang Hill is one of the best places to go for fine dining. Also make sure you try one of the many cafes serving world-class coffee, including a French patisserie and a Japanese café. With the classic architecture of the shophouses which date back to 1903, Ann Siang Hill is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon or evening.     

Kampong Glam

Known as the ‘Arab Quarter’, Kampong Glam has been a centre for Muslims in Singapore since before Sir Stamford Raffles first landed. Once home to the Malay aristocracy, Kampong Glam is now a thriving hub based around the large gold-domed Sultan Mosque. The current mosque has been there since 1928 and is one of the most well-known landmarks among Singaporeans. Explore the many streets and lanes surrounding the mosque and expect to find everything you’d expect in an Arab Quarter including textiles, carpets and perfumes. But if you find your way to Haji Lane you will find something a bit different. This long narrow stretch of beautifully restored and colourful shophouses is home to some of Singapore’s coolest shops. Browse boutiques selling clothes by local designers, furniture shops selling one-off pieces, a Tokyo Bike store, a shop selling skateboards and streetwear direct from New York City design houses and much more. At the end of Haji Lane is the best Mexican restaurant in Singapore. There are lots of other places to eat in the Arab Quarter, explore the streets and you’ll find all types of Middle Eastern food with an abundance of Egyptian restaurants. As this was a Malay village, it’s the perfect place to try some proper Malay food. Kampong Glam Café is extremely popular among locals but for something a bit more unique you need to try Zam Zam. They specialize is a dish called murtabak which is a prata stuffed with eggs, onion and meat. Having been here for over a century, they’ve really perfected their recipe. Kampong Glam is also home to French restaurants, Japanese restaurants and a Swedish restaurant at the end of Arab Street. As Haji Lane doesn’t get going until mid-afternoon, the area is best for a visit around dinner time. After dinner watch the alcoves of the old shophouses get covered in carpet and pillows ready for you to enjoy a shisha. Also known as a hookah, this is one of the main attractions of the Arab Quarter. Be aware that as this is the Muslim area many places don’t serve alcohol. However on the edge of the Quarter is Bali Lane which is lined with bars. To get here just take the MRT to Bugis. Once you’ve left the station just head towards the ‘Gotham City’ building and Kampong Glam will be on the other side. The area is an essential visit for anyone travelling to Singapore.

Little India

Prepare for an assault on the senses. Arriving by taxi in Little India on a Friday or Saturday night, watch as your driver gets angrier and angrier as the locals refuse to respect the difference between the footpath and the road. It’s quite an entertaining spectacle! But as this can take a long time and make the taxi fare higher than it should be a lot of people just take the MRT. It’s easy to forget you’re in Singapore when visiting Little India. The mark left by the majority Chinese population on the rest of Singapore is completely absent from Little India. You’ll feel like you’ve come to another country as the sights and smells transport you straight to India. Your first visit has to be Tekka Market. People from all over Singapore visit Tekka for its fresh meat, vegetables and spices. The main reason for tourists to visit Little India, apart from the atmosphere, is the shopping. With stores selling everything you can think of at very reasonable prices it’s a bargain hunter’s paradise, the epicentre of which is a 24 hour mall called the Mustafa Centre.  Go shopping at any time of night for jewellery, household appliances, books, CDs, DVDs, watches, electronics, footwear and clothing. If you can handle the chaos and the crowds, Mustafa is one of the best places in Singapore to grab a bargain. Little India is obviously the best place to go for Indian food but surprisingly it’s also home to a few popular French restaurants. So if you’re in the mood for French food, Little India is a good chance to experience in a totally different atmosphere.   

Holland Village

Holland Village sits approximately 6 kilometres (almost 4 miles) by car from Orchard Road. A centre for young Singaporeans and the expat community, Holland V, as it’s known to locals, is a great place for lunch and dinner, especially for kids. All the big restaurant chains from Singapore have a presence here, as well as the Australian restaurant chain Crust Pizza. As the roads are closed Holland V really does have a village feel to it. Come for dinner on a Sunday evening and the streets will be full of kids running around and riding scooters creating a very family friendly atmosphere. After bed time though Holland V is a great place to go for a drink with the many bars and closed off streets creating a relaxed but exciting environment. Since 2011 Holland V has had its own MRT station but as it’s on the Circle Line it’s much quicker to come by bus or taxi.

Dempsey Hill

Originally a British military barracks, Dempsey Hill holds special memories to all middle aged Singaporean men, as it was here they reported for the start of their national military service in the 1970s. All that remains of the military past are the buildings, which have all been converted into restaurants, art galleries and antique stores. Dempsey is essentially a dining destination, with the only shopping being art and furniture. This makes it popular with newly landed expats looking for western food and decorations for home.  The restaurants include Italian cuisine, Mexican, Korean BBQ and an American burger place, complete with a crazy challenge to eat a burger too large for anyone sane. Fine dining is represented by The White Rabbit, a restaurant serving European food housed in an old chapel. Reservations are essential. Dempsey is a very popular day spot, especially on Sunday as it’s a great place for breakfast as well as lunch. To get here you can take a bus but a taxi would be more convenient as you won’t have to walk up the hill. 

When staying in Singapore it’s easy to get stuck in the main centres of Orchard Rd and Marina Bay, but luckily the excellent transport system makes it easy to explore more outlying areas which will give you a much more memorable holiday experience.    

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10 Cheap Things To Do In Singapore

Via: The Huffington Post


10 Cheap Things To Do In Singapore


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Bars in Singapore

The nightlife scene in Singapore is constantly evolving. Every time you look up there seems to be a new bar, club or restaurant. To help you make a decision on where to go for a drink, we’ve made a few suggestions. The list doesn’t go into much detail at what is served at each bar; instead it focuses on the venue, atmosphere and what makes it a better option than just a regular old pub.

Tanjong Beach Club

Situated on Tanjong Beach away from the crowds of Siloso Beach and Palawan Beach, Tanjong Beach Club is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day exploring Sentosa Island. Make sure you get a good spot by the pool take in the view of the ocean. This is particularly special at night as the dark horizon is dotted with the hundreds of lights that cover all the ships anchored a few kilometres off shore. Tanjong Beach Club is also known for its amazing food. With the chef having worked at Momofuku Ma Peche and Oceana in New York City, this is also a great place for dinner.  

Ji Biru

Specializing in Japanese craft beer, Ji Biru sits in the “outdoor” area of the mall 313 Somerset. Decked out with wooden tables and benches it feels very Japanese. Its location means you get the outdoor vibe but with a massive fan on the roof keeping the Singaporean heat at bay. This makes it a perfect place for an afternoon drink after or during a shopping spree on Orchard Rd. Ji Biru is also known for its yakitori so much sure you grab some as a snack while you’re there.

Ku De Ta

Situated 55 stories high in the SkyPark on top of Marina Bay Sands, Ku De Ta provides one of the most spectacular views of Singapore. With a restaurant inside and a bar outside, you can enjoy your drink while taking in the view of Marina Bay with the Singapore CBD skyline in the background. Look to your right to get a rare top-down view of the Singapore Flyer. As it’s the world’s highest Ferris wheel, there are not many opportunities to see it from this angle.

1-Altitude 

If you want to get even higher then go across the water to the CBD to have a drink in the world’s highest al fresco bar. On level 63 of One Raffles Place sits 1-Altitude. At 282 metres (925ft) high and with 360 degree views this might be the most spectacular bar in Singapore. And hence there is a cover charge of up to $30. This does include a drink and with the view of Marina Bay Sands and pretty much most of Singapore it’s definitely worth the price of admission at least once. 

Loof

This rooftop bar is a very popular spot on Friday and Saturday nights. The wood decking and greenery makes it feel like being on the terrace of a really nice house. The view provides a glimpse of the top of Marina Bay Sands so you’ll be able to see the nightly laser show. They’ve also provided some coin operated binoculars so you can get a closer look.

Divine

Parkview Square will be a building you’ll come very familiar with during your stay in Singapore. This landmark is known around town as the ‘Gotham City building’ due to its striking Art Deco architecture, making it look like something from Batman’s home town. The amazing design isn’t just on the outside. Next to the impressive lobby is Divine. This opulent wine bar is a must for wine lovers and architecture fans alike. The centrepiece is a 12 metre (39ft) high, gold wine chiller. It’s so tall that if you order something from one of the upper shelves, a wine fairy flies up and gets the bottle. You read that correctly. A woman dressed as a fairy and attached to a rope and pulley system floats straight up to get your wine. You just hope she’s getting paid well for that. And with the cheapest bottle of wine costing $95, you know she probably is.

Mr Punch

Mr Punch is a rooftop bar located at the MINT Museum of Toys. The walls of the bar are covered in vintage advertisements and signs creating a unique atmosphere that make for a good change from some of the more overly glamorous bars in Singapore. Located close to other museums, Mr Punch is perfect for a cool refreshment after a day of history and culture.

Broadcast HQ

Located in a large old shophouse in Little India and run by two Australians, Broadcast HQ feels like a bar you’d find in Sydney or Melbourne. Situated above the restaurant which specializes in barbequed meat, the bar is dark, with mismatched couches, exposed brick and hip hop playing on the stereo. The bar food is top notch and the cocktails are “preservative free”. There is also a record store downstairs which can be dangerous for the wallet after a few drinks.

Helipad

Although not used for an actual helipad during the day or anything, this round rooftop bar certainly does resemble one, especially with the big glowing H shape in the middle, which of course is actually a giant couch. Once the helipad novelty wears of the bar provides an awesome view of the Singapore River and Clarke Quay, one of the busiest bar and restaurant districts in Singapore.   

Clarke Quay

If you want to try a few placers but don’t want to travel around too much, then Clarke Quay is the place to go. With five blocks of old warehouses converted into a network of bars, clubs and restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice no matter what you feel like doing. There’s an Irish pub, a Scottish pub, a Middle Eastern bar where you can smoke a shisha, bars with live music, a massive wine bar and Hooters(!) Go on a Friday or Saturday night and be prepared for large crowds. But with the layout and Singapore’s love of organization it never feels overwhelming. To avoid the weekend traffic you should get there by water taxi. You’ll be dropped off right in the thick of it so you can get your night started as soon as you decide where to start. With so much choice that might actually be quite hard, but with everything so close to each other you should try as many places as possible.  

There are plenty of regular bars and pubs in Singapore where you can go and just enjoy a drink. But if you want a memorable venue, interesting beer choice and/or great food, make sure you try one or more of the places listed above.  

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Chinese New Year

Being in Singapore for Chinese New Year is like being in Europe or North America during Christmas. Chinese New Year is the most important time of year for the Chinese community, and with over 70% of Singaporeans being Chinese the celebrations run through the entire island.

Although Chinese New Year falls on the 10^th of February this year (it’s a different date each year), the festivities began long before that. As it’s the year of the Snake, Chinatown has installed a massive sculpture of a snake using yellow sky lanterns that slithers along four metres above South Bridge Rd. Around the corner is another snake, this one 128 metres long and made of 5000 red cube lanterns. Explore the various street of Chinatown and you can browse over 500 street-stalls set up in celebration of the New Year. These will be selling traditional Chinese New Year treats like sweets and cookies. Chinatown will be the epicentre of the celebrations on the 9^th of February. Make sure you go to New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street between 9.30pm and 12.30am for live performances and a countdown celebration.

One of the major events during Chinese New Year is the Chingay Parade held on the 22 & 23^rd of February. This street parade was first held in 1973 and has since grown into the most popular street parade of the year. Due to its overwhelming popularity it is now held at the F1 Pit Building. A closed off piece of road normally used to the Formula 1 race in September. The current location offers seating so more people can view the spectacle.

Also popular is River Hongbao. This nine day festival takes place from the 8^th of February to the 16^th of February on the floating platform on Marina Bay and will feature 1,200 lanterns and 45 food stalls selling classic Singaporean dishes like char kway teow, chicken rice, oyster omelette and delicacies from the Guangdong province in China like soup dumplings and grilled quail eggs.  

Around the corner at the Esplanade from the 15^th of February until the 24th is Huayi - Chinese Festival of the Arts. Showcasing Chinese art, music, dance and theatre, the festival is great way to get a better understanding of Chinese culture.

If you’re looking for a quick introduction to everything Chinese New Year, then the Singapore Flyer will be celebrating by turning one of Singapore’s most popular tourist sites into a lesson on everything Chinese New Year. Learn about what makes Chinese New Year such a special time, and then take a ride in the world’s tallest Ferris wheel.  

These are just some of the things going on during the Chinese New Year period. But no matter where you are in Singapore you won’t be able to stop yourself being swept along by the festivities. Note that Monday the 11^th of February and Tuesday the 12^th of February are national public holidays. This won’t affect tourist spots and major restaurants. But be aware that some supermarkets might be closed as well as most of the smaller Chinese-run businesses. Whatever you do just revel in the festivities and have a great Chinese New Year. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

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Sentosa Adventure

Singapore’s Sentosa Island is the southernmost point of Continental Asia. Connected to the main island by a causeway, you can also get there via a monorail called the Sentosa Express or the Singapore Cable Car. If you decide to walk along the causeway, be aware that there’s still a charge. It is the cheapest option however, costing $1.00 while the monorail cost $3 and the Cable Car costs $29 for adults and $18 for children. The Cable Car is the most expensive but also the most spectacular. For the most convenient option, choose the monorail.

Sentosa means “peace and tranquillity” in Malay. A name that can be well applied to the white sandy beaches that line the south-west coast, but the island is also host to a lot adventures that will get your heart racing.

The first stop in the monorail line is Resorts World Sentosa. Opened in 2010 it includes a casino, a theme park, an aquarium, a museum, shops and restaurants. A visit to Universal Studios is essential for anyone visiting Singapore. An ultra-modern theme park, it features state of the art rides like the Transformers ride, which is a cross between a 3D movie and roller-coaster and the Mummy ride, which is a roller-coaster that has entire sections of complete darkness. There are also plenty of rides for younger kids and of course those that can’t stomach a high speed roller-coaster. Also worth witnessing at Resorts World is the largest oceanarium in the world, containing 45 million litres of water, 100,000 marine animals across 800 species and the world’s largest viewing panel. At 36-metre wide and 8.3-metre tall, it is intended to give visitors the feeling of being on the ocean floor. Marine Life Park is home to the only giant oceanic manta ray in captivity. It also showcases 24 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, scalloped hammerhead sharks, the Japanese spider crab, and relatively uncommonly-exhibited species such as the guitarfish and the chambered nautilus. Connected to the oceanarium is Adventure Cove Waterpark, featuring the region’s first hydro-magnetic water-coaster. While you’re there make sure you try and have a meal at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon. With a total of 28 Michelin Stars, Joël Robuchon has more than any other chef in the world.

The second stop is Imbiah Monorail Station. Here you will find a large collection of Sentosa attractions. Learn to fly in the iFly, an indoor wind tunnel that can reach speeds of over 200km/h, although it will only be going about 80km/h when you use it. With an hour training required before entering the tunnel, this is serious business and not like a normal hop-on-hop-off ride. That being said, anyone can do it, young and old, just pay attention to your instructor or be prepaid to fall straight into the safety net. Around the corner from the iFlyer is the Sentosa Luge. Like a mix between a toboggan and a go-kart, control your speed and steering while gravity pulls you down one of the two routes built onto the hill. Next to Sentosa Luge is the Tiger Sky Tower, Singapore’s highest observation tower. Just board the air-conditioned viewing platform on the ground level and the entire thing will ascend 91 metres while slowly revolving, giving 360° views of Sentosa, the southern part of Singapore and on a clear day parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. And of course while you’re in this part of Sentosa you have to pay a visit to the Merlion statue. Standing at a spectacular 37 metres tall, this dwarves all other Merlion statues and even has viewing platforms in its mouth and on its head. For something a bit more educational check out Images of Singapore. A museum dedicated to Singaporean history. For even more history, venture north to find Fort Siloso. This is the actual fort that was manned by the British during World War II. It was because they were so preoccupied with the expectation of a sea attack that Japanese troops were able to invade from the north and occupy Singapore for three years.

The last stop on the line is Beach Monorail Station. From here you can transfer to the blue beach trams to get to Siloso Beach or the green trams to get to Palawan Beach and Tanjong Beach. Siloso Beach is the one to go to for activities such as beach volleyball, canoeing, mountain biking and rollerblading. It’s also the location of Songs of the Sea, an hour-long music, fire, water and laser spectacular that is performed every night. You can also make up for the lack of waves by riding the artificial surf at the Wave House. The next beach along is Palawan Beach. Stop here for one of the numerous bars that sit practically on the sand. The last beach is Tanjong Beach. The smallest and most secluded of the three, this is the perfect place to chill out and maybe try the amazing food at the Tanjong Beach Club.

All these attractions are only a fraction of what’s on offer on the west side of Sentosa. Make sure you plan ahead as you may need tickets and bookings for some places. There are also plenty of hotels on Sentosa which offer perfect access to all the island’s treasures. The east side of Sentosa is mainly made up of private housing, a marina and a massive golf course. With wide quiet roads, don’t be afraid to explore this part of the island, the best way being by bicycle. With so much to do on Sentosa, you need more than a day to see everything. Luckily the transport system makes it easily accessible from anywhere in Singapore.

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Singapore’s Islands of Food

It’s no secret that the most famous thing about Singapore is the food. But what many people don’t expect is the sheer diversity of it all. This is a reflection of Singapore itself. With four official languages and a whole host of dialects being spoken every day, Singapore is the ultimate mix of cultures. In fact they have a name for it; rojak. Meaning ‘mixture’ in Malay, rojak is also a very popular dish. Using the name of a type of food to describe the culture? How very Singaporean. Rojak is a fruit and vegetable salad and a must try food if you want to feel truly local.

Traditional Singaporean food begins at breakfast with a kopi and some kaya toast. Kaya is a local jam consisting of coconut, eggs and sugar. It is spread between two slices of white bread along with an almost alarmingly large chunk of butter. The toast is then dipped into a stirred mixture of soft boiled eggs, dark soya sauce and ground white pepper. There is simply no better way to start your day in Singapore.

When eating in Singapore it’s always important to think ahead. With more food than time, you should conserve and not fill up too much, especially at lunch. That’s why you should definitely go for some satay. Skewered beef or chicken cooked over a wood or charcoal fire for that extra smoky taste, dipped into satay sauce that’s not too spicy to exclude sensitive palates. It makes for a perfect summers day dish. Also good for lunch is Roti Prata. Roti prata, simply meaning ‘flat bread’ was originally just a flour based pancake cooked on a grill and then dipped into curry. It’s evolved over time to be a dish all of its own, with fillings such as onion, cheese and mushroom being added. A bowl of curry sauce will still be provided for your dipping pleasure. Those with bigger stomachs at lunchtime might want to have some laksa. Famous all over the world, this is actually a traditional Peranakan dish, so eating it in Singapore is eating it direct from the source.

Dinner in Singapore is when it’s time to really show off the famous local dishes. If you’re not on a diet make sure you try some char kway teow; flat rice noodle fried with lard. Another famous dish is Hainanese chicken rice. Known simply as chicken rice, Singapore’s second most famous dish is boiled chicken served with rice that’s been fried in chicken fat and then boiled in chicken broth. This mouth-watering dish has to be tasted to be believed. Although considered a national dish, chicken rice probably isn’t the most famous dish overseas. That honour has to go to Chilli Crab. Although chicken rice is the national dish, its origins are actually from China and has such become a local dish in many surrounding countries. Chilli crab however, is strictly Singaporean.  Chilli crab was invented in 1950 by drenching mud crabs in bottled tomato sauce and bottled chilli sauce. It wasn’t until the 1960s that it started to evolve, with eggs, vinegar, sambal, lemon juice and tomato paste being added. These new ingredients made the sauce thicker in texture and richer in taste. It’s this evolved style that Singaporeans and visitors to the country enjoy today. And despite the name, chilli crab isn’t actually that spicy, making it easier for those foreign taste buds that might not be able to handle too much spice. Once the crab has been devoured, make sure you soak up all the excess sauce with the fried bread rolls that are traditionally served with the chilli crab.

Where to find all this amazing food? The entire island is covered in places to eat. In fact if you name a dish to a local, chances are they’ll name a place on the island that serves the very best version of it. Of course, every local you ask will have their own idea of where the best place is. Although not a place associated with good food in the West, food courts in Singapore are not a bunch of stalls serving stale food from a bain-marie, all the food is cooked to order and they are a great place sample local food in an air-conditioned environment. The more traditional food court is the hawker centre. As hawker centres are outside you’ll have to do without the air-con but there’s no better place than a traditional hawker centre to sample the local fare. Satay, laksa, char kway teow can all be found in food courts and hawker centres all over Singapore. Chilli crab is more of a restaurant dish. It is on the menu of any restaurant selling local food or Singapore-style Chinese food but there are also restaurants where chilli crab is the speciality. You can always ask a local, but be prepared for the chance that the suggested restaurant could be on the other side of the island. There are also many districts with distinct flavours of their own. Head to Kampong Glam for the many Egyptian and Turkish restaurants than run along and around Arab St. Other districts to try are Chinatown and Little India. The food available there speaks for itself.

All these dishes only scrape the surface of what is available in Singapore. As you discover more of the island you will uncover an amazing amount of tantalising food.  

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One Day at Marina Bay

No trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to Marina Bay. As the entrance to the Singapore River, it was once an all-important trade route for fishermen and traders who were the life-blood of the island. Now it’s one of Singapore’s premier tourist attractions.

Instead of taking the train to Marina Bay MRT station, get off at Raffles Place and head east towards the Fullerton Bay Hotel. From here you should head north along the water towards the Merlion.

The Merlion is the mascot and national symbol of Singapore. Its fish body represents Singapore’s origin as a fishing village and the lion head represents Singapore’s original name, Singapura, meaning Lion City. The Merlion statue sits near the mouth of the Singapore River. At 8.6 metres tall and with a jet of water rushing out of his mouth, the Merlion is a must see to make any visit to Singapore complete.

From there you can catch a bumboat straight across the bay towards Marina Bay Sands. Opened in 2010, the $8 billion Marina Bay Sands is the most expensive stand-alone hotel casino ever built. Your first stop at this epic complex should be the ArtScience museum. Shaped like a lotus flower, this unique building does not fail to impress. With an always changing roster of international exhibitions, the ArtScience museum is just as impressive on the inside.

From there it’s into the mall. Officially called The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, this mega-mall really lives up to its name. At almost 93,000 square metres, it truly is a shopper’s paradise. If you’re one of the many people that doesn’t like shopping but once again have found yourself dragged to a shopping centre, perhaps you could take a gondola ride on the canal that runs through the mall. Or maybe sit and have a coffee beside the indoor waterfall, made up of collected rainwater. Plus there’s always the ice skating rink to keep you busy. Of course if something a bit more grown up is to your liking, then just pop into the casino. As the world’s largest atrium casino, with 500 tables and 1,600 slot machines, it will be very easy to match any shopper in terms of time and money spent.

With shopping bags filled and chips cashed, it’s time to make a trip up to the SkyPark, 191 metres above ground. Make sure you bring swimwear as the SkyPark hosts the world’s longest infinity pool. Swimming to the edge and peering over to take in the view of the city from almost 200 metres high, while floating in 376,500 gallons of water is a genuinely breath-taking experience. After your swim you can have a meal in one of the world class restaurants that sit in the SkyPark. After dinner make sure you take a stroll through the hundreds of trees that make this rooftop paradise a true park. Your walk should take you to the north end of the park where the platform overhangs by 67 metres, giving unmatched views of Singapore.

It’s not over yet. To end the day why don’t you catch a show in one of the two 1,680-seat theatres located in the mall down below? And if you really want to keep the night going afterwards, party the rest of the night away at the “floating nightclub” on Marina Bay.

From national icons and traditional water transport all the way to the future of shopping and leisure, a day at Marina Bay is a must for anyone visiting Singapore. 

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