W: The Singapore Botanic Gardens (nparks.gov.sg) are a UNESCO World Heritage site and should be included in your visit. The National Orchid Garden there features 3ha of orchids displayed in four climatic seasons. You can choose a self-guided walk via an app or join one of the guided ones, which are free on Saturdays. There are also classes that feature a beginners’ guide to orchids.
W: Classic chilli crab: The thing that defines the style and tastes for chilli crab at a seafood restaurant must be the chilli sauce. No doubt, the chilli sauce of Jumbo lives up to its reputation – a classic version, which is thick, sweet, and slightly spicy. Its spiciness level is at the lowest one, compared with its other counterparts, so it might be just nice for Western palates.In a classy ambience: The high quality chilli crab in a classy ambience makes passed-by people jealous. Jumbo seafood at Boat Quay is located by the riverside, overlooking the splendid Singapore River. At the outdoor seating area, you can get a good view of Singapore’s old port, plentiful modern skyscrapers, iridescent reflection on the river, running twakow boats and the stylish people of all kinds. The air-conditioned dining area inside is nicely set up for a chilled-out night. Jumbo is definitely a fashionable seafood restaurant in Singapore.
W: This not so hidden lane is considered as a fashionista’s paradise, which houses colourful shop-houses and cafes. At night, you can have a good time here as it transforms into street bars, complete with live acoustic performances! We came here after we checked in and since it’s almost night time, streets are filled already. Nearest MRT Station: Bugis (East West Line from Changi Airport / Downtown Line)
W: One of the best places to visit at night, Marina Bay is beautiful overlooking the view of Singapore’s city lights. You can also tickle your fancy by window-shopping at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. And of course, get to see the most spectacular 5-Star Hotel with its famous infinity pool, The Marina Bay Sands.Nearest MRT Station: Bayfront (Downtown Line from Bugis / Circle Line)
W: It’s the ultimate shopping destination in Singapore located a few walks away from the Bugis MRT. The covered walkway has everything that you need – from trendy streetwear to knick-knacks, fashion accessories, and souvenirs for your pasalubongs!Nearest MRT Station: Bugis (East West Line / Downtown Line)
W: Hungry? In Singapore, they have these Hawker Centres, also known as food courts, where you can have good local food at reasonable prices. Lau Pa Sat is one of the best hawker centres where you can find a wide variety of local dishes such as Chili Crab, Laksa, and Fried Noodles.Nearest MRT Station: Telok Ayer (Downtown Line)
W: One of the famous shopping streets in Singapore. Be amazed by their wonderfully structured shopping malls! There’s no way I’m not leaving Singapore without visiting Sephora at their flagship store in ION Orchard. If you have extra budget, you can also shop here at their flagship H&M store (really cheaper) or your other favourite international brands – name it, they have it!Nearest MRT Station: Orchard (North-South Line). From Telok Ayer (Downtown Line) transfer to Chinatown (North East Line) transfer to Dhoby Ghaut (North South Line)
W: Singapore trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting the famous mythical Merlion while having an ice cream!Nearest MRT Station: Raffles (East West Line)
W: Tickets are priced at S$28 (₱1,005) for the two conservatories. We booked ours for only S$22.29 (₱800) via Klook. No need to print the voucher, just take a screen shot and present at the queue.Best to visit in the afternoon for a cool break in Singapore’s humid weather! Gardens by the Bay is the best indoor attraction for me by far. It has two conservatories, the Cloud Forest conservatory which features a 35m-tall mountain covered in plants and dubbed world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Meanwhile, the Flower Dome is a cool-dry conservatory that houses plants from Mediterranean region.Open daily, 9am to 9pmNearest MRT Station: Bayfront (Downtown Line)
W: Take a walk on the suspended walkway, then visit the Cloud Forest to see the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Note: If you have time, return at night to see the sky show of choreographed lights and sounds.
W: Visit the most popular park in Singapore and explore Sentosa! Universal Studios Singapore tickets are priced at S$76 (₱2,728) but you can purchase via Klook for S$62 (₱2,217).Open daily, from 10amTip: Taking the Sentosa Express is pretty expensive for a short ride S$4 (₱143). Upon reaching Harbour Front at Vivo City Mall, you can take a free bus ride going to Sentosa.Nearest MRT Station: Harbour Front (North East Line) – Sentosa Express
W: Smith Street is an open-air food street located in the centre of Chinatown where you can eat local traditional dishes. They have a full range of local dishes from chili crab, black pepper crab, BBQ chicken wings, satay, and bak kut teh. I ordered the 3 BBQ Chicken Wings for S$2 (₱71) each, Yellow Rice for S$2 (₱ 71), and Sugar Cane Juice S$1.8 (₱65).Nearest MRT Station: Chinatown (North East Line from Harbour Front / Downtown Line)
W: Stop by the iconic Raffles Hotel. It’s a must-do to sit at the Long Bar and enjoy one of its renowned Singapore slings or afternoon tea. Head for the Long Bar, where you can sip a sweet Singapore Sling at the place where the drink was invented. To be honest, this isn't the actual bar; the current Long Bar is a replica built into the Raffles' new wing. But after a couple of these powerful concoctions, you won't care.
W: Walk past Raffles City Shopping Centre, and you'll find Raffles Hotel. Take your time to wander through her public spaces (visitors are not allowed in residents' corridors). There's upscale shopping, pretty courtyards, and lots of dining options.
W: At 165m above the ground, it offers great views of the bay and city. There are other facilities and activities within the complex, plus a wide range of shops and dining. It’s best to book your tickets online at the official site, singaporeflyer.com.
W: Opens at 8:30am. The Singapore Botanic Gardens (nparks.gov.sg) are a UNESCO World Heritage site and should be included in your visit. The National Orchid Garden there features 3ha of orchids displayed in four climatic seasons. You can choose a self-guided walk via an app or join one of the guided ones, which are free on Saturdays. There are also classes that feature a beginners’ guide to orchids.
W: Clarke Quay, with its waterfront outdoor dining venues, bars and shops, is also a good spot. If you like hawker (street stall) food, you will be amazed at the variety of food on offer at the Maxwell Road Hawker Centre.
W: If you like hawker (street stall) food, you will be amazed at the variety of food on offer at the Maxwell Road Hawker Centre. HAINAN CHICKEN RICE.
W: This short street is lined with shops that sell Malaysian and Indonesian batik cloth and home decor items, baskets, carved wood, objets d'art, and other gifts. Most places will be open by 10am, but if it's a Sunday, they'll be closed; in that case, head straight to the Sultan Mosque instead.
W: Just off Arab Street, you can't miss the towering onion dome of this mosque. The most historic in Singapore, its grounds are open, so feel free to explore within its walls, including the ablutions area, where worshipers wash up before prayers according to Muslim tradition, and a small grave site with unmarked stones. Inside the front entrance, they have robes if you're wearing shorts or a sleeveless top. Come before the noontime prayers, especially on Fridays; otherwise, you may be asked to wait until they're finished.
W: If you see any one Chinese temple in Singapore, this is it. One of the earliest built, it is a meaningful tribute to the Taoist gods and goddesses that have guided the Chinese community here. Try to get here before 5pm so you have time for relaxed exploration.
W: If you come from temperate climes, this is a rare chance to see nocturnal animals. This is the one place where all Singaporeans bring their foreign visitors, and I have yet to see anyone walk away unimpressed. Also, an easy dinner can be had from local- and fast-food stalls at the park entrance.
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W: A long strip where the locals come to buy spices (check out the old grinding mill on Cuff Rd. just off Serangoon), flowers (at the sellers making jasmine garlands by the roadside), Bollywood DVDs (you can hear the music blaring out into the street), saris (you can have one made for yourself), and all kinds of ceremonial items, many of which make excellent gifts. This is one of the few old neighborhoods in Singapore that hasn't been "Disney-fied" by the government. If you love chaos, come on Sundays, when most workers have their day off. This place is packed like Calcutta!
W: Midway down Serangoon Road, you'll find this brightly colored temple humming with devotees all times of the day. Take off your shoes to explore the dioramas inside. If you get here early enough, you can watch as the statues inside are bathed. The water, considered blessed, runs off a small spout behind the left side of the main altar.
W: Sri Veeramakaliamman is Little India’s prettiest, busiest and most difficult to pronounce temple. Lying at the heart of the neighbourhood on Sarangoon Road, this Hindu temple dates all the way back to the 19th century, although the present structure was completely much more recently. Sri Veeramakaliamman is hard to miss, with its hundreds of tiny colourful statues blanketing the exterior temple structure. Inside is just as impressive, although expect crowds of worshippers to gather on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Entrance is free but don’t forget to dress respectfully and take your shoes off when stepping inside.
W: Farther along Serangoon Road, Mustafa's is a crazy Indian emporium. While many of the goods are pretty standard, look for all the neat India imports. Explore the basement sari fabric department, one of the largest in Singapore. I love the groceries section with row after row of boxed curry mixes -- great to take back home! Or check out Mustafa's three floors of the most elaborate gold jewelry you've ever seen.
W: The enormous, 24 hour, everything-under-one-roof Mustafa Centre makes our list of best attractions – as well as our list of best shopping in Little India – due to its status as an institution in Singapore that borders on cult-like. Many shoppers come from the surrounding neighbourhood, whilst a fair share of tourists and locals flock to Mustafa Centre from all over Singapore too. Sure, it’s messy, a little disorganised, and packed every day, but come in search of one specific item that you can’t find anywhere else in town, and you’ll probably find a whole aisle dedicated to it at Mustafa Centre! It’s also one of the cheapest malls we’ve seen in Singapore too.
W: This is my favorite museum, for its well-planned displays and handsome presentations of the many cultures that influenced Singapore's heritage. Don't leave without checking out the gift shop, which features exceptional regional handicrafts. They take special care to support crafting communities.
W: CHEAP EAT. Singapore style ramen $7-$9. It’s got one of the longest queues at Amoy Street Food Centre, and for good reason. The ‘Singapore-style’ ramen – which was awarded the Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide Singapore 2016 – the two young lads at this stall whip up is like a cross between wonton mee, mazesoba and magic. Over springy mee kia tossed with a moreish and slightly sweet chilli oil, they pile braised char siew, Hong Kong-style wontons, a crispy potato-wrapped prawn, spring onion and an onsen egg ($7-$9). For the more ravenous choose an extra side dish of onsen egg ($1.20), Hong Kong-style wontons ($4), braised char siew ($4) or crispy potato-wrapped prawn ($4).
W: CHEAP EAT. Nasi padang from $4. The queue at this nasi padang restaurant stretches out the door even before lunchtime hits. We can’t blame the crowd, though, as only the early birds get the worm. Or in this case, stellar beef rendang and sambal goreng. There are only limited quantities of each item, so hot favourites like the tauhu telor sell out fast. Aside from quintessential Malay dishes, there are also rarer ones like lemak siput sedut, or sea snails swimming in a coconut-rich broth. And be sure to scream ‘yes’ when asked if you’d like a dollop of sambal with your rice.
W: CHEAP EAT. Laksa $3. With only one thing on the menu, this humble eatery still rakes in long queues every day. Its laksa gravy, cooked over charcoal, is light and not too spicy – that’s what the sambal is for. Stir it in if you want more heat in your bowl ($3). Topped only with fishcake and plump cockles, you’ll polish off a bowl in under 5 minutes.
W: CHEAP EAT. Get nourishing soups on the go at Soup Living. Each Cantonese-style, slow-fire soup here is made from premium Chinese herbs and is boiled without MSG or chicken stock cubes. There are currently six types of soups on the menu, including favourites like The Golden Pump ($6), a naturally sweet soup boiled from Australian golden butternut pumpkin, apricot kernels and dried scallops. Add $2.50 to complete your meal with a bowl of fluffy Japanese rice (or brown rice) topped with furikake or two pieces of handmade siew mai and a drink.
W: CHEAP EAT. Chicken rice stalls are a dime a dozen in Singapore, but it's not often you come across a place with its very own automated poultry cooking machine. The machine took 13 years to perfect and now dishes out consistently tender and fragrant birds each time. Roost's poached and soya sauce chicken rice ($8.90 each) are also healthier alternatives to the ones found at hawker centres – the rice is cooked with canola oil and comes in at under 500 calories per plate. If you're looking to indulge, try the chicken laksa ($7.90) and tom yum fried rice ($8.90) instead.
W: CHEAP EAT. Available in two sizes – $9 and $16 – this never-mind-the-food-coma dish comes loaded with clams, mussels, prawns, octopuses and snapper, piled atop briny, paprika-spiked rice. Unlike in his flagship, Portico Prime, chef Nixon Low has no plans yet to feature on the menu here the seafood sourced from the waters off Ubin, but with this dish, we’re not complaining.
W: CHEAP EAT. Your udons will remain heated throughout your meal with the launch of hotpots at Tamoya. Combining udon with sukiyaki, enjoy the beef sukiyaki udon ($13.80), double tempura vegetable udon ($13.80) and pork spicy miso udon ($13.80) on the revamped menu. Another mainstain is the dry maze mix udon ($8.80), a dry udon mixed with spicy minced pork, green onions, leek, garlic, bonito powder, nori and an egg. Clinching the ‘Best Udon Maker of Kagawa Prefecture’ in a Japanese TV show, Tamoya pulls thick wheat flour noodles that are a result of blending three types of flour and adjusting the amount of salt to our city’s humidity levels. Pick from hot or cold dishes – prices range from $5.80 to $10.80 a bowl. Once you’ve made your choice, pick up a tempura side ($2) including veggies or prawn tempura, rice balls ($1.80/piece) or sushi ($3/two pieces) to accompany your bowl. Our favourite? The pork udon ($9.80) – its light broth complements the salty-sweet pork perfectly.
W: CHEAP EAT. Yamashita Teppei – he of the affordably priced omakases, kaisen dons and kushiyaki sticks – replicates his Daidokoro ('Japanese kitchen') concept at the new Timbre+. Staples such as katsus, meaty Japanese curries and teppanyaki dishes are all served in bowls, but we say go for the yakitori don ($8.80) – sticks of meat brushed in a smoke-infused glossy lacquer of sauce and served over rice.
W: CHEAP EAT. Herbal chicken broth hot pot with fatty pork belly and toothsome hand-pulled noodles, all for just $10? Yes, it’s possible at Shi Li Fang. The Taiwanese steamboat restaurant offers steamboat set lunch meals for just $9.90 (taxes not included; so take note) that even comes with a drink of your choice. You pick a soup base (the place prides itself on not using MSG), a main protein and the type of noodles for your meal. Then on top of that, you get a good heaping of vegetables – slices of cabbage, carrot, winter melon, bok choy – tofu, black fungus, enoki mushrooms and an egg. It’s definitely enough to induce a post-lunch food coma.
W: CHEAP EAT. We’ll be the first to admit that, flavour-wise, this is not the best wonton mee around. The wontons and char siew ($4-$5) are nothing to write home about, but everyone’s really here for the noodles: they’re thicker than usual and come swimming in a slightly soupy base of soya sauce and sesame oil. If anything, it reminds us of the version from our school canteens – and that in itself makes the dish special.
W: CHEAP EAT. One of the bestsellers here is the red bean bingsu ($6.80). It comes in a sizeable serving for two or three people to share. However, the ingredient combinations are odd – they had the usual red bean with almond flakes and cornflakes with rice cakes. The ice is finely shaved and smooth but the overall texture is uneven, with some parts milkier than others. The liberal use of cornflakes also backfired, overpowering other flavours with sugar. All in all, though, it did well, and is a good way to sate cravings when you're low on cash.
W: CHEAP EAT. Navigating the maze that is Chinatown Food Complex is a bit of a task. But a tell-tale sign that you’ve found Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle is the long queue that weaves its way through the entire hawker centre.It'll take you 2 to 3 hours to get to the front of the queue. Once you do, though, the process is swift. Chef Chan Hon Meng then chops the meat – chicken, char siew, roast pork or pork ribs – and serves them up on disposable plates with your carb of choice: mee kia, hor fun or rice.The star of the show is the soya sauce chicken ($7-$14). The skin cracks when you sink your teeth into it, giving way to tender and succulent meat. We recommend having it on a bed of rice, with a helping of steamed nuts and dark sauce ($2). And don't be afraid to pile on juicy and moreish char siew, too. The stall also serves up roasted pork rice ($2.50), pork ribs rice ($3) and dumpling noodles ($3). Vegetable dishes include bean sprouts ($3-$4) and leafy greens cooked in oyster sauce ($4-$5).Make
W: COOL BAR. Beyond a pink neon sign that flickers 'Psychic', you'll find a bar that will take you back to the Prohibition days of the US. Choose to have your fortune read or squeeze through the mingling crowd to the back of Employee's Only for a table - like the original New York cocktail institution of the same name, this local off-shoot is a favourite among F&B folks to gather and unwind.
W: COOL BAR. Swing open the unmarked door and shuffle past thick curtains to emerge in a small, dark and sparsely furnished space that's super serious about its spirits. You'll find no labels on the bottles here. Each rum, whisky, moonshine or what-have-you have been cask-finished by Dario Knox. Order a flight of your favourite poison (each 15mm pour is cask-finished differently) before asking for cocktail recommendations.
W: COOL BAR. It's vintage furnishings might evoke the decadence of the Roaring '20s but you'll also spy telltale signs of the establishment's off-kilter persona. Like the bartenders' intentionally mismatched floral shorts and a Tanqueray Champion Shaker - a green, two wheeled machine that speeds up the preparation of the Ramos Gin Fizz, a New Orleans cocktail invented in the 1880s that requires up to 15 minutes of shaking by hand - sitting on the bar counter.
W: COOL BAR. Remember the cool kid at school who was indifferent to instruction but kept scoring top marks? That’s 28 HongKong Street. Calling the ground floor of an old shophouse home, it opened without any fanfare in 2011. The bar keeps a shroud of secrecy: it doesn’t market itself, not even on social media platforms. Still, it has since become one of the forerunners of the local cocktail scene and recently put Singapore on the map when it was named Best Bar at Drinks International’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars Awards this year.
W: COOL BAR. Hidden in plain sight, The Secret Mermaid is the alter ego of Shinkansen, a design-your-own salad bar in the CBD. The shared space, outfitted with black grilles and brass piping, morphs into a hole-in-the-wall cocktail bar after five in the evening. Bottles of gin, rum, tequila, vodka and whisky occupy every nook and cranny in this miniscule hideout, and the bar also has one of the largest collections of American craft spirits.Customers can opt for tasting flights or get one of Kelly D’Cruz’s creations at the eight-seater counter. Thorough in her research, D’Cruz learns each spirit’s distillery, ageing process and mash bill to find out how she can best bring out its flavours – no easy feat considering there are more than 80 varieties on offer here.
W: COOL BAR. Before dismissing Uma Uma Ramen as yet another Japanese noodle house, take a closer look at the other door by the entrance. It snakes down into The Horse’s Mouth, a sleek basement bar lit by boxy paper lanterns and peppered with quirky objets d’art, such as a hanging origami display.The concoctions are just as classy and relatively spirit-forward, a style that stems from the bar staff’s training in Japanese techniques. Most drinks are crafted to showcase various Nihon ingredients and, of course, sake exclusive to The Horse’s Mouth. This isn’t to say that accountant-turned-bar manager Guo Jun Guang doesn’t get to flex his creative muscles: he even uses wagyu beef trimmings from Kaiseki Yoshiyuki next door to fatwash cocktails. Uma Uma Ramen also contributes bowls of ramen to the food menu, which offers decent dinner options.
W: COOL BAR. On the second level of Regent Singapore sits a portal to 19th-century New York City, where ladies are decorated in pearls and gentlemen dressed to the nines. Under lowered lights, large leather armchairs and sofas gather around tables to offer enough privacy for a clandestine rendezvous. The bar, where you’ll find manager Philip Bischoff, rests on a raised platform overlooking the night’s debauchery from the back of the room.Understanding the art of mixing up a drink begins with a visit to Manhattan’s rickhouse. It holds 106 American oak barrels, all ageing spirits, bitters and cocktails. In the Ingredients Room opposite the rickhouse, bell jars of herbs, spices, fruits and roots in various stages of drying, pickling and brining line the shelves. The menu, whose categories reference the neighbourhoods of the bar’s namesake borough, has an extensive selection of all-American dishes from lobster rolls ($26) to apple cheesecakes ($10).
W: COOL BAR. When it comes to setting an atmosphere of mystery, Operation Dagger scores full marks. Near to the action but not quite, the basement bar is hidden along a back alley at the junction of Club Street and Ann Siang Hill. The entrance – unwashed floor, plain glass door, illegible scribbling on the top – is so nondescript that even the building it’s in doesn’t have a name. It opens to a dingy staircase that leads further down, but it’s the smell that hits you first: an acrid smokiness of burnt herbs.Headed by Luke Whearty and Aki Nishikura, the bar lies under a cloud of light bulbs and against a backdrop of shelves, on which stand rows of tinted bottles labelled with a grid of faded drawings. (One of the indifferent bartenders explains that they’re a code for each liquid.) In 2015 alone, Operation Dagger was voted Best New Bar at the Singapore Bar Awards and came in the top ten for Best New International Cocktail Bar at Tales of the Cocktail. Proof is in the pudding or, in this case, every one of the duo
W: ROOFTOP BAR. Occupying three floors of the 282m One Raffles Place building, 1-Altitude is three concept bars and restaurants combined: Altimate (61st floor), Stellar (62nd floor) and 1-Altitude Gallery & Bar (rooftop); with all of them enjoying a stunning 360-degree view of the city.
W: ROOFTOP BAR. Like its CapitaGreen perch, Artemis Grill is all about conscious living. Mediterranean-accented signature plates like the Iberico pork presa with padron peppers ($40), milk-fed Dutch veal chop ($60) and Alaskan king crab salad ($28) are said to be sustainably sourced, and the meats are grass-fed and kept hormone-free by its Red Door Group owners – the same folks behind Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse and Soi 60 Thai restaurant. A good portion of the menu is also gluten-free. A ride up CapitaGreen's 40 floors to Artemis Grill offers the public up-close access to the CBD's newest architectural curio – a giant red-lit flower – and starchitect Toyo Ito's sky forest. Happy hour promos price Old World wines by the glass at between $10 and $12, refreshing fruit-forward cocktails like Pimms, peach liqueur, Sauvignon Blanc and seasonal fruit Bottle It Up at $15 a glass, and Italian Bierra Menabrea lager at $10.
W: ROOFTOP BAR. Teetering on the giant surfboard of MBS, the deck flanking Justin Quek’s Sky on 57 used to serve as a lounge for private events and snacking guests not keen to splash out on the restaurant’s plush meals. But that is no more – the space is now home to Flight Bar and Lounge, the city’s newest rooftop bar for sundowner cocktails.With its resort-style breeziness and trip hop soundtrack, Flight harnesses bird’s-eye views of our southern straits, port and CBD as cocktail and bar snacks capital. No brand-name, bottle- flipping bartender mans the sleek bar, but the property’s mixologist Lucas Swallows (previously from Pizzeria & Osteria Mozza downstairs) has been tasked to create fresh juice-loaded and classic cocktails with Asian ingredients that run the gamut from refreshing to potent.The Singapore Sling ($24) is a fruitier, less syrupy-sweet rendition of the Long Bar original, while the Java Old Fashioned ($24) hits hard with notes of chocolate and bourbon.A diverse selection of craft and flashy spir
W: ROOFTOP BAR. No prizes for guessing on which floor this bar and restaurant is perched. Billed as the world’s highest microbrewery, LeVeL33 gloriously overlooks the Marina Bay, and, thanks to the decor and service, is perhaps the most sophisticated place to quaff a locally brewed beer.Five brews are permanently on the menu: an IPA, stout, wheat beer, house porter and blonde lager. They bear classic flavour profiles – the brewery claims to use ‘authentic recipes and brewing methods’ – so don’t expect funky American-style notes. Every quarter, LeVeL33 also pours out a seasonal beer, like a chestnut beer for Christmas and a pumpkin ale for Halloween.Here’s where LeVeL33 stands out from the pack. The food here, courtesy of chef James Tegerdine, is far from your greasy wings and fries. The menu changes seasonally and has unique culinary creations like sustainable octopus marinated overnight in red cabbage juice and red wine, succulent corn-fed lamb served with sweet figs and Spanish Iberico pork sprinkled with blac
W: ROOFTOP BAR. The Fullerton Bay Hotel’s prime location among the skyscrapers of the CBD makes Lantern a prime target for anyone peeking out of their office window. The 25m pool, border of whirlpool niches, faux-rattan cabanas and 5m-wide lantern-inspired bar certainly catch the eye. The atmosphere at this site formerly occupied by Clifford Pier is vibrant without being intrusive; it’s not difficult to have a conversation while listening to the smooth vocals of the lively Latin house band. While you won’t be able to take a swim in the pool (it’s for hotel guests only), we’re sure you can sneak in a quick foot dip.
W: ROOFTOP BAR. A few people are still unaware that Esplanade’s roof is open to the public; even fewer realise what a stunning view you get from the top. This is definitely one of Orgo’s huge draws – for the teetotallers, that is. Those who relish a quality drop will wholly embrace the extensive drink menu by renowned Japanese mixologist Tomoyuki Kitazoe. Martinis are the speciality of choice, mixing up unusual combinations of pomelo with basil and dragon fruit with vanilla. For the purists who sniff at such infusions, have a taste before judging.
W: ROOFTOP BAR. Yes, it's another high-end cocktail bar in Chinatown, but don't start yawning yet. From surreal eye candy to a rollicking soundtrack breezing between classic rock and Motown funk, Keong Saik newcomer Potato Head Folk nails the flippant, friendly vibe they boast at their Seminyak, Bali location – easily one of South-East Asia’s trendiest bars. Oh yeah, the drinks are pretty special, too.As we’ve seen in other ballyhooed cocktail lounges in town, slick branding or a big name doesn’t guarantee that things will be done right, but Potato Head Folk manages it with fun and flamboyance, even while juggling split personalities: burger joint Three Buns occupies the first two floors, artsy cocktail club Studio 1939 is nestled on the third, and a twinkle-lit tiki bar operates on the building’s lovely open-air rooftop.Studio 1939 is located halfway up a winding checkered staircase decked out with vintage knick-knacks and slightly sinister motifs of sailor boys and fairytale figures, a fantastical concept insp
W: ROOFTOP BAR. In skyscraper-dense Singapore, rooftop bars are no rarity. But when it’s perched on the Old Supreme Court Building, as Park Hotel Group’s Smoke & Mirrors at the National Gallery is, make a reservation quick.By all accounts though, these Hong Kong hoteliers haven't earned themselves much serious bar cred around these parts. It's a good thing, then, that it has built a bar team around local head bartender, Yugnes Susela. This is the long-time, former Tippling Club bartender's big break, and the cocktail chemistry of his training shows up on the menu, in Asian-flavoured classics, drinks inspired by canvasses in the gallery, and his own riffs on the classics.
W: ROOFTOP BAR. It's perhaps a tribute to Singapore's growing status as a global dining destination that celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck has opened a second restaurant on our shores, after his CUT steakhouse at Marina Bay Sands.Spago started in 1982 as Puck's first foray into the restaurant game, and has grown to four locations in the US. Singapore is the first international outpost for the brand, and to drive the modern Cali-fusion point of view of the brand at its new Sands SkyPark location, Puck and Co are not holding back.For one, they've transplanted a breezy Cali-cool aesthetic up onto the Sands' surfboard, outfitting the long, many-roomed space to look like a bungalow. Inside, the carpets, dimmed lighting, palettes of woody browns and tablecloth-draped dining tables almost conjure the glamour of old-school fine dining, if not for the soundtrack of pop-rock tunes. Flanking the two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows are views of the half-dressed infinity pool-going flock and our ship-studded southern shores.Wit
W: ROOFTOP BAR. Not everyone can quite suppress that involuntary ‘wow’ that emerges from their mouths when they get up here – this is the Singapore River from and all-new angle. Placed on the South Bridge Road end of the Boat Quay stretch, this outdoor bar that has surfaced on a shophouse rooftop overwhelms the eyes with an unobstructed panorama of the Parliament buildings, skyscraper columns, Marina Bay Sands, and even the top half of the Flyer. Finding it, though, will be your first challenge. Disregard its Boat Quay address and look for the illuminated lobby in the alleyway along South Bridge Road to take the glass-cased lift up to the fifth-floor perch. The partially sheltered outdoor bar seats 36 and has standing room for double that number around its built-up kitchen and bar – though if you’re tallish and have a penchant to throw shapes after a few drinks, give the alarmingly short surrounding walls a wide berth. Where Southbridge earns points for its vantage point, it loses for the food. For a kitchen run
W: Recommended by Joe. HAINAN CHICKEN RICE. FRAGRANT RICE: Rice sounds simple, but is the cornerstone of Tian Tian. The rice is cooked in the chicken stock to perfection – full of flavour and oily as the way Hainanese chicken rice should be.REASONABLE PRICES: A decent portion of chicken and rice plus a bowl of chicken broth costs 3.50 Singapore dollars. Basically, it is the usual price for any hawker foods in Singapore. But we can say that Tian Tian’s price is a steal for its good quality and taste.There is always a long queue at Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and the average time for waiting is around twenty minutes. There is a window to order and make payment and another to collect the food so be prepared that you will be staying in the right line.*****OTHER LOCATIONS: Besides the original stall at Maxwell Food Centre, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice has expanded to other location. If you prefer to have the same quality chicken rice at an air-conditioned place, just visit its outlet at Joo Chiat Road. This
W: Get to know Singapore’s unique cultural history by visiting 1, or all, of these enclaves. My favourite is Kampong Glam, the old Arab quarter. The food there is great and Haji Lane shows a slightly more alternative side of the city – you’ll actually see graffiti here (I’m sure it’s all legal though). Read a full post on Singapore’s historical suburbs here.
W: Hipster NEIGHBOURHOOD filled with cool bars, restaurants and restored shop houses
W: CHAIN: Breakfast dish in Singapore - toast with soft boiled egg, coconut jam and butter
W: Neighbourhood in Singapore filled with art studios, craft shops, galleries, novelty shops, wine cellars, food outlets, fine dining restaurants and beer joints.
W: GENERAL: Michelin starred Singapore Chilli Crab. *****CHILLI CRAB: Chilli crab at Mellben is one of the best in our Lion city. You can always get very big crabs in thick, spicy and slightly sweet chilli sauce. Just request for a less spicy plate if you cannot bear high level of spiciness.*****CLAYPOT CRAB BEE HOON: Claypot crab bee hoon (also known as claypot crab vermicelli soup) is basically a noodles soup dish, highlighted by milky broth, which is rich with the aroma and sweetness from crabs. For many locals, Mellben is the best place to enjoy claypot crab bee hoon - a crab dish that may be new to your culinary dictionary but can make you melt from the first spoon of soup.*****BUTTER CRAB: Close your eyes and imagine a big crab coated with thick, buttery, sweet and slightly spicy sauce. The combination of seafood and butter may not be something out of your world, but Mellben’s recipe is really out of this world. It is a dish to die for. *****TRANSPORT: There are no nearby MRT stations so public transport a
W: COOL BAR: This hidden hipster hangout has been transformed from a car park to a rooftop bar! In the centre of Chinatown, it offers affordable street tapas and craft beer. It often hosts indie movie screenings, performances by local bands, a flea market, or an underground DJ spinning a record or two!
W: TOURIST ATTRACTION: This tiny island between Sentosa and the mainland shouldn’t be skipped! Marina at Keppel Bay is accessible via a link bridge road. Dine at the famous Prive or TCC restaurant with views of the yachts, or pack a picnic!
W: Walk from Kent Ridge Park to the forest canopy. The highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore is half way along. The gem of this trail is the breathtaking view that awaits you at the end of it all at Mount Faber Park.
W: HAINAN CHICKEN RICE. Boon Tong Kee has 8 outlets and this one at Balestier road is voted the best one. *****CHICKEN RICE DAY & NIGHT:: It is not difficult to find a place with good chicken rice for lunch or diner in Singapore. But it not easy to find a good one for late night dining. Opened till 04:30, Boon Tong Kee is where we can have tasty chicken rice at any time, even in the middle of the night.COMFORTABLE RESTAURANT: For those who want to taste a good plate of chicken rice but cannot stand the sweltering temperatures in Singapore, Boon Tong Kee is an ideal choice. The place is air-conditioned, clean, bright and comfortable.EXTENSIVE MENU BEYOND CHICKEN RICE: Boon Tong Kee offers not only chicken rice but also a good selection of Chinese home-style foods. It is convenient for those who wish to have more foods than just chicken rice in one meal.
W: HAINAN CHICKEN RICE: One of the best dipping sauce for chicken rice: The combination of chilli sauce, ginger paste and dark soy sauce makes up a perfect condiment to go with chicken rice. No doubt, this is the thing that makes the chicken rice meal. And Wee Nam Kee is famous for its outstanding sauce, a mixture of spicy chilli sauce, yellow pasty ginger and silky, thick and less salty dark soy sauce.A place to have a plate of mixed chicken: When it comes to chicken rice in Singapore, the steamed white chicken is often seen but there is another version offered at some restaurants - roasted chicken. And just because the roasted chicken is done so nicely at Wee Nam Kee, a lot of diners want to have both the steamed and roasted chicken in one plate.
W: HAINAN CHICKEN RICE: Loy Kee Special Set - a balanced meal: Loy Kee Special Set is a highlight at Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice. Including chicken, rice, vegetables, and soup served in a wooden tray, this special set offers a balanced way of having chicken rice. The portion is generous enough for a big eater.A place to have chicken rice for breakfast: If you have appetite for chicken rice in the morning, Loy Kee could be your culinary destination. There are a number of chicken rice places along Balestier road, but Loy Kee is the one opening earliest.
W: HAINAN CHICKEN RICE: Loy Kee Special Set - a balanced meal: Loy Kee Special Set is a highlight at Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice. Including chicken, rice, vegetables, and soup served in a wooden tray, this special set offers a balanced way of having chicken rice. The portion is generous enough for a big eater.A place to have chicken rice for breakfast: If you have appetite for chicken rice in the morning, Loy Kee could be your culinary destination. There are a number of chicken rice places along Balestier road, but Loy Kee is the one opening earliest.
W: HAINAN CHICKEN RICE: Chicken rice at a 5 star hotel: Situated on level 5 of Mandarin Orchard, a 5 star hotel in the heart of Orchard, Chatterbox offers a high-end dining experience for a local's everyday dish. It is a place to treat oversea guests a traditional meal in a posh ambience.A wine list to go with chicken rice: For those who love to have either red wine or white wine to enhance the dish and the dining experience, Chatterbox offers a wine list to satisfy such needs. And if you want something more, the hotel bar is at your service.
W: Little India is the centre of life for Singapore’s Indian community, and a visit to this buzzing neighbourhood is sure to awaken all your senses; be it through the multi-coloured shop-houses that line the streets, the spiritual chants from the various mosques and temples, or the pungent aromas that infuse the night air when the demand for food reaches its peak. The colour, smiles and smells are all authentically sub continental and warm, making this one of Singapore’s must-visit districts. If you want to experience Little India for yourself, head to Serangoon Road, which lies just northeast from Singapore’s main Financial District and is easily reachable from both Little India and Farrar Park MRT Stations. Our guide to Little India presents all the best hotels at the lowest rates, as well as all the top places to visit, shop – and of course – where to eat!
W: Possibly Singapore’s most colourful building, the House of Tan Teng Niah sits proudly at the centre of Little India. However, unlike the rest of the attractions in this list, the House of Tan Teng Niah isn’t really Indian. As any linguists may have already realised, this building’s routes lie firmly in the Chinese colonialisation of Singapore, and is the only survivor of its type in the neighbourhood. The India community can take credit for the rainbow of colours that the house is so famous for, as well as the buildings renovation and upkeep. Go to take a photo - or ten - then grab yourself a Biryani in the nearby courtyard for some particularly picturesque alfresco dining.
W: The Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple is often referred to as the ‘Temple of 1,000 Lights’ due to adjacent room containing all those many lights. The main feature of this Buddhist temple, which is one of the most popular of its type in both Little India and Singapore, is the central 15-metre tall Buddha statue that draws in worshippers and tourists with both its religious significance and beauty. The temple was built in the 1927 by a Thai monk, and the Siamese influences are clear to be seen throughout. You can find the Temple of a Thousand Lights just off the Racecourse Road between Little India and Farrar Park MRT stations. Entrance is free but do dress respectfully.
W: Chinatown, with its colourful Peranakan shop-houses and handful of historical attractions, makes for a pleasant stroll. It is divided into four main districts, namely Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer, Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Pasoh, but the centre of activities revolves around Smith and Pagoda Streets. Chinatown offers a lot more than just the restored shops and ethnic places of worship, such as the old Hokkien temple Thian Hock Keng, Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple and James Mosque, it’s a haven for hawker food lovers. There’s also a good mix of hotels here, from heritage shop-house hotels to five-star luxury boutique accommodation. The Chinatown MRT Station brings you to the doorstep of Pagoda Street.
W: For the perfect conclusion to the day, check out the view of the Singapore skyline from Pinnacle @ Duxton Skybridge. At 50 stories high, this is the world’s tallest public housing building, and its viewing deck is open to the public. The view of the skyline is unique as it is one of the few, if not the only, building offers an arial view of the city’s CBD and Chinatown. The Skybridge connects the rooftops of the residential buildings, giving a 360 degree view. However, only 200 people are admitted every day, so as not to disturb the residents, so you may want to come early to guarantee a spot.
W: Best bar to watch Australian sport matches: Screening all Australian sport matches like Australian football league AFL, national rugby league NRL, cup race day, cricket Australia, and super rugby on many large screens throughout the bar, Boomarang attracts many Australian sport lovers in Singapore. It also organizes exciting sport events for sport fans such as Melbourne Cup Race Day, AFL Grandfinal Day, and Australian Open Day with in-house fun lotteries and bets.High quality foods: High quality foods are definitely a main highlight of Boomarang. The bar offers a wide variety of Australian food including starter plates, salads, pizzas, burgers, grill dishes, and seafood dishes. All the delicious dishes are used fresh ingredients imported directly from Australia and well prepared by skillful chefs.A great place to hang around for Aussies: Serving authentic Australian cuisine and decorated with beautiful Australian landscape photos, Boomarang is famous as a relaxed bar to chill out among Aussies. The bar also h
