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City Guide

Singapore

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With its futuristic skyscrapers, world-class restaurant and bar scene and cutting-edge tourist attractions, Singapore has staked its claim as one of the most forward-looking cities in Asia and a premier destination for tourists from all over the world. But far from being a soulless concrete jungle, the city-state is also chock-full of sights, sounds and – perhaps most importantly – tastes that harken back to its storied past and reflect its present status as a unique multicultural metropolis. With its stellar public transportation network, compact size and relative walkability, you’ll be able to dine on cheap and delicious food whipped up by a third-generation hawker, explore numerous cultural sites via a heritage trail, pick up souvenirs crafted by a local artisan and wander through a high-tech indoor garden exhibition – all before lunch. Just remember to slap on the sunscreen and pack an umbrella, portable fan or extra shirt to combat the year-round heat and humidity.

Book a PAL flight to Singapore on www.philippineairlines.com

Where to Stay

Hotel Indigo

For a playful Peranakan-themed hotel in a heritage district

The Barracks Hotel Sentosa

For a secluded romantic getaway in charming old-world digs

The Warehouse Hotel

For a chic boutique bolthole in a restored riverside heritage building

PARKROYAL on Pickering

For a lush garden oasis that puts sustainability at the forefront

Lloyd’s Inn

For a minimalist retreat near the Orchard Road shopping belt

Things to See & Do

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Singapore Botanical Gardens

Nature lovers will have a field day at the first and only tropical garden to be designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. Be sure to stop by the National Orchid Garden, which displays over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of Singapore’s national flower; as well as the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, which is the first garden in Asia dedicated to children and includes a farm, an orchard and a play area.

1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569

NUS Baba House

NUS Baba House

Discover more about Straits Chinese culture and architecture at NUS Baba House, a three-floor shophouse along Neil Road that was constructed around 1895. Formerly the ancestral home of a Peranakan family, the home was restored in 2007 in order to preserve it as a heritage house and lasting emblem of Peranakan aesthetics in a domestic setting. Visitors can sign up for guided tours of the premises.

157 Neil Rd, Singapore 088883

Design Orchard

Need to do some souvenir shopping? Take your pick from some of Singapore’s finest homegrown designers, all under one roof at this Orchard Road multi-label store and incubation space. Among the labels you’ll find here are Cocoonese, which makes colourful bags and clutches; Binary Style, which adorns cotton, silk and chiffon scarves with colorful prints; and Rocket Eyewear, which retails sunglasses in a mix of classic and edgy silhouettes.

250 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238905

STB

Gardens by the Bay

As far as man-made attractions dedicated to nature go, Gardens by the Bay is arguably one of the most impressive in the world. Be sure to visit the indoor Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, both of which are filled with an array of colorful, rare and exotic plants from all over the world; scale the OCBC Skyway; and marvel at the Supertrees – eye-catching vertical gardens that house over 150,000 plants.

18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953

STB

National Gallery Singapore

Housing the world’s largest collection of local and Southeast Asian art, this sprawling museum is a must-visit to gain a deeper insight into the region’s key artists and movements. After touring the permanent collection and special exhibitions, head over to the former Supreme Court wing to check out the stunning architecture and discover more about the history of Singapore.

1 St Andrew's Rd, Singapore 178957

Where to Dine & Drink

Native

Situated on the second floor of a heritage shophouse, Native is where you’ll find inventive tipples made with regional spirits, local ingredients and a whole lot of creative flair. A must-try is the Peranakan, which involves jackfruit rum, laksa leaves, goat’s milk, candlenut and gula melaka (palm sugar). Those who want something simpler can opt for their house-made gins, which come in flavors such as matcha and kampot pepper.

52A Amoy St, Singapore 069878

Odette

For refined Michelin-starred French fare in a whimsical setting, there’s no better place than Odette, located at the National Gallery Singapore. Helmed by star chef Julien Royer, the reigning top restaurant in Asia – based on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020 list – is where you’ll find exquisite, yet playful, dishes inspired by the chef’s culinary heritage (the restaurant is named after his grandmother). Reservations are essential.

#01-04 National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew's Rd, Singapore 178957

Nylon Coffee Roasters

Hidden at the bottom of a sleepy public housing block, Nylon Coffee Roasters has been steadily brewing some of Singapore’s best specialty coffee since 2012. The owners embark on regular sourcing trips to coffee-growing regions in Central and South America and roast all of their beans in-house. Go for the filter brew made with one of their single-origin varieties.

#01-04 4 Everton Park, Singapore 080004

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Maxwell Food Centre

Truth is, you can’t go wrong with dining at any of the 100-odd hawker centers peppered throughout Singapore. But for something close to the heart of the city, swing by Maxwell Food Centre near Outram Park. Besides the famous Tian Tian Chicken Rice, which is a must-try, other standout food stalls include Rojak, Popiah & Cockle for its moreish popiah (spring rolls); Jin Hua Fish Soup for delicious fish noodle soup; and Hum Jin Pang for light and crispy dough fritters.

1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184

Birds of Paradise

Fancy a sweet treat to combat the sweltering humidity? Head over to Birds of Paradise in the heritage neighbourhood of Katong (they also have an outlet at Jewel Changi Airport), where local herbs and botanicals feature in gelatos made using natural ingredients. Popular flavors include strawberry and basil; sea salt hojicha; and white chrysanthemum. Don’t skip out on their signature thyme wafer cone.

#01-05, 63 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428776

Jigger & Pony

Located within swish digs at the Amara Hotel, Jigger & Pony nabbed the top spot on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020 list. The menu is wide-ranging and offers something for every palate, from the playful Bubblegum Fizz (vodka, strawberry wine, Empirical Spirits Fallen Pony, lemon and egg white) to the stiff Journey of the West (bourbon, Guinness syrup, hojicha and aged bitters).

Amara Hotel, 165 Tanjong Pagar Rd, Singapore 088539

Labyrinth

Fine-dining contemporary Singaporean fare is the name of the game here. Drawing on his personal food memories and inspired by Singapore’s rich culinary heritage, chef LG Han serves up a variety of beautifully plated dishes that are a fitting – and tasty – homage to his homeland. Try the chili crab with chili crab ice cream and crab foam, and the barramundi with ulam rajah (a medicinal plant) and fermented tomato dressing.

#02-23 Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039802

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