Singapore: Discover a Mecca of Diversity

by | Singapore

From 1 April 2022, all fully vaccinated travelers can enjoy quarantine-free travel in Singapore. Explore the best of Singapore with greater peace of mind with our latest COVID-19 measures.

Singapore – “The Garden City,” is a vibrant, modern city with a fascinating culture that continues to blossom since its independence in 1965. 

Singapore is a diverse and contemporary urban oasis. Its vibrant cultural scene makes it one of Asia’s most exciting places. 

Singapore is a melting pot – home of ethnic Chinese, Malays, Indians, Arabs, Eurasians, and expatriates. It is a small country, but it is an economic powerhouse, a culinary destination, a historical and cultural hub, and a quiet escape to nature. 

THE GARDEN CITY

The Gardens by the Bay is famous for the towering Supertrees. It is a horticultural treasure trove set in the heart of Singapore. Home to more than 1.5 million plants from around the world. Reconnecting with nature has never been this fun; revitalize your mind in the cool conservatories; there is always something blooming in the gardens. 

Immerse yourself in magical escape and creative floral arrangements in Floral Fantasy. Explore diverse garden landscapes in the Flower Dome, and see unusual plants native to a range of unique habitats – from the Mediterranean region to South African savannahs and arid deserts!

Supertrees at the Gardens by the Bay - Getty Images

Supertrees at the Gardens by the Bay – Getty Images

VIBRANT NEIGHBORHOODS OF SINGAPORE

  • Little India 

Little India is an area buzzing with history and is a vibrant district where you can explore a mix of Hindu and Chinese temples, mosques, and churches. Fill your hungry tummies with South Indian vegetarian food, North Indian tandoori dishes, and my favorite, Roti Prata (round pancakes)! 

 

Little India Singapore

Little India Singapore

  • Chinatown

This district is a mix of old and new—a combination of historic temples and traditional medicinal halls alongside hip, bold, trendy shops and bars. 

Immerse yourself in Buddhism’s rich art and history as you visit Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum. Keep your interest at its pique when you explore the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, the  Sri Mariamman Temple

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

  • Orchard Road

A paradise for shoppers! Orchard Road is the most famous shopping area in Singapore. It is a treat to find yourself in the middle of luxury retail to globally renowned cuisines!

Fine spirits enthusiasts must visit The Grande Whisky Collection on the fifth floor of ION Orchard. This museum houses 4500 of the world’s oldest and rarest whiskies. 

FLAVORS OF SINGAPORE

With Singapore’s multi-ethnic scene comes a rich diversity in cuisine. The gastronomic journey is one of the greatest in the world. 

Taste its cultural and flavor diversity under one roof when visiting a hawker center. This is an integral part of the local way of life. 

Hawker Favorites:

  • Laksa – this is a noodle dish with prawns, chicken, or fish in a rich and spicy coconut milk curry broth. It boasts of a milky flavor and enticing fragrance.

 

Katong Laksa 328 - Singapore's Michelin Rated Hawker Stall

Katong Laksa 328 – Singapore’s Michelin Rated Hawker Stall

  • Chicken Rice – An effortless and classic dish consisting of poached chicken, flavored rice, broth soup, chili garlic sauce, and sweet soy sauce with freshly ground ginger. 

 

Chicken Rice

Chicken Rice

  • Char Kway Teow – this is a stir fry of flat rice noodles and yellow wheat noodles seasoned with light and dark soy sauce, garlic, chili, Chinese sausage, egg, fish cake, and bean sprouts. Blood cockles and fresh prawns are added to the mix, and another variation is incorporating belacan (dried shrimp paste).

 

Char Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow

  • Chili Crab – these are crabs swimming in puddles of sweet, tangy, and spicy tomato sauce thickened with egg.

 

Singaporean Chili Crab

Singaporean Chili Crab

The Melding of Cultures

Sample an authentic Peranakan fare in Joo Chiat, stroll Kampong Glam to taste Malaysian nasi lemak, and explore the vibrant Tekka Market of Little India.

The World’s Cheapest Michelin-Star Meal!

The hawker stall at Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle has the honor of serving the cheapest Michelin-star meal globally, with its chicken dish clocking in at just USD1.42.

SERENE ISLAND GETAWAY IN SENTOSA

  • Serenity in Capella Singapore

A private world of immense serenity awaits you on Sentosa Island. Capella Singapore overlooks the South China sea and offers refreshing moments of seclusion through private plunge pools with outdoor bathing facilities. 

An exclusive vibe with a spectacular view of the South China sea is offered at The Knolls – Capella Singapore’s all-day fine dining restaurant. 

Guests of Capella Singapore will have preferential access to the world-class members only, Sentosa Golf Club.

Capella Singapore Pool (Virtuoso)

Capella Singapore Pool (Virtuoso)

YOUR HOME IN SINGAPORE

The Fullerton Hotel: Experience Heritage, History and Relaxation, and Luxury

The Fullerton Hotel is in the heart of the central business district. This hotel was once home to Singapore’s General Post Office, a grand neoclassical landmark. 

Flood your senses by the sounds and the view of the iconic Singapore River and Clarke Quay through Fullerton Suite’s expansive terrace. 

Book this hotel through Inspired Travel Designs and have a commemorative historical book or limited edition framed Fullerton stamp. And perfect complimentary access to the Straits Club Lounge.

 

The Fullerton Hotel - Facade from the Singapore River (Virtuoso)

The Fullerton Hotel – Facade from the Singapore River (Virtuoso)

 

The Home of Singapore Sling

Get a taste of Raffles Singapore’s exemplary service while sampling newly opened bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Explore their cozy courtyard and inviting, comfortable social spaces. 

Fun Fact: This is the birthplace of the famous Singapore Sling! Quoting Raffles Singapore; “The Singapore Sling, widely regarded as the national drink, was first created in 1915 by Raffles bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. Primarily a gin-based cocktail, the Singapore Sling also contains pineapple juice, lime juice, curaçao, and Bénédictine. Giving it the pretty pink hues are grenadine and cherry liqueur. Bartender Ngiam deliberately chose to give the cocktail this rosy color.”

Raffles is the hotel where Nick Young and Rachel Chu of the movie “Crazy Rich Asians” stayed. This movie was adapted on the big screen from Kevin Kwan’s best-selling novel. It is a charming love story that will leave you laughing at the sheer insanity! Singapore looks exciting; that will make you want to go now! Let us take you on an experience: The Crazy Rich Asian Singapore Tour. 

Raffles Singapore - Virtuoso

Raffles Singapore – Virtuoso

Let me design a bespoke travel itinerary that guarantees exclusive access and freedom from the norm. Satisfy your desire for discovery. Let’s chat!