13Travel DigesT, December 2010 / January 2011

SINGAPORE

Traditionally thought of as a stopover destination, Singapore is increasinglybecoming a popular destination in its own right, discovers saraH WeeKs

on a recent girls’ weekend away.

Stunning Singapore

Whether it’s a girls’ weekend away, a family holiday or a romantic couple’s retreat that you’re looking for,

Singapore can offer you a unique experience. This thriving cosmopolitan city that’s brimming with diversity, as well as a multiplicity of culture, language, arts and architecture, attracts more than 10,800 Kiwis each year seeking exactly that – something unique. Similar to Singapore’s melting pot of mixed cultures, I met up with two of my girlfriends here, one from Malaysia and one from Japan, for an extended weekend of fun and frivolity!

WHAT TO SEE AND DONestled in the central core of the

Singapore Botanic Gardens is the National Orchid Garden, its crown jewel. From the entrance, a waterfall with elegant bronze cranes welcomes you into this beautiful garden park. Spread over three hectares, this visual spectacle of over 60,000

dazzling orchid-plants is set against tropical foliage. Weave your way through four distinct colour zones representing the four seasons, from the soothing pastels of Spring, to the golden hues of Autumn and the cool monochromatic colours of winter and the bright hues of summer. The VIP Orchid Garden is reserved for the beat Gardens’ hybrids, named after visiting heads of state and international dignitaries such as Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana and Nelson Mandela.

In what used to be a small fishing village now stands Singapore’s most exciting playground. Sentosa Island is jam-packed with a myriad of activities for visitors to be a part of, from nature attractions to historical sites, musical events to museums and much more. Sentosa Island is home to the Resorts World Integrated Resort, as well as a theme park, wildlife reserves, gardens, animal parks, adventure rides, restaurants and spas, ensuring non-stop fun around

the clock. If you’re an adrenaline-seeker who’s not afraid of intimidating heights, MegaZip Adventure Park is filled with all manner of rides you must try. Tucked away in Sentosa Jungle, the park has a flying fox which stands at 75 metres above the ground and gets you up to speeds of 50km per hour. Singapore is not known for its natural waves, but thanks to Wave House Sentosa, they now have a thriving surf culture of sorts. Learn from professional flowboarders as they perform their skills on artificial sheet waves that replicate real ocean waves – a good way to learn surfing!

The National Museum of Singapore is the nation’s oldest museum with a young soul. A custodian of 11 national treasures, the museum is a cultural and architectural landmark and hosts vibrant festivals and events all year round in addition to presenting lauded exhibitions and precious artefacts. The museum provides a multi-sensory experience of

Marina Bay Sands

14 December 2010 / January 2011, Travel DigesT

SINGAPORESingapore’s past, through interactive elements including touch screen displays, smelling pods and oral histories, as well as old film reels. You can also delve into the rich history, traditions and culture of early settlers in the former Straits Settlements of Singapore, Malacca and Penang and their links with other communities in Southeast Asia at the Peranakan Museum.

No visit to Singapore is complete without a trip up the Singapore Flyer and towering at 165 metres, it’s the world’s largest giant observation wheel with a unique day-night panorama of Singapore city skyline from East Coast to Marina Bay and beyond at every turn of the wheel. Each flight lasts for about 30 minutes in an air-conditioned and UV-protected capsule, each of these 28 capsules can host up to 28 people and be converted into a unique moving venue in the sky for all occasions such as weddings, parties and product launches. Interestingly, the wheel was rotating in a counter-clockwise direction when viewed from Marina Centre, but its direction was changed in 2008 under the advice of Feng Shui masters.

As dusk falls, the day has just started for over 1,000 nocturnal animals at Night Safari, the world’s first wildlife night park, only a 30-minute drive from Singapore city. There are three ways to explore this fascinating park, by tram, by foot or a combination of the two. See the animals as they graze and hunt in natural environments. A highlight of the park is the Creatures of the Night show where animals demonstrate and amaze you with their predatory and survival instincts. There is also an opportunity to experience a Japanese fish foot spa – not for the squeamish!

SHOPPINGChinatown is one of the must-see

cultural enclaves for visitors heading to Singapore. The heart of Chinatown is a bustling, colourful mix of old and new, from family-run goldsmiths and medicine halls, to textile stores and dim sum restaurants. Popular bakeries like Tong Heng Oriental Pastry on South Bridge Road, tea houses like Kwong Chen on Sago Street, hawker stalls, as well as stylish bars along Club Street, are also housed in

this precinct, making Chinatown a well-balanced heartland.

As its name suggests, Little India is Singapore’s foremost Indian enclave. Its charm lies in the fact that many of olden-day trades can still be found by its roadsides, alleys and back lanes. Fortune-tellers and their parrots, flower vendors selling garlands of jasmine, kachang puteh (roasted nuts) sellers on pushcarts and street-side newspaper vendors are just some of the interesting sights to be found. You can even get henna tattoos designed on your

hand or foot – a great souvenir to bring back home!

The imposing and majestic ION Orchard is the newest addition to the famous Orchard Road shopping strip. Amongst the largest in Singapore, this shopping mall has more than 300 food and retail outlets. Big luxury brands with new-concept shops and flagship stores here include Prada, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Dolce & Gabbana. It also has its own art exhibition called ION Art, and a huge observation deck named ION Sky, which opened late this year, making it the trendiest new shopping venue around.

Holland Village is a favourite haunt for the expatriate community in Singapore, owing to the laidback charm it exudes. It is the perfect place if you want to spend the entire day relaxing, catching up with friends or simply listening to music. For vacationers who don’t have much time to explore every nook and cranny, Holland Village is a microcosm of Singapore, and provides an array of shopping and entertainment options that you can only find in Singapore, a mere ten-minute taxi ride from Orchard Road.

NIGHTLIFEIf there’s one thing Singaporians know

how to do well, its par-tay and with a variety of bars, restaurants and nightclubs for you to choose, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Clarke Quay is a colourful kaleidoscope of buildings housing antiques, restaurants, hip cafes, jazz clubs and more. At night, the entire zone is a sight to behold with all five blocks of restored warehouses lit up and beamed with an array of quirky alternative to mainstream clubs. With an international presence in terms of partying options, this is a convergence point for people around the world to celebrate.

Zouk, a nightlife Mecca housed in three restored warehouses built along the Singapore River, is an internationally award-winning homegrown brand synonymous with world-class clubbing and the edgiest parties in town. The allure of Zouk is generated by four distinct rooms all within the one complex; Velvet Underground has a cosmopolitan feel and usually plays R&B and Hip Hop style music, while Phuture with its futuristic design, impressive LED wall plays great dance beats. Zouk of course hosts the best international DJs and biggest parties within its Gaudi-inspired Moorish multi-level interiors.

15Travel DigesT, December 2010 / January 2011

WHERE TO STAYIf you’re looking to escape the hustle

and bustle, then a stay at Amara Sanctuary Resort in Sentosa Island, nestled beautifully on a hillside surrounded by 3.5 hectares of gardens and natural tropical rainforest which is home to peacocks, is perfect for you! Originally used as the army barracks of the English troops, the resort has uniquely blended colonial architecture and modern design concepts to provide a five-star resort experience. The resort offers ten villas, 12 courtyard suites and 91 sanctuary rooms, a secluded infinity rooftop pool, tropical garden setting pools and a newly-launched bistro dining restaurant, Shutters. Favourite dishes of mine include Wagyu Beef Satay and Singapore Chilli Crab! The resort also offers guests a chance to experience The Yurt Mongolian Spa, based on traditional medicinal principles and therapies of Mongolia – they even have a real Yurt!

The Singapore Marriott Hotel, located along Singapore’s famous shopping centre Orchard Road, has recently released their exclusive collection of pool terrace rooms – perfect for guests who are looking to

combine business with pleasure. Each room features a harmony of Asian architectural influences and contemporary design elements while three of the ten rooms are built with a pool-facing private veranda including a day bed. A personal highlight for me would be the Marriott Bed-Revive-a ten-inch mattress covered with a soft feather topper, plump Euro pillows and a warm feather duvet – pure bliss for a pure night’s rest after a long flight!

Grand Hyatt Singapore, strategically located in the heart of Singapore’s business and entertainment hub, offers 264 grand rooms and suites in its recently-refurbished Terrace Wing and 403 grand deluxe rooms and suites in The Grand Wing. Modern and chic in design, each guest room creates a warm and relaxing ambience. Located in the centre of this hotel is a lush waterfall garden, adding to the hotel’s feng shui uniqueness. The hotel also offers a spa and fitness centre, Damai, meaning “peace”, a haven for the mind and soul where you can experience total body rejuvenation. During my visit, I decided to try the Damai Orchid massage,

a great way to boost your energy after a long day shopping! And if you’re hungry after your massage, the hotel’s Singapore-inspired StraitsKitchen offers the best of local cuisine in a market place setting – a good place to dine if you’re interested in trying a wide variety of Chinese, Indian and Malay specialities. A visually stunning restaurant, it’s designed to show exhibition cooking areas or show kitchens, so you can watch your food being cooked right before your eyes.

One of Singapore’s most luxurious hotels is the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, which features an impressive newly-designed atrium lobby with 527 rooms and suites, four executive floors and a premium Oriental Club Lounge, offering views of the ocean, Singapore Harbour or the city. The hotel recently unveiled its new swimming pool and deck area surrounded by lush tropical landscape, emphasising the spectacular views of Singapore’s city skyline, including five Oriental-inspired private cabanas. The hotel’s Dolce Vita restaurant located next to the pool now offers enhanced alfresco dining with new views. With

SINGAPORE

December 2010 / January 2011, Travel DigesT16

SINGAPOREaccolades from its superb Italian cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Marco Padrelli, the restaurant has a popular following with a great seafood selection; it makes the perfect setting for a romantic dinner.

Singapore’s city skyline was forever changed with the introduction of the landmark building, Marina Bay Sands, which opened its doors earlier this year. It’s clear no visit to Singapore is complete without a visit here! With over 2,500 rooms and suites, Marina Bay Sands Hotel is easily Singapore’s biggest hotel. Guests can choose from views of the South China Sea or Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline. Included in the hotel are 230 luxury suites that come with butler service and privileged access to VIP areas. But the crowning jewel of this hotel would have to be The Sands SkyPark, an architectural masterpiece nestled on top of the three hotel towers. This 1.2 hectare tropical oasis is longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall and large enough to park four and a half A380 jumbo jets – trust me, it’s BIG! Its home to restaurants, lush gardens, infinity edged swimming pool (for hotel guest’s use only) and an observation deck open to the public. You will not find a better 360-degree view of Singapore from here! One helpful tip – make sure you allow for check-in time, as this hotel is very popular and in high demand!

Park Hotel Group’s flagship property – Grand Park Orchard – officially opened in October this year and the 308-room hotel is set to be a fashionable icon along Orchard Road. Each floor is themed a different colour and style – my room on the 11th floor was themed purple (my

favourite colour!) complete with a women poised in a gorgeous purple dress floating across the feature wall and a designer chair – this hotel is every fashionista’s dream! Although the rooms are not very large in size, the designers have made excellent use of space by adding windows connecting the bathroom to the bedroom and mirrors, all making use of natural light. Located on the fourth floor, the chic hotel lobby overlooks the stunning outdoor pool and Bar Canary, serving signature Veuve Clicquot cocktails and the all-day dining restaurant Open House featuring four open kitchen stations.

Seated on Marina Bay’s prime waterfront location in the CBD, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, which opened in July this year, comprises of 100 rooms, five individually-themed suites and a luxurious Presidential Suite, each with magnificent views and exclusive balconies. Set amidst the hotel, Clifford, the modern brassiere is illuminated by splendid ten-

metre high floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sparkling waters of the bay and guests are greeted by an opulent 800-bottle fine wine library meticulously handpicked from all over the world.

Three bathing beauties: Milica Milenkovic, Malisse Tan and Sarah Weeks in the infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands, SkyPark.

Sleeping on Singapore Airlines new business class

Based in Singapore, NSK at Work (Events & Tours) was set

up in late 2000 by Sabura Bagum and Naki Hameed. The duo

zap their brand of pizzazz and personalised service into the planning and management of every event. Together with their dedicated group of staff, clients are presented with tailored events which are well-thought out and followed up with attentive service.

To date, NSK has been working closely with corporate firms, travel

NSK at Workagencies, business and entertainment events groups, both locally and internationally. NSK is the Official Travel Agent for Singapore Cricket Club’s Annual Rugby Sevens Tournament and has assisted to manage the spouse tour during the last APEC Summit in Singapore, World Blood Donor Family

NSK staff tailor events, from meetings to sports events, to individual requirements.

Day and co-ordinated the sales meeting for Merrill Lynch India.

17Travel DigesT, December 2010 / January 2011

SINGAPOREWHERE TO EAT

The best way to experience Singapore’s local cuisine is to dine at one of the many famous “food markets”. All you need to do is find a table (which can be difficult during busy periods) and order your food and it’s delivered right to you – easy as that! Sharing a variety of dishes is the best way to experience a bit of everything if you’re a little unsure of what will tantalise your taste buds.

Previously called Telok Ayer Market, the Lau Pa Sat Festival Market is a spread of food stalls touting famous local delicacies such as satay and barbecued seafood. First opened in 1825, it used to extend over the sea so merchants could load and unload produce directly onto the boats. Today Lau Pa Sat is most famous for is its wide selection of local food and delicacies, where visitors can find almost everything and anything under one roof. The fact that it is open 24 hours daily makes it even more of a draw and they’re famous chicken rice is very good!

Kaya toast is a popular breakfast snack among Singaporeans and goes well with a

rich mug of teh tarik (sweet milky tea), Horlicks or a warm cup of Milo. Kaya is a local spread made of eggs, sugar, coconut milk and pandan reserves. One of the best places to get your kaya fix in Singapore is Ya Kun Kaya Toast, which sells a delectable range of kaya toast spreads, as well as at the many local coffee shops.

Newton Food Centre, also widely known in Singapore as Newton Circus, is perpetually packed with locals and tourists alike. Besides the excellent seafood, succulent satay and pulsating atmosphere, this is also a great place to people-watch. It is common in Singapore to quickly snag a table for your group before taking turns to order dishes. When you’re here, do order the famous chilli crab and barbecued seafood, and sample a veritable slew of other local delicacies.

Experience an authentically Singaporean dining experience by having a meal at Maxwell Road Hawker Centre, located in the heart of Chinatown, which has over 100 stalls, providing one of the biggest varieties of local food in

Singapore. Even with the influx of vendors, the stalls’ offerings are very varied and you will easily spoilt for choice here. Some must-try items here at Maxwell Road Hawker Market include the famous Tian Tian Chicken Rice, the traditional congee with pork and century egg from Zhen Zhen Porridge stall and the popular char kway teow from the Marina South Delicious Food stall.

HOW TO GET THERESingapore Airlines flies directly to

Singapore and their new A380 provides luxury of a new standard. Flyers can relax in one of their individual cabins featuring a real bed, sliding doors and window blinds in their Singapore Airlines Suites, or their spacious Business Class seats offering all the room you need to work or just sit back and unwind. The new Economy Class is designed to offer you a roomier seat featuring the latest entertainment and exquisite menus as part of their inflight service.

l Sarah Weeks flew courtesy of Singapore Airlines and was hosted by Singapore Tourism Board.