A calm, green oasis
Amid the hustle and bustle and, let’s face it, hassle of travelling around south-east Asia, Singapore stands out as an enticing place to spend a few days. From the lush greenery to the ordered streets to the grand colonial district to its air-conditioned shopping malls — Singapore is an easy and relaxed place to stay.
Chinatown
Chinatown is a great place to wander around and soak up a slightly more traditional side to Singapore. There are some interesting temples, a fascinating heritage centre, plus there’s plenty of places to grab a cheap, tasty meal.
Little India
Like Chinatown, Little India is another great neighbourhood to explore while travelling in Singapore, with shops, temples and laneways to explore. Oh, and there’s some great food to be had, too.
Arab Quarter (Kampung Glam)
The Arab Quarter (also known as Kampung Glam) is yet another interesting neighbourhood in which to take a wander. This is the place to go for an insight into the Muslim heritage of Singapore, as well as some good shopping.
Raffles Hotel
The grandest of grand hotels, Raffles is an icon of Singapore. It’s definitely worth a visit to check out its colonial splendour and yes, to try a Singapore Sling cocktail.
Pulau Ubin
If you want to escape the concrete jungle that is downtown head out to Pulau Ubin, a small island off the northern coast of Singapore’s northern coast that gives you an idea what the country would have been like before mass development. It’s a peaceful, leafy place to explore (by bicycle is best), with temples, beaches, forests, farms and great chilli crab.
Shopping
From glittering shopping malls crammed full of designer goods to the variety and bargains in Chinatown, Little India or the Arab Quarter — Singapore is a great place to shop.
Changi Museum
This an impressive, and moving, memorial and museum about the Changi Prison — an infamous prisoner of war camp run by the Japanese during their occupation of Singapore in World War II, which held Allied soldiers and local civilians.
