48 Hours in Singapore

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the more fun and bustling parts of the city.

Description:

Although largely scarred by redevelopment, Chinatown today still contains pockets of genuinely old shophouses where age-old trades like clog-making and calligraphy continue to be practiced. Paper effigies of cars, houses and other material objects are still being made for the deceased. These are then burnt, in the belief that they will raise the standard of living of the deceased in the next world. For tea connoisseurs, a visit to a tea house is a must, not only to relish the flavor of Chinese tea, but also to experience the traditional art of tea-brewing.

Our Local Expert Says:

A fascinating insight into the rich history and culture of Buddhism.

Description:

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is located in the heart of Chinatown. The magnificent temple building comprises five floors and a roof garden and was designed to incorporate the best of the Tang Dynasty and the Buddhist Mandala.

The Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic Chamber is the most revered part of the temple and can be found on the 4th floor. Its importance is evident in the magnificence of the room, complete with gold floor tiles surrounding the solid gold stupa. The roof garden houses the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pavilion with its large Vairocana Buddha Prayer Wheel, while the excellent Buddhist Culture Museum can be found on the 3rd floor. This houses an impressive collection of rare Asian Buddhist artefacts, which accompany a display on the life story and teachings of Lord Buddha. The 100 Dragons Hall on the ground floor is where the daily ceremonies take place, when the chanting monks and congregation add to the air of reverence.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the most elaborate and beautiful temples in the whole of Singapore.

Description:

Thian Hock Keng Temple, also known as the Temple of Heavenly Bliss, is one of the most popular temples in Singapore with visitors.

The temple is dedicated to Ma-Zu-Po, the Goddess of the Sea, and once faced the sea - the spot where it stands originally bordered the shoreline, before the island was extended through reclaimed land. It was therefore often the first stop for new Chinese immigrants arriving in Singapore who came to pay their respects to Ma-Zu-Po, and give thanks for a safe passage.

The temple was erected in 1821, making it the oldest Hokkien temple in Singapore. Nearly all of the materials used to construct the temple came from China, and some even from the boats the immigrants arrived on. Incredibly the entire temple was constructed with bricks and wooden poles and without the use of any nails.

Take your time to explore the temple - wander through the courtyards and admire the rooftop dragons, ceiling mosaics, gold-leafed details and the intricately painted doors. You will find a statue of Ma-Zu-Po on the central altar in the main part of the temple, flanked by the Protector of Life and the God of War.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best spots in town for authentic dim sum.

Description:

Yum Cha is one of the best places in Singapore to experience dim sum in an authentic setting. Tucked away at the top of a hidden staircase in the middle of bustling Chinatown, this popular restaurant packs in local families and tourists alike, creating a buzzing and convivial atmosphere. Saturday lunchtime is obviously a busy time to visit but has the added attraction of trolley service, making Yum Cha one of the few places in Singapore still to practise this old tradition.

The menu includes a wide choice of Chinese and local Singaporean dishes, but the majority of people flock here at lunchtime to indulge in a dim sum feast. Perennial favourites such as Har Gao (prawn dumplings), Xiao Long Bao (steamed pork Shanghai dumplings) and Char Siu Bao (barbecue pork buns) are all available, and other standouts include the Prawn and Mango Rolls and the Pan Fried Pork Pancake. Get here early or be prepared to queue.

Our Local Expert Says:

A pleasant and relaxing way to take in the sights of the Singapore River.

Description:

The wooden bumboats you see cruising the Singapore River used to carry the cargo from ships anchored in the harbour into the city. Today they are a great way for tourists to take in the sights and architectural variety alongside river. The Singapore River Cruise tours leave from nine different jetties along the river and take 40 or 60 minutes, depending on the tour chosen. A good place to start is Merlion Park, where you can enjoy views across Marina Bay before heading up the river towards Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay (60 minute tour). Several other tour companies offer alternative cruises, but Singapore River Cruises are the only ones using the traditional wooden bumboats.

Our Local Expert Says:

A good spot for sundowners with a view of the river.

Description:

Known as "the belly of the carp" by the local Chinese because of its shape, this area was once notorious for its opium dens and coolie shops. Nowadays, thriving restaurants boast every cuisine imaginable and the rocking nightlife offers up a variety of sounds -- jazz, rock, blues, Indian, and Caribe -- that are lively enough to get any couch potato tapping his feet. Note: Pronounce quay like key.

Our Local Expert Says:

Probably the best spot on Boat Quay for sundowners with a view of the river.

Description:

BQ bar is the right place to be in if you want to experience utterly delicious kebabs. Complement your Asian meal with a premium martini or you could also have a go at the cocktails which are the specialty of the bar. Besides food and drinks, enjoy a wide range of music from hip-hop to house played by the DJ's to suit every mood and taste. A perfect destination for night owls, the bar is a good place to dine, drink and socialize till the wee hours. With tasty food, a welcoming ambience, classy crowd and an extremely diligent staff-guests can expect nothing but an indulgent time at BQ Bar.

Our Local Expert Says:

A romantic al-fresco setting right on the river, with fantastic views of the CBD and Boat Quay.

Description:

Indochine Waterfront is a fabulous place for out-of-town guests to enjoy dinner with a view. Its al-fresco, fairy-lit dining area makes it a popular location for romantic dinners a deux, while its proximity to the CBD also makes it a popular choice with the business entertaining crowd. Across the river from Boat Quay, its riverside setting allows you to dine while watching the lantern-lit bum boats cruise past, watch the lights of the Boat Quay bars reflect in the water and marvel at the sky scrapers towering above you.

But it's not all about the view - the menu boasts delicious and innovative dishes with influences from throughout Southeast Asian, many with a French twist. Choose from such delights as Khmer Style Tamarind Seafood Trio, Lemongrass Mussels, Black Pepper Beef with Garlic and Butter and Roast Duck with Lychees and Pineapple.

Our Local Expert Says:

Singapore's liveliest evening hang-out, there's something for everyone.

Description:

Clarke Quay, Singapore's most happening scene, received a dramatic $80 million makeover between 2004 and 2006 which saw this riverside locale transformed into an eating and drinking emporium. Clarke Quay buzzes every night of the week and you'll be spoiled for choice of restaurants - from Indian, Chinese, Italian, Thai, Japanese, Indonesian, Persian - you name it, you'll find it here. For late night entertainment you'll find plenty of watering holes to wet your whistle - from sophisticated cocktail bars to rowdy sports bars, to thumping nightclubs, it's all happening here.

Our Local Expert Says:

A great place to unwind and relax.

Description:

Just a 15 minute walk from the retail frenzy of Orchard Road brings you to the relaxing and peaceful Botanic Gardens. This 52 hectare park provides a huge variety of areas to explore, including lakes, fountains, sculpture gardens and well-manicured lawns, all linked by well signposted paths.

The highlight is undoubtedly the National Orchid Garden, where you can marvel at the largest display of tropical orchids in the world - over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, all cultivated here. In 1957, the Singapore Government began to honour state visitors and other VIPs by naming selected orchid hybrids after them. There are now over 100 of these VIP orchids, so keep a look out for the Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana, Nelson Mandela, Jackie Chan and even Ricky Martin orchids!

Other visitor favourites include the Rainforest - a 6-hectare slice of the original rainforest that once covered the island of Singapore; the Evolution Garden, which takes you on a journey through time, from the era of the dinosaurs through to the modern world of flowering plants; and the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, a fun and educational area specially designed for kids, including a maze, suspension bridge, tree... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

A most incredible collection of beautiful flowers.

Description:

The National Orchid Garden is the highlight of the Botanic Gardens and is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Singapore. The Orchid Garden boasts the largest display of tropical orchids in the world, with over 1000 species and 2,000 hybrids. Spectacularly laid out, plan to spend at least an hour wandering the gardens and marvelling at the beauty and variety of the flowers.

The National Orchid Garden has been experimenting in orchid breeding and hybridisation since the 1920s, and add more vibrant and enduring hybrids to their collection every year. In 1957 the Singapore Government began to honour state visitors and other VIPs by naming selected orchid hybrids after them, and there are now over 100 VIP orchids to admire. This prized collection is a visitor favourite at the National Orchid Garden, so be sure to seek out the Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana and Nelson Mandela orchids!

Our Local Expert Says:

The best place in Singapore for one-stop shopping.

Description:

Paris has the Champs-Elysees, New York has Fifth Avenue, and Singapore has Orchard Road. This 2.5km stretch of road is said to have the largest concentration of shopping malls in the world, and that's not hard to believe. It's all about brands here, and the newer and flashier the mall, the better.

ION Orchard at the top is one of the biggest, and it would be easy to lose yourself in this eight storey shopping Mecca for hours - its impressive food court on level B4 will offer some welcome sustenance. Other standout malls include designer brand-filled Ngee Ann City and Paragon, and the more independent boutique-laden Mandarin Gallery.

Our Local Expert Says:

Some of the best Chicken Rice in town - at a price.

Description:

Located on the 5th floor of the Mandarin Gallery, Chatterbox was originally established as a coffee house in 1971, and was the first coffee house in Singapore to feature local dishes more frequently found in the city's hawker centres. Over the years it has built up quite a following from locals and foreigners alike, particularly for its version of favourite local hawker dish Hainanese Chicken Rice, which has now become known here as Famous Mandarin Chicken Rice. Unfortunately, its move down from the 39th floor means you can no longer enjoy your lunch with a view, but people still flock here for the good quality local food anyway.

Our Local Expert Says:

Hop aboard for the best view of the city.

Description:

Officially launched in March 2008, the Singapore Flyer is currently the world's largest observation wheel, at 165m tall - the height of a 42 storey building, or 31 male giraffes stacked on top of one another! Each of the 28 capsules is about the size of a city bus and can comfortably carry up to 28 passengers, although you will rarely need to share your capsule with more than a handful of other people.

The journey takes 30 minutes, and as the wheel turns at a leisurely 0.21m per second, you get to take in 360° views over the city and across to the surrounding islands. In-capsule Guided Tours introduce the surrounding landmarks and anecdotes about Singapore. A feng shui guide is available for an alternative perspective.

Other attractions at the Singapore Flyer include Fish Reflexology, a Flight Simulator, Rainforest Discovery and various food outlets and shops.

Description:

Its heyday might have been around 1912, but this all-suite hotel has become a Singapore icon. This is where tourists flock to savor the Singapore Sling, and the well-heeled and famous seek respite. It lies near major convention centers, Boat Quay and the Financial District. The Grand Dame accommodates the desires of both day-trippers and residents with 13 food and beverage outlets and lavishly gorgeous suites. She might have been somewhat hedonistic, somewhat colonial but she is always faultlessly elegant. For some, Raffles is Singapore.

Description:

Famous for originating the Singapore Sling, The Long Bar is known to both tourists and locals alike as the place to go for this unique concoction. Like the name suggests, the interior is indeed long. Tourists generally visit this classy bar after touring the world-renowned Raffles Hotel. Similarly, many business professionals can be seen unwinding here. The dress code is smart formal. Although all cocktails sold here are generally of a good standard, most people still go for the Singapore Sling.

Our Local Expert Says:

Classy spot for sophisticated drinks with jaw-dropping views across the city.

Description:

The New Asia Bar, situated on the 71st floor of the Swissôtel the Stamford, is the tallest hotel bar in Singapore. This popular nightspot serves up a selection of cocktails and glasses of cold bubbly, which are sipped to a background of stunning city views which stretch as far as Malaysia. Revellers party every night to the sounds of resident DJ Chris Smith, while the last Thursday of every month sees the party ramped up as visiting celebrity DJs hit the decks. A happy hour daily from 3pm-9pm makes this hotspot a good option for sunset cocktails.

Our Local Expert Says:

The place to head for an al-fresco, breezy atmosphere and fresh seafood - take your pick from several restaurants.

Description:

The East Coast Seafood Centre is one of the most pleasant places to sample local Singaporean seafood. Here you'll find a cluster of open-air seafood restaurants facing out to sea, all serving up a selection of local seafood favourites. Chilli Crab is the top of most visitors' to-try list, and you should also be sure to check out Black Pepper Crab, Cereal Prawns and steamed Seabass.

Most of the restaurants have tanks with live fish and seafood for you to pick your own before it is plucked from the tank and whisked away to the kitchen to be cooked to your preference. Every Singaporean has their own personal favourite restaurant here, but popular choices include Long Beach Seafood and Jumbo Seafood.