Singapore
Slick. Contradictory. Sensational. The ‘City in a Garden’ is highly addictive.
Sharp contrasts ensure elements of surprise at every turn in Singapore. Once the bookish sibling to its more exciting Asian neighbours, now it is considered the king of contrast. Slick apartment blocks sit on the verge of verdant jungle, misty temples are shadowed by soaring skyscrapers, cool cocktail bars rub shoulders with heritage shophouses. The multicultural population of Chinese, Malay and Indian, ensures that a short walk across town will feel like a hop from one country to another. Hugely varied cuisine is a fantastic byproduct.
Experiences
Step into the shoes of Raffles himself to understand how this fascinating city came to be, alongside an eccentric historian; escape the bustle among Singapore's soothing Botanic Gardens; dip into ancient rainforests, bustling with monkeys and greater racket-tailed drongos; gain exclusive ‘beyond the velvet ropes’ access to the National Gallery; take your seats at a opulent dinner, floating high above the city on the Singapore Flyer; swim with albino dolphins at the amazing aquarium; enjoy a private dinner at the chef’s table in Waku Ghin; explore Little India with a fascinating local expert historian; hit the stores with a VIP personal shopper at your side; head out on bikes for a guided discovery of beautiful Bintan Island; join local fishermen for a unique insight into their traditional methods; explore the climate-controlled Flower and Cloud Forest ‘domes’ at Gardens by the Bay; take to the water onboard a luxurious private yacht to experience Singapore from a dramatically different angle, looking back across the bay to the city; embark on an afternoon adventure on sea kayaks, SUPs or a banana boat.
Where to Stay
Sensational 5 star skyscraper; classy colonial and hip boutique hotels; sumptuous yachts.
When to Go
Year-round Singapore is warm and humid but if you’re here during monsoon season (November to January), bring an umbrella.