Singapore is a city that promises to surprise you. Sleek shopping malls lie moments from centuries-old
markets. Soaring skyscrapers stand over pockets of hidden natural beauty. And an enchanting blend of
neighbourhoods each offer their own culture, charm and sights to discover...
For Cultural Immersion
Love a good museum? Head straight for the riverside
Civic District - the place where modern Singapore
began. First developed in 1822 by Singapore's founder,
Sir Stamford Raffles, it's where you'll find some of the
country's most historic buildings, many of which have
been given a new lease of life. The City Hall and former
Supreme Court buildings, for example, now house the
National Gallery of Singapore, home to the world's
largest collection of Southeast Asian art. The district
is also a great place to savour Singapore's culinary
heritage. Admire panoramic views of the city skyline at
National Kitchen, helmed by local celebrity chef Violet
Oon, or visit Lau Pa Sat food centre for a huge variety
of local hawker food.
![Singapore Skyline at dusk]()
Singapore Skyline
For Escaping the City
Make sure you save some time to visit Dempsey Hill,
set just outside of the city. First a nutmeg plantation and
then barracks for the British Forces, it's now a green
enclave of super-cool restaurants, cafés, art galleries,
yoga studios and boutiques. Among it, COMO Dempsey
is a luxurious lifestyle destination that houses a variety
of concept stores and innovative eateries, including
Candlenut, the world's first Michelin-starred Peranakan
restaurant. There's also the verdant Open Farm
Community - a unique urban farm restaurant serving
sustainable, ethical cuisine that uses produce from the
thriving herb and vegetable garden.
![Dempsey Hill at night]()
Dempsey Hill
For Old Meets New
There's nowhere that blends tradition with modernity
quite like Singapore. In Chinatown, some of the city's
most famous temples and traditional medicinal halls are
joined by hip watering holes and lifestyle shops, while
Little India combines vibrant street food markets with
24-hour malls and modern eateries. Kampong Gelam
is another must-visit neighbourhood, loved by trendy
travellers and connoisseurs of culture alike - thanks
to its impressive street art, Malay heritage and live
music bars. In the east of the city, Katong-Joo Chiat
is the centre of Peranakan culture, home to heritage
shophouses, quaint stores and traditional restaurants.
![Hindu temple in Little India in Singapore]()
Hindu temple in Little India in Singapore
For Culinary Discovery
One of Singapore's oldest Malay settlements and a
former trade emporium, Geylang Serai got its name
from the extensive cultivation of serai (lemongrass) in
the district. Today, it remains a hub of heritage, history
and trade, housing one of the biggest and busiest
wet markets in the city, along with plenty of restored
shop houses, intricate temples and traditional eateries.
You can sample Singaporean street food in one of the
open-air hawker centres, or experience a more elegant
take on local favourites at Hjh Maimunah - a renowned
Indonesian/Malay restaurant that's been awarded a
Michelin Singapore Bib Gourmand.
![Desert Selection - Singapore]()
Desert Selection - Singapore
For Next Level Luxury
Alongside tradition. Marina Bay represents the very
best of modern Singapore, where forward-thinking
architecture, soaring skyscrapers and unique spaces
surround the waterfront. Prepare to be captivated by
Gardens by the Bay - a 101-hectare botanic garden
filled with space-age bio domes, statement sculptures
and the iconic 50-metre-tall Supertrees. Marina Bay
is also where you'll find many of Singapore's most
luxurious hotels, chicest rooftop bars and contemporary
museums, including the excellent ArtScience MuseumT.
Housed in a building reminiscent of a lotus flower -
designed by world famous architect Moshe Safdie - it
showcases thought-provoking exhibitions that push the
boundaries of science, technology and knowledge.
![Marina Bay]()
Marina Bay
For Island Hopping
Fancy a few days of relaxation after your busy city
break? Head to Sentosa - a resort island just south
of Singapore. Along with world-leading theme parks
and family-friendly attractions, it offers three beautiful
beaches to choose from. You can also hop aboard
a yacht for a tour of Singapore's stunning Southern
Islands or take your exploration north to the island of
Pulau Ubin. This is a place where nature and history
intertwine, home to wildlife-rich wetlands, historic
granite quarries, coconut rubber plantations, and
Singapore's last-remaining kampong (traditional village).
![Palawan Beach, Sentosa Island]()
Palawan Beach, Sentosa Island
If you are looking for the perfect luxury holiday in the Singapore, still not sure where to go or just want to read more articles like this? Check Elegant Traveller, our luxury online travel magazine, for more.