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Taking in Singapore injust two full days
By Chehui Peh |
August 9, 2012, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
ONCE a small fishing village, the island nation of Singapore has much to celebrate this year on its 47th birthday commemorating independence from Malaysia in 1965.
Singapore has developed rapidly since then, and today it is one of the business hubs in Asia as well as a unique combination of races, history and development.
Though it's a favorite transit city, there is much to see in this Southeast Asian country even for a traveler with only 48 hours in the Garden City. Here are some the best bets for seeing Singapore like a local.
Day 1: Exploring modern Singapore
? Landmarks
Start off the day at Singapore's marina bay, which has evolved in recent years to house both the old and new landmarks of Singapore. Begin at the Fullerton Hotel, once the General Post Office when Singapore was a British colony. Cross the busy street to the Merlion, Singapore's mythical creature with a lion head and a fish's tail before heading to the Esplanade, Singapore's performing arts center resembling the king of fruits, the durian. With lots of photo opportunities, it is the best way to see the busy skyline and the bustling business district.
? Marina Bay Sands
With natural light flooding in from above and a canal flowing along the lower ground floor, Marina Bay Sands is one of the most popular and trendy shopping destinations. From well-known luxury brands to celebrity chefs, it is a place for window-shopping for those on a budget, and a shopping heaven for those with deep pockets. Visitors can ride a gondola on the canal. For US$20 a visitor can go up to the SkyParkobservation deck to view the Singapore skyline. The famous infinity pool (open only to guests of Marina Bay Sands Hotel) is on the same floor.
Hours: 10am-11pm (Monday-Thursday), 10am-12am (Friday-Sunday)
Address: Bayfront Avenue
? Artscience Museum
Cross the Helix Bridge, an architectural feat of engineering and design, to the Artscience Museum, Singapore's newest museum that showcases some of the most major touring exhibitions from around the world. The current shows are the Harry Potter Exhibition running through September 30 and the Andy Warhol Exhibition through October 21. The facade resembles a lotus flower and the museum has become a new architectural landmark.
Hours: daily, 10am-10pm
Address: 10 Bayfront Ave
? Gardens by the Bay
A newly opened waterfront garden features conservatories growing some of the most exotic specials on Earth. It's a showcase of Singapore as the Garden City. The landscape features structures known as the Supertrees, which house exotic ferns, vines and orchids, mimicking the ecological function of trees. There's a nightly light show at 7:45pm and 8:45pm in which the Supertrees reenact life from the Stone Age. Admission to the outdoor gardens is free but an admission fee is charged to the Skyway and conservatories. The venue is perfect for a jog or slow walk after dinner. It's calm, beautiful and a spot for nature lovers.
Hours: 9am-9pm (conservatories, skyway), 5am-2am (outdoor gardens)
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive (access from Marina Bay Sands' Lion's Bridge or Bayfront MRT Station)
Day 2: Peranakan Singapore
The Peranakan Chinese were among the earliest settlers in Singapore, establishing a large enclave of rich culture that has been retained to this day. Defined as old established Chinese immigrant of West Java, they have had major impact on the old neighborhoods of Joochiat and Katong.
? GeylangSerai Market and Food Center
The GeylangSerai area became predominantly Malay starting in the 1920s and to this day it's a must-visit area for understanding Malay culture. Visit the market and sample popular Malay foods such as nasi lemak (coconut rice), nasi padang (rice topped with meat and vegetables), Bandung (milk with rose syrup) and goreng pisang (fried banana). Dried foods and spices can be purchased at reasonable prices. Children like the Keropok, a fish or prawn cracker that crackles in with the first bite. Follow the crowd queueing at stalls for authentic food, since Singaporeans are serious food-lovers.
It's better to go in the mornings or late afternoons because that's when it typically bustles and the temperature is more comfortable.
? JooChiat Place and JooChiat Road
Taking a long walk in the old neighborhood of JooChiat, one can enjoy both tranquility and traditional foods at open-air restaurants along the streets. Eateries specialize in one particular dish, ranging from fish head curry to wanton noodles to dumplings. Shops have colorful tile facades and interesting architecture not seen in modern buildings. There are Chinese herbal clinics and specialty stores, such as those selling durian puffs known as puteri mas durian puffs (475 JooChiat Rd).
? East Coast Road
At the end of JooChiat Road is East Coast Road, a quiet unassuming neighborhood that contains Peranakan shophouses. Laksa, a famous, spicy Peranakan noodle soup, is available here. Sample Katong Laksa, at No. 49 for a taste of one of Singapore's classic spicy dishes. Stroll along for a slice of traditional life. In case of hunger or temptation, walk to 204 East Coast Road to Chin Mee Chin Confectionery, a favorite old-school coffee shop serving Kaya toast, a spread made from pandan leaves.
? Peranakan Museum
House in an old building on Armenian Street, the Peranakan Museum explores Peranakan cultures in Southeast Asia, and is part of the larger Asian Civilizations Museum. Exhibits describe origins and customs such as the 12-day wedding; traditional costumes, and arts and crafts are displayed. Armenian Street is also home to landmarks such as the Substation, Singapore's first independent contemporary arts center. The best upscale Peranakan restaurant, True Blue (49 Armenian St), is a short walk from the museum.
Hours:1pm-7pm (Monday), 9am-7pm (Tuesday-Sunday)
Address: 39 Armenian St
Singapore has developed rapidly since then, and today it is one of the business hubs in Asia as well as a unique combination of races, history and development.
Though it's a favorite transit city, there is much to see in this Southeast Asian country even for a traveler with only 48 hours in the Garden City. Here are some the best bets for seeing Singapore like a local.
Day 1: Exploring modern Singapore
? Landmarks
Start off the day at Singapore's marina bay, which has evolved in recent years to house both the old and new landmarks of Singapore. Begin at the Fullerton Hotel, once the General Post Office when Singapore was a British colony. Cross the busy street to the Merlion, Singapore's mythical creature with a lion head and a fish's tail before heading to the Esplanade, Singapore's performing arts center resembling the king of fruits, the durian. With lots of photo opportunities, it is the best way to see the busy skyline and the bustling business district.
? Marina Bay Sands
With natural light flooding in from above and a canal flowing along the lower ground floor, Marina Bay Sands is one of the most popular and trendy shopping destinations. From well-known luxury brands to celebrity chefs, it is a place for window-shopping for those on a budget, and a shopping heaven for those with deep pockets. Visitors can ride a gondola on the canal. For US$20 a visitor can go up to the SkyParkobservation deck to view the Singapore skyline. The famous infinity pool (open only to guests of Marina Bay Sands Hotel) is on the same floor.
Hours: 10am-11pm (Monday-Thursday), 10am-12am (Friday-Sunday)
Address: Bayfront Avenue
? Artscience Museum
Cross the Helix Bridge, an architectural feat of engineering and design, to the Artscience Museum, Singapore's newest museum that showcases some of the most major touring exhibitions from around the world. The current shows are the Harry Potter Exhibition running through September 30 and the Andy Warhol Exhibition through October 21. The facade resembles a lotus flower and the museum has become a new architectural landmark.
Hours: daily, 10am-10pm
Address: 10 Bayfront Ave
? Gardens by the Bay
A newly opened waterfront garden features conservatories growing some of the most exotic specials on Earth. It's a showcase of Singapore as the Garden City. The landscape features structures known as the Supertrees, which house exotic ferns, vines and orchids, mimicking the ecological function of trees. There's a nightly light show at 7:45pm and 8:45pm in which the Supertrees reenact life from the Stone Age. Admission to the outdoor gardens is free but an admission fee is charged to the Skyway and conservatories. The venue is perfect for a jog or slow walk after dinner. It's calm, beautiful and a spot for nature lovers.
Hours: 9am-9pm (conservatories, skyway), 5am-2am (outdoor gardens)
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive (access from Marina Bay Sands' Lion's Bridge or Bayfront MRT Station)
Day 2: Peranakan Singapore
The Peranakan Chinese were among the earliest settlers in Singapore, establishing a large enclave of rich culture that has been retained to this day. Defined as old established Chinese immigrant of West Java, they have had major impact on the old neighborhoods of Joochiat and Katong.
? GeylangSerai Market and Food Center
The GeylangSerai area became predominantly Malay starting in the 1920s and to this day it's a must-visit area for understanding Malay culture. Visit the market and sample popular Malay foods such as nasi lemak (coconut rice), nasi padang (rice topped with meat and vegetables), Bandung (milk with rose syrup) and goreng pisang (fried banana). Dried foods and spices can be purchased at reasonable prices. Children like the Keropok, a fish or prawn cracker that crackles in with the first bite. Follow the crowd queueing at stalls for authentic food, since Singaporeans are serious food-lovers.
It's better to go in the mornings or late afternoons because that's when it typically bustles and the temperature is more comfortable.
? JooChiat Place and JooChiat Road
Taking a long walk in the old neighborhood of JooChiat, one can enjoy both tranquility and traditional foods at open-air restaurants along the streets. Eateries specialize in one particular dish, ranging from fish head curry to wanton noodles to dumplings. Shops have colorful tile facades and interesting architecture not seen in modern buildings. There are Chinese herbal clinics and specialty stores, such as those selling durian puffs known as puteri mas durian puffs (475 JooChiat Rd).
? East Coast Road
At the end of JooChiat Road is East Coast Road, a quiet unassuming neighborhood that contains Peranakan shophouses. Laksa, a famous, spicy Peranakan noodle soup, is available here. Sample Katong Laksa, at No. 49 for a taste of one of Singapore's classic spicy dishes. Stroll along for a slice of traditional life. In case of hunger or temptation, walk to 204 East Coast Road to Chin Mee Chin Confectionery, a favorite old-school coffee shop serving Kaya toast, a spread made from pandan leaves.
? Peranakan Museum
House in an old building on Armenian Street, the Peranakan Museum explores Peranakan cultures in Southeast Asia, and is part of the larger Asian Civilizations Museum. Exhibits describe origins and customs such as the 12-day wedding; traditional costumes, and arts and crafts are displayed. Armenian Street is also home to landmarks such as the Substation, Singapore's first independent contemporary arts center. The best upscale Peranakan restaurant, True Blue (49 Armenian St), is a short walk from the museum.
Hours:1pm-7pm (Monday), 9am-7pm (Tuesday-Sunday)
Address: 39 Armenian St
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