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Midway between Asia and Europe, Singapore is an enticing blend of the exotic and the
familiar. Modern skyscrapers share streets with landmark buildings in Chinese, British
colonial, Indian, Malay and other architectural styles. Shoppers will find everything from
Asian curios to the latest fashion labels, and local cuisine is varied — and delicious.
Day 1: Historic Singapore
Begin at Merlion Park, at the mouth of the Singapore River, home of the half lion, half fish
Merlion statue, symbol of modern Singapore. To the north is Raffles Landing Site, where
Sir Stamford Raffles, of the British East India Company, came ashore in 1819. Many of the
nearby neo-Palladian- and classical-style buildings date from the early days of the British colony,
including the Old Parliament House (now Arts House), Empress Place (now the Asian
Civilizations Museum) and the Supreme Court. Farther inland is the Padang, an oval green for
cricket, rugby and more. The Singapore Cricket Club, established in 1852 and still the premier
local sports and social club, has facilities here.
On a visit to the Asian Civilizations Museum, explore the roots of Singapore’s
heritage in themed exhibits. Or for another perspective, try the Singapore Art Museum
(northwest of Fort Canning Park), with an unparalleled collection of modern and contemporary
Southeast Asian art. Refresh with a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar in historic
Raffles Hotel, where it was first mixed.
Dine aboard the cable car in a leisurely run from the twinkling Jewel Box Station on
Mount Faber to Sentosa Island. The views of the skyline and harbor are exhilarating.
Day 2: Chinatown and the Quays
More than 75 percent of Singaporeans are of Chinese descent, and their influence is
especially visible in Chinatown, on the river’s south bank. Trengganu, Pagoda and Temple
streets are known for their colorful, restored shophouses, which have baroque and Victorian
elements. Multicultural, Chinatown is also home to Jamae Mosque, one of the earliest
in Singapore, and the island’s largest Hindu temple, Sri Mariamman. Tigers and lions guard
the entrance to the Thian Hock Keng Temple, with its traditional Chinese pagoda, roof tiles
and dragon-twined columns.
Sip a fragrant cup at Tea Chapter teahouse, where Queen Elizabeth took tea
during her visit. Choose a Chinese, Korean or Japanese table, and enjoy the peaceful
tea-brewing ritual. Afterwards, stroll around Boat Quay, formerly the busiest part of the
old Port of Singapore. The road nearest the river is now a pedestrian mall lined with
restaurants and shops. Upstream, cross over to Clarke Quay, where five blocks of restored
warehouses have been turned into a festive marketplace of nightclubs and restaurants.
Board a Ming Dynasty–replica ship at Harbourfront for the Imperial Cheng Ho
Dinner Cruise. The setting sun and magnificent skyline complement the international
menu. For a nightcap, return to Clarke Quay or Robertson Quay, famous for its dance clubs.
Day 3: Flora and Fauna
Enjoy the freshest part of the day in Singapore Botanic Gardens, which opens at 5 a.m. On
the grounds are three lakes, a tropical rain forest, masses of flowers and ornate gazebos
reminiscent of the gardens’ Victorian past. The 7.4-acre National Orchid Garden features the
largest orchid display in the world, with 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids.
Often compared with Fifth Avenue or the Champs-Elysées, Orchard Road is noted for
numerous shopping malls, cafes and entertainment venues. Off the charts for size is
Ngee Ann City, housing 100 shops plus the giant Takashimaya department store, complete
with its own fitness center (with pool and gym), supermarket and restaurants. Tanglin
Shopping Center is a favorite for high-quality Asian antiques, art and crafts.
Emerald Hill Road, once home to wealthy Peranakan (Malay-Chinese) families, is lined
with elegant Chinese baroque houses. Have a drink at the foot of the hill in Peranakan Place,
then dine at one of the international restaurants of Cuppage Terrace.
Following dinner, head out to Singapore Night Safari. Open only at night, this cageless
zoo is illuminated with artificial “moonlight,” creating ideal conditions for observing 900
nocturnal animals from tropical Asia, Africa and South America. Then return to your
Preferred hotel for a nightcap and savor the view of this enticing Asian city.
Where to Stay The Goodwood Park Hotel and
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore each
provide an excellent home base for your sojourns into the city. For reservations, visit
www.PreferredHotelGroup.com.
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| Experience an exciting adventure skiing in New Zealand? Take pleasure in a relaxing weekend at a resort in Napa? Had a great architectural design tour? Felt like royalty staying at a classic palace? |
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Please share your collage of daily memoirs throughout your stay. We'd love to hear about your personal Legendary Experience at one of our Preferred Boutique member hotels.
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