Destination Singapore

Music wafted through the night air. From dancing dragons to martial artists, people from an array of cultures and walks of life displayed a diverse range of talents as they paraded through Singapore’s streets. 

I had just arrived and was over the moon to discover that I could catch the last evening of the Chingay Parade. Reputedly, the largest street performance and float parade in Asia, Chingay (which translates as the art of costume and masquerade) encapsulates Singapore’s soul and spirit like nothing else.

Chingay coincides with the Chinese New Year. So everybody is already in a celebratory mood. The finale was spectacular. The night sky above Marina Bay lit up with a stunning fireworks display. 

Singapore seen from the SkyBar at CÉ LA VI, Marina Bay Sands

From my hotel room at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, I drank in every precious moment. Was this really the conservative, financial hub with strict laws that I had read about?  I discovered that the “Little Red Dot” – a nickname for Singapore proudly adopted by its people to demonstrate that its importance is far greater than its size – has another side to its character.

A fusion of modern, glamorous attractions, grand colonial architecture and beautiful parks all spiced with traditional Asian allure, Singapore has plenty to endear it.

Merlion. The nation’s national figure, half-fish and half-lion, has its home at Merlion Park

Where to start in this bustling cosmopolitan city-state that has grown dramatically in size since its birth in 1965? I visited Singapore as a youngster. Marina Bay was a plan on a drawing board. But, as they say, dreams do come true. Once a body of water at the entrance of the Singapore River this area, built on reclaimed land, now is the epitome of luxury. Top notch hotels, steel and glass ultra-modern skyscrapers, theatres and chic shopping malls are all to be found here. 

One of the most visited places in Singapore is The Gardens by The Bay. Highlights are the two giant greenhouses filled with unusual and exotic plants and a Cloud Forest. 

The National Orchid Gardens are one of the stars of the Botanic Gardens

The gardens, by the waterfront, are particularly outstanding. Peppered with sculptures and waterfalls surrounded by super-sized trees, they are especially enthralling in the evening if you can catch one of the light shows. 

For views of the city that will stop you in your tracks, head to Marina Bay Sands. The hotel has become an integral part of the Singapore Skyline, the SkyBar at CÉ LA VI is the place to go to enjoy an apéritif and soak up the magnificent views. 

Little India

The hotel also boasts the world’s largest rooftop Infinity Pool. Hotel guests can take a dip and look out from 57 levels above the ground life below.

Floating off Marina Bay Sands there is an eye-catching pavilion which turns out to be a Louis Vuitton store or rather a mansion. 

For a dose of culture take in an exhibition at the lotus-flower shaped ArtScience Museum. At Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, you can catch a free show.

Another star attraction of the bay is Merlion. The nation’s national figure, half-fish and half-lion, has its home at Merlion Park.

Chingay encapsulates Singapore’s soul and spirit like nothing else

Not to be missed is Spectra. This 15-minute sparkling light and water show over the bay set against music has colourful fountains and lasers which appear to be moving to the rhythm. 

A retreat from the city is the Botanic Gardens. Over a 150 years old, the beauty attracts tourists and locals. The National Orchid Gardens are one of the stars. This brightly-coloured collection of over 60,000 plants and orchids is said to be the world’s largest orchid display.

The famed Orchard Road is only minutes away. Full of ritzy malls and department stores, you will find all the luxury brands as well as up-to-the-minute fashion here. Singapore has two climates: the sweltering heat outside and the cold blasts of air conditioning inside so be prepared if you are going to do some retail therapy.

Whizzing round the island I saw beautiful architectural gems such as the Old Supreme Court, now the National Gallery Singapore, and other British flavours of the country’s colonial past including the well-known landmark, the Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall in the in the heart of the city’s Civic District. Renovated in 2014, it is one of the most recognisable sights in Singapore.

Marina Bay Sands at night. A landmark of Singapore

Unfortunately, the renowned Raffles Hotel, named after Singapore’s founder Sir Stamford Raffles, which captures the colonial era like no other establishment, was under refurbishment so no going to the Long Bar for a Singapore Sling. 

Another symbol of Singapore is the Fountain of Wealth at Suntec City, reputed to be one of the largest fountains in the world. Conforming with feng shui practices it is said to embody harmony and equality between all the various cultures and religions of the state.

The next day I had a complete change of pace as I wanted to catch a glimpse of the past and learn a little bit more about the melting pot of Chinese, Indian and Malay sects that make up the multi-ethnic population of Singapore.

In stark contrast to Marina Bay, you see how the locals live, going about their daily lives. China Town Heritage Centre is where you can learn about the hardship the Chinese migrants faced in those early days.

Also in China Town is, reputedly, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, Sri Mariamman and supposedly, the oldest mosque in the city Jamae Mosque. The area is also good for shopping and sampling good street food. (Singapore is so clean that lots of tourists are happy to indulge in this country.) It is a good place to partake in chicken rice, the country’s national dish.

Once the home of the former Sultan, Kampong Glam is now the hub of Malay Muslim life. Arab Street is lined with typical Arabic shops selling fabrics, carpets and handicrafts. Haji Lane is a cool retail area that many fashionistas make a bee line for. There are also some trendy cafés and restaurants here.

Time has almost stood still in parts of Little India. This interesting enclave with temples, brightly-coloured shops and stalls selling a variety of wares even has a 24-hour mall, the Mustafa Centre where you can buy almost anything from electronics to food.

Singapore has come a long way since its marshy beginnings. It constantly amazes you. The orchid garden and towering waterfall at Changi Airport were so gorgeous, that they will have you wishing that your flight was delayed so you could stay just a little bit longer.  

By Daralyn Danns

Fly with Singapore Airlines. For best rates visit singaporeair.com
Having flown with this airline before I was disappointed this time. The service was nothing special. Meals were not so good. However, there is more space in economy than with BA and that is worth having

Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore ritzcarlton.com This is a wonderful hotel that knows how to provide excellent service. Highly recommended