Singapore Things to Do

Give Singapore a chance. That’s all the country asks. The tiny tropical island just south of Malaysia is certainly working to shed its image as an uptight, iron-fisted city-state. Sure, chewing gum is still illegal, but two casinos are set to open this year, nightclubs thump until 4 a.m. and the arts scene is—dare I say it—growing! If you’re looking for an introduction to Asia, where East meets West, everyone speaks English, the streets are clean and safe, and the food top-rate, Singapore is worth a stopover.

Landmarks

The legend of “Singapura,” translated as “Lion City,” dates back to the 11th century, when a prince from the Sri Vijayan empire saw what he thought was a lion on Singapore’s shores. The name stuck, and one millennium later, a statute of a half-fish, half-lion spouting water in Marina Bay, the Merlion, welcomes visitors to the island.

Also overlooking Marina Bay is one of the most impressive vestiges of Singapore’s colonial past, The Fullerton Hotel. When Sir Stamford Raffles “resettled” the island in the 19th century, British soldiers established barracks at Fort Fullerton along the water. At this location in the 1920s was built what was then the largest structure ever in Singapore, serving as the city’s General Post Office and the center for trade and commerce. At the end of the last century, the Fullerton building—with its neo-classical architecture, Doric columns and portico—was restored and recast as a five-star hotel (which, consequently, has one of the best Sunday champagne brunches in town). [Read more about Dining in Singapore.]

No trip to Singapore is complete, though, without a visit to the Raffles Hotel. The colonial grande dame named after Singapore’s modern founder is all class, accented by rattan chairs and four-poster beds. Sidle up to the Long Bar, home of the Singapore Sling, a $20 drink that tastes like a melted Popsicle.

 

• The Fullerton Hotel, the former main post office, is one of Singapore’s premiere hotels.

Donna M. Airoldi

Ethnic Neighborhoods

Though Singapore has a prominent colonial past, the city-state’s present and future are grounded in multiculturalism. The population of roughly 4.6 million is comprised of four major ethnic groups: Chinese, Malay, Indian and “other” (loosely defined as Eurasians and expatriates). Each has its own neighborhood, dedicated to maintaining a slice of home for the diasporas.

By far the largest hub, Chinatown is home to both mainland Chinese and a growing number of boutique businesses filling the refurbished shophouses. Along pedestrian alley, Pagoda Street, stalls sell robes, scarves and paper fans, while nearby Smith Street has some of the best dumplings in town. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum on South Bridge Road, then wander up the street to view Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, the 182-year-old Sri Mariamman.

A larger Hindu community gathers in Little India, where there’s a constant throng of people shopping on main drag Serangoon Road. This neighborhood glows during Deepavali (the Indian Festival of Lights usually in October and November), when festive light displays put Christmas decorations to shame.

 

• The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple.

^riza^

Kampong Glam, the Malay-Arab Quarter and epicenter of Singapore’s Malay-Muslim community, features the huge gold-domed Sultan Mosque, hookah bars, textile shops and delicious Middle Eastern food. [Read more in our Arab Quarter feature.]

Finally, Holland Village is the unofficial home to many of the city-state’s expatriates; here you’ll find ice cream shops, Mexican restaurants, Irish pubs and coffee shop chains with free Wi-Fi access. Stop by Wala Wala Café Bar on the weekend for great live music.

Tourist Attractions

Giant anteaters. Bengal tigers. A lion that actually roars! Singapore’s Night Safari, the first wildlife park designed exclusively for night viewing, creates an exotic natural bubble in a place better known as an urban jungle. The park eschews cages, preferring to use cattle grids, moats and hot wires to keep its 1,040 animals from too much mingling. Visitors can get up close, either on the tram or walking along one of three trails: Fishing Cat, Forest Giants and Leopard Trail (Leopard Trail? How can that not be cool?). This is the must-see in Singapore. The Singapore Zoo is also a daytime favorite, featuring “breakfast with the orangutans.”

 

• The Singapore Flyer opened to the public in early 2008 and is currently the largest observation wheel in the world.

Vibin

One of the island’s newest attractions is the Singapore Flyer, currently the largest “observation wheel” (don’t call it a Ferris wheel) in the world, rising 541 feet with views of Indonesia on a clear day. The downside: The S$29.50 (US$20) ride is limited to one rotation that lasts just 30 minutes. Some people prefer to get their view for free (or the price of a cocktail) from the New Asia Bar at the top of the Swissôtel.

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