Singapore Vacation

Nestled at the edge of Chinatown, the New Majestic is a unique and non-traditional hotel that is approximately 20 minutes from the Singapore Changi Airport.Amenities include the Majestic Restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness center, and open-concept, period-inspired lobby.All rooms feature individually designed rooms, 30 in all, continue the mix of vintage and designer furniture, personal Bose CD/radios, Phillips plasma/LCD TVs, wireless broadband Internet access, Ploh luxury bedding, and Kiehl?s toiletries.

Covering an area of 83,850 square meters, Suntec City Mall is the largest in Singapore and has the largest fountain in the world to accentuate its grandeur. Its three floors cater to the needs of locals and tourists alike with upmarket boutiques for international brands. The Suntec City Mall has a broad array of shops selling home furnishings, lingerie, leisure products, souvenirs and casual wear. The French hyper mart Carrefour takes up 13,000 square meters and offers economical consumer goods, from fashion and food to pharmaceuticals and car accessories. In addition, there are some 70 restaurants, pubs, fast food outlets and food courts to appease your appetite.

Pine Court boasts a menu incorporating four different styles of Chinese cooking, Cantonese, Beijing, Teochew and vegetarian. The atmosphere is calm, and the interior is set with lacquered Chinese furniture, carpets with flower motifs, red lanterns and murals. High ceilings give the illusion of space. Recommended choices include shark's fin soup with tientsin cabbage and bamboo pith, Peking duck (with its crispy, savory skin) and Beijing marinated baked lamb (oozing with flavor and absolutely succulent). The wine list is adequate, with choices ranging from New and Old Worlds.

Awash with scents and sights of the subcontinent, Little India is a microcosm of India, where every imaginable Indian product can be found: trinkets, saris, spices, sweetmeats, flower garlands and anything else that an Indian household needs. Traces of Hinduism are found everywhere, from the elaborate temples to wall calendars with pictures of Hindu deities. On Sundays, Indian locals and foreign workers flock the streets to eat, chat, shop and worship. Hard though it is to walk through the crowds, this is a unique spectacle you should not miss.

Singapore, often called the “Switzerland of Asia,” is an island-state in Southeast Asia. What was once a fishing village in the 1800s is now a popular business and tourist destination.

Strolling along the skyscrapers scattered throughout downtown, you get a sense of the modern architecture and mix of historical landmarks, such as the luxurious Fullerton Hotel in the former colonial post office, and old Chinese shophouses now converted into bustling boutiques, hotels and restaurants. Dining in Singapore is top notch and varied, with nearly every kind of ethnic cuisine represented, especially in the city’s many quality food courts, which are several steps above those found elsewhere around the world.

For an evening expedition through the city’s tropical habitats, you can admire animals from the Southeast Asian rainforest, African savanna or Burmese jungle on a tour through the popular Night Safari. To purchase some Singapore souvenirs, visit the multi-story shopping centers located in the Orchard Road district. Stop by one of the many ethnic neighborhoods in Singapore including Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street, for a look into Singapore’s diverse cultural history. You can plan a day trip to one of the city’s museums including the Changi Museum or a family picnic at one of the approximately 400 public parks that are in downtown Singapore and along the Singapore River. 

Prego a casual modern trattoria housed inside the Fairmont Singapore has become one of the more popular Italian joints in town. The floor to ceiling glass windows allow natural light to stream in and the décor creates a relaxed ambiance that appeals to the upscale diner as well as the younger crowd. The wood-fired pizzas are freshly made and offer a wide variety of toppings including seafood. The mainstays are the pasta dishes:all so good that it is hard to choose. Meat dishes such as the pan-fried salmon with grilled veggies in basil pesto are tasty as well. Italian wine is available by the glass.

The Singapore River has seen 150 years of commercial activity and has been at the heart of the growth of an obscure fishing village to a great seaport and metropolis. A 30-minute ride on a low-slung bum boat enables you to appreciate this transformation. Admire beautifully restored warehouses that now house chic quayside dining and entertainment spots and the contrasting skyscrapers of the Financial District. Then marvel at magnificent colonial buildings and five grand old bridges before circling around the Merlion statue, Singapore's tourism icon. The Bumboat Ride along Singapore River embarks from Parliament House Landing Steps (near Raffles' Landing Site).

Asian Village is a theme park that integrates the many facets of Asia into one entertaining and educational setting. Three independent villages of distinct architecture are set around a common serene lakefront, representing East Asia, South Asia & South-east Asia. Get a taste of village life by watching stimulating street performances, observing arts and crafts in the making, and relishing the aromas and flavors of Asian cuisine. Highlights include Adventure Asia with its thrilling joyrides but extra charges apply.

Let these spectacular aquariums around the globe serve as ambassadors to the underwater world on your next family vacation.

With the blaring music, brisk business, dark interior and functional decor, Sakura Cuisine is obviously not where you would like to hang around too long after your meal. However, a long queue usually forms outside, in support of the eatery's exemplary yet inexpensive Thai-Chinese cuisine. Noodle and rice dishes are moderately priced, so are plates of Chinese beef char siew noodles to Thai pineapple rice, served aptly in a pineapple shell. The menu also incorporates lemon chicken, hot plate bean curd, black pepper crab and other favorites. Soft drinks and juices flow freely.

Would an elegant gourmet meal tickle your fancy? At Saint Julien, they serve only the finest foods and wines. Open for lunch and dinner, you can savor such items as smoked salmon and Oscietra Caviar dressing with vodka cream or risotto with sea scallops and orange sauce. Saint Julien's wine selection includes aged Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage and Krug, Vintage. Two private rooms are available.

With its driving philosophy of making art available to more people, you will find many reasonably priced artworks packed into this small space. The Art-2 Gallery represents artists from all over South-east Asia, and is therefore a great place to see a broad spectrum of works from Singapore to Burma. Located in Singapore's alternative art space, The Substation, the gallery supports young artists but also boasts works from established names. The repertoire includes sculpture, ceramics, paintings, drawings, prints and paperwork from around the region.

Touring a residential suburb is the best way to appreciate the life of a typical Singaporean. Developed in the late 1970s to mid-1980s, the Bedok Town Centre provides a glimpse of an archetypal satellite town, in which some 90 percent of the population live. Well maintained, high-rise apartments dominate, surrounded by communal facilities such as cinemas, wet markets, supermarkets, food outlets, department stores, sports facilities, places of worship, community centers and a library. Shopping here is a must, and haggling can sometimes bring prices down. Mingle with the townsfolk while savoring local delights in a casual, unpretentious atmosphere.

Hotel 1929 is located in the downtown Chinatown, half a mile from the business district, and approximately 15 miles from Changi International Airport. Hotel amenities include the spa tub and rooftop garden, complimentary continental breakfast, and Ember (which serves modern European-style dishes infused with Thai and Japanese cuisine). Airport transportation can be arranged for a surcharge. The hotel also offers room service, a concierge, valet laundry service, parking, and 24-hour front desk service. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, CD players, coffee/tea facilities, minibars, safes, irons and ironing boards (on request), bathrobes, and complimentary high-speed Internet access.

Located in the heart of Chinatown, this quaint eatery features a range of Modern Australian Cuisine. Dishes like Pan roast cod fillet and Lamb loin in a green coat are popular dinner fare. Broth's dessert menu is the real treat though and their Classic apple tart is a must. With only about ten tables, Broth is best for small, casual lunch and dinner gatherings. Dinner is served only on public holidays from 6:30p to 10:30p.

The first Siamese King ever to tread on foreign grounds was King Chulalongkorn and his choice of destination, Singapore. Soon after his eight-day visit in 1871, the King conferred to the State this bronze Elephant Statue as a token of appreciation for the hospitality received during his stay here. Several other similar statues were presented to other cities, but this one is considered most special because it marks the first visit by a Siamese monarch to a foreign country. The statue initially took its place before the Victoria Memorial Hall and was later moved to its present location at the Old Parliament House in the year 1919.

Are you game for some spectacular views of Singapore and Sentosa from an altitude of 130 meters above sea level? Then head to the free-standing Tiger Sky Tower, which offers that and more from its rotating deck. On a clear day, you can even catch views of Malaysia and Indonesia! Whether you go in a group or just by yourself, do make time for this must-see. The spot is part of the sightseeing itinerary of many tour companies.

Although largely scarred by redevelopment, Chinatown today still contains pockets of genuinely old shophouses where age-old trades like clog-making and calligraphy continue to be practised. Paper effigies of cars, houses and other material objects are still being made for the deceased. These are then burnt, in the belief that they will raise the standard of living of the deceased in the next world. For tea connoisseurs, a visit to a tea house is a must, not only to relish the flavor of Chinese tea, but also to experience the traditional art of tea-brewing.

The French Stall is run by a two-star Michelin chef with about 15 years of experience. He uses only the freshest ingredients to prepare his meals. Here customers can savour haute cuisine without paying restaurant prices. Dishes include regular items such as fettuccine with basil and tomato and Duck àl'Orange. Also recommended is the chicken leg with mushroom sauce. In fact the sauce is a manifestation of the chef's masterful culinary skills.

The Asia Pacific's largest indoor aviary. The world's largest collection of Southeast Asian birds. The world's tallest artificial waterfall. Need we say more? This 20.2-hectare landscaped park is home to more than 8,000 birds of 600 species. The numerous enclosures and bird shows provide plenty to see, from free-flying falcons in a simulated hunt to parading penguins on a make-believe Antarctic beach. Most spectacular is the Waterfall Aviary, a simulated tropical rain forest housing uncaged African and South American species. Also not to be missed are the South-east Asian Birds Aviary and the nocturnal house.

You have seen mint leaves in a tea cup, pepper in a shaker, ground cinnamon on a roll, but I bet you have never seen any of them on a tree. Well, now you can. Walk into the Spice Gardens and open your senses to the world of spices and fragrant herbs. With clear interpretative signage, these exotic plants are planted in contour beds, intersected by little pathways so that you can come up close and absorb their wonderful aroma. This experience is both educational and fun. You can also enroll in one of the guided tours to get all the information on the spices.

River View Hotel opened in 1985, the first hotel with a river frontage, has 476 rooms and suites. Half of the rooms overlook the river while the other face scenic Singapore. Conveniently located just outside the Central Business District. It is also close to Chinatown and famous Orchard Road. For wining and dinning, there is a 24 hour coffee house, Chinese restaurant and a lobby lounge. Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, gift shop and wireless broadband internet access in all guest rooms and restaurant. Beside standard amenities, all rooms are equipped with data port, over 20 channels of international TV programs and in-house paid movies.

Enjoy a warm Thai welcome at Thanying, housed in the Amara Singapore. Teasing the palates of diners with royal Thai food since 1998, this restaurant is known for its spicy cuisine. Sophisticated and calm interiors, which please the eye with subtle Thai touches, create a great counterpart to the food that's bursting with flavor. Feast on authentic fare like coconut milk and lemon grass-based gravies, egg rolls, soups and more. Make sure you try the exotic desserts. Booking is highly advisable.

One of the oldest Tamil Muslim mosques in the Straits Settlements, the Nagore Durgha Shrine was completed in 1830. Sometimes called Masjid Chulia, it initially served as a cultural center for early Tamil immigrants. The building is dedicated to the memory of Shahul Hamid Durgha, a holy man from Nagore, southern India, whose tomb can be found within the mosque. Because of this, some people feel this building is actually a 'keramat', (place of veneration) not a mosque. Architecturally, it presents an intriguing blend of classical and Indian-Muslim motifs, surmounted by turrets. Note also the Doric columns and Palladian doors.

Here is a fountain that dances to lively music amidst a dazzling display of colourful lights and laser images. Using advanced technology, no fewer than 19 water formations are possible, enabling the waters to gyrate into soft sprays, feathery plumes and leaping streams, and even jet up to as high as 20 metres. Later in the evening, the Musical Fountain is joined by The Merlion, which shoots some 16,000 fibre optic lights from its eyes, taking centre stage as the story of its legend is narrated.

Naumi Located at the heart of the central business district and a few minutes' stroll away to vibrant shopping, cultural and heritage legacy and in the midst of all exciting nightlife of Singapore. 20 km away from Changi International Airport, 20 minutes to reach Naumi. Staying true to its promise of luxury, Naumi boasts plush beds, a large stylish bathroom and an adjoining kitchenette, fully equipped with branded appliances. Tailored for the corporate individual, each room at Naumi is equipped with high-speed wireless Internet access and in addition, there is the sophisticated Cisco IP Telephone System to allow for teleconferences as well as access to useful web based information. Your stay at Naumi begins with meeting your personal Naumi Aide who will be on hand 24/7 to assist you during your entire stay.

The Malay Village is a repository for Malay art and culture, with many stores like Singgah Sini Collections taking centre stage. Here, you will find a small but interesting collection of still life by Indonesian and Malaysian artists, as well as Islamic calligraphic art in the form of oil paintings, carvings of polished granite and silk embroidery. Malay craftwork on sale include the Buloh (bamboo wind chimes), hand-woven mats and rugs, pottery and wooden carvings, all of which make great souvenirs and gifts. Be sure to check out the Belangkon (headdress typically worn by Javanese men), a popular buy among tourists.

There is only one word to describe the clothes here, sexy. Slinky bold numbers are most suitable for clubbing. Sizes cater mainly to the petite. Even the beachwear looks stylish. Softly structured wraps give the wearer fluidity. You will also find accessories such as bags and shoes to complement your look. Project Shop is also the answer for self-confident guys who want to look sexy. The collection comprises mainly collared short-sleeved shirts in soft materials and a myriad of colors.