SINGAPORE

SPRING & SUMMER GUIDE 2011

The best places to eat, sleep and play in Singapore this spring and summer
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INTRODUCTION
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Inside

SINGAPORE

PACKING TIPS
1. Singapore has a warm and humid climate throughout the year, thus light clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton is best for everyday wear.TripAdvisor Member, Singapore 2. Casual dress is acceptable for most situations, but some establishments may have a more formal dress code. TripAdvisor Member, Singapore 3. The money changer will negotiate on price, depending on how much you want to change. Dont take the exchange board at face value! TripAdvisor Member, Perth, Australia

Singapore may have a Westernized facade, with its modern skyscrapers and bustling business folk, but lurking not far beneath is a world of beauty and history. With a diverse multicultural population, Singapore is home to Little India, Chinatown and an Arab Quarter. At the center lies the Colonial District, a remnant of the not-too-long-ago past, when Singapore was a British colony. The mix of cultures is evident everywhere, even in the language, the unofficial Singlish, which is an amalgamation of English, Chinese grammar, Malay expressions and Hokkien slang. The island city-state is also home to a number of nature reserves where you can escape in the dense tropical foliage. Singapores reputation as a shipshape nation is well-established, and, indeed, travelers should be on their best behavior; seemingly minor infractions such as spitting, jaywalking or eating on the subway can carry hefty fines. But these same regulations keep Singapore clean and safe, and visitors will appreciate the spotless surroundings. tripadvisor.com

Top

VIEWS
Begin your tour of the island with a visit to the Carlsberg Sky Tower for panoramic views across Singapore, Sentosa and the Southern Islands.TripAdvisor Member, Singapore
Carlsberg Sky Tower, 41 Imbiah Road, Sentosa, 6259 9288

SINGAPORES BEST VIEWS

For a lovely view, head to the park atop Mount Faber. We enjoyed the breeze, had tea beside a koi pond and admired the surrounding forest.TripAdvisor Member, Vancouver, British Columbia
Mount Faber, 6270 8855

Where to

PLAY
The National Museum of Singapore is absolutely worth visiting and fun for young children as well. Not only did it provide a few hours of learning, but we all had a good time, too.TripAdvisor Member, New Jersey
National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, 6332 3251

Singapore isnt just a city of skyscrapers. Get up close and personal with the fauna at MacRitchie Reservoir. The HSBC TreeTop Walk, a freestanding suspension bridge, connects the two highest points of MacRitchie and offers an excellent vantage point for the diverse community of plants and animals that live in the forest canopy. TripAdvisor Member, Singapore
MacRitchie Reservoir, Off Lornie Road, 6254 5346

TOP 10 Attractions
1. Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, 6471 7361 2. Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Road, 6269 3411 3. National Orchid Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, 6471 7361 4. Flight Experience, 30 Raffles Ave. #02-06, 6339 2737 5. Singapore Flyer, 30 Raffles Ave. #01-07, 6854 5200 6. National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, 6332 3659 7. Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, 6332 2982 8. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, 177 Hindhede Dr., 6468 5736 9. Chinatown, Trengganu 10. Singapore Science Centre, 15 Science Centre

FAMILIES
The Science Centre is a fantastic place for kids. Every exhibit is hands-on. This is a place where kids wonder can be explored. The entry halls optical illusions had our 10-, 8- and 5-year-old running from one amazing optical experience to the next.TripAdvisor Member, Auckland, New Zealand
Singapore Science Centre, 15 Science Centre Road, 6425 2500

At the Singapore Zoo, you cannot see the fences, and the animals are happy. The monkeys are free range and can roam the confines of the zoo. The zoo is thoughtfully plotted and planned to each small detail. TripAdvisor Member, Penang, Malaysia
Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Road, 6269 3411

ROMANCE
The gallery at the Singapore Art Museum is relatively small but very beautiful and features many fascinating exhibitions by prolific artists. The permanent collection features modern Southeast Asian art. TripAdvisor Member, Singapore
Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road, 6332 3222

a good chance to catch some culture.

We were charmed by Clark Quays nightlife, with its brightly lit restaurants and clubs, as well as the serenity of simply sitting at the stairs by the canal. It was very romantic.TripAdvisor Member, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Road, 6337 3292

Visit the Singapore Esplanade Arts Complex: beautiful architecture, stunning at night, nice downtown views, lovely little library and galleries, neat little shops and a good chance to catch some culture. TripAdvisor Member, Toronto, Ontario
Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, Marina Bay, 6828 8377

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Where to

PLAY
Honoring WWII prisoners of war, the Changi Museum is a must-see for anyone with a family member who was affected by the invasion of Singapore. We had a most moving and unforgettable experience! Admission is free, and guided tours are available at a small cost.TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, Australia
Changi Museum, 1000 Upper Changi Road N., 6214 2451

BUDGET
The colorfully painted shop houses and covered sidewalks of Chinatown are lovely, and you can catch glimpses of the mens social groups and kitchens behind the scenes. Also, dont miss going into a Chinese herbalist shop or twotheyre astounding. TripAdvisor Member, Madison, Wis.
Chinatown

Thian Hock Keng, the Temple of Heavenly Happiness, is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Singapore. Its beautiful. Buy joss paper. Be sure to burn some of the paper in the amazing red, gourd-shaped kilns in the courtyardit brings you good luck.TripAdvisor Member, Boston, Mass.
Thian Hock Keng Temple, 158 Telok Ayer St., Chinatown, 6423 4616

ADVENTURE
What a great escape we had at the Sungei Buloh Wetlands! Imagine our excitement when we came across a six-foot water monitor lizard! We also encountered other reptiles, squirrels, birdlife and tree climbing crabs.TripAdvisor Member, Northam, Australia
Sungei Buloh Wetlands, 301 Neo Tiew Cres., 6794 1401

The 36-hectare Bukit Timah Nature Reserve features a pond plaza and young secondary forests. You can see different species of terrapins, water hens, lizards and squirrels. This park is for the nature lover. Its also popular with joggers, and exercise stations are spread out in the park. TripAdvisor Member, Singapore
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, 177 Hindhede Dr., 6468 5736

The G-Max Reverse Bungy drops three people in an open-air, steel-reinforced capsule from two towers. The ride lasts about five minutes, and group bookings are available. TripAdvisor Member, New York, N.Y.
G-Max Reverse Bungy, Clarke Quay, Next to the Coleman Bridge, 6338 1146

the lives they expected to lead and the lives they actually led.

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EDUCATIONAL/HISTORICAL
The Asian Civilisations Museum was very interesting for all the family, from grandparents to 7-year-olds. The exhibits are colorful and interactive. The kids occupied themselves activating all the talking modules, which left me time to have a good look at the exhibits.TripAdvisor Member, Bangkok, Thailand
Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, 6332 2982

You can do no better than visiting the Chinatown Heritage Centre. From the earliest times, certain sectors of the Chinese population came to Singapore to work on construction sites, as tailors, as barbers, as maids. This museum tells you all about the lives they expected to lead and the lives they actually led.TripAdvisor Member, Leicester, U.K.
Chinatown Heritage Centre, 48 Pagoda St., 6338 6877

Singapore Discovery Centre is a good and suitable place for everyone. You can learn about Singapore history with interactive games, giant screen movies, a bus tour around a military camp (thats rare!) and a computer-simulated shooting game using real rifles.TripAdvisor Member, Los Angeles, Calif.
Singapore Discovery Centre, 510 Upper Jurong Road, 6792 6188

RELAXATION
Jurong Bird Park is the largest park of its kind in the Asia Pacific, with more than 9,000 feathered friends from more than 600 species. There is a Penguin Parade, where they march to their own beat in a recreation of the Antarctic setting, as well as a walk-in aviary, complete with simulated thunderstorms. TripAdvisor Member, New York, NY
Jurong Bird Park, 2 Jurong Hill, Jurong, 6265 0022

Singapore Botanic Gardens is definitely a nice, peaceful place to breathe the fresh air and refresh yourself. There were so many trees, plants, grasses, flowers. And they were well taken care of. We enjoyed the slow walk.TripAdvisor Member, Nassau, Bahamas
Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, 6471 7361

Take in a view from the river of Singapore. We boarded a bumboat at night and went out to the Merlion and then back in through the city. It was magical being out on the water and seeing all the lights. Definitely a to-do at night.TripAdvisor Member, Australia
Bumboat River Tour, Raffles Landing Site, 6336 6111

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Whats the

TOUR

How to Get Around

Taxicabs are available throughout Singapore, and the prices are considered reasonable. Cabs can be hailed on the street or at taxi stands around the town.TripAdvisor Member Private vehicle use, including rental cars, for use in the Central Area is discouraged (at least unofficially) by the number of tolls implemented through an electronic road pricing system, which operates during peak hours.TripAdvisor Member

The Singapore Duck Tours takes about one hour. The commentator keeps you informed about the architecture of the buildings you see along the way.TripAdvisor Member, New Orleans, La. Singapore Duck Tours, 6338 6877, http://www.ducktours.com.sg The Mass Rapid Transit is linked to the Light Rapid Transit. Combined, you can often get within walking distance of most destinations. The maps on the metro system are easy to read, complete with English versions. An EZ-Link card makes using the MRT a snap.TripAdvisor Member Singapore Mass Rapid Transit, 1 800 3368 900, http://www.smrt.com.sg

WHERE
FAMILIES
The menu at Brewerkz at Clarke Quay features kids meals such as fish n chips, burgers, pizza and spaghetti. Big portions of western food plus great beerbrewed themselves.TripAdvisor Member, Singapore
Brewerkz, 30 Merchant Road #01-05/06 Riverside Point, 6438 7438

to eat

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No Signboard Seafood keeps its prices reasonable enough for families to enjoy a seafood meal. I had the chili crab. Yum! Its messy, but its worth it.TripAdvisor Member, New York
No Signboard Seafood, 414 Geylang, 6842 3415

The kids will love picking out their snacks at the bustling Kallang Airport Food Center. There are a number of good food stalls serving satay, BBQ, curry puffs. Youll be spoiled for choices.TripAdvisor Member
Kallang Airport Food Center, Old Airport Road

ROMANCE
Flutes at the Fort must be one of the finest restaurants in Singapore. Wonderful location, wonderful service, wonderful food. A truly memorable and most enjoyable dining experience.TripAdvisor Member, Scotland
Flutes at the Fort, 23B Coleman St., 6338 8770

Arrive early for your reservation at Saint Pierre. My wife and I were celebrating our anniversary and had a really fun time sampling their not-so-conventional cocktails at the bar. By the time we adjourned to our table, I was pleasantly buzzed. TripAdvisor Member, Singapore
Saint Pierre, 3 Magazine Road, #01-01 Central Mall, 6438 0887

Treat your sweetheart to the sweets at Canele Patisserie. Its such a pretty place, with a walk-in chocolate fridge where you can pick out the most exquisite pieces of chocolate. Wow! Wow! Wow! TripAdvisor Member,
Canele Patisserie Chocolaterie, 11 Unity St. #01-09, 6738 8145

BUDGET
For good Indonesian food, check out the Rice Table, where you pay one flat price, get 13 small, sampler-sized dishes and unlimited rice servings.TripAdvisor Member, Singapore
Rice Table, 360 Orchard Road, 6835 3783

The Maxwell Food Centre is definitely for those on a budget who want a cultural experience. Its made up of stalls of various types of cuisine ranging from Chinese to Indian, savory to sweet, and a nice variety of juice bars.TripAdvisor Member, Washington, D.C.
Maxwell Food Centre, South Bridge Road

Tian Tian is not really a restaurant, but its a nice gastronomic experience. The chicken rice is a very simple Singaporean dish with no frills, consisting of very tender chicken with fragrant rice. Its delicious and a good deal; the large plate is only 3 SGD! TripAdvisor Member, Tokyo, Japan
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, Stall No.10, Maxwell Food Centre

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WHERE
HEALTH-CONSCIOUS
Livingreens is a must try. Its tasty and everything is made with real organic ingredients. I had the lasagne, which is made of up eggplant, mushrooms and tofu. Fantastic!TripAdvisor Member, Singapore
Livingreens, 325 Beach Road, 6396 5523

to eat

Get your curry fix at the popular Komalas Restaurant located in Little India. They serve southern Indian vegetarian dishes. TripAdvisor Member, Singapore
Komalas Restaurant, 3-9 Upper Dickson Road, 6293 4464

Rang Mahal is a high quality lunch buffet with a wide variety of well prepared dishes and sufficient vegetarian options. TripAdvisor Member, Detroit, Mich.
Rang Mahal, 7 Raffles Blvd., 6333 1788

HIDDEN GEMS
Ristorante Da Valentino is our favorite restaurant! We love the quaint ambiance and the family feel. The owner is always cooking up something special for the evening that you know will hit the spot. TripAdvisor Member, Singapore
Ristorante Da Valentino, 11 Jalan Bingka, 6462 0555

eat off a banana leaf with your hands

For fans of French cuisine who are in the mood for excellent food in elegant surroundings, Gunthers is definitely worth the trip. The simple dish of angel hair pasta with Oscietre caviar was one of the best courses I have ever eaten.TripAdvisor Member, St. Paul, Minn.
Gunthers, 36 Purvis St., 6338 8955

We ate in the Banana Leaf restaurant in Little India, which was reasonable and authentic. You eat off a banana leaf with your hands, although they do bring a fork and spoon for Westerners.TripAdvisor Member, Nottinghamshire, U.K.
Banana Leaf Apolo, 54-58 Race Course Road, 6293 8682

SPECIAL EVENTS
Feel the excitement as dazzling boats hit the water to the beat of gongs and drums in an all out race along the Bedok Reservoir at the Singapore Dragon Boat Festival. (July 9 10)
Singapore Dragon Boat Festival, Marina Barrage, 6440 9763, http://www.sdba.org.sg

Picnic under the evening skies and see beautiful dance performances at the 23rd annual Ballet Under The Stars. (July 15 17)
Ballet Under The Stars, Fort Canning Park, 6338 0611, http://www.singaporedancetheatre.com

Taste the mouthwatering flavors of the Singapore Food Festival, when international and local chefs demonstrate the finest in culinary skills. Events include cooking classes, outdoor jazz performances, a food themed fashion show and of course delectable samples of food and potables. (July 15 24)
Singapore Food Festival, Various venues, http://www.singaporefoodfestival.com.sg

Celebrate Singapores National Day of Independence with an eyecatching parade of choirs, tanks, stunt performers and more. Later in the evening, look to the skies for the spectacular fireworks show set to music. (August 9) National Day of Independence

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Where to

STAY
Travelling with 2 kids, we struggled to find hotels that offered affordable family rooms. The Holiday Inn was an excellent choice. The rooms were certainly big enough and the location was perfect.TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, Australia
Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre, No.11 Cavenagh Road, 6733 8333

FAMILIES
The Intercontinental Singapore was perfectclose to great shopping, including handy supermarket-style shops. The staff were wonderful, kind to my children and very unintrusive. I would definitely stay here again.TripAdvisor Member, Sri Lanka
Intercontinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road, 6338 7600

The Four Seasons Hotel is particularly kid-friendly and goes out of its way to cater to them, from kid toiletries to the rooftop shallow pool designed for children. TripAdvisor Member, Mumbai, India
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, 190 Orchard Blvd., 6734 1110

ROMANCE
The Valley Wing at the Shangri-La is a must! Champagne is free; service is top-end; rooms are beautiful and large; garden and pool are very relaxing. Enter the lobby, sit down, relax and sip your champagne... TripAdvisor Member, Germany
Shangri-La Hotel, 22 Orange Grove Road, 6737 3644

Have questions about Singapore? Get insider advice from local experts in our forums. The majority of questions are answered within 24 hours. Staying at Fairmont Singapore was pure pleasure. The room was very adequate in size, spotless, with outstanding amenities. There was nothing to complain about. I only wish that all of my future hotel stays will be as good.TripAdvisor Member, Sarasota, Fla.
Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, 6339 7777

The Ritz is a gem! The Club lounge is a quiet oasiswe spent quite a bit of time just indulging ourselves with champagne and the great view overlooking Marina bay. TripAdvisor Member, Singapore
Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Ave., 6337 8888

BUDGET

Sit down, relax and sip your champagne.

Theres a lot to like about the Hangout. The place is modern, clean and vibrant. The hilltop location is convenient yet very quiet. The view from the rooftop is beautiful. TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong
Hangout at Mt. Emily, 10A Upper Wilkie Road, 6438 5588

Prices in Singapore have gone through the roof, but the rates at the Victoria are half the price of other nearby hotels. Our room was very clean and comfortable, and the location was quite good, only a five-minute walk to City Hall MRT and Raffles. TripAdvisor Member, Elmhurst, N.Y.
Victoria Hotel, 87 Victoria St., 6622 0909

Aqueen Hotel Lavender is one of the best, if not the best, value for money. The rooms are small but have all the amenities that you need.TripAdvisor Member
Aqueen Hotel Lavender, 139 Lavender St., 6395 7788

LUXURY
At first we found the decor at the Mandarin Oriental underwhelming in comparison to some of the more ostentatious hotels. But what the hotel has in buckets is superb style and service. Rich, dark, sensuous interiors and fantastic staffunderstated elegance. TripAdvisor Member, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Mandarin Oriental, 5 Raffles Ave., Marina Square, 6338 0066

Before you die, fellow trippers, go here.

Raffles may be the best hotel in the world. If you want a taste of colonial living, with none of the obsequiousness that the word suggests, you simply have to go here. Even if you dont particularly like Singapore, go here. Before you die, fellow trippers, go here. TripAdvisor Member, Majorca, Spain
Raffles Hotel Singapore, 1 Beach Road, 6337 1886

The Fullerton is very opulent and sophisticated. The service is excellentwe were really looked after.TripAdvisor Member, Oxford, U.K.
Fullerton Hotel Singapore, 1 Fullerton Square, 6733 8388

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Where to

STAY
Nestled in a convenient location in Chinatown and just a short train ride away from most sites and malls, everything about the New Majestic Hotel was first class. The room was cozy, clean, comfortable and tastefully decorated. We felt at home right away!TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, Australia
New Majestic Hotel, 31 - 37 Bukit Pasoh Road, 6511 4700

HIDDEN GEMS
The Quincy Hotel is a modern and awesome hotel in the Mt. Elizabeth area. The rooms were always clean and neat. The pool was on the higher floor and it was interesting to see Singapores taller buildings at night.TripAdvisor Member, Singapore
Quincy Hotel, 22 Mount Elizabeth, 6738 5888

I highly recommend Naumi Hotel to everyone looking for a small, cozy, luxury hotel with personalized service. I love the view from the pool, especially at night. Its almost empty all the time so my son, my husband and I enjoyed a dip in the pool after a day out shopping or touring. TripAdvisor Member, France
Naumi Hotel, 41 Seah St., 6403 6000

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