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Scintillating Singapore

Sandip Hor is impressed by what the model city state has to offer visitors

Over the past 50 years or so, Singapore, which was once a sleepy fishing village, has transformed itself into a spectacular nation state. This tiny island is exotic, colourful and welcoming, and rewards every visitor who walks through the doors of its ultramodern Changi Airport.

Its modern offering includes plush accommodation, an eclectic range of cuisine, endless shopping opportunities, and plenty of things to do and see that are fun and exciting.

Singapore’s mix of cultures and four official languages – English, Tamil, Mandarin and Malay – are exemplary. It’s a place where churches share space with temples and mosques; French and Italian chefs exchange recipes with their Chinese, Malay and Indian counterparts; and colonial architecture stands next to 21st century skyscrapers.

This melting pot of East and West merges seamlessly with technology, innovation and natural beauty, and makes the Singapore odyssey an unforgettable experience.

WHERE TO STAY Singapore is known as a ‘city of luxury hotels.’ A luxurious haven exists in almost every corner and a recent addition to the scene is voco Orchard Singapore.

Located on the fringe of the famous Orchard Road, this 400 plus room hotel offers sustainably conscious experiences, comfortable rooms, award-winning restaurants and bars, and thoughtful service. Guests enjoy a peaceful respite from the bustling world outside while remaining only steps away from everything for which Singapore is famous.

WHERE TO EAT Singapore’s culinary landscape is fascinating. At one end are the celebrated hawker centres and food courts that provide gastronomical delights at wallet-friendly prices. And at the other end are Michelin starred restaurants that make dining an experience in itself.

The famous restaurants in Singapore include French fine dining venue Odette; Neon Pigeon, which serves Japanese cuisine; NAE.UM for Korean cuisine; Khiri for Thai food; Muthu’s Curry for spicy Indian delights; and the Opus Bar & Grill for grilled seafood and steaks.

WHERE TO SHOP Many people travel to Singapore only to shop as the opportunities for retail therapy are wide and varied. There are glittering shopping malls everywhere – although the Orchard stretch is deemed a mecca for shoppers. ION Orchard, Palais Renaissance, Lucky Plaza, Paragon and Orchard Central are a few places to check out.

Another notable district for shopping, particularly for designer brands, is the Marina Bay Sands precinct. And for bargain hunters, the ideal locations are Chinatown and Little India.

WHERE TO GO Generally, visitors gravitate towards Orchard Road, the Civic District, Marina Bay, the Quays, Little India or Chinatown precincts, as they’re where most attractions are found.

While Orchard Road is famous for retail therapy and dining, the Civic District is where modern Singapore began, according to Sir Stamford Raffles’ 1822 master plan.

Buildings from the colonial area are still standing, and some have been restored and converted into world-class museums. The National Gallery Singapore was previously the City Hall and Supreme Court while The Arts House was once the nation’s parliament.

The neighbourhood quenches the thirst of art aficionados through the Asian Civilisations Museum and National Museum of Singapore. And the world-famous Raffles Hotel is also nearby.

Marina Bay represents everything modern and stylish from trendy dining destinations to exciting leisure spots. An overarching structure is the 55 storey Marina Bay Sands resort, which is ideal for those seeking luxury.

For cultural explosions, Little India, Chinatown and Kampong Glam will provide visitors with opportunities to experience age-old ethnic traditions that are juxtaposed with 21st century additions.

If time permits, a day at Sentosa Island is also highly recommended. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors to relax on the beach or have fun on the rides.