LONG WEEKEND
FUN AND GAMES
Opposite, from top: Dishes from the summer delights seasonal menu at Jiang-Nan Chun; Cé La Vie at sunset; a mural in the Tiong Bahru neighbourhood, photo © Singapore Tourism Board This page from top: Orangutans at Singapore Zoo, photo by Afur Wong via Singapore Tourism Board; Gardens By The Bay, photo © Singapore Tourism Board
insider tips
Words: Faye Bartle
Jenard Ng, marketing manager at design agency FILTR (wefiltr.com) leads us to the hidden gems… “Singapore’s unique combination of cultures has resulted in an extraordinary variety of food. Local delights include: Li Xin Teochew Fishball Noodles at Ion Orchard’s Food Opera; Wee Nam Kee for Hainese chicken rice; Katong Laksa for noodles in a spicy curry soup made of coconut milk; and Candlenut, a one-star Michelin restaurant that specialises in Peranakan food. “Singapore is full of malls but the best one, in my opinion, is Ion Orchard (ionorchard.com). It has everything you need, from luxury brands to first-rate food outlets. For a more edgy retail scene, check out the newly refurbished Funan Mall near City Hall (capitaland.com). “On Friday and Saturday nights, visit the vibrant Haji Lane, which unleashes its true colours with live acoustic performances."
If you’re travelling with tots in tow, or are simply a big kid at heart, you’ll be won over by the city's playful attractions Thrillseekers can rush to Universal Studios Singapore (rwsentosa.com), which has 24 rides, shows and attractions spread across seven themed zones. Book the VIP Experience for a personal escort though the park, and priority access to the rides and shows, including the tallest duelling roller coasters on the planet. Another big-ticket attraction, Adventure Cove Waterpark is a sure-fire hit with water babies. It’s bursting with rides and slides, such as a giant wave pool, lazy river and a snorkelling reef brimming with 20,000 vibrant fish. More of an animal lover? Hear the tigers roar on a Night Safari (wrs.com.sg) of Singapore's sprawling nocturnal wildlife park and view Malayan tigers, Asian elephants, Asian lions and more on an experience that will deepen your appreciation of wildlife conservation. Or, you can visit Singapore Zoo in the early hours for a Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife, during which you can tuck into dim sum while being eyed by an audience of orangutans, cotton-top tamarins and slithering snakes.
GREEN DAZE
Forest (a 35-metre tall mountain covered No trip to the Garden in tropical plant life City would be complete and surrounded by without taking a a waterfall) before closer look at the lush taking a stroll along green attractions that the 22-metre-high characterise the island OCBC SKYWAY. Start state. Replete with rare your journey at dusk flowers, vertical gardens, and you'll see the and intriguing sculptures surrounding 'supertrees' from around the world, come alive with GARDENS BY THE mesmerising light and BAY (gardensbythebay. sound shows. com.sg) is a stunning The UNESCO-listed showcase. Explore the SINGAPORE BOTANIC mist shrouded Cloud GARDENS (nparks.gov.
sg) is another green gem, home to the beautiful Swan Lake – so called due to the pair of graceful swans from Amsterdam that have settled there. Ramp up your activity levels with a hike along SOUTHERN RIDGES, a 10-kilometre stretch of connecting trails that guide you through some of Singapore’s most popular parks and gardens.
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