Singapore
In the time that it takes to utter its name, Singapore’s probably transcended your idea of the future; but what makes it all so special is its consistent attention to tending the roots that it came from.
In the time that it takes to utter its name, Singapore’s probably transcended your idea of the future; but what makes it all so special is its consistent attention to tending the roots that it came from.
Proud to be a melting pot of cultures that has just got bigger over the years, Singapore has the evidence to show that it’s so much more than a pit stop. A powerhouse in a way only Asia knows how (even the airport masks as a rainforest) the mind-blowing Marina Bay and opulent Orchard Road rightfully provide a playground of distractions. Until, of course, quick-as-a-whip explorers discover and mirror its approach to doing things differently; unveiling a quietly caring side that consistently nourishes the local community and traditions.
Found in everything from seriously cool green spaces nodding to a fishing village past, to the wildest of checkers matches still played in China Town; there’s just something about adopting that age-old trick of looking backwards that creates a visionary future.
In pursuit of…
…rummaging through the city’s archives
There’s a misconception that Singapore is just that little bit too perfect, westernised, futuristic; but take a casual stroll along the mural-filled streets or a cycle through a (fascinatingly efficient) web of bike routes and its neighbourhoods reveal a snapshot into their traditions. For foodies, the hotspots are the hawker centres, where generations of communities fuse together by the forkfuls. Filled with a mishmash of Malay, Indian and Chinese cuisine that now go by the name of Singaporean favourites, there’s no surprise that these are the hubbubs for families to blend and share their stories. Or perhaps it’s a challenge for the savviest of shoppers, with a trip down memory lane to all the old shophouses that hold the histories of boutiques gone by.
“In Singapore, the tale of how a humble fishing village in Southeast Asia evolved into a buzzing modern metropolis often comes in spoonfuls of peppery pork rib soup or bites of fried egg noodles at its hawker centres.”
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A sense of place
Get to know our favourite spots in Singapore, from the eye-catching Marina Bay to the heritage Newton Hawker Centres.
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![A futuristic walkway at Singapore airport that ends at a tree looking structure]()
Marina Bay and the Quays
Eye-catching, futuristic and transformative, this iconic skyline conjures the ultimate vision for Asia’s future. But, just like the Crazy Rich Asians flick that captured it all, its depths lie in its colourful character; with botanical gardens, a plethora of museums, and an expressive art scene that quickly cast away ‘sterile’ cityscape misconceptions.
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![An aerial shot looking down the beach of a coastline city]()
Sentosa
It’s like Asia took one look at Florida’s thrills and spills and tucked them into one tiny island with a twist. Brimming with beautiful sandy beaches, fun-filled resorts, and their very own Universal Studios, it might feel worlds apart from Singapore’s city; until you enter a fusional food scene that lands you right back into the heart of it all.
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![A busy street in front of a big shopping building lit up at night]()
Orchard Road
The pinpoint that put the epitome of high living on Singapore’s map; this bustling metropolis street lined with luscious green trees is a dreamland for shoppers and epicureans. Yet, with their very own Newton Hawker Centre nearby, there’s also a surprising trick of fate; where Michelin star meals get simply disguised by their lighter-on-the-pockets asking price.
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Its essence...
CARINGCARING
CARING
CARINGCARINGREVOLUTIONARYREVOLUTIONARY
REVOLUTIONARY
REVOLUTIONARYREVOLUTIONARYPROUDPROUD
PROUD
PROUDPROUDThe leading line-up
Singapore
Destination essentials
SEASON
Flight
Time difference
Currency / Language
Extraordinary
experiences
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![Looking from the street at a row of green and pink houses with traditional patterns]()
Meet Alvin Yapp and uncover the stories behind his personal collection of treasure chest artefacts at his home, The IntanA special character in Singapore itself (whose voice has even been known to greet visitors on flight arrivals) Alvin’s deep knowledge and passion for the Peranakan culture is the inspiration for everything he does. Affectionately described as a hoarder’s haven, this one-to-one visit around his Peranakan Museum (in his home) unveils all the stories behind his collection, best finished with hand-wrapping dumplings together in his kitchen.
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![A man crossing a street in Singapore with cars parked on both sides of it]()
Travel Singapore’s neighbourhoods through spoken word poetry, with photographer and poet Marc NairAn award-winning Singaporean poet and storyteller, Mark Nair draws parallels between travel poetry and photography in his work that bears witness to beauty, truth and hope. Take a heritage photo walk together and enjoy an emotive live performance of his poetry in the places that inspired him to take pen to paper.
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![Woman wearing black shirt sitting on green yoga mat]()
Practice yin-yoga and meditation with a leading voice in Asia’s green movement, Nadya HutagalungAn inspiration for wellness and sustainability, Nadya’s balanced approach to her myriad of careers and eco-responsibility campaigns has made her an innovative voice in the sustainable movement. Sharing her insights into yoga and meditation, this personalised short session offers the chance to take a deep breath and step away from it altogether.
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Discover Singapore’s rich theatre scene with locally born actor Adrian PangWith eight years of experience working in UK theatres and a number of international films to his name, Adrian’s passion for the arts and theatre shines through in this tour around the Esplanade Theatre. As an advocate for Asian drama and promoting its visibility on an international level, this tour is not only insightful but an empowering venture into the future of this industry.
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![Vegetable salad in a brown wooden bowl]()
Enjoy a hands-on experience at Bollywood Veggies, learning all about Singapore’s sustainable food productionA story of farming that began with wife and husband, Ivy Singh and Lim Ho Seng, this multi-generational foodie tour teaches about the special relationship between this urban space and its foodscapes; including all the ways that Singapore can provide a more sustainable future for its food production.
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![Man and woman doing karate on road]()
Take a class in martial arts, practising Tai Chi in the park with Tai Chi Master Simon WongChoose between the Royal Botanical Garden or a private space as your practising ground for the Chinese art of Thai Chi, led by Simon Wong. Having dedicated his practice to supporting those recovering from serious injuries and setbacks, Simon’s personal journey and love for this martial art sets the foundation for everything from defensive training to incredible health benefits and meditation.
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![A white bicycle parked outside blue concrete wall filled with multicoloured street art]()
Buzz your way around Singapore’s art-filled side streets in a vintage Vespa sidecar with Simon WongA local tour with a twist, the Vespa streetcar experience takes adrenaline-junkies around heritage sites including Kampong Glam and Joo Chait, where colourful architecture and street art lines insta-worthy streets. Otherwise known as ‘Delivering Goodwill on Three Wheels’, all profits from this tour also go to supporting local community initiatives, including Cancer Foundations and Earthquake Recovery support.
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FROM THE READING ROOM
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