With skyscrapers towering the sky illuminating the city at night you could easily be confused to think you were visiting New York, that is if it wasn’t for the tropical climate.  Singapore is most famous for its designer retail therapy and tasty Chow Mein’s, but this modern, affluent city-state has a lot more to offer than the casual traveller could ever imagine.

Haji Lane

Haji Lane is in the Kampong Glam region of Singapore and ‘glam’ would be an adequate description of this fashionista paradise.  This tiny lane is hidden away in the heart of the Muslim quarter and consists of authentic Middle Eastern cafes, narrow shop-houses and trendy fashion boutiques.

The Singpaore Flyer

The 165-metre-high Flyer is Singapore’s answer to the London Eye.  It is the second largest observation wheel in the world after the Great Beijing Wheel and offers spectacular views of Singapore itself, in particularly the Marina Promenade, Marina Bay Street Circuit and the Singapore Grand Prix circuit.  For a picturesque view of downtown Singapore take a ride at dusk to see the city skyscrapers softly lit up by the twilight sky.

Geylang

Check out the shophhouse scenery, the incredible architecture of the mosques, temples and churches, and the delicious collection of Peranakan, Indian, Malay and Chinese food on offer in the Geylang neighbourhood.  Because the shophouses are protected from redevelopment, the region will give you a traditional look at Singapore as opposed to the trend of modernisation across the rest of the country.

The Ritz-Carlton

It’s a bit unusual that a hotel should appear on the essential things to do in any country, but the Ritz-Carlton is a bit different from the norm.  Home to Singapore’s finest collection of modern and contemporary art, you will find treasures by Andy Warhol and David Hockney on display.  Kick off the iPod guided tour with the massive three-ton Frank Stella installation at the entrance and the pair of Dale Chihuly crystal glass sculptures that anchor both wings of the building, before moving along with Rainer Gross’s geometric compositions, Henry Moore’s restrained monochromatics, and the lush botanicals of Robert Zakanitch.

Round Up

Head down to Orchard Road to get your designer fix with the likes of Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hugo Boss tempting you in.  Then once you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped get that extra burst of energy and enjoy the real Singapore - A city rich in arts, entertainment and greenery.

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