Small Singapore sizzles

For those who think a two-day stop should cover the tiny island of Singapore, think again.

I’ve been to Singapore many a time but never for leisure so this time round my eyes were opened: from history and heritage to family fun and shopping , the Lion city has sights and sounds that could keep you out and about for a week and then some...

Singapore’s greenery is nothing short of spectacular which is why it’s also known as the garden city. Also, English-speaking tourists will be at ease as the language is widely spoken. Meanwhile, Arab and Indian visitors from the Gulf will surely take delight in Little India and Arab Street, while there is even a Chinatown offering a wealth of silks and souvenirs.

For wonderful views of the city, take a ride on the Singapore Flyer, a giant Ferris wheel similar to the London Eye. You can go by yourself, with friends, or even book a romantic dinner for two!

Singapore has much to offer families. Its Wildlife Reserve has four animal parks within one area. The Singapore Zoo is one of the best in the world, where animals run free in what is similar to their natural habitat; and there’s also the Jurong Bird Park and a river safari and night safari.

The river safari includes a walk through the world’s largest freshwater aquarium. The park features over 6,000 animals and 40 endangered species including Singapore’s resident giant pandas, Kai Kai and Jia Jia.

The river boat trip lets you see some of the other wildlife while the fascinating night safari gets you up close with nocturnal animals from seven parts of the world – from the safety of a tram.

The Gardens by the Bay spans 250 acres and consists of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden. Gardens by the Bay is part of a strategy to transform Singapore from a 'garden city' to a 'city in a garden'.

One of its attractions is a ‘Cloud Forest’ which replicates the cool moist conditions found in tropical mountains and features a 42-m ‘Cloud Mountain’, accessible by an elevator. Visitors can also descend the mountain via a circular path where a 35-m waterfall provides cool air.

A SuperTree Grove features tree-like structures with heights that range between 25 m and 50 m. There is an elevated walkway between two of the larger supertrees for visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of the gardens, and the trees come alive at night with a light and music show.

Meanwhile, Sentosa Island is a destination in itself that one can remain immersed in for days on end. Located just 15 minutes from the city, Sentosa has themed attractions such as Madame Tussauds, rainforests, beaches, resort accommodations, world-renowned golf courses, a deep-water yachting marina and luxurious residences all spread over 500 hectares. It also has Singapore’s first integrated resort, Resorts World, which includes Universal Studio, SEA Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, Dolphin Island and Trick Eye Museum.

ACCOMMODATION

With close to 400 hotels ranging from back-pack hostels to super deluxe five-star resorts, Singapore accommodations for all budgets.

The Shangri-La Hotel and Resorts is among many top players in the city with its five-star Shangri-La and four-star Hotel Jen brands.

The Shangril-La Hotel Singapore lies amidst lush surroundings and its 747 rooms and suites include serviced apartments and condominiums.

The Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa is located on the beachfront of Sentosa Island, offering fantastic views of the port and island itself. With 454 rooms and suites, this property is perfect for families with its kids club and 'cool zone'.

There are two Hotel Jens in the city.

Hotel Jen Orchardgateway was the first to debut Shangri-La’s friendly and fuss-free mid-rate brand globally. It houses 499 rooms, ranging from 27-sq-m superior rooms to the 55-sq-m Panorama Club rooms, providing amazing views. Located bang on Orchard Road – Singapore’s famous shopping hub – it is connected to four shopping malls.

Hotel Jen Tanglin underwent a $32.15-million facelift from what was Traders Hotel Singapore. Located opposite Botanical Gardens, a Unesco world heritage site, it is only a short walk to Orchard Road.

Connected to Tanglin Mall, the hotel’s 565 rooms features free wi-fi, USB charger outlets, walk-in showers and a king-size 'floating' bed. Executive suites include a pull-out sofa bed, pantry, microwave oven and a fridge. There is a club lounge on the 17th floor, offering a range of heathy breakfast items, and in the evening, cocktails and canapes. The all-day dining J65 - whose name is inspired by Singapore’s international dialling code - offers a choice of South East Asian cuisine. And Ah Hoi’s Kitchen by the pool is famous for its ‘12 for 12’ lunch whereby you get 12 dishes for $SG12 ($8.5) per person, great value for money.

Clifford Weiner, general manager, Hotel Jen Tanglin, says: 'We needed something a bit more fresh and bit more appealing to a traveller’s needs. Traders was very business focused and as people do mix leisure with business, so we wanted to be a brand that is more lifestyle and leisure attractive.'

Marina Bay Sands is also an excellent hotel with its rooftop infinity pool providing spectacular views, access to the exhibition centre and much more.

Resorts World offers six hotels with over 1,500 rooms from luxury beach and ocean villas whose bedrooms actually look out into an aquarium, to the child-friendly four-star Festive Hotel, and Hard Rock hotel. Guests have access to all the parks and attractions.

With its wealth of attractions, it’s no wonder then why Singapore ranked as the third most visited city destination in 2015, pulling in more than 17 million international visitors, according to Euromonitor Interntional. Just remember, don’t stop-over, but stay – there’s much to be discovered and enjoyed in Singapore.

(TTN visited Singapore courtesy the Singapore Tourism Board and Singapore Airlines.)