GUIDES & REVIEWS
A Pocket Guide to Singapore
Skip the tourist-laden landmarks and explore this gleaming city like a true local.
By Amelia Yeo • 9 August 2022
COVER A view of Singapore city
Explore Singapore City
Just as you think you’ve finally mastered all there is to know about the little red dot, there’s always something new around the corner. Singapore is a city full of surprises, and as visitors and locals would agree, has an exciting pulse that fuels its innovation and creativity. Here at DayAway, we highlight the city’s best for you to discover.
Art and Culture
IMAGE Pearl’s Hill Terrace
IMAGE Ceramic workshop at The Potter’s Guilt
Pearl’s Hill Terrace
Back in the day, Pearl’s Hill Terrace had a straight reputation for housing police headquarters strategically overlooking the neighbourhood of Chinatown, where crime and vice was at its post-war peak. But go there now and you’d find a completely different narrative: one that embraces Singapore’s storied history with a young and vibrant arts community that houses some of Singapore’s most creative talents. Studios not to be missed include The Potter’s Guilt for ceramic workshops, State of Shiok for Singapore’s first and only tattoo art jamming experience, and Black Crow Taxidermy Singapore for all you nature enthusiasts.
IMAGE National Gallery Singapore
IMAGE Art collection at National Gallery Singapore
National Gallery Singapore
Housed in two national monuments in the Civic District—just a stone’s throw away from luxury hotel, The Capitol Kempinski Singapore—National Gallery Singapore is home to the largest public collection of modern art in Singapore and Southeast Asia dating from the 19th Century to present day. Nestled in the museum is also three Michelin-starred restaurant Odette, helmed by acclaimed chef Julien Royer. True gourmands can expect to indulge in an exceptional meal featuring the best of Asian produce, weaved seamlessly and presented in modern French techniques.
www.nationalgallery.sg
DayAway Tip:
If you’re looking for another cultural spot, head to Bugis and Bras Basah to discover the historical enclaves of Arab Street, Kampong Glam and Little India. Post exploration, take a break at Raffles Hotel Singapore and treat yourself to their amazing poolside DayAway called Sling and Swim.
Dining
IMAGE The Coconut Club
IMAGE Nasi Lemak at The Coconut Club
The Coconut Club
A few things come to mind when you think of Singapore’s national dishes, and the quintessential nasi lemak is certainly one of them. This fragrant rice dish features the best of juicy fried foods paired with a piquant sambal to whet your appetite. The fight for the best plate in Singapore is a perennial debate, but we reckon the recently reopened The Coconut Club definitely holds it own.
www.thecoconutclub.sg
IMAGE Dempsey Hill Singapore
IMAGE Chili Crab at Long Beach Seafood Restaurant
Dempsey Hill
Home to many of Singapore’s well-loved restaurants, Dempsey Hill is a culinary spot not to be missed. Check out Long Beach and Jumbo Seafood to satisfy your black pepper and chilli crab cravings respectively, while the iconic Samy’s Curry serves up their Bourdain-approved fish head curry. Acclaimed BBQ restaurant Burnt Ends moved here with a new bakery to boot, while Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant Candlenut—part of the beautiful COMO Dempsey complex—plates the best of nyonya cuisine.
www.dempseyhill.com
IMAGE Restaurant Born
IMAGE Restaurant Born
Restaurant Born
Housed in the iconic Jinrikisha Station at Tanjong Pagar, avid gourmands have been waiting with bated breath for contemporary fine-dining restaurant, Restaurant Born, to open its doors. With Chef Zor Tan at the helm, this newest entrant to Singapore’s exciting dining scene brings together French gastronomy and Chinese flavours to present an innovative culinary experience for diners to enjoy. Bookings highly recommended.
www.restaurantborn.com
DayAway Tip:
If you’re looking for another cultural spot, head to Bugis and Bras Basah to discover the historical enclaves of Arab Street, Kampong Glam and Little India. Post exploration, take a break at Raffles Hotel Singapore and treat yourself to their amazing poolside DayAway called Sling and Swim.
Wellness and Adventure
IMAGE Raffles Hotel Singapore
IMAGE Pool at Raffles Hotel Singapore
Raffles Hotel Singapore
City dwellers will be thrilled to find a holistic sanctuary within the grand Raffles Hotel Singapore, located in the heart of the city. With their A Touch of Luxury experience, you can indulge in a 45-minute yoga session, 45-min use of hydrothermal facilities and 60-min massage to start your day before heading to their outdoor pool to soak up the sun. If you’re looking for a self-care experience that comes with dining, try the Sling and Swim for a relaxing time at the pool with dining credits, or Facial with Friends which comes with Afternoon Tea at the Grand Lobby.
www.raffles.com/singapore
IMAGE Gardens By The Bay
IMAGE Flower Dome at Gardens By The Bay
Gardens By The Bay
Just adjacent to the Marina Reservoir, a stroll at Gardens by the Bay is a lovely way for anthophiles and budding botanists to unwind and take in the lush variety of plant species. Must-visit attractions within the park include the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and Supertree Grove, where you’ll be immersed in enchanting worlds of foliage and flowers.
www.gardensbythebay.com.sg
DayAway Tip:
One thing we love about Singapore is how green it is, even though it’s actually quite the concrete jungle. Check out one of the best examples of biophilic design, The PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, which also has wellness DayAways in store for guests.
Shopping and Nightlife
IMAGE The Vagabond Club
IMAGE Whisky at The Vagabond Club
The Vagabond Club
Not all jazz experiences are created equal, and you can be sure to expect an indulgent evening at The Vagabond Club. A trip there will see you listening to the buttery riffs of live jazz music while sipping on award-winning whiskies. What’s more, you’ll get to sink your teeth into premium steaks and starters before rounding off your night with their excellent wine.
IMAGE MO Bar
IMAGE Cocktail at MO Bar
MO Bar
Keen for cocktails? You’re in the right place. Singapore is a treasure trove of world-class cocktail experiences, as you’ll see in our pick for the 10 Best Bars. We’re quite partial to the MO Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Singapore, which boasts a line-up of stellar cocktails and soaring views of the Marina Bay—a sophisticated space that’s a perfect location for an urban nightcap.
www.mobarsg.com
IMAGE Offtrack
IMAGE Cocktail at Offtrack
Offtrack
If you’re feeling somewhat more upbeat, Offtrack is the city’s new go-to for everything local. Helmed by the folks behind local record company Darker Than Wax and Ice Cream Sundays, look forward to some groovy tunes from the ever-friendly vinyl deck that celebrates diversity for creative souls alike.
www.offtrack.sg
DayAway Tip:
The neighborhood of Tanjong Pagar is a great area for drink connoisseurs, You can start at boutique hotels like Duxton Reserve and weave your way to hidden local watering holes and award-winning bars.
While we strive to include accurate prices and details in DayAway Journal, these may change.
Please check mydayaway.com for the most updated information on pricing, availability and details.
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