On a quick trip back to her childhood home, our Head of Brand Kate delighted in the unique charm and diversity of Singapore that no matter how times you visit, never gets old.
Singapura, the Lion City - a tropical metropolis where futuristic skylines rise amongst lush gardens; where centuries old traditions thrive in a fast-paced, modern world. Whilst an established gateway through Asia to the rest of the world, Singapore is of its own a destination rich with character: neighbourhoods layered with history, a culinary scene rivalling any global capital, and stunning green spaces integrated seamlessly into the urban landscape. Our Head of Brand Kate returned recently, and diarised her favourite sights and scenes.
Day one
My flight arrived into Changi later than scheduled last night, so with only a few hours of sleep I was a bit slower out of the hotel this morning than I'd planned, but nothing that a coffee and walk can't remedy. I like to stay in Chinatown, specifically at the Parkroyal on Pickering - a striking, eco conscious hotel with mezzanines of tropical gardens and a funky pool vibe, despite being so close to the commercial downtown core of Singapore.
I head off on foot to Raffles City to try the new Blue Bottle Coffee outpost - a recommendation from Desley, our CEO, who has lived in Singapore for the last 7 years. The heat and humidity of the air outside hits you like a wall, and it carries the sweet scent of durian. I stop to take it in; this moment a signal to my body and soul that I am home - a sensory shift that transports me back to a familiar time and place.
On a quick trip back to her childhood home, our Head of Brand Kate delighted in the unique charm and diversity of Singapore that no matter how times you visit, never gets old.
Singapura, the Lion City - a tropical metropolis where futuristic skylines rise amongst lush gardens; where centuries old traditions thrive in a fast-paced, modern world. Whilst an established gateway through Asia to the rest of the world, Singapore is of its own a destination rich with character: neighbourhoods layered with history, a culinary scene rivalling any global capital, and stunning green spaces integrated seamlessly into the urban landscape. Our Head of Brand Kate returned recently, and diarised her favourite sights and scenes.
Day one
My flight arrived into Changi later than scheduled last night, so with only a few hours of sleep I was a bit slower out of the hotel this morning than I'd planned, but nothing that a coffee and walk can't remedy. I like to stay in Chinatown, specifically at the Parkroyal on Pickering - a striking, eco conscious hotel with mezzanines of tropical gardens and a funky pool vibe, despite being so close to the commercial downtown core of Singapore.
I head off on foot to Raffles City to try the new Blue Bottle Coffee outpost - a recommendation from Desley, our CEO, who has lived in Singapore for the last 7 years. The heat and humidity of the air outside hits you like a wall, and it carries the sweet scent of durian. I stop to take it in; this moment a signal to my body and soul that I am home - a sensory shift that transports me back to a familiar time and place.
TASTE
Restaurant with friends: Ron Herman Cafe
Whether you are with large group, just two- or even with children or babies, The store staff are all kind and The food is delicious and healthy.
Caffeinated, I walk back through Fort Canning Park, one of Singapore's many green spaces but this one a particularly historic site utilised by ancient and colonial rulers in eras gone by. Sang Nila Utama Garden is a must-visit, named after Singapore's first ancient king and a recreation of the garden that once surrounded the palace that stood on the grounds in the 14th century. Take a moment to breathe alongside the majestic trees and meditative reflection pools, and discover the Javanese symbols, ornaments and species throughout. On your way out, walk by Old Hill Police Station, a national monument of Singapore with its cascade of vibrant, rainbow painted windows.
Day Two
I always make sure I visit the National Gallery, home to the world's largest collection of Southeast Asian art. I get lost - both metaphorically and literally - amongst the atriums and multilevel wings; a new visual discovery and story around every corner. The volunteer staff are all so knowledgeable and passionate about the featured artists and their works, and are just lovely to chat to.
After a few hours poolside back at the hotel, I get ready to venture out to Smith Street. Once the sun dips, the colourful street lights, shophouses and neon signs of Chinatown come into their own. This neighborhood is a dizzying blend of modern culture and tradition: upscale restaurants and bars meet hawker fare (which you should sample at Maxwell Food Centre). And I am always humbled by the beauty of the Sri Mariamman and Buddha Tooth Relic Temples - these sacred places are adorned with intricate carvings and paintings of deities, and are brought to life by the vibrant communities who worship there.
I head off on foot to Raffles City to try the new Blue Bottle Coffee outpost - a recommendation from Desley, our CEO, who has lived in Singapore for the last 7 years. The heat and humidity of the air outside hits you like a wall, and it carries the sweet scent of durian. I stop to take it in; this moment a signal to my body and soul that I am home - a sensory shift that transports me back to a familiar time and place.
Caffeinated, I walk back through Fort Canning Park, one of Singapore's many green spaces but this one a particularly historic site utilised by ancient and colonial rulers in eras gone by. Sang Nila Utama Garden is a must-visit, named after Singapore's first ancient king and a recreation of the garden that once surrounded the palace that stood on the grounds in the 14th century. Take a moment to breathe alongside the majestic trees and meditative reflection pools, and discover the Javanese symbols, ornaments and species throughout. On your way out, walk by Old Hill Police Station, a national monument of Singapore with its cascade of vibrant, rainbow painted windows.
Day Two
I always make sure I visit the National Gallery, home to the world's largest collection of Southeast Asian art. I get lost - both metaphorically and literally - amongst the atriums and multilevel wings; a new visual discovery and story around every corner. The volunteer staff are all so knowledgeable and passionate about the featured artists and their works, and are just lovely to chat to.
After a few hours poolside back at the hotel, I get ready to venture out to Smith Street. Once the sun dips, the colourful street lights, shophouses and neon signs of Chinatown come into their own. This neighborhood is a dizzying blend of modern culture and tradition: upscale restaurants and bars meet hawker fare (which you should sample at Maxwell Food Centre). And I am always humbled by the beauty of the Sri Mariamman and Buddha Tooth Relic Temples - these sacred places are adorned with intricate carvings and paintings of deities, and are brought to life by the vibrant communities who worship there.
Day Three
No trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to Marina Bay. Walk the bayfront up to the iconic Merlion statue, all the way back around and into Gardens by the Bay. It's easy to lose track of time soaking in the peacefulness of Dragonfly Lake, looking across to the iconic Supertrees. These captivating structures play an important role in the Garden's conservatories - collecting rainwater, generating solar power, and providing ventilation. Once maxo relaxo is out of your system, hit the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands for a different kind of therapy - the retail kind.
At sundown, your dinner options at Lau Pat Sat are extensive. Under the one roof and from over 80 stalls, you can find six Michelin-mentioned hawker brands and tasty dishes for every craving. Outside on Boon Tat Street, Singapore’s largest open-air satay street is home to 9 carts serving up grilled satay skewers under the stars - an authentic, open-air hawker dining experience.
Day Four
After a lot of steps in yesterday, I jump on the MRT and head to Orchard Road. As a shopping and brand experience hub, this part of town is heaving; for people watching and a gauge on local style, it is intriguing. The commuting, pedestrian traffic is mostly underground, funnelling from mall to mall to MRT station in a system of air conditioned underpasses. Later in the day back at the hotel, I get ready to walk the backstreets of Ann Siang Hill - a charming enclave characterized by a lively mix of history, food, boutiques and nightlife. Once a nutmeg plantation, this area offers a glimpse into Singapore's past, when early immigrants worked in agriculture and in the spice trade. Now, colourful shophouses and murals, restored and transformed, are the urbanite's playground where like much of Singapore, there is always something new to discover.
Day Three
No trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to Marina Bay. Walk the bayfront up to the iconic Merlion statue, all the way back around and into Gardens by the Bay. It's easy to lose track of time soaking in the peacefulness of Dragonfly Lake, looking across to the iconic Supertrees. These captivating structures play an important role in the Garden's conservatories - collecting rainwater, generating solar power, and providing ventilation. Once maxo relaxo is out of your system, hit the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands for a different kind of therapy - the retail kind.
At sundown, your dinner options at Lau Pat Sat are extensive. Under the one roof and from over 80 stalls, you can find six Michelin-mentioned hawker brands and tasty dishes for every craving. Outside on Boon Tat Street, Singapore’s largest open-air satay street is home to 9 carts serving up grilled satay skewers under the stars - an authentic, open-air hawker dining experience.
Day Four
After a lot of steps in yesterday, I jump on the MRT and head to Orchard Road. As a shopping and brand experience hub, this part of town is heaving; for people watching and a gauge on local style, it is intriguing. The commuting, pedestrian traffic is mostly underground, funnelling from mall to mall to MRT station in a system of air conditioned underpasses. Later in the day back at the hotel, I get ready to walk the backstreets of Ann Siang Hill - a charming enclave characterized by a lively mix of history, food, boutiques and nightlife. Once a nutmeg plantation, this area offers a glimpse into Singapore's past, when early immigrants worked in agriculture and in the spice trade. Now, colourful shophouses and murals, restored and transformed, are the urbanite's playground where like much of Singapore, there is always something new to discover.
SOUND
The sound of Japanese Festivals. The sounds of music and Mikoshi ( Portable Shrines). The voices of children having fun at street food stalls.
Memorable sounds that bring back memories of when you were little child. I think these are sounds that make you feel like you are in Japan.