Singapore
Albert Court | Copthorne Kings | Marina Mandarin | Raffles | Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa | Shangri-La Singapore | The Ritz-Carlton Millenia | Traders
For the discerning world voyager, exclusive and extraordinary personal experiences await in Singapore – a modern city with a rich and interesting east-west blend of culture, tradition and architecture. Supported by a safe and secure environment and cutting-edge infrastructure, visitors can enjoy luxury accommodation and lifestyle offerings such as gourmet dining venues, five-star wellness and spa facilities, world-class arts performances and entertainment as well as a pulsating nightlife year-round.
Shopping
From the central shopping belt of Orchard Road and Marina Bay to the shopping precincts in the heartlands, you’ll find fantastic value on fashion, watches, jewellery, electronics and more!
International fashion houses are well represented throughout Singapore including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Valentino, etc as are acclaimed brand names that have recently made their entrance (Diane von Furstenberg, Stella McCartney, and Marc by Marc Jacobs). Exciting high-end shopping options abound -- notable international brands that have recently opened in Singapore include designer shoe labels Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo, as well as haute jeweller Van Cleef & Arpels and luxury timepiece brands Richard Mille and Franck Muller, while Cartier has unveiled a new concept store along Orchard Road. These complement other unique concept stores such as Sincere Haute Horlogerie which offers exclusive, one-of-a-kind timepieces from brands like A. Lange & Söhne, Audemars Piguet, Girard Perregaux and Bovet. Local fashion house, The Link, is making a mark on the world stage, with its alldressedup line by local designer Sven Tan invited to show at Paris Fashion Week in 2007. Other notable Singaporean designers are Paris-based Andrew Gn and London-based Ashley Isham, whose collections are also available in Singapore.
If you prefer browsing through rows of tiny shops selling tropical wear, inexpensive and quirky accessories, Nepalese ornaments and jeans of every make, visit Bugis Village. The side lanes and 2nd floor are home to mini boutiques run by local youths who might just be the next big thing in the Singapore fashion industry. The adjacent Waterloo street is dotted with stalls hawking feng shui items and other auspicious wares. Most shops open till 10pm or later.
A few must buys -- jewelry from Little India, local designer fashion wear such as Charles & Keith, high tech gizmos along Funan Digitalife Mall and Sim Lim Square, ethnic knick knacks in Chinatown, Little India, Arab Street and Holland Village, colourful gifts, silk kebayas, beaded slippers and hand painted sarongs in the Peranakan enclave of Katong and Joo Chiat, designer labels.
Dining and nightlife
The city is a paradise all year round for fine dining connoisseurs, with an array of international, ethnic and Uniquely Singapore cuisines to suit every discerning palate. Home to some of the world’s best restaurants, sample world-class gastronomic experiences at Morton’s at The Mandarin Oriental Singapore, as well as home-grown restaurants such as Iggy’s, Les Amis and My Humble House which were named among the world’s top 100 best restaurants by the prestigious Restaurant magazine. Sentosa’s The Cliff and Il Lido offer spectacular sunset sea views while dining on gourmet fare. For that extra something special, Il Lido offers exclusive and private dining on a yacht.
Many large-scale developments in Singapore have launched over the past two years. The rejuvenated Clarke Quay along the burgeoning Singapore River precinct is shaping up as Singapore’s up and coming 24-hour entertainment hub. The Cannery is home to the renowned Ministry of Sound as well as products by other international brand names in entertainment, such as Kandi Bar by Hed Kandi, FashionBar by Fashion TV and Barfly by Buddha Bar. Clarke Quay also recently saw the opening of brand new nightspots including The Arena and Lunar, adding to the vibrant bar and club scene there that already includes popular offerings such as Attica, The Pump Room and Cuba Libre.
Festivals and events
Visit Singapore this year and experience even more festivals and events than before.
Vesak Day (August) - this day marks an important occasion in the Buddhist calendar, commemorating Lord Buddha's entry into Nirvana after attaining spiritual enlightenment. Crowds gather at temples around the city, throughout the day and in the evening, there are candlelit processions around the city.
Mid Autumn Festival (September) - an ancient Chinese tradition, the Mid-Autumn Moon Cake Festival is one festival you don't want to miss! Celebrating family unity in view of the full moon, this night is all about relaxing and enjoying the banquet.
Hari Raya (September) - this festival marks the end of Ramadan and is only complete with a shopping trip to the glittering Geylang Serai area, where the streets dazzle with thousands of lights and fantastic decorations during the build-up to the big day.
Deepavali (October) - a chance to celebrate the Hindu New Year. Take a trip to Little India ablaze with diyas (clay pots), fairy lights and garlands for a number of weeks.
Don't forget this year on the 28th September, Singapore is also set to host the 2008 FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix. The first and only night race on the FORMULA ONE calendar as well as Asia’s first city street circuit. With circuit designs now finalised and change pits currently being built, excitement in the city and internationally is mounting. Held over three weekends from 20 September to 5 October, the Singapore GP Season will showcase various Formula One™-themed activities, entertainment events and lifestyle festivals as well as shopping and dining promotions, promising to get fans, visitors and Singaporeans all revved up during the race period.
For added adventure whilst you're in Singapore why not try one of our tours or excursions!!
Founding footstep of Raffles | Night safari | East Coast & Changi | Colonial Fly-Drive | Overland from Singapore to Penang
