Singapore
Photography courtesy Jurong Bird Park/JupiterImages
We asked Ali Alsagoff, Chef Concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, to gather the savviest sight-seeing suggestions he could find—not just his own, but also those of other local connoisseurs, including some he works with every day at the Hotel. From shopping in the city’s high-end malls to sampling its thriving restaurant scene to dancing your way into the wee hours, get ready to experience the thriving metropolis of Singapore.
Luxe Keepsakes
For locally designed jewellery, visit Loang & Noi, an upscale shop on Orchard Road. From pearls to polished cabochons to cut gems, almost all the designs are one-off pieces, often inspired by nature. Also on Orchard Road, All Dressed Up is a local fashion label known for its eclectic, contemporary appeal.
Irresistible After Dark
If you’re looking for colourful nightlife, head to Zouk, a complex that features dancing, guest DJs and live acts in four clubs. The vast main dance floor caters to a youngish crowd and plays mostly house music, while Velvet Underground offers a more laid-back, sophisticated vibe.
Another hip hang-out is Ku Dé Ta, located on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands. And an exciting night of clubbing awaits party-goers at Avalon and Pangaea in the see-through floating crystal pavilion at Marina Bay.
Cultural Cache
It doesn’t get any more authentic than Singapore’s Chinatown, a spirited enclave along Keong Saik Road. A mix of the old and the new, the neighbourhood is home to a handful of recently opened, stylish bars and restaurants. But it’s the old-school scene that makes this neighbourhood so memorable. Wander past colourful shop fronts offering everything from Chinese medicines to homewares and kitschy souvenirs. Against a soundtrack of clinking mah-jong tiles and squealing children, this neighbourhood pulses with vitality.
Experience the Tropics
There are plenty of beautiful parks for outdoor recreation. Go for a run in the nearby Singapore Botanic Gardens, trek through the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or do some power walking through the Southern Ridges. For colourful bird life, take your walk through the Jurong Bird Park, a tropical oasis of 20 hectares (50 acres) of lush greenery that is home to some 5,000 birds from 380 species.
Stroll through the newly opened Gardens by the Bay in Singapore’s new downtown Marina Bay, featuring giant Supertree sculptures with an aerial walkway and two conservatory complexes: Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.
Hi I will be in Singapore Nov 3 – 5, traveling solo. I am interested in both Gardens, the bird park and perhaps a walking tour to see the Christian churches. Can you help me out with directions, using the metro, how to purchase tickets, etc. This will be my first time in Singapore. I have been wowed by TV programs about your gardens and harmonious culture. I can’t wait to experience it first hand.
We will be staying at Four Seasons Singapore Hotel from 29/3-1/4. I don’t know the distance between below places so don’t really where I should go first and last. Don’t want to duplicate and save walks. Can you help me to plan the itinerary …
1. Little India
2. China Town
3. Merlion
4. Singapore Flyer
5. SAND
6, Clarke Quary
7. Ya Kun Kaya Toast
8. Night Safari
9. Pepper Crab
10. City Bus tour: Duckboat..
Thanks, Amanda Lin
Dear Ms. Lin,
Warmest greetings from the Garden City!
Based on your interest itinerary, please find below our suggestions in the best order based on distance from the Hotel:
City Tour or Duck Tour – doing this on your first day will give you an insight on the City and will give you a basic knowledge on tourist spots in the City. There is a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour that has a pick-up point in front of the Orchard Hotel which is within 5-min walking distance from the Hotel. The Duck Tour is taken from Suntec City which is one of the stops included on the Hop-on Hop-off bus route. Please note however that there are 3 routes to choose from for the bus tour and they sell 1 or 2 days passes as well. For more information you may wish to visit http://www.ducktours.com.sg/tours_aio.php or approach any of our staff at the Concierge Counter – we will be more than delighted to assist you!
Included in the Bus Tour Original route are your points of interest with the order of stops being: Little India -> Singapore Flyer -> Merlion – > Chinatown – > Clarke Quay. Marina Bay Sands is also located between the Singapore Flyer and Chinatown but is on a separate Hop-on Hop-off bus tour route. You may want to do this on another day. Marina Bay Sands has quite a number of attractions within and may require to spend a few hours or even half a day there. A taxi ride takes 15 minutes from the Hotel. Atlernatively, you may interchange for the Heritage Bus Tour route of the Hop-on Hop-off bus which you can board at the Raffles Hotel
As for Pepper Crab, there are a several famous restaurants serving this local dish. One of our favorites is “Long Beach” Restaurant that has an outlet at Dempsey Road, 5 minutes cab ride from the Hotel. Ya Kun Kaya Toast has a counter at Takashimaya Shopping Mall which is a 10-minute walk from the Hotel.
The Night Safari is out of route from any of your interested tourist spot so we would suggest to do this separately at night by taking a cab from the Hotel for approximately 15-20 minutes, taxi fare estimated cost about $15 to $25. Alternatively, there is also a shuttle service at the bus stop in front of Orchard Delfi mall which is a 5-minute walk from the Hotel – a fee applies for this shuttle service.
I hope you find the above information helpful. In the interim, please do not hesitate to contact us again should your require!
We look forward to welcoming you!
Best regards,
Andreana Soh
Public Relations Assistant
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
andreana.soh@fourseasons.com