Four Seasons Singapore: Within Walking Distance

Stroll through majestic botanical gardens, shop the luxury boutiques on Orchard Road and explore the historic district of Emerald Hill. Some of Singapore’s best excursions are just steps from your door.

Aug 1, 2012

By: Elizabeth Woodson

Next Prev

Singapore’s National Flower, orange orchid at Singapore’s Botantical Garden

Colonial shop houses, China Town, Singapore

1/6

Singaporeans cherish green spaces, which is why the Singapore Botanic Gardens is one of the city’s most-loved attractions. More than 150 years old, the 166-acre (65-hectare) complex is a lush wonderland of flowers, shrubs and trees, each more jaw-dropping than the last. Nestled within the gardens, a lovely lake filled with black swans is the perfect place to sit awhile. We especially love the National Orchid Garden, which showcases more than 600 species and hybrids of orchids, and the Rainforest area, which simulates the rainforests that existed on the island of Singapore before deforestation took its toll. The Gardens started as a research facility, and still serve as one today.

Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

2/6

Orchard Road and its surrounding district abound with high-end shopping malls, but ION Orchard is by far the most fabulous. The glimmering, eight-floor glass and steel structure houses many recognizable luxury labels, along with a few homegrown stars. The space also has an art gallery and observation deck with 360-degree views of the city.

3/6

While not exactly within walking distance (but just a five-minute car ride away), the Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore most coveted new attractions. Located in the Marina Bay District, the 250-acre (100-hectare) site is home to one of the most elaborate series of exotic gardens and green spaces in the world. From the 3-acre glass flower dome sheltering an international collection of vegetation to the “SuperTrees,” giant, plant-covered and tree-like steel structures, a stroll through these gardens will make you feel like a character in a Jules Verne novel.

4/6

Weave through the small enclaves off of Orchard Road where some of Singapore’s unique architecture is on display. Emerald Hill is a district of historic homes—many in the Chinese Baroque style—that have been immaculately preserved. Adjacent to Emerald Hill is Peranakan Place, a series of restored shophouses that have been converted into restaurants, bistros and bars. Head towards either neighbourhood when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road.

Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

5/6

Perched on a hilltop, Fort Canning Park holds a prominent place in Singapore’s history. Called Bukit Larangan (Forbidden Hill) in Malay, the park is believed to be the burial site of the last Malay king. Singapore founder Stamford Raffles set his house here during the 19th century, and the park was used by the British as a military post during the early 20th century until World War II. Nowadays, visitors picnic on lovely lawns, attend outdoor concerts at park pavilions, and explore numerous cultural and historic attractions. Don’t miss the Battle Box museum where the British surrendered Singapore to Japan. Another former military site is Dempsey Hil. This 213-acre (83-hectare) park area now boasts some of Singapore’s best dining, antique dealers, furniture shops and art galleries.

6/6

Delve into Singapore’s complex history with a visit to the National Museum of Singapore. The diverse exhibitions spotlight cultural and political issues, from the changing role of the Singaporean woman to the country’s customs and traditions. Housed in an 1887 Neoclassical building attached to a stunning modernist extension of glass and steel, the museum displays historic artefacts along with contemporary art and photography.

Concierge Recommends Tips

Singapore

Cultural Cache

Singapore’s Chinatown is a spirited enclave along Keong Saik Road pulsing with vitality. A mix of the old and the new, the neighbourhood is home to a handful of recently opened, stylish bars and restaurants.

See all Singapore recommendations

Singapore

Nature Trails

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a primary rain forest site offering a range of trails. Alternatively, take a 10-minute bumboat ride for a day trip to Pulau Ubin to discover Singapore’s last kampung (village).

See all Singapore recommendations

Singapore

Quick Tours

The Singapore Flyer (currently the world’s tallest Ferris wheel) will also give you a quick feel for the city’s main scenic highlights and, on a good day, let you peek at the Indonesian and Malaysian coastlines.

See all Singapore recommendations

Singapore

Irresistible After Dark

For colourful nightlife, head to Zouk, a complex that features dancing, guest DJs and live acts in four clubs. And an exciting night of clubbing awaits at Avalon and Pangaea, in the see-through floating crystal pavilion at Marina Bay.

See all Singapore recommendations

Singapore
Cultural Cache
View Tip Singapore
Nature Trails
View Tip Singapore
Quick Tours
View Tip Singapore
Irresistible After Dark
View Tip

Locations just off of Orchard Road make Four Seasons Hotel Singapore and The Regent Singapore, A Four Seasons Hotel ideal retail retreats, but shopping isn’t the only reason to stay. Many of the lush city-state’s prime attractions are within blocks of the Hotels. Set out on foot to discover the Botanic Gardens, find your way to the National Museum, and take a turn down Singapore’s historic neighbourhood streets. Vibrant, cosmopolitan offerings will meet you along the way.

Four Seasons Singapore: Within Walking Distance