If you enjoy shopping and eating as much as I do, Singapore is the perfect city for you to visit. Usually, after I scratch a place off of my travel bucket list, I’m not in a huge rush to get back. I figure that I’ve seen it and should therefore spend my time and resources going to places I haven’t been instead of repeating the places I’ve already traveled to. Singapore is a major exception to that rule. My mom and I traveled to Singapore in April (it was our first time flying Emirates which was AMAZING, but that’s another post for another day) and I have been dying to go back ever since. There is so much to see and do in Singapore for families, couples, or a mother-daughter duo like us, which is why it’s number two on my list of favorite cities. Singapore is a great option for women traveling alone or first time travelers because it is clean and safe, and, due to the fact that almost everyone speaks English, there isn’t really a language barrier. Even after spending a few days in the tropical city-state located just south of Malaysia, I feel like there is a lot that I didn’t get to do the first time around. I’m so eager to plan my return to Singapore, but here are my picks on where to stay, dine, shop, and play based on my first visit last spring:
Stay: During our trip to Singapore, my mom and I utilized our travel club and stayed at a luxury two bedroom condo reserved for members located at The Trillium on Kim Seng Road in District 09, which is arguably the best shopping district in all of Asia. We were walking distance to a lot of attractions (although honestly it’s too hot to walk anywhere in Singapore) and a short cab ride from everything else. The proximity to Orchard Road (more on this to come) and the lovely views of Singapore’s skyline made it an awesome place to stay. When I return to Singapore, if I decide to stay in a hotel, I will without a doubt stay at the Marina Bay Sands! In the above image, the Marina Bay Sands is the three towers and yacht in the sky. It is much more than just a luxury hotel and also houses a shopping mall, casino, and some of the best restaurants in Singapore, among other things.
Enjoying the view from our deck at the Trillium – you can see Marina Bay Sands in the distance
Dine: Singapore is a foodie’s paradise. Any cuisine you want, they have it, and it is all absolutely delicious. Being in a place that prides itself on world class food, you are in for the meal of a lifetime no matter where you dine. Here are my favorite restaurants in Singapore:
Adrift – In the lobby of Marina Bay Sands, Adrift by David Myers is a fabulous choice for an eclectic Asian meal. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and drinks and the ambiance and service were extraordinary.
After a delicious dinner at Adrift
Imperial Treasure Peking Duck – I LOVE PEKING DUCK! It is one of my all time favorite dishes, so naturally when I saw that Singapore has a chain of restaurants that specialize in the Chinese delicacy, I knew I would love it. This restaurant did not let me down! The duck was absolutely delicious, so much so that we went once for dinner and again for lunch later in our stay.
Ku De Ta (now Cé La Vi) – located atop of the Marina Bay Sands, Ku De Ta is truly an experience. From the time you step off of the elevator onto the 57th floor and see the panoramic views of Singapore through the floor to ceiling windows, you know you’re in for a treat. The modern Asian cuisine was absolutely magnificent, but, if not for dinner, it’s worth a visit to the SkyBar to enjoy the view and a nightcap. The restaurant also transforms into a nightclub if you’re looking for a party.
Enjoying a night cap at the SkyBar after our meal
Shop: I know I said Singapore is a foodie’s paradise, but it’s just as much (if not even more) of a shopaholic’s paradise. My mom and I literally shopped ’til we dropped to the point that we struggled to fit in the other activities we had planned. The malls in Singapore are some of the biggest I’ve ever seen and literally every designer under the sun has multiple boutiques throughout the city-state. If you’re a serious shopper, you will not be disappointed by what Singapore has to offer. Be sure to bring an empty suitcase! Orchard Road is the premier shopping area in Singapore and is the home of not one, not two, but multiple 20+ story shopping centers. I recommend setting aside an entire day to visit ION Orchard, Paragon Shopping Centre, and Knightsbridge Mall, which are all walking distance from one another. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is a great destination for shoppers as well.
Play: Did I mention that there’s a lot to see and do in Singapore? After shopping and eating, I was perfectly content and already in love with the city-state, but it has so much more to offer! A trip to Singapore is not complete without a visit to Gardens by the Bay, which is single handedly the most magnificent garden exhibit I’ve ever visited. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Singapore Zoo (I recommend the night safari for a unique experience) and, although I didn’t have time to visit during my trip, families will likely enjoy riding the movies at Universal Studios Singapore. While Singapore is not known for it’s beaches, my mom and I thoroughly enjoyed the day we spent lounging at the Tanjong Beach Club. It was a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. A few more things that I didn’t have time to do during my first trip to Singapore that I definitely will do on my next: visit the ArtScience Museum and have a Singapore Sling at Raffles, the hotel where the world renowned cocktail was born.
Catching some rays at the Tanjong Beach Club
My Rating: A+
Explanation: Food, shopping, tons to see and do, and a beautiful beach club?? What’s not to love! I’m so ready to plan my next visit!
Is Singapore on your travel bucket list? If so, what do you most look forward to doing during your stay?
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