Insider Recommendation in Singapore – where to stay, eat and play

With talks of travel bubble between Singapore and Hong Kong underway, we are excited to share with you our recommendation on where to eat and play in our little red dot.

STAY 

Four Seasons Singapore
Deluxe Room: Stay 3 Pay 2 > From HK$5100 for 3 nights stay inclusive of tax

+ Daily full breakfast for two guests per room
+ US$100 equivalent F&B credit to be utilized during stay
+ Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
+ Free cancellation 2 days before arrival

Raffles Hotel
Studio Suite: Stay 3 Pay 2 > From HK$11,150 for 3 nights stay inclusive of tax.

+ Complimentary breakfast in Tiffin Room for two guests per room
+ US$100 equivalent F&B/spa/boutique credit per stay
+ Complimentary Singapore Sling on arrival
+ Upgrade to next category, subject to availability
+ Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Ritz Carlton
Club Deluxe Marina Room: From HK$11,150 for 3 nights stay inclusive of tax. Valid for stays through 24 Dec 2020.

The unparalleled views of the Marina Bay skyline are yours to admire when you reserve a Club level stay. Enjoy Club privileges such as limousine drop-off service within the vicinity and five daily culinary presentations.

+ US$100 F&B credit per stay
+ 1 day free cancellation prior to arrival.

EAT

For a real Singapore street food experience, we would always recommend Chinatown Complex Food Centre located at Block 335, Smith Street. This is Singapore largest hawker centre with over 260 food stalls. Being soaked to the skin while dining is part of the real hawker deal! Another unmissable local food experience will be Amoy Street Food Centre. Be sure to keep a lookout for the stalls that were awarded 2019 Hawker Michelin Bib Gourmand awards.

If you wish to avoid the heat and want to experience the quintessential Singaporean dishes in a comfortable setting, we will recommend Labyrinth, a one-star Michelin modern Singapore restaurant.

If you have tried Singapore hawker fare, zoom in to Peranakan cuisine (Strait Chinese Nonya), a culture only found in Nanyang (Penang, Malacca, Singapore, and Indonesia). Located in the precinct of greenery Dempsey, Candlenut is the first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant for a modern take on the cuisine. Be sure to try their “Amakase” menu.

Another notable Peranakan restaurant worth trying out is Violet Oon’s Kitchen (we recommend their flagship outlet at Ion or the outlet at National Gallery). If your time is limited, there is also one outlet at Jewel Changi Airport.

One cannot leave Singapore without feasting on crabs, be it chilli, black pepper, salted egg or cream sauce and these two are our top favourites.

Mellben Seafood, located at 232 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, St 22, #01-1222, is primarily well known for their magnificent crab bee hoon.

Eng Seng First Grade Seafood Restaurant, located at 247 Joo Chiat Place, is well known for their Black Pepper Crab which will leave you craving for more. I can only say plan on arriving early as the crabs are always sold out by 6:30-7pm.

Finally, if you have tried most of the above and looking forward to something off the beaten path, you may want to experience dining on a Kelong at Smith Marine. A kelong is an offshore platform built predominantly with wood, which can be found in the waters off Malaysia, Philippines, and Indonesia. Only a handful remain in Singapore due to rapid urbanisation.

If you are keen, note that a minimum of 3 days advance booking is required. The restaurant used to function as a kelong for fishing before evolving into a restaurant in 2015. While you will be able to dine on an array of seafood, the star attraction here is the ‘sure-catch’ pond. Reel in your own lunch or dinner and enjoy the fruits of your labours.

PLAY

Go on a Vespa sidecar tour in Singapore, riding through the historical parts of the city. Start the day early with a Kayak Fishing tour, paddling through the waters while reeling in your catch before spending some time relaxing by the beach in Sentosa.

For your cultural fix, visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre to learn about Singapore’s unique Five Foot Way (五脚基) buildings which you will see in so many parts of Central Singapore. Stroll along the Helix Bridge and admire its double-helix DNA design, and watch an outdoor light and water show at Marina Bay Sands and the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show at Gardens by the Bay. To cap your evening, you’ll head up to the 57th floor of the CÉ LA VI, located on top of Marina Bay Sands for drinks.

Or visit Joo Chiat and Katong area for a walking tour to learn more about the Peranakan influence in Singapore with its colourful rows of heritage shophouses and drop by Rumah Bebe to pick up some trinkets or two.

If you still have time for another round of drinks, visit Atlas Bar, a gorgeous gilded tower housing what may be the world’s most extensive collection of gin.