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■ Population: 4.2 million
■ Currency: Singapore dollar (SGD)
■ Country and city code: +65
■ Tourist info: Singapore Visitors Centres@Changi, Arrival and Transit Halls, Terminal 1 and 2, Singapore Changi Airport
■ tel: 1800 736 2000 (24-hour STB Touristline)
■ website: www.visitsingapore.com
FUN FACT
The largest fountain in the world is located in Singapore at Suntec City. Made of cast bronze, it cost about USD6 million (SGD8.67 million) to build in 1997.
Beauty World The Musical (Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Drive)
Catch a truly authentic Singaporean theatre experience. This original Singaporean musical by Michael Chiang, with music and lyrics by Dick Lee, runs at the Esplanade Theatre from 3-21 January 2008. Directed by acclaimed director Ivan Heng, this heartwarming story with comic highlights celebrates its 20th anniversary and pays homage to the old-fashioned Chinese soap operas. Book your tickets at www.sistic.com, starting at SGD95.
The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden at the Botanic Gardens (Bukit Timah Road)
Claiming the title as Asia’s first children’s park, this virtual wonderland is great for kids aged between one and six years old. Let them spend an hour or two in between visits to the Orchard Road shopping malls. There is a playground on a sandbox, a water-play feature, a maze, a tree house, a mini fishing lake, a hanging bridge, as well as a cafe near the entrance for post-play refreshments.
Central (6 Eu Tong Sen Street)
Conveniently located by the riverside, this swanky five-storey mall is accessible via the Clarke Quay MRT and offers sightseers a pleasurable promenade through more than 280 shops as well as restaurants and cafes. Pitched at chic and stylish fashionable shoppers, the mall is a haven of trendy clothes, shoes and bags. When the shopping’s done, dine at any of Central’s fine eating spots, including Sun with Moon for sushi and the All-American diner, Billy Bombers. Open from 11am to 10pm daily.
The John Erdos Gallery (83 Kim Yam Road, tel: +65 6735 3307)
This home and furniture gallery occupies two adjoining four-storey shophouses. Get an eyeful of more than 18 rooms and a roof garden, each space fully showcasing John Erdos’ take on urban teakwood furniture alongside other recyclable raw materials. If you happen to fall in love with a piece or two, shipping options are available. Alternatively, bring home a souvenir or two from the gift shop next door.
Raoul (Raffles City Shopping Centre 01-13, tel: +65 6334 5023)
Pick up high quality outfits by Singapore retail and lifestyle giant FJ Benjamin’s first in-house label, Raoul. It is best known for its well-made men’s wear, particularly its high quality shirts, although the brand has recently broken into the women’s market, offering ready-to-wear pieces and designer level accessories.
Al Forno (400 East Coast Road, tel: +65 6348 8781)
If you find yourself hankering for authentic Italian food at great prices, pop into the homey Al Forno on the East Coast. Owner and chef Alessandro di Prisco creates the true-blue tastes of Italy with wood-fired pizzas and pastas, a range of Italian desserts as well as occasional ventures into especially prepared Italian sausages or grilled items. Helpings are generous and prices are reasonable. $$
Wolf Brasserie (80 Mohamed Sultan Road, 01-13 The Pier at Robertson, tel: +65 6835 78180)
Here’s a quiet spot for a romantic French dinner by the Singapore River. Chef Philippe Nouzillat makes use of the traditional French cookery styles while offering a cellar full of fine wine and champagne alongside classic French bistro dishes. Try the foie gras or the escargots to start. For mains, the grilled steak and the rack of lamb are pleasers. $$
Chatterbox (Meritus Mandarin, Orchard Road, tel: +65 6831 6291)
Known also as home of the Mandarin Chicken Rice since 1971, this local mainstay has undergone a facelift and now boasts ultra-modern interiors while retaining its homey ambience. The Chicken Rice is a must, but you may also delight in the other Peranakan treats such as Laksa, Fish Noodle Soup and Char Kway Teow. $
The Highlander Bar (01-11 Clarke Quay, tel: +65 6235 9528)
Whiskey lovers may want to stop by the Highlander Bar for its range of over 200 fine whiskies. The bar also claims to have the largest selection of fine scotch in South-East Asia. Located in what is fast becoming one of the city’s hippest, most happening nightspots, The Highlander Bar also serves up authentic Scottish fare.
Naumi (41 Seah Street)
Naumi is a posh 40-room boutique business hotel situated in the city’s most quaint and scenic heart. An urban oasis with a subtle luxe factor, the hotel offers an all-female floor as well as a cachet of personalised services. Its facilities include an infinity rooftop pool with a majestic view of the Esplanade Theatre. $$$
Orchard Hotel (442 Orchard Road)
Located along Orchard Road, mere minutes to some major shopping opportunities, rooms are a fusion of contemporary and classic designs. Hua Ting, the hotel’s Chinese restaurant offers fine dining, while Ficas cafe serves international cuisine. For nightly live entertainment, head down to the Lobby Bar. Room rates start from SGD372.50. $$$
BY NOELLE DE JESUS CHUA
* FOR EXCLUSIVE DEALS, BOOK HOTELS AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM
