City Diaries: Singapore
After reading Sarah’s Singapore pics, it has moved up to high spot on places I need to visit stat. If you are planning a trip to Singapore, read on. If not, you will be soon!
Favorite Restaurant
As of late, Sommer restaurant has been our go to for fine dining. It's contemporary European dishes by chef Lewis Barker and it's absolutely amazing. For casual dining we frequent a Michelin recognized hawker stall, Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao 中國拉麵小籠包 . It's in Chinatown and we devour their dumplings and Szechuan spicy wontons.
Favorite Cafe
What a better cafe to visit other than My Awesome Cafe. It has a colorful and creative interior and their menu has something for everyone.
Where to Stay
The hotel that has everyone (even the locals) booking a room is the ever popular Marina Bay Sands. I think it's really for their Instagramable infinity pool.
But I do love the Park Royal Pickering Hotel. Its flawless greenery and gardens are in abundance, the architecture is jaw dropping. The rooms are spacious (ridiculously gigantic beds), it has a spa, beautify infinity pool with views of the city, and it's located in central downtown. Fantastic hotel.
Must See Tourist Spot
If you're staying at the Marina Bay Sands, it's the juggernaut location for touristy spots. The big features are the Gardens by the Bay (super trees), The Cloud Forest, Art Science museum, as well as fantastic restaurants, casino, and luxury retailers.
Must See Off the Beaten Path
A recent discovery I have made was a day visit to Lazarus Island, St John's Island and the Sister Islands. It's a quick and cheap ferry ride to discover a beautiful day at fantastic beaches. And great for snorkeling.
Favorite Neighborhood to explore
My personal favorite is Little India. I have never seen a neighborhood that's so colorful, beautiful and so fragrant from the flower stalls, incense and curries. It's such a lovely mix for all your senses. Plus the locals there are so friendly!
Favorite Place for Drinks
Because of covid I'd say my house with great friends. But we have found a "speakeasy" per say, called The Secret Mermaid. It's a small venue with a big personality. The gin and whiskey wall is impressive. Their friendly and knowledgeable bartenders are wizards when it comes to cocktails and the place will have you singing American classics with other patrons by the end of the night. It's a great spot for Americans (when they're feeling a bit homesick)
Favorite Local Getaway
Hmmm.... this is hard, because Singapore is super, super small. As in, you can drive from one end to the other in under an hour. So a local getaway really means jumping on a flight to a neighboring country. Which is very easy to do and flights can be extremely inexpensive (I flew round trip to Jakarta, Indonesia for $70 US).
But if I had to say a local (Singapore getaway). Sentosa island, maybe?
Favorite Shopping Area
Principe Real
Does online count? I'm not a big shopper, but if there's one area that fits anyone's retail therapy it's Orchard
Favorite Spa
Onsens are where it's at! And Yunomori Onsen is the place to be.
If you had one last day in Singapore, how would you spend it?
With friends. As an expat we attend many welcoming and farewell parties. And there's nothing better than having a proper send off surrounded by the people you love.
