Singapore is a city geared up for fun twenty-four hours a day.
Ultra-modern Singapore is a city that aims for perfection. The streets are clean; the citizens are polite and multilingual; and the restored neighbourhoods are picturesque. The unique marriage of colonial charm with modern ambition and true multiculturalism makes the Lion City a metropolis not to be missed.
When the daytime temperatures rise, locals head indoors – to brilliant shopping malls, fantastic museums and world-class performance venues. But as the sun goes down, so does the mercury. Everyone heads outside to stroll through the charming street markets in Bugis Village, espy the animals at the famed Night Safari, nosh the delicacies at Newton Circus and enjoy ice creams cones on Orchard Road.
Our concierge will be happy to provide more suggestions on activities in Singapore.
Cruise through History - 5 Minutes walk Cruise the Singapore River on a traditional bum boat for an inspiring view of the city. This is a great way to see the contrast between modern Singapore and the restored go downs, colonial buildings, and quaint shops along the quay.
Explore the Quirky Quay - 7 Minutes by taxi/1.9 Miles to 3 Km With its quirky restaurants, second-hand shops and Sunday flea market, Clarke Quay is one of Singapore’s most entertaining areas. Don’t miss the G-max Reverse Bungy, or the amazing food, including fish head curry and smoky satays.
Go Clubbing - 10-15 Minutes by taxi/6,2 Miles or 10 Km Zouk is a Singapore institution – a nightlife Mecca housed in three restored warehouses along the river. The massive complex includes The Wine Bar, Velvet Underground, and Phuture – each hip in its own way and each a must-see in the Lion City.
Enjoy the Island Life - 15 Minutes by taxi/6.2 Miles or 10 Km Sentosa, a 390-hectare island, is Singapore’s favourite get-away, with her beaches, gardens, golf courses and much more. Great fun for the entire family, Sentosa can be reached by car, ferry or cable car. Take the cable cars with glass bottoms from Mt. Faber for a real thrill.
Visit (Little) India - 15 Minutes by taxi/5 Miles to 8 Km Located on Serangoon Road, Little India is one of Singapore’s most colourful neighbourhoods. Visitors can visit temples, eat fantastic Indian food and shop for an array of goods, including brassware and handicrafts.
Things to See
Esplanade-Theatres on the Bay - Right across the hotel/5 Minutes walk The Esplanade is the city’s premier performance venue and features dance, drama, and musical concerts. Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is proud to be the Esplanade’s official hotel partner. Please contact our concierge to arrange for performance tickets.
Asian Civilisations Museum - 5 Minutes by taxi/1.9 Miles or 3 Km The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is the first museum in the region to present a broad yet integrated perspective of pan-Asian cultures and civilisations. Special exhibitions are mounted throughout the year and are invariably worth seeing. Admission is SGD 5 for adults, SGD 2.
Botanic Garden - 20 Minutes by taxi/7.5 Miles or 12 Km These lush tropical gardens, spread over 52 hectares, were founded in 1859 and are a real testament to Singapore’s natural history. Today the site includes collections of rare plant species, the National Orchid Garden, the Ginger Garden and the Evolution Garden.
Jurong Bird Park - 30 Minutes by taxi/18.6 Miles or 30 Km This is the largest bird park in the Asia Pacific region and features more than 9000 birds from more than 600 species. The entire park is designed to give the birds an environment as close to their original habitat as possible. Perfect for anyone cuckoo for cockatoos.
Where to Shop
Marina Square Shopping Mall – 2 Minutes The newly revamped Marina Square Shopping Mall features eight thematic zones, including Food for Thot, Galleria, Market Street Bazaar, Groove Nation, and Art of living, spread over 700,000 sq ft of retail space.
Suntec City Shopping Mall – 5 Minutes Suntec City Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in Singapore with over 350 retail outlets, and more than 80 food and beverage outlets. It offers a unique shopping experience as an integrated one-stop shopping, dining and entertainment destination.
Arab Street - 8 Minutes by taxi/3.1 Miles or 5 Km Practice haggling before you venture to Arab Street – a fun, colourful bazaar has lots of small shops. Bartering is part of the fun, so be sure to join in – otherwise, you’ll be paying too much!
Bugis Village - 7-10 Minutes by taxi/4.4 Miles or 7 Km Although it is open all day, this is as close to a night market as you will find in Singapore. Hawkers sell everything from snacks to computer games here. Be sure to visit between 7pm and midnight when the streets are at their most bustling.
Sim Lim Square - 10-15 Minutes by taxi/4.4 Miles or 7 Km Techies, this is the place for you. Hundreds of shops sell audio and visual gear, cameras, computers and other electronic gadgets. Be sure to inspect the goods, ask for a detailed receipt and insist on international guarantees. Oh, and barter.
Orchard Road - 15 Minutes/3.7 Miles or 6 Km The most famous avenue in Singapore, Orchard Road is lined with mile after mile of department stores and shopping malls. Sift through designer labels at Paragon and Ngee Ann City, or alternative fashions at Mandarin Gallery.
Chinatown - 15 Minutes by taxi/5.6 Miles or 9 Km Whether you are coming to shop for souvenir T-shirts, indulge in a tasty Chinese meal, or just explore the colourful neighbourhood, Chinatown is one area not to be missed.
Where to Dine
MELT ~ The World Café - In the hotel Recently named Best New Restaurant by Singapore Tatler, MELT is an all-day café with a difference. The menu features cuisine from all around the world, much of it prepared right before your eyes.
