They say ‘don't let the facts get in the way of a good story', and a tale that may be myth that has passed into legend tells of the chic guests at Raffles Hotel, upon learning of the Japanese invasion of the island during the Second World War, insisting on finishing their dinner, drinks and dancing before scarpering off into the humid night. Now whether or not the upper lips of the Brits who made the South-Asian city-state their home during the first half of the 1940s were really that stiff remains unknown, but the moral of the story is that you should never rush your good time in Singapore.
An island country, made up of 63 islands, Singapore has long been a playground of the rich and famous thanks to its position on the world's stage as a major financial hub, as well as being the jet set's destination of choice for a far flung vacation that's a veritable grown-up's playground. And with its bustling cultural quarters, seamless blend of the modern and ancient, huge array of attractions and world-class shopping, it's the ultimate holiday destination for families and friends alike, looking for fun and glamour in equal measures.
All bar none
For a great night out, make Clarke Quay your first port of call. With a huge selection of bars and restaurants to choose from, whether you're looking for a raucous place to test out the heels you purchased just that day on super-chic Orchard Road, or a family-friendly place where you can dine and relax, the Quay buzzes from early afternoon until late evening. Find eateries serving up traditional Singaporean dishes, to modern restaurants offering European or Latin American-influenced eats; and cheesy, themed bars that are perfect for bachelor or bachelorette bashes alongside chic, concept bars where the drinks will be as cool as the designer togs on the clientele.
For a chilled out vibe, head to Harry's, where you can enjoy live jazz music, or soak up the pub atmosphere of Mulligan's, where the craic is alive and well, despite being 7,000 miles from the Emerald Isle. Night out with the boys? Bamboo Bar is a masculine must, boasting plasma screens dotted around the venue on which to catch all the latest footie, rugby or cricket action - with their signature drinks, The Butterfly Effect, The Terracotta and The Frosted Jade all well worth a sip. For a minimalist approach to dining head to Borgata, which serves up authentic Italian cuisine and aperitifs, or if the art snob in you simply can't be quelled even on vacation, check out Clinic at The Cannery, which is conceptually decked out in hospital whites, syringes, pills and test-tubes, in what's been dubbed ‘pharma-kitsch'. It's just soooo Damien Hirst, darlings!
Island Life
Jam-packed of a weekend with Singaporeans who head to the man-made sheltered beach to swim and sunbathe, enjoy the attractions of Universal Studios Singapore, or simply to have a hell-raising experience speeding down the luge, Sentosa Island is the best place to take the kids - and you can also hire bikes to get around the island on. The luge and skyride are among its top attractions, taking you to the top of Imbiah Lookout, with the luge taking you down to Siloso Beach. Another must-visit is Underwater World, which is home to over 2,500 marine creatures, where you can get up close and personal with rays, sharks and giant crabs and enjoy the dolphin show. And for something else well worth sticking around for, catch the Songs of the Sea spectacular, a 25-minute light show of lasers, water jets and music. Whilst over at Universal Studios Singapore, kids and adults alike will love the thrill-a-minute fun, including rides and experiences based on popular flicks, Revenge of the Mummy, The Lost World, Madagascar and Shrek.
Shop the world
If you thought Dubai had elevated shopping to an art form in Singapore it's a national pastime, from the glitz of Orchard Road and the malls that cater to all budgets, to the incredible markets boasting buys you won't find anywhere else in the world, as well as the various cultural enclaves - Arab Street, Little India, Holland Village - that speak volumes about Singapore's rich and varied past. Orchard Street is where to head for designer threads and esoteric boutique finds. Find international department stores and chic, urban cafés on the street that stretches from Tanglin Road to Plaza Singapura, and on Saturday nights, shop ‘til late as the stores stay open until 11pm and you can enjoy plenty of street performances along the way. Little India is an always-buzzing must-visit, where you can pick up incredible fabrics and heady spices and wander through the bazaars, stopping to get your fortune told by a parakeet along the way! Then assail your senses further in Chinatown, where the island's heritage is apparent in the pre-war shopfronts, tea houses and medicine halls, as well as the temples dotted throughout.
Singapore sling
Invented in 1915 in the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, the Singapore Sling has come to define not only the hallowed establishment, but also the city as a whole. And a trip to Raffles is a must. Just don't be put off by the peanut shells on the floor - it's tradition. www.raffles.com/home
Safari, So Good
For a chance to catch exotic animals doing the things they do when the zoo doors close of an evening, book up for the night safari at Singapore Zoo, taking a walking trail or tram route, to marvel at the rhinos, gazelles, wildebeest, anteaters, pelicans, sloths and Gir lions, before catching the enthralling Creatures of the Night Show. www.nightsafari.com.sg
Coffee break
Take time out to drop by Nectarie at Clarke Quay during a visit to the shopping and dining hub, where a cake or delish morsel for elevenses, accompanied by a freshly ground brew or specially prepared tea is a must. It's the ultimate stop-off for those who always eat their dessert first.
Filmed there: Rogue Trader, Krrish, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, 24 Hours
Fly there Emirates flies to Singapore. Visit www.emirates.com for flight details.
Stay here
Budget: Le Hotel Singapore
This two-star hotel boasts a fantastic location in the heart of Clarke Quay, a five-minute walk from the Quay's MR station. With free internet in all the 21 rooms, Le Hotel is well-kept and offers up bijou accommodation for around Dh280 per night. Chinatown is a 10-minute walk away, with the CBD and Orchard Road a longer stroll or 10-minute drive. Find laundry and ironing services at the hotel, with children under 12 able to stay for free. www.lehotel.com.sg
Mid-Range: Peninsula Excelsior Hotel
A 15-minute walk from Marina Bay Sands, the 600-room Peninsula Excelsior caters for the mid-range and business traveller, with its two swimming pools, home-style comfortable rooms with minibar, as well as a gym, sauna and jacuzzi. Choose a room with views over the Esplanade and Singapore River, and enjoy all-day dining at Coleman's Café, which serves up international fare, as well as quick snacks in the Lobby Lounge. www.peninsula-excelsior.hotel-rv.com
Luxury: Raffles
Arguably the most famous hotel in Singapore (maybe even in the whole of South Asia), Raffles simply oozes history and class at every turn, making it a landmark in the city. Relax in the hotel's spa, or sip an iced drink in the tropical gardens that have welcomed the likes of Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham, before enjoying the classic afternoon tea on offer. With 12 restaurants and bars to choose from, including the Writers Bar, Raffles Grill and Empire Café, immerse yourself in over 120 years of history, that's just a short walk from all the city's biggest attractions. www.raffles.com/Singapore/home
