A Visitor’s Guide to Singapore
PEOPLE • PLACES • EVENTS • DINING • NIGHTLIFE
JAN - MAR 2019 contents
WHAT’S ON ART IN THE CITY 04 Look out for these exciting 18 Be inspired by different events. forms of art.
PARK LIFE TAKE ME HOME 10 Explore green sanctuaries 20 Take your pick from unique that are easily accessed from keepsakes that pay tribute the city centre. to Singaporean culture.
MULTICULTURAL 12 CHINATOWN SHOPPING TRAILS Discover different ethnicities and 22 Don’t miss out on the a spectrum of new experiences. best buys in town.
MAKAN TIME CULTURE WALKS 14 Tuck into our city’s best 24 Stroll through a very local dishes. different side of Singapore.
THE EAT LIST JUST KIDDING AROUND 16 Indulge in new epicurean 26 Here are some ideas of how experiences at these you and your young ones can modern restaurants. explore Singapore together.
THRILLS AND SPILLS 28 Be part of the action!
NEON NIGHTS 30 Dive into new after-dark experiences that you won’t forget.
Editor Andre Frois Contributing Editor Darren Chua Sub Editor Chai Tze Yuen Art Director Nor Hamimah www.mongoosepublishing.sg DC 001 05 19 Q1
STB is not responsible for the accuracy, For general enquiries, contact completeness or usefulness of this SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD publication and shall not be liable for any damage, loss, injury or inconvenience arising Tourism Court, from or in connection with the content of 1 Orchard Spring Lane, this publication. You should verify or seek Singapore 247729 clarification from the individual third parties Tel: +65 6736 6622 | Fax: +65 6736 9423 referred to in this publication. Tourist line: 1800 736 2000 (outside Singapore) HANDY TIPS TRANSPORT HANDY TIPS MRT Follow these pointers to make the best of your stay.
Trains typically run from 5.30am to midnight. Standard tickets vary from S$1.50 to S$2.60 (inclusive of S$0.10 card cost). See page 32 for GST Refund the MRT map.
www.smrttrains.com.sg +65 6331 1000 Payment by cash and cards is safe and efficient in Singapore. Tipping is not a common practice as service charge has been factored into the Goods and Services Tax (GST). As a tourist in Bus Singapore, you can claim a refund on 7% GST under the Tourist Tax Fares start from S$1.40. Try to have Refund Scheme if you make any purchase more than S$100 at the the exact fare as change will not be participating shops. Here’s how to go about it: given.
www.sbstransit.com.sg 1. Look out for these signs at the shops. www.smrt.com.sg +65 6331 1000
Taxi Fares start from S$3.90. Comfort & CityCab +65 6552 1111 2. Choose one credit/debit card as a Token for tagging your Premier Cabs +65 6363 6888 purchases. Don’t forget to ask for your eTRS Ticket, original SMRT Taxis +65 6555 8888 invoice or receipt.
CONNECTIVITY 3. Apply for your tax refund at the eTRS self-help kiosks located at Singapore Changi Airport’s Departure Hall and Departure Transit Free Wi-Fi Lounge of Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4, as well as at the ICA duty Register for free public Wi-Fi office at Seletar Airport. Be sure to file your GST claims before service with your foreign number at checking in your goods. any Wireless@SG hotspot across Singapore, and receive your login details via an SMS message. 4. At the eTRS kiosk, swipe your assigned Token to retrieve your Overseas charges may apply. purchase details. Otherwise, scan your eTRS tickets to retrieve Alternatively, you can rent a pocket your purchase details. Wi-Fi device at Singapore Visitor Centre (orchardgateway) or Changi Recommends at Changi Airport. 5. You can choose to have the refund credited directly into your credit card at the eTRS self-help kiosk, or get a cash refund. If SIM Card you chose the latter (available only at Changi International Telcos in Singapore have ceased Airport), proceed to the Central Refund Counter after the the provision of 2G network in immigration checks. Singapore. To attain 3G/4G roaming, buy a Singapore prepaid 6. Alternatively, apply for tax refunds with the Tourego app, a SIM card from Singapore Visitor Centre (orchardgateway), Changi mobile tourist tax refund solution that is downloadable from the Recommends or Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Get your refund ticket telecommunications retail shops issued directly to an e-wallet. Tourego also provides users with located at the airport, major shopping malls and convenience the latest shopping, food and travel tips for an overall fuss-free stores islandwide. journey in Singapore.
2 — JAN/FEB/MAR 2019 WANT MORE? VISIT VISITSINGAPORE.COM HANDY TIPS
Visit Singapore Travel Guide WHAT THE Download and try the enhanced Visit Singapore Travel Guide app (available on iOS) for tips and SINGLISH? recommendations on hidden gems in the city. Choose places of interest according to your English is Singapore’s primary language, though Passion Tribes, explore Singapore with ease and our English is peppered discover the latest events in town. with colloquial expressions that you can easily pick up.
Local Tips Makan • Keep to the left on escalators, especially during peak hours. A Malay expression referring to food or the act of eating. • When taking public transport, always give way to alighting passengers. Board buses from the front door and exit by the rear “There are many shiok makan places in this door. Remember to press the ‘stop’ button early. neighbourhood—here, it’s makan time, all the time! • Some items like pets and durians are not allowed on public ” transport. Shiok An expression of great satisfaction and pleasure. “The food in hawker centres like Lau Pa Sat and Tekka Market is very • Singaporeans love queueing. If you see a queue, check out what’s at shiok! the front of it—you might be in for a treat! ”
• Singapore does not have a tipping culture, but if you’d like to express Tapao your appreciation for the service you have received, please feel free The Singlish equivalent of to do so. takeaway.
Mobile e-payments “If you can’t finish your makan, you can always tapao. Running out of cash while shopping? These electronic payment apps ” will make sorting notes and coins a thing of the past. Electronic payments are widely accepted by various merchants across our island. Paiseh Paiseh means “it’s not Download: courteous of me to do/say Look out for VIA’s logo should you this”, so you might hear a have a compatible Singaporean say “paiseh” e-wallet under VIA if he or she is late, makes a alliance. mistake, is embarrassed or is informing you that you are Alipay: Usage of Alipay’s mobile payment function may be restricted beyond mainland Chinese users VIA™: VIA™ is Asia’s 1st cross border mobile payment alliance that allows you to use your local mobile wallet breaking a rule. overseas. Simply look out for the VIA™ logo to pay via QR. Find out more at viaconnects.com
HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #VISITSINGAPORE JAN/FEB/MAR 2019 — 3 WHAT’S ON JANUARY
Jan Feb 11 -10 Pongal Festival (Harvest) Pongal is a traditional Indian festival that fetes the arrival of spring and the harvest. Tamil Indians celebrate this auspicious event in honour of the Hindu sun god, Surya, and the cattle that tirelessly plough the paddy field and produce milk for man. Head to Little India to discover how this harvest festival is celebrated through a month’s worth of exciting activities, traditional performances and dazzling street decorations.
www.littleindia.com.sg/pongal Various locations including Campbell Lane, Hastings Road, Indian Heritage Centre, Serangoon Road Little India
Jan Feb 18 -24 Dahlia Dreams Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome celebrates Chinese New Year with over 100 varieties of dahlias set against a beautiful Chinese garden backdrop. In addition to the brightly coloured dahlias, the distinctive “thousand- bloom chrysanthemum”—a stunning dome composed of hundreds of uniformly spaced blooms from a Jan 16-27 single chrysanthemum plant—a sight you won’t want to miss. Performances M1 Singapore Fringe and activities for the whole family will Festival 2019: Still also be held throughout the Gardens. Waters Every year, the M1 Singapore Fringe www.gardensbythebay.com.sg Festival celebrates exciting and Gardens by the Bay thoughtful works created by Bayfront Singaporean and international artists. Fringe 2019 will showcase a total of 13 works across diverse genres, examining hidden narratives— Jan Feb including personal, societal and 18 -2 national narratives—including personal, societal and national topics. ARTWALK Look out for Sean Cham’s cheeky Little India 2019 Enjoy pop-up art installations, photographic exhibition entitled This permanent murals, performances is Where, which will be displayed at and screenings across Little India, selected bus shelters across the which pay tribute to both the history island. and modern-day life of this cultural www.singaporefringe.com district. Various locations including Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, www.artwalklittleindia.sg NAFA Studio Theatre and Centre 42 Little India
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19-27 Jan Singapore Art Week 2019 The jewel of Singapore’s visual arts Jan scene, Singapore Art Week is an annual 19 celebration that invites you to stroll Aliwal Urban Art Festival 2019 through art installations, purchase art More than just a showcase of local art, the Aliwal Urban Art Festival is your at diverse art fairs, and participate in chance to get to know local creators. At this friendly gathering of musicians, interactive performances. During this visual artists and performers, you can observe the new identity of Singaporean seventh edition of Singapore Art Week, art that is gradually taking shape. Discover fascinating aspects of urban art visitors can also party in arts venues through a walking tour during this one-day non-ticketed festival. with great music, food and drinks. www.aliwalartscentre.sg www.artweek.sg Aliwal Street Various locations across Singapore Nicoll Highway
Art Week Edition: Bicentennial Edition: 25-27 Jan Jan Jan Feb 18-27 28 -24 ART STAGE Singapore 2019
2 0 Light to Night 18 27 1 A glitzy highlight of Singapore Art Week, JAN - JAN 9 Festival 2019: ART STAGE this year is themed I AM Traces & Echoes ART. Art reflects life. Life is mine, yours, Every year, this urban arts ours. This elaborate and eye-opening fair festival celebrates the invites you to take an exclusive peek into stunning Civic District of the private collections of notable Singapore. With a bevy of collectors, along with eclectic works food, collectibles and artistic from galleries around the world. experiences, it aims to make Traces and Echoes art accessible, bringing a www.sistic.com.sg/events/ One festival, two unique experiences. range of creative expressions cartstage0119 ® to a wide audience across Marina Bay Sands Bayfront numerous iconic venues.
www.lighttonight.sg National Gallery Singapore
2 0 City Hall 28 24 1 JAN - FEB 9 Bicentennial EDITION
HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #VISITSINGAPORE JAN/FEB/MAR 2019 — 5 WHAT’S ON JANUARY
Jan Feb 28 -24 i Light Singapore - Bicentennial Edition An anchor event that will kick-start Singapore’s Bicentennial festivities, i
Elements of Life by Flex Chew Flex by Life Elements of Light Singapore - Bicentennial Edition will feature sustainable light art installations centred on the theme “Bridges of Time”. This festival will bring artists and festival-goers together, to reflect on Singapore’s history and development over the years. You can look forward to an enhanced experience this year as the festival will extend beyond Marina Bay to include the Civic District, Singapore River and Raffles Terrace at Fort Canning.
www.ilightsingapore.sg Singapore River and Marina Bay Bayfront, City Hall and Clarke Quay
Jan Feb 25 -19 Blessings from the SEAA Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the S.E.A. Aquarium palace, where the Goddess of Abundance and the mighty Underwater Sea Dragon will bless you with a harmonious 2019! This adventure for the whole family highlights eight majestic sea animals and what they symbolise in Chinese culture. Kids can Jan participate in craft workshops and From 30 all guests will have the opportunity to experience a Special Underwater Opening of Design Orchard Show. A bevy of local brands across categories like fashion, lifestyle products and souvenirs will be offered at the new Design Orchard, which will house a retail www.rwsentosa.com/seaa showcase on its first floor and an incubator and events space on its upper S.E.A. Aquarium floors. HarbourFront www.designorchard.sg 250 Orchard Road Somerset
6 — JAN/FEB/MAR 2019 WANT MORE? VISIT VISITSINGAPORE.COM WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY
1-17 Feb 3-10 Feb TOYBOX by Hasbro River HongBao 2019 Join us for the inaugural TOYBOX by Enjoy fireworks, interactive lantern Hasbro, a family-friendly carnival that displays and lively performances at promises to transport you to a world this annual Lunar New Year of your favourite Hasbro toys. celebration by the riverside. Watch as Organised by Kingsmen, this flagship our night sky is lit up with the works event features an exciting range of of award-winning artists from Hasbro toy brands, including games Australia, China, USA and Italy during and activities from Transformers, the Fireworks Spectacular, happening NERF, My Little Pony, Monopoly, Play-Doh, Cluedo and Baby Alive. Look out for on four special nights (3, 4, 9 & 10 the Monopoly Apartments—an Instagrammable installation that brings to life Feb). These pyrotechnic displays are the iconic Green House and Red Hotel; Play-Doh Picnic Party—a picnic-themed each 12 minutes long and spread area where families can create their very own Play-Doh picnic spreads; and over three time slots on each of these many more pop-up attractions. Complete with a festival stage, a Hasbro retail four nights, including nightly fireworks shop and a myriad of F&B stalls, TOYBOX by Hasbro is where families can look for the duration of River Hongbao. forward to a full day of fun—there will be something for everyone! www.riverhongbao.sg www.toyboxsingapore.com The Float @ Marina Bay Sentosa Palawan Green (near Beach Station) Promenade HarbourFront
4-19 Feb Wild Chinese New Year Usher in the Lunar New Year on the Feb wild side at our wildlife parks with 3-19 miniature pigs, collared peccaries and Fortune Gathers at Resorts WorldTM Sentosa red river hogs. Don’t forget to explore Watch masters of different divination schools perform live demonstrations at the “zoo-diac trail” in the Night Safari, Fortune Street, enjoy a Sesame Street Monster Lo Hei show at Universal where you’ll be wowed by talented Studios Singapore™ and catch the Queen of Mandopop, A-Mei, performing lion dancers illuminated by LED lights. with superstars Anna and Eve Ai in a special live showcase. Celebrity chef www.wildcny.sg restaurants at Resorts World™ Sentosa will not only be rolling out special Singapore Zoo, River Safari, Night festive menus, but will also be hosting dragon and lion dances to usher in Safari and Jurong Bird Park good luck for the Chinese New Year. Singapore Zoo, River Safari, Night Safari: Take bus 138 from Ang Mo www.rwsentosa.com/CNY2019 Kio MRT station; Resorts WorldTM Sentosa Jurong Bird Park: Take bus 194 HarbourFront from Boon Lay MRT station
HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #VISITSINGAPORE JAN/FEB/MAR 2019 — 7 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY Feb Apr Feb 1 -28 15-24 Raffles in Southeast Asia: Revisiting the Scholar Huayi – Chinese Festival and Statesman of Arts 2019 Sir Stamford Raffles—author of The History of Java, and collector of natural Celebrate the Chinese New Year at history and cultural materials from Southeast Asia—is known for establishing Esplanade with an inspiring and modern Singapore as a British port. He has been viewed as a scholarly expert exciting line-up of arts in the region, a progressive reformer, a committed imperialist, and even a performances, both ticketed and plagiariser. Co-curated with the British Museum, and keeping with the Asian free, by outstanding local and Civilisations Museum’s mission to explore encounters and connections, this international Chinese artists. exhibition presents a multi-layered picture of Raffles, and illustrates that his legacy is more complex than often understood. www.esplanade.com/huayi Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay City Hall and Esplanade www.acm.org.sg Asian Civilisations Museum Raffles Place Feb From 21 Feb Matilda The Musical 15-16 Don’t pass on this highly decorated Chingay 2019 musical, which tells the story of one An exuberant parade comprising of Roald Dahl’s most imaginative colourful floats, stilt walkers and and intrepid characters. Originally dancers of different races, Chingay put on by the Royal Shakespeare not only celebrates the Chinese New Company, this musical has delighted Year, but also the cultural diversity of audiences of all ages and has won Singapore. Besides two nights of over 85 international awards. parades, a carnival will be held this year from 15 - 17 Feb along the entertainment.marinabaysands. parade route near the Singapore com/events/cmatilda0319 Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands® Flyer. Bayfront www.chingay.org.sg F1 Pit Building Promenade Image courtesy of the People’s Association Image courtesythe People’s of Feb Mar 22 -10 Feb Late Company 22-24 Topics like loss and empathy will The MICHELIN Guide Street Food Festival be frankly discussed at Singapore’s thriving culinary scene consists of countless cuisines, local Pangdemonium’s staging of Late classics and 39 Michelin-starred restaurants. At this food festival dedicated Company, a riveting production to the multi-cultural street food of Singapore, one can savour local themed on an imminent and favourites prepared by Michelin-starred restaurants and Bib Gourmand widespread problem— eateries, all in a single locale. cyberbullying.
www.guide.michelin.com www.pangdemonium.com The Coliseum, Resorts World™ Sentosa Victoria Theatre HarbourFront City Hall
8 — JAN/FEB/MAR 2019 WANT MORE? VISIT VISITSINGAPORE.COM WHAT’S ON MARCH Mar 16-24 Sentosa FunFest Sentosa FunFest is back with larger-than-life inflatables. Spend an exciting and fun-filled day with your family and friends at this expansive inflatable playground and end your day with a relaxing Movie by the Mar Beach, while indulging in the 13-24 delicious treats available. Singapore Festival of Fun Fun for the whole family, this www.sentosa.com riverside carnival invites your young Activities at Siloso Beach, movies by the Beach at Palawan Green ones to watch, meet and take photos HarbourFront with its colourful international street Mar performers. Be prepared to split your
8-31 sides when stand-up comedians Sakura Matsuri from around the world take the stage Gardens by the Bay’s Japanese- at the Magners International Comedy themed festival returns with over 20 Festival. varieties of sakura alongside traditional architecture such as www.funfest.com.sg life-sized Torii gates and marumado— Clarke Quay Clarke Quay round windows that frame delicate landscapes. You can also enjoy cultural performances and even take Mar part in a traditional tea ceremony. Late www.gardensbythebay.com.sg Madame TussaudsTM Gardens by the Bay Singapore Bayfront Madame Tussauds™ Singapore will open a new Ultimate Film Experience section soon. Do you have what it Mar Apr 13 19 takes to be a movie star? Here, you LEGEND - can experience what it’s like Gretel and Hansel auditioning for a lead role and rising Culture & Heritage Your kids will love this heart-warming to fame alongside your favourite rendition of the iconic Brothers Indian celebrities. Don’t miss your Arts & Entertainment Grimm story, which weaves in chance to snap a selfie with Madame themes of sibling rivalry and family Tussauds™ Singapore’s newest F&B love. This humorous production is figures, Ariana Grande and Suzy Bae. staged by Singapore Repertory You can also interact with Zhang Theatre’s The Little Company, one of Yixing via a realistic augmented Sports/Action the region’s most celebrated reality experience. children’s theatre companies. Shopping www.madametussauds.com/ www.srt.com.sg/gretelandhansel singapore Nature Adventures KC Arts Centre Madame Tussauds™ Singapore Fort Canning HarbourFront
HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #VISITSINGAPORE JAN/FEB/MAR 2019 — 9 SUSTAINABLE SINGAPORE PARK LIFE A City in a Garden, Singapore is home to numerous green sanctuaries that are easily accessed from the city centre.
1 3 5
01 03 05 Gardens by the Bay The Southern Ridges Singapore Botanic Spanning over 101 hectares of Great for hiking and bird-watching, Gardens reclaimed land, this award-winning this ten-kilometre trail provides you Singapore’s first UNESCO World garden is home to the world’s tallest the opportunity to encounter the Heritage Site is a stimulating indoor waterfall and 16-storey-tall array of flora and fauna that inhabit recreation venue for both the young Supertrees. Spend your day in the Kent Ridge Park, HortPark, Telok and old. Admire over 60,000 orchids conservatories and Far East Blangah Hill, Labrador Nature and other plants at the National Organization Children’s Garden Reserve and Mount Faber Park. The Orchid Garden and let your kids before heading to the OCBC Skyway highest pedestrian bridge in learn through play at Jacob Ballas to enjoy breath-taking waterfront Singapore, futuristic Henderson Children’s Garden. Located within views of the Marina Reservoir and Waves is a popular photo spot with the Gardens, the SBG Heritage city skyline. End your night with the families, couples and joggers. At the Museum features interactive and Garden Rhapsody, a daily, dazzling end of your trek, you can take a multimedia exhibits that will bring light and sound show in the gardens. scenic cable car ride to Sentosa visitors through the Gardens’ rich from atop Faber Peak. heritage. www.gardensbythebay.com.sg 18 Marina Gardens Drive Labrador Park www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg +65 6420 6848 1 Cluny Road Bayfront 1800 471 7300 Botanic Gardens 04 02 Sungei Buloh Wetland TreeTop Walk Reserve Anchored by Singapore’s Central Get up close with a wide variety of Catchment Area, the MacRitchie biodiversity when you stroll along the Nature Trail and Reservoir Park is a boardwalks of this extensive popular destination amongst nature mangrove forest. A popular lovers, trekkers and water sports bird-watching site, this diverse nature enthusiasts. Enjoy breath-taking park is also a crucial refuelling stop views from atop the TreeTop Walk, for migratory birds that travel a 250-metre-long free-standing between Siberia and Australia. Sign suspension bridge that spans up for the free guided walks across the two highest points in conducted every weekend, to learn MacRitchie. more about this nature reserve.
Marymount www.nparks.gov.sg/sbwr 301 Neo Tiew Crescent +65 6794 1401 Take bus 925 from Kranji MRT Station
10 — JAN/FEB/MAR 2019 WANT MORE? VISIT VISITSINGAPORE.COM SUSTAINABLE SINGAPORE
10 MUST DO’S WHILE YOU’RE IN SINGAPORE
Try a durian—the spiky, strong-smelling tropical fruit that’s loved by many Singaporeans.
OVER 47% of our island is covered by greenery. Explore Singapore’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Visit National Gallery Singapore, which houses the world’s largest display of Southeast Asian modern art.
Singapore recycles over 20% of its waste. Get up-close with wildlife at our award-winning Singapore Zoo. SINGAPORE has 72 hectares of rooftop gardens and green walls and aims to triple Indulge in countless local and this by 2030. international brands along our famed shopping belt of Orchard Road.
Party it up in Zouk, which is ranked among the world’s best nightclubs.
Take your own environmentally friendly tour of Singapore. Have a drink at Manhattan, Download a bike-sharing app Asia’s number one bar. and explore our island via the We are among the 20 extensive Park Connector most carbon efficient countries Network, which will soon be in the world. 300km long. Soak in stunning views from the infinity pool atop Marina Bay Sands®.
Bungy jump off Singapore’s first and only bungy tower at AJ Hackett Sentosa.
Immerse in local heritage at our cultural precincts— MORE THAN 80% Chinatown, Joo Chiat/Katong, of households are within a ten-minute Kampong Glam and Little India. walk from a park.
HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #VISITSINGAPORE JAN/FEB/MAR 2019 — 11 CULTURAL PRECINCTS MULTICULTURAL CHINATOWN
This season, our multi-ethnic Chinatown will be decked in vibrantHA EL C lights D and decorations in celebration of the Lunar New Year. If you’re lucky, you might even come across a lion dance performance.