A Visitor’s Guide to Singapore
PEOPLE • PLACES • EVENTS • DINING • NIGHTLIFE
APR - JUN 2019 43805SIAG_AwdStrat19_Awd_Serv_148x210_InsiderGuide_Apr19_Inc.indd 1 27/2/19 5:02 PM contents
WHAT’S ON ART IN THE CITY 04 Look out for these exciting events. 18 Be inspired by different 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 to the city centre. Singaporean culture.
KAMPONG SPIRIT SHOPPING TRAILS 12 Explore the old and new facets of 22 Don’t miss out on the best buys historic Kampong Glam. in town.
MAKAN TIME EYE-OPENING TOURS 14 Tuck into our city’s best 24 Stroll through a very different local dishes. side of Singapore.
THE EAT LIST JUST KIDDING AROUND 16 Indulge in new epicurean experiences 26 Here are some ideas of how you at these modern restaurants. and your young ones can explore Singapore together.
ACTION & ADVENTURE 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 Q2
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)
43805SIAG_AwdStrat19_Awd_Serv_148x210_InsiderGuide_Apr19_Inc.indd 1 27/2/19 5:02 PM 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 GST Refund from S$1.50 to S$2.60 (inclusive of S$0.10 card cost). See page 32 for the MRT map. 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 www.smrttrains.com.sg +65 6331 1000 and Services Tax (GST). As a tourist in Singapore, you can claim a refund on 7% GST under the Tourist Tax Refund Scheme if you make any purchase more than S$100 at the participating shops. Here’s how to go about it: Bus 1. Look out for these signs at the shops. Fares start from S$1.40. Try to have the exact fare as change will not be given. www.sbstransit.com.sg www.smrt.com.sg +65 6331 1000 2. Choose one credit/debit card as a Token for tagging your purchases. Don’t forget to ask for your eTRS Ticket, original invoice or receipt.
Taxi 3. Apply for your tax refund at the eTRS self-help kiosks located at Fares start from S$3.90. Singapore Changi Airport’s Departure Hall and Departure Transit Lounge of Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4, as well as at the ICA duty office at Seletar Comfort & CityCab +65 6552 1111 Premier Cabs +65 6363 6888 Airport. Be sure to file your GST claims before checking in your goods. SMRT Taxis +65 6555 8888 4. At the eTRS kiosk, swipe your assigned Token to retrieve your purchase details. Otherwise, scan your eTRS tickets to retrieve your CONNECTIVITY purchase details.
Free Wi-Fi 5. You can choose to have the refund credited directly into your credit Register for free public Wi-Fi card at the eTRS self-help kiosk, or get a cash refund. If you chose service with your foreign number at the latter (available only at Changi International Airport), proceed to any Wireless@SG hotspot across the Central Refund Counter after the immigration checks. Singapore, and receive your login details via an SMS message. 6. Alternatively, apply for tax refunds with the Tourego app, a mobile Overseas charges may apply. Alternatively, you can rent a pocket tourist tax refund solution that is downloadable from the Apple App Wi-Fi device at Singapore Visitor Store or Google Play Store. Get your refund ticket issued directly to Centre (orchardgateway) or Changi an e-wallet. Tourego also provides users with the latest shopping, Recommends at Changi Airport. food and travel tips for an overall fuss-free journey in Singapore.
SIM Card Telcos in Singapore have ceased Muslim-friendly Destination the provision of 2G network in Singapore. To attain 3G/4G Singapore's diverse, multi-ethnic community offers many Muslim-friendly roaming, buy a Singapore prepaid facilities. This includes facilities ranging from Halal-certified or SIM card from Singapore Visitor Centre (orchardgateway), Changi Muslim-owned eating establishments to prayer rooms in most* major Recommends or attractions, hotels and shopping malls. For a full list of mosques in telecommunications retail shops Singapore, visit www.muis.gov.sg/mosque located at the airport, major shopping malls and convenience * Do check in with the individual establishments on the facilities available. stores islandwide.
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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 Passion Tribes, English is Singapore’s explore Singapore with ease and discover the latest primary language, though events in town. our English is peppered with colloquial expressions that you can easily pick up.
Local Tips Makan A Malay expression referring • Keep to the left on escalators, especially during peak hours. to food or the act of eating. • When taking public transport, always give way to alighting passengers. “There are many shiok Board buses from the front door and exit by the rear door. Remember to makan places in this 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 • Singaporeans love queueing. If you see a queue, check out what’s at the Tekka Market is very front of it—you might be in for a treat! shiok!”
• Singapore does not have a tipping culture, but if you’d like to express your appreciation for the service you have received, please feel free to Tapao The Singlish equivalent of 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. Bojio A Hokkien phrase locals use Download: when not invited to an Look out for VIA’s logo should you activity or event. have a compatible e-wallet under VIA You went to get coffee alliance. “ without me this morning? Bojio!" 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 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 APR/MAY/JUN 2019 — 3 WHAT’S ON APRIL
Apr
Till 7 Image courtesyBoard Heritage National of Image courtesy of World Gourmet Summit Image courtesyWorld of Singapore Heritage Festival Apr May 1 12 Enjoy heritage trails, tours, open houses and performances - at spots across Singapore, and hear hidden tales of our World Gourmet Summit colourful history and heritage. National Heritage Board’s rd At the 23 outing of the month-long World Gourmet annual signature festival for the people, by the people, SHF Summit (WGS)—Asia’s premier haute cuisine festival that presents novel and immersive programmes and celebrates fine cuisines, wines and dining experiences— experiences in partnership with the community and expect a stellar line-up of international masterchefs, stakeholders. For 2019, the Singapore Bicentennial edition along with our brightest culinary talents, serving you of the festival will take place over four weekends, with dinners, brunches, masterclasses and more. events and programmes centred around iconic venues like Kampong Glam, Bedok, Telok Blangah and Kranji. www.worldgourmetsummit.com Various locations www.heritagefestival.sg Various locations
Apr 3 -20 The Truth Best known for staging acclaimed productions like Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress and Shakespeare in the Park, the Singapore Repertory Theatre invites you to uncover Florian Zeller's The Truth. This suspense-filled story about betrayal and deceit premiered at The Chocolate Factory, London, in association with Theatre Royal Bath.
www.srt.com.sg/thetruth KC Arts Centre Fort Canning Apr 1 -30 Apr Aug st Easter Eggs-travaganza with Gudetama 3 - 4 (1 Edition) Join us in Easter Eggs-travaganza at Jurong Bird Park, SAM Mini Mobile Museum which will be peppered with the beloved Japanese egg The Singapore Art Museum’s Mini Mobile Museum invites character. Gudetama fans young and old will love taking you to an intimate experience of Southeast Asian artists’ photos with the park’s avian mascots and taking part in contemporary artworks within a public space. Featuring Easter-themed craft activities. Embark on the egg-venture art forms like drawings, installations, sound and video, hunt and stand a chance to win attractive prizes. you can expect five editions of this travelling art exhibition starting from 2019 onwards. www.birdpark.com.sg Jurong Bird Park www.singaporeartmuseum.sg Take bus 194 from Boon Lay MRT station Jurong, Tampines and Woodlands Regional Libraries
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Ongoing Goh Seng Choo Gallery: Magic & Menace You’ll be amazed by the many types of magic and supernatural beliefs practised by traditional Southeast Asian communities. This eye-opening exhibition will expound on the flora and fauna that are associated with and used in magic, along with supernatural remedies for illnesses, wards against evil and spells of manipulation. Image courtesyIndia Little of Association & Heritage Shopkeepers (LISHA) Apr May www.nationalmuseum.sg 7 7 National Museum of Singapore - Bencoolen, Bras Basah and Dhoby Ghaut Indian Cultural Fiesta A joyous display of unity by the various Indian ethnic communities, this month-long fiesta showcases the vast array of traditions, customs and practices of the Apr 13 14 Indian diaspora in Singapore. At Indian Cultural Fiesta, - you can enjoy cultural performances, exhibitions, HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens 2019 interactive educational journeys, heritage activities and Don’t miss this intense competition between the world’s traditional games. top 16 rugby nations, as they duke it out for the coveted Sevens trophy. This tournament’s enthusiastic fans have www.littleindia.com.sg been known to don whimsical outfits when attending its Little India - Campbell Lane, Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) & exhilarating matches, so feel free to join in the costumed Clive Street (POLI Site) Little India fun. Spectators will also be entertained by roving performers and exciting games. Take your pick from exclusive memorabilia available at merchandise stands and have a ball with rugby superstars at the event’s after-party.
www.singapore7s.sg Singapore Sports Hub Stadium
Apr May 24 - 26 Apr The Phantom of the Opera Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous musical about the 19 -21 mysterious patron of the Paris Opera House will be JSSL Singapore International 7’s returning to Singapore with its breath-taking sets and Let the gifted competitors of the region’s largest youth intricate costumes. Broadway’s longest-running show football tournament inspire you, as you cheer them on in has been seen by over 145 million people around the exhilarating match-ups. At Asia’s largest youth football world and will have you singing along with its 37-strong competition, you’ll be awed by young talents from over international cast and 14-piece live orchestra. 400 teams, including aspiring professionals from the academies of top clubs like Arsenal FC and FC Barcelona. www.marinabaysands.com Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands® www.jssl-singapore7s.com Bayfront Our Tampines Hub (Main venue) Tampines
HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #VISITSINGAPORE APR/MAY/JUN 2019 — 5 WHAT’S ON MAY Apr Sep Festival Village: Around the City: 13 22 - 1-12 May 10-18 May Wonderland Fall down the rabbit hole into Wonderland, an immersive film Singapore Cocktail Festival exhibition celebrating Lewis Carroll's timeless tale and Alice's Singapore Cocktail Festival is a social and experiential adventures in more than 40 cinematic odysseys. Explore gathering of drink makers and lovers from around the how this precocious heroine inspired revolutionary film-making, world. Kicking off Asia’s largest celebration of cocktails, from groundbreaking special effects and animation to its Festival Village congregates some of the world’s evocative storytelling and technological development in this best under one roof. With pop-up bars, artisanal spirit experiential exhibition at Singapore's iconic ArtScience Museum. tastings and award-winning guest bartenders, this village in the Civic District is where cocktail and spirits www.marinabaysands.com/ArtScienceMuseum melds with great music and gastronomic delights. The ArtScience Museum Bayfront fun then continues around the city, as one and all are invited to masterclasses, guest shifts and special May parties, organised by the hottest bars in Singapore. 3 -12 www.singaporecocktailfestival.com RWS Street Eats Empress Lawn (in front of Victoria Concert Hall) Tuck into a tantalising spread of iconic hawker dishes Raffles Place when you visit this gastronomical festival. Here, you will not only get to feast on irresistible Singaporean street foods like popiah (fresh spring rolls with vegetables and assorted filling) and satay (grilled skewered meat) prepared by skilled chefs, but also savour the classic delicacies from our neighbouring countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.
www.rwsentosa. com/StreetEats Resorts World™ Sentosa: Malaysian Food Street & Waterfront HarbourFront Image courtesyArtsof Limited House May 11 -12 May Jun 16 - 2 OCBC Cycle A mass cycling race that brings participants past iconic Singapore International Festival of Arts Singapore landmarks, this exuberant sporting event Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) is your encompasses various categories, including routes for chance to indulge in a wide spectrum of programmes kids of different ages. Iconic landmarks that were part of across theatre, music, dance, film and visual arts. You can the 2018 route include East Coast Park and Marina Bay experience captivating performances by Singaporean and Cruise Centre Singapore. international artists as well as engaging installations during the 2019 edition of SIFA. Refer to pg 18 for more info. www.ocbccycle.com Singapore Sports Hub www.sifa.sg Stadium Various locations
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May Aug 11 - 11 Dino Quest Exhibition Travel a million years back in time and join Professor V and Rex on an immersive quest to find the elusive dinosaurs of Australia. Explore different theories and discover how the different fields of science work together, through a real-life Dinosaur Scientist Adventure. Curated by world-renowned palaeontologist Emerita Professor Patricia Vickers-Rich, this May Jun exhibition features seven interactive zones that offer 17 - 30 thematic and technology-powered adventures. Join us to Ocean Fest! find out what it takes to be a Dinosaur Detective! Celebrate the ocean and the message of conservation at www.science.edu.sg the second edition of Ocean Fest! At this special Science Centre Singapore commemoration of World's Oceans Day held in one of the Jurong East world’s largest aquariums, you and your family can take part in activities centred on environmentalism and unlock the secrets of the ocean.
www.rwsentosa.com/oceanfest S.E.A. Aquarium™, Resorts World™ Sentosa HarbourFront
May Dec 25 - 30 Gallery Children's Biennale 2019 The highly anticipated Gallery Children’s Biennale returns in 2019 with ten new interactive and immersive art May 24 -26 installations that will spark the imagination of both young and old. Presenting the most extensive display of Tatinis Art Show 2019 : artworks by Singaporean and Southeast Asian artists to Hope. Peace. Love date, this event is curated specially for the young ones. Shining the spotlight on emerging artists, the Tatinis Art You and your family can engage in endless possibilities Show 2019 will display and retail over 500 works, priced offered through art and invest in the imaginary, the between S$100 and S$6000, by 50 emerging local and fantastic and the impossible. Coupling thematic international artists. The art show provides an programming with the annual Singapore International opportunity for everyone—from first time art novices, to Children’s Film Festival, this exhibition lets you dive into art lovers and seasoned collectors—to seek out the diverse art forms beyond the conventional. perfect piece of art. You can also check out the fashion showcase put on by special needs kids. www.childrensbiennale.com National Gallery Singapore www.tatinis.com F1 Pit Building Promenade City Hall
HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #VISITSINGAPORE APR/MAY/JUN 2019 — 7 WHAT’S ON JUNE May Jun 3 - 16 Hari Raya Light-Up Hari Raya Aidilfitri or “Eid al-Fitr”, marks the end of Ramadan—the Islamic holy month of fasting and repentance—with joyous celebration. During the month leading up to Hari Raya Aidilftri, visit the Geylang Serai Bazaar and admire the colourful lights that illuminate the streets. Under its dazzlingly lit canopies, you will find an array of contemporary street snacks as well as an assortment of traditional wares and accessories. Besides Geylang Serai, a smaller scale bazaar is also held in the historic Muslim quarter of Kampong Glam (pg 12-13).
Geylang Serai Eunos Image courtesy of Wildlife Reserves Singapore Image courtesyWildlife of Jun Rainforest Lumina Presented by Singapore Zoo, this lush and luminous world invites you to embark on a night walk into a magical rainforest. Illuminate your senses as you experience an enhanced multisensory adventure with over ten immersive zones. Meet the Creature Crew, a quirky group Jun Aug
of virtual animals who will bring you on a whimsical 1 - 31 adventure, on which you and your young ones can capture Circle of Life memorable photos and take home exclusive souvenirs. It’s time to go wild! Meet the animals that inspired Mufasa, Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, the laughing Hyenas www.rainforestlumina.sg and other characters from The Lion King, at Singapore Singapore Zoo Zoo and Night Safari. Immerse yourself in the bustling Take bus 138 from Ang Mo Kio MRT station atmosphere, as mobile sets of iconic scenes from The Lion King move around the zoo.
Jun www.wrs.com.sg Singapore Zoo and Night Safari The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Take bus 138 from Ang Mo Kio MRT station Savour the best of culinary innovation, diversity and sustainability at ‘the Oscars of global gastronomy’, which will be held in Singapore this year. Hosted in Asia for the first time and featuring an equal balance of voters from both genders, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S. Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, will boast its prestigious gala awards, bespoke dinners, interactive masterclasses and lively discussions.
www.theworlds50best.com Various locations
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Jun 8 -9 ULTRA Singapore You’ll be blown away by the world’s top DJs at this international electronic dance music festival. Rub shoulders with fellow revellers at the Singaporean leg of ULTRA, as you enjoy laser and pyrotechnic displays that will light up ULTRA’S various stages.
www.ultrasingapore.com Ultra Park, 1 Bayfront Avenue Bayfront
Jun Jul 21 - 28 GSS: Experience Singapore Take home a slice of Singapore from the refreshed GSS: Experience Singapore. Originally entitled the “Great Singapore Sale”, this year's event will extend beyond attractive discounts and deals, and will offer experiential events that shine spotlight on local talents and culture.
gss.sra.org.sg
Image courtesyColossal Photos of Orchard Road and various locations across the island
Jun
27 - 30 LEGEND Beerfest Asia 2019 The 11th edition of the largest beer Culture & Heritage festival in Asia invites you to savour more than 600 different beers by Arts & Entertainment over 50 exhibitors from around the world. At Beerfest Asia, you will be F&B entertained by a variety of musicians, who will keep the party Sports/Action going until the early morning.
www.beerfestasia.com Shopping Marina Promenade Promenade Nature & Wildlife
HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #VISITSINGAPORE APR/MAY/JUN 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 Image courtesyDanny Santos of 01 03 05 East Coast Park Bukit Timah Nature Marina Barrage A popular hangout among families Reserve Built across the mouth of the and sports enthusiasts, this lively Young and old can explore the 350-metre-wide Marina Channel, park is where you can picnic, fly boardwalks and gentle slopes of this Marina Barrage is Singapore’s 15th kites, cable ski and even play laser ASEAN Heritage Park, which is one of reservoir and caters to around 10% tag. Rent a bicycle or a pair of Singapore’s oldest rainforests. Home of the nation’s water needs. rollerblades and zip down its 15km to 40% of Singapore’s flora and fauna, Responsible for alleviating floods in stretch of beach, along which an a serene quarry and the nation’s tallest some of the lower-lying areas of the array of establishments serve local hill (164 metres), Bukit Timah Nature island, Marina Barrage also offers hawker fare, drinks and fresh Reserve also presents interactive water sports like kayaking and seafood. displays at the Exhibition Hall on the sailing. Fly a kite or have a picnic on second storey of the Visitor Centre its verdant roof, and be sure to stay www.nparks.gov.sg (177 Hindhede Dr) and through the till the evening to enjoy an East Coast Park Service Road events listed on its website. unhindered view of the sunset. Bedok, Eunos and Kembangan www.pub.gov.sg/marinabarrage www.nparks.gov.sg Marina Barrage, Hindhede Drive Beauty World 8 Marina Gardens Drive 02 Marina Bay Gardens by the Bay Spanning over 101 hectares of 04 reclaimed land, this award-winning Coney Island garden is home to the world’s A popular cycling and bird-watching tallest indoor waterfall and venue, Coney Island comprises of 16-storey-tall Supertrees. Spend coastal forests, grasslands, your day in the conservatories and mangroves and casuarina woodlands Far East Organization Children’s that are home to many rare and Garden before heading to the OCBC endangered species. Embark on a Skyway to enjoy breath-taking two-hour guided tour of this waterfront views of the Marina ecologically sustainable island, which Reservoir and city skyline. End your is conducted on selected Saturday night with the Garden Rhapsody, a mornings, or explore on your own by daily, dazzling light and sound show following its signs, which are made in the gardens. from the recycled wood of uprooted casuarina trees. www.gardensbythebay.com.sg 18 Marina Gardens Drive www.nparks.gov.sg +65 6420 6848 Beside Punggol Promenade Nature Bayfront Walk Take bus 84 from Punggol MRT station
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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. Soak in stunning views from long. 300km 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 APR/MAY/JUN 2019 — 11 CULTURAL PRECINCTS KAMPONG SPIRIT Kampong Glam has its origins as a thriving port town and is Singapore's oldest urban quarter. In Malay, the word kampong means "compound", while glam is often attributed to the gelam (long-leaved paperbark tree), which was found and used locally for boat-making, medicine and even as a food seasoning. This historic Muslim quarter will be especially vibrant during the fasting month of Ramadan, which is when you can expect vibrant street light-ups and night bazaars.