The hi-tech business and air transport hub of the Asia-Pacific, squeaky-clean Singapore sits invitingly on the equator at the edge of continental Asia – in both a geographic and symbolic sense.
o be in Singapore is to have a crash course in Asia; this is the proverbial melting pot and a microcosm of the world’s most populous continent with an equal mix of ethnic Chinese, Indian and Malay and a dash of good old fashioned British Empire.
Getting around
For any visiting Londoners, the Singapore underground system (MRT) is depressingly efficient. Clean, bright and Wi-Fi friendly, getting across the city is a breeze and super cheap too. Invest in an EZ Link smart card with a SGD$ 10 (£4.50) stored value and you are good to go for a full day on all buses and trains. More details at www.smrt.com.sg.
Saris and saffron in Little India
Start the day in typically frantic fashion in Little India, the most vibrant of the three ethnic Asian districts. Head straight for chaotic Tekka market where gaudy jewelry rubs shoulders with gilded hand-made saris and deafening Bollywood music. Grab a seat at a hawker food stand and watch all the fun. Then wander down traffic clogged Serangoon Road to pick up a spicy masala dosa for sustenance before a lingering glimpse at the eye catching and frankly unpronouncable Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.
Glimpsing the good old days
After lunch, hop on a bum boat down the Singapore River to trace the journey from sleepy fishing village to cosmopolitan metropolis. Old British colonial gems dot the waterfront including the Old Parliament Building, Victoria Concert Hall and the Empress Building, where you can lose yourself for a couple of hours at the inspiring Asian Civilisations Museum. On dry land, saunter past the Singapore Cricket Club to the iconic Raffles Hotel (www.raffles.com/singapore) and cool down with a signature Singapore Sling cocktail in the historic Long Bar.
Let Loose on the Waterfront
As sunset beckons, head back to the water’s edge at Marina Bay for an early dinner at the aptly named Gluttons Bay hawker centre, then browse outsider art at nearby Esplanade Arts Centre or try your luck in the lavish Marina Bay Sands Casino. Look out for the statue of the bizarre half-lion half-fish, known as ‘Merlion.’ Across the water, the brightly painted Chinese shop houses of Clarke Quay transform into funky café bars and clubs. Finish the night at evergreen mega club Zirca (www.zirca.sg) for late night carousing in cool retro-chic surroundings.
By Ray Montgomery
