Singapore, a bustling city home to some of the most magnificent and futuristic man-made sights. This mecca in the heart of Asia isn’t only a stop-over city like it once was, but rather, a place to treat yourself to some of the most high end and luxurious activities. We partnered up with Mont Blanc Australia to give you an insiders guide to this green metropolis.
Where to eat
For breakfast
Hailing from Melbourne, the self-proclaimed ‘brunch capital of the world’, we generally aren’t that excited by breakfast spots globally. However, we can recommend the following:
Common Man Coffee Roasters
22 Martin Road, #01-00, Singapore 239058
Common Man take’s coffee seriously. Just like you should. Their beans are roasted in-house and the food selection and ambience is great too.
Don Ho- Social Kitchen Bar.
1 Keong Saik Road, The Working Capitol Building, Singapore 089109
A cool brunch spot with an equally funky interior. Think tropical Hawaiian vibes with floral wallpaper and huge indoor plants. This place is also a great spot for lunch & dinner, as well for cocktails.
For lunch
Make sure you visit the internationally renowned Hawker Halls- these are by far the most quintessential Singaporean export. The famous ‘soya chicken and rice’ is an absolute steal.
Tiong Bahru
9A Boon Tiong Road, Singapore 162009
Many locals will give you mixed opinions on where’s the best Hawker Hall, so we ventured the famous, recently renovated Tiong Bahru, picked a stall with the biggest line and wow, we weren’t disappointed. A full meal with a drink set us back less than a few dollars.
We’ve also been recommended Maxwell Road Hawker Centre & the Chinatown Complex Market.
For dinner
The National Kitchen by Violet Oon
1 St. Andrew’s Road #02–01, National Gallery, Singapore 178957
This was something special. While many restaurants in Singapore are international, gearing to the huge expat population, the National Kitchen pays homage to its spectacular local cuisine. We were incredibly impressed with every dish served to us. Our tips are the satay chicken, beef rending and dry laksa. Save room for dessert.
Kilo Kalang
66 Kampong Bugis, level m, Singapore 338987
Feeling something more hipster? Kilo Kalang located in an old storage warehouse on the skirts of Kallang Basin. It’s Singaporean fusion which is catered well to foreigners with an exceptional cocktail menu to match. We recommend the slow cooked lamb and makgeolli passion cocktail.
Where to shop
Singapore is a shoppers haven.
Colony Clothing
83 Clemenceau Ave, Singapore 239920
Arguably Singapore’s best, menswear-focused boutique. The selection is incredible, with a mix of sartorial, casual and resort wear, alongside shoes, accessories and quirky items like surfboards and homewares. The shop was formed by two Japanese expats, bringing their keen eye for style to the Singaporean market.
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
Catering to those with exceptional taste. Rather than finding retail stores stocking multiple brands, you’ll find full-size storefronts like those found in Milan, Paris and London- all in one giant, confined space. We couldn’t believe the selection available. We were quite jealous really.
Keep an eye out for some of our favourites like Brunello Cucinelli, Lora Piana and Mulberry.
Orchard Road
Orchard Rd, Singapore 238879
Similar to Londons Oxford street, you’ll find plenty of your favourite international and local brands alike down this 2.2km shopping strip.
What to do
Gardens By The Bay
18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
There’s nothing more to be said. Make this number 1 on your priority list. The flower dome opens at 9am so we suggest getting to the site at 8am to wander and explore the surrounding areas… and to beat the crowd, which we heard can get pretty nasty during the day.
Little India:
#02-07, 48 Serangoon Road, Singapore, 217959
A colourful hub in the heart of the city, you can find delicious, traditional Indian food and Instagrammable facades.
Henderson Waves Bridge
Henderson Road, Singapore 159557
Feeling active? Slip on your trainers on and visit this architecturally beautiful bridge outside the hustle and bustle of Singapore. It’s apart of a 5km hiking trail that takes you through three major parks, giving you stunning views of the island.
Where to drink
Employees Only
112 Amoy St, Singapore 069932
A speakeasy-style bar filled with locals and expats alike. It’s small and intimate but features a good, mature crowd.
Atlas Bar
600 North Bridge Rd, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778
This grand art-deco inspired venue is one for the gin lovers. Apparently, it has the worlds largest collection with more than 1,000 bottles. There’s also a rose gold champagne room with more than 250 kinds of champagne. Swanky!
Where to dance
Kilo Lounge
21 Tanjong Pagar Road, #01-02/04, Singapore 088444
If you’re feeling up to it and aren’t too jet-lagged, this is where the cool cats are at. Playing the latest in tech and house music, a rarity in this part of the world. You won’t find many locals, but rather a room packed full of expats – take this as you will. We stayed here to the early hours of the morning…. and regretted it dearly the following day.
Tanjong Beach Club
120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098942
Another place to get your groove on during the weekend. A great getaway from Singapore’s concrete jungle, offering tropical vibes and good times.
Where to sleep
The Warehouse hotel
320 Havelock Road, 169628 Robertson Quay, Singapore 169628
A beautifully restored and heritage godown (Asian warehouse) on the banks of the Singapore River. These days the spices and silks are gone, but its industrial past is not forgotten. Machinery-inspired lighting dangles from black-iron beams in the triple-height vaulted lobby, while in the rooms, earthy textures of concrete and copper contrast with the sleek modern styling. Cool off in the glass-walled infinity pool on the roof, or with a signature cocktail at the bar.
Like a local
Calling cab drivers ‘Uncle’ or ‘Aunt’. Adding ‘La’ to the end of words. Trust us, they’ll love you.
Travelling tips
Depending on the time of the year, don’t be caught without an umbrella. We learnt the hard way.
It’s also extremely humid year round, so be sure to pack relaxed fit clothing made of linen or linen blends.
This guide was last updated on the 16/07/2018.