Just as you think you’ve finally mastered all there is to know about the little red dot, there’s always something new around the corner. Singapore is a city full of surprises, and as visitors and locals would agree, has an exciting pulse that fuels its innovation and creativity. Here at DayAway, we highlight the city’s best for you to discover:
Art and Culture
Pearl’s Hill Terrace
Back in the day, Pearl’s Hill Terrace had a straight reputation for housing police headquarters strategically overlooking the neighbourhood of Chinatown, where crime and vice was at its post-war peak. But go there now and you’d find a completely different narrative: one that embraces Singapore’s storied history with a young and vibrant arts community that houses some of Singapore’s most creative talents. Studios not to be missed include The Potter’s Guilt for ceramic workshops, State of Shiok for Singapore’s first and only tattoo art jamming experience, and Black Crow Taxidermy Singapore for all you nature enthusiasts.
National Gallery Singapore
Housed in two national monuments in the Civic District—just a stone’s throw away from luxury hotel, The Capitol Kempinski Singapore—this gallery is home to the largest public collection of modern art in Singapore and Southeast Asia dating from the 19th Century to present day. Nestled in the museum is also three Michelin-starred restaurant Odette, helmed by acclaimed chef Julien Royer. True gourmands can expect to indulge in an exceptional meal featuring the best of Asian produce, weaved seamlessly and presented in modern French techniques.
DayAway Tip: If you’re looking for another cultural spot, head to Bugis and Bras Basah to discover the historical enclaves of Arab Street, Kampong Glam and Little India. Post exploration, take a break at the nearby InterContinental Singapore (also housed in a heritage building) and treat yourself to their amazing poolside DayAway called Palms Voyage Escape.
Dining
The Coconut Club
A few things come to mind when you think of Singapore’s national dishes, and the quintessential nasi lemak is certainly one of them. This fragrant rice dish features the best of juicy fried foods paired with a piquant sambal to whet your appetite. The fight for the best plate in Singapore is a perennial debate, but we reckon the recently reopened The Coconut Club definitely holds it own.
Dempsey Hill
Home to many of Singapore’s well-loved restaurants, Dempsey Hill is a culinary spot not to be missed. Check out Long Beach and Jumbo Seafood to satisfy your black pepper and chilli crab cravings respectively, while the iconic Samy’s Curry serves up their Bourdain-approved fish head curry. Acclaimed BBQ restaurant Burnt Ends moved here with a new bakery to boot, while Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant Candlenut—part of the beautiful COMO Dempsey complex—plates the best of nyonya cuisine.
Restaurant Born
Housed in the iconic Jinrikisha Station at Tanjong Pagar, avid gourmands have been waiting with bated breath for contemporary fine-dining restaurant, Restaurant Born, to open its doors. With Chef Zor Tan at the helm, this newest entrant to Singapore’s exciting dining scene brings together French gastronomy and Chinese flavours to present an innovative culinary experience for diners to enjoy. Bookings highly recommended.
Wellness and Adventure
Raffles Hotel Singapore
City dwellers will be thrilled to find a holistic sanctuary within the grand dame of Singapore, located right in the middle of the city. With their Sunrise Spa & Swim experience, you can indulge in a 60-minute massage to start your day before heading to their outdoor pool to soak up the sun.
If you’re looking for a self-care experience that comes with a feast, Raffles Hotel has you covered. Try the Butcher’s Block Brunch & Poolside Siesta for amazing food and time at the pool, Indulgent Brunch at Osteria BBR for a free-flow Sunday feast, or the Facial with Friends, which comes with Afternoon Tea at the Grand Lobby.
Gardens By The Bay
Just adjacent to the Marina Reservoir, a stroll at Gardens by the Bay is a lovely way for anthophiles and budding botanists to unwind and take in the lush variety of plant species. Must-visit attractions within the park include the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and Supertree Grove, where you’ll be immersed in enchanting worlds of foliage and flowers.Â
DayAway Tip: One thing we love about Singapore is how green it is, even though it’s actually quite the concrete jungle. Check out one of the best examples of biophilic design, The PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, which also has wellness DayAways in store for guests.Â
Shopping and Nightlife
The Vagabond Club
Not all jazz experiences are created equal, and you can be sure to expect an indulgent evening at The Vagabond Club. A DayAway experience there will see you listening to the buttery riffs of live jazz music while sipping on award-winning whiskies. What’s more, you’ll get to sink your teeth into your choice of two premium steaks and starters before rounding off your night with a bottle of wine of your choice.
MO Bar
Keen for cocktails? You’re in the right place. Singapore is a treasure trove of world-class cocktail experiences, as you’ll see in our pick for the 10 Best Bars. We’re quite partial to the MO Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Singapore, which boasts a line-up of stellar cocktails and soaring views of the Marina Bay—a sophisticated space that’s a perfect location for an urban nightcap.
www.mobarsg.com
Offtrack
If you’re feeling somewhat more upbeat, Offtrack is the city’s new go-to for everything local. Helmed by the folks behind local record company Darker Than Wax and Ice Cream Sundays, look forward to some groovy tunes from the ever-friendly vinyl deck that celebrates diversity for creative souls alike.
www.offtrack.sg
DayAway Tip: The neighborhood of Tanjong Pagar is a great area for drink connoisseurs, You can start at boutique hotels like Duxton Reserve and weave your way to hidden local watering holes and award-winning bars.
