Singapore Short Tour

Singapore has so much to offer but where to find it all? We give it a shot with this beginners guide to Singapore.

We start in City, the financial and colonial heart of Singapore. Here is famous Raffles Hotel, the famous Long Bar, where the Singapore sling was invented and still thrives, and New Asia, with its amazing view and ambiance. Should you just be going for a bite to eat, we recommend the unique complex of Chijmes, with its green and unique interior, right here in downtown.

Moving to the river we find Riverside. This is party central in Singapore, with especially the area around Clarke Quay going out of its way to ensure you see the sun rise. The main clubs like Zouk, are also in this area along with more relaxed cool locations like the Waterfront Restaurant. Cool and chic or massive party, it is all at Riverside.

South of the River we run into Chinatown, the area traditionally settled by the Chinese when first arriving here from Xiamen. It is a colourful area with old shop houses and an authentic atmosphere. Among the dining options is the original Indochine Restaurant.

Moving further south-west, we reach HarbourFront, home of the immense Vivocity mall. The area around the mall hosts many restaurants as well as a Power Station converted into a club hub, St James Powerstation. Behind the harbour front rises Mt. Faber, with The Jewel Box, offering dining and drinking with a view as well as cable cart access to Sentosa.

On arriving at Sentosa, it is a good idea to find a nice spot on the beach and enjoy your proximity to equator - the weather is good. Enjoy a drink beach side at KM8, or Café Del Mar and maybe a late night beach party.

Once sun and sand has made its impact, its back to town again. In the western part you find Holland village, which offers a large number of venues concentrated in this small little area, including an outlet of ever popular Harry's. As you head back, you will be heading down Orchard road, the main Singapore shopping street. It is time to shop till you drop, and maybe enjoy food, drinks and dancing afterwards at places like Emerald Hill or maybe Howl at the Moon?

From Orchard, you can enter little India, definitely among the most colourful areas of town. Sample the scents, spices and large amount of merchandise on offer, and don't forget the food either. Continuing east, you get to Geylang, the original home of the Malay inhabitants of Singapore and today an area with many guest houses and good accommodation deals. It is however, also a red light district, so expect more than rice and vegetables on sale here. It is carnivore country. Going east from here brings you to the airport, but by then you have also managed to see Singapore.