Introduction
From a tantalising food scene and endless shopping to lush gardens and marinas, Singapore is one of Asia's top destinations. You'll find an inspiring city-in-nature destination – vibrant and cosmopolitan but rooted in strong multicultural heritage. But, through iconic and lesser-known attractions – both old and new – we reveal how extraordinary imagination has turned commonplace activities into unexpected and inspirational travel experiences in this innovative city nation. With quirky twists on familiar wonders, we're thinking the likes of forest bathing at the unexpected setting of Jewel Changi Airport’s Rain Vortex; or dining at Singapore’s largest open-air Satay Street.
A playground for inspiration
Singapore is consistently ranked as among the most innovative nations in the world. In over 60 years of history as an independent city-state, it has built a reputation on pushing the envelope of what is considered to be the norm. Though the strive for creation may be deep-rooted, much of it can be attributed to the country's welcoming approach to business. With palpable limits on land and natural resources, Singapore has instead offered itself as a home for global business, innovation and talent, harnessing the best local and international minds, making it a breeding ground for creative opportunity and investment. This in turn has resulted in a vibrant and constantly evolving tourism scene, celebrating local culture in new and imaginative ways; we explore the best of this below.
Singapore skyline
Wholesome recreation and wellness
To stand still is to fall behind – that's why Singapore's tourism scene is permanently developing. Take for instance Asia’s largest bird park. The newly opened Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve is a real haven for lovers of birds, and brings the natural world to the heart of the city. Home to 3,500 birds and over 400 species, visitors can choose between ten themed zones including eight walk-through aviaries where you can immerse yourself in naturalistic mixed-species habitats reflecting the different biomes of the world, from the brilliantly coloured exotic birds to stunning wetland vegetation and vibrant blooms. Meanwhile, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to food and beverages, including local gelato boutiques with botanical-inspired desserts and bites.
Elsewhere in the city, Singapore takes a holistic approach to ensuring visitors return to a calm and restful state of mind. Indeed, with the fast stressful pace of modern day life, the priority for wellness and mental health on holiday has never been higher. Step forward Xiu Nature Connections – a pioneering host offering everything from an immersive forest bathing and nature therapy experience, to sleep-based meditation classes in the heart of the city and yoga sessions in Marina Bay Sands' SkyPark, 56 stories up in the air.
Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Over in Sentosa, guests can immerse themselves in an extraordinary fusion of innovative leisure activities. The Palawan @ Sentosa by Shangri-La Group redefines beach-side lifestyle and entertainment with eight immersive leisure experiences. Among these are HyperDrive, the region’s first indoor gamified electric go-kart circuit, Singapore’s first floating aqua park and various themed beach club experiences. Aside from The Palawan, visitors will soon be able to enjoy a unique island walk through Sentosa Sensoryscape – a day-to-night multi-sensorial experience featuring biophilic gardens which are designed to awaken one's intrinsic senses – along with the chance to indulge in a wellness retreat at Singapore’s first villa-only hotel, Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa.
Urban Yoga in Singapore
Pioneering food, leisure & sustainability
Singapore's lust for innovation also extends to its dining and bar scene. Perhaps most notable of these is PLUME, a new bird-themed cocktail bar at Pan Pacific Singapore inspired by the local nature, a truly unique setting. Elsewhere, foodies familiar with the Frantzen Group behind 3 Michelin-starred Restaurant Zen will be delighted by the prospect of the newly opened and overseas outlet of Brasserie Astoria. Housed in the iconic Victoria Theater & Concert Hall, it returns the spirit of grand dining halls to Singapore with flambé trolleys and table-side service, set against the sound of a soulful playlist.
Just a stones throw away, Orchard Road's evolution from a humble shopping street – where fruit orchards, nutmeg plantations and pepper farms sprawled into an unnamed road – into a must-visit lifestyle destination is well underway. Towering over Singapore's prime shopping belt, the new Pan Pacific Orchard hotel is an architectural masterpiece in a prime location. The luxury urban oasis comprises of four distinct open-air terraces on different floors inspired by nature of a different theme – forest, beach, garden and cloud – wrapped on both sides by guests rooms in six-story blocks. It all fusing seamlessly to provide an array of exceptional experiences across unique environments. Nearby, COMO Orchard houses Asia's first patisserie by world renowned pastry chef, Cédric Grolet, known primarily for its exquisite desserts inspired by fruits and flowers and a special tea menu.
Singapore is also a pioneer in sustainability-led initiatives. Showcasing this perfectly, travellers can join the Zero to Hero Food Sustainability Tour where they'll explore wet markets on the hunt for green 'waste' to transform into useful compost – just another example of the multi-faceted and holistic thinking in Singapore.
