Stopover in Singapore

Getting to Singapore has never been easier. With the introduction of daily flights from Chennai by low-cost operator Scoot, it takes less than four hours to reach the Garden City, making it ideal for a quick getaway. 

Stay at the Ibis Styles Singapore on MacPherson and enjoy the view from the comfort of your room, which overlooks the industrial hub. Lounge by the poolside or tuck into a hearty meal at the Chat & Chow restaurant, with its pop-art inspired walls and cheerful decor, before heading out to explore the city’s diverse offerings.  Potpourri of cultures: Singapore’s cultural diversity is evident in the bustling street corners, presence of religious shrines of myriad beliefs and roadside food stalls. Begin your Singapore sojourn with a trip to the Tekka Centre, located in Little India arcade. Apart from the wet market, there is a smorgasbord of food stalls serving everything from satays to mutton biriyani, seafood laksa (spicy noodle soup) and Hainanese Chicken Rice, a Singaporean specialty. Walk along the lanes of Little India, filled with goldsmiths, trishaws and predominantly Tamilian-owned shops selling knick-knacks and other odds and ends. 

The scene changes as you head to the Arab Quarter in Rochor, with the scintillating golden dome of the Sultan mosque towering over street stalls peddling car pets, clothes, fabric, curios, peppered with boutiques and eateries.  

Shopaholics’ delight: Haji Lane, a charming street in the Arab Quarter, is a must-visit — for its smattering of fashion boutiques offering a glimpse into Singapore’s haute couture, elegant cafes with delicate cakes and pastries, English pubs and graffiti-covered walls — which are perfect selfie spots for tourists. 

For the shopaholics, the Bugis Junction mall, a short walk from Haji Lane, is ideal to pick up designer wares. Take a break from shopping and tuck into some traditional kaya toast and delicious cold coffee at Toast Box, a 60s style coffee shop. 

Many moods of Singapore: Take a ride on the Singapore flyer, which offers a panoramic view of the Garden City, with the sea on one side and skyscrapers dotting the golden skyline. According to the locals, twilight is the best time to ride the flyer, giving a glimpse of Singapore by night. After a ride, head to Gardens by the Bay — a series of heritage gardens situated right at the heart of the city. With three waterfront gardens, conservatories and horticulturally themed gardens, a walk in these scintillating groves comes highly recommended. 

Memorable experiences: High tea in Singapore is a uniquely charming experience. Head over to Sofitel So on Robinson Road for not just their hugely popular high tea but to also soak in the beauty of the heritage structure with elegant French-Singaporean styled interiors, conceptualized by Karl Lagerfeld, the iconic fashion designer. Lagerfeld’s signature style is manifested in the black and white goblets, a stack of his favorite books in the library and decor elements strewn all across this chic  luxury hotel. The high tea features a range of delicate tarts - from chocolate to salted caramel, profiteroles in different flavours with a chocolate base to keep them from getting soggy, decadent dark chocolate mousse, scones, quiche lorraine, sandwiches and mini-eclairs with creamy fillings. 

Explore the bustling lanes of Chinatown, Singapore’s most prominent ethnic enclave, embellished with Chinese lanterns. While traversing the streets of Chinatown, don’t be surprised if you come across the Mariamman temple, with it’s majestically vivid gopuram or the Jamae Mosque built in 1830, which are signposts of Singapore’s multicultural identity. Head to the food stalls on Chinatown for some authentic delicacies such as kan kong (water spinach), Hong Kong noodles and Stingray fry. 

Feel the pulse: If clubbing is high on your priority list, check out the watering holes in Club Street and Clarke Quay. On Friday nights, the revelry hits an all time high, with a smattering of live bands, attractive offers on your pint and delicious finger food to fuel your night of partying at some of Singapore’s hottest clubs and pubs. 

Check into the Mercure Singapore Bugis, situated in the heart of the city’s arts and culture district, to experience the pulse of the city. At Sauces, a restaurant by acclaimed chef Daniel Koh, sample the delicious steamed Gindara fish, tossed with leek, tomato, garlic and black olives  in soy-based sauce. Round off the meal with the elegantly decadent ‘Varthana’ warmed chocolate fondant served with honeycomb ice cream.   Make a reservation for dinner at Artichoke, a mediterranean restaurant on Middle Road, for a delightful spread. Take your pick from fresh pita bread served with baba ganoush, hummus and muhammara, slow roasted lamb shoulder served with homemade pomegranate sauce, Brassica tabbouleh and charred broccoli. After dinner, walk around the Bugis marketplace, with its multi-storeyed array of shops, to work off the calories, while picking up souvenirs, apparel and baubles for folks back home. 

Beach bum: Spend a day at the Sentosa Island, beach hopping across Tanjong and Silosa — soaking up the sunshine and Vitamin Sea. If luxe is on your list, head over to the Sofitel Sentosa Resort and Spa, with its lavish suites, luxurious spa treatments and the famous Sunday brunch at Kwee-zeen restaurant, overlooking the island.