Plan your next Singapore fling in advance with these ‘stopover’ itinerary ideas…
Day One AM: Check into the comfortable Novotel Clarke Quay, well-positioned near the buzzy Clarke Quay Marina complex and opposite the green hills of Fort Cannon Park. Then get set to join the locals in their favourite pastime: shopping! Head to mega-mall heaven on Orchard Road or treat yourself to the cool, edgy boutique-driven surrounds of Bugis Junction and stock up on reading material at the Kinokuniya Bookshop.
PM: You’ve probably skipped lunch but you can pick up an afternoon snack at one of the hawker stands or food courts which serve up fresh, delicious international snacks and cheap and tasty Chinese and Indian dishes. Take a late afternoon spin on the Singapore Eye for a huge view of the harbour and city, including the imposing towers of the new Las Vegas Sands-backed casino resort. Head back towards the Novotel for dinner and drinks at one of Clarke Quay’s multitude of bars and restaurants. We like cool IndoChine and Attica.
Day Two AM: Visit a museum: try the National Museum of Singapore, with cutting- edge exhibits or the Peranakan Museum which showcases the Malay-influenced Chinese communities of the former Straits Settlements plus fascinating temporary exhibitions such as the Baba Bling jewellery collection. Great gift shop too.
PM: Leave before lunch so you can hop in a cable car and head out to the animal and nature parks, beaches, butterfly park on Sentosa Island. Refresh on your return by ploughing through the free peanuts and propping up the Long Bar at the legendary Raffles Hotel. Finish your stopover on a high note with dinner on Level 70 of the Swissotel Stamford hotel at Equinox Restaurant. Delicious East-West fusion cuisine with an awesome panoramic view of the city.
Transport tip: Getting around is easy on the briskly- efficient MRT public rail system and reasonably priced taxis.
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