For over two centuries, Singapore has been the steady crown jewel of Asia. An exotic melting pot of cultures. A cosmopolitan hub. And undoubtedly still a shining light of business-friendly incentives and governance that beckons to every firm dreaming of expanding in the East. It’s a great place for executives too. For your next solo holiday, or weekend with the boys, here are a few things you don’t want to miss, especially if it’s the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix weekend.
Without bias, everything about Singapore is world-class. So that’s where the intrigue lies. There’s nothing that will disappoint from a quality perspective. And everything is within reach via a short cab ride.
Friday
It starts with Changi airport, an experience in itself. The amazing service and amenities make you want to stay in the hotel just a bit longer and there’s nothing wrong with that. Get your bags stored and wander around Jewel, the stunning mall that sits in the centre of this amazing air hub. Jewel’s blends the best of a nature reserve into the amenities of a mall, with the world’s tallest indoor waterfall right at its heart. Grab a bite of Luke’s Lobster, with their scrumptious fresh Maine air-flown lobster roll. The lobster here isn’t just great but we love that fact that Luke’s have invested in sustainable farming. But yes, the food is just heavenly though and if you want something a little more tangy, the Wasabi Mayo Lobster roll will not disappoint either.
You should then head out in style with a Grab Premium ride (the local version of Uber, which is a regional behemoth in its own right) and go straight from where you are in the East Coast to Singapore’s central core. At its very heart is Orchard Road every shopper’s go-to paradise. However, we recommend a slight detour that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the district to a quieter location where the Four Seasons awaits you. It’s one of Singapore’s best hotels and a well-kept secret if your really want to see.
Singapore itself is a short ferry ride away from the Indonesian islands of Batam and Bintan. At Bintan, you’ll be assured of a great golf experience.
Their spa experience will ensure you’re ready for a great time. Our recommendation for dinner is Firangi Superstar, about 15 minutes away in the charming precinct known as Outram. Self-described as a ‘colonial’s love letter to India’, the decor is refreshingly authentic and the modern take on Indian cuisine is sumptuously enticing. The staff are friendly and passionate about the food and drinks.
Once you’re rejuvenated with your spa experience, you have two choices. You can head down to Sentosa Island, about 20 minutes away. It’s accessible by car and is most Singaporeans’ preferred party destination. We recommend getting dropped off close to the town centre and then walking down along to Siloso Beach where you’ll find a few beach-front outlets to hang out in. The other option is in town itself, right in the Central Business District. A vibrant little nook off the main thoroughfare (Cross Street) called Club Street is still an amazing place for a drink. We recommend Merci Marcel. It lies at the start of Club Street so you won’t be bothered by noise and if you choose an al fresco spot outside. Come by early and grab a drink and watch Singapore’s most vibrant street come to life. With it’s Parisian-inspired menu, you’ll be well served throughout the night just going with it’s sharing dishes (amazing Ravioles de Royans or ‘France’s equivalent of dumplings’), a charcuterie board or some of their sumptuous mains.
Sunday
Start your morning appropriately lazily by indulging in a slow breakfast at One-Ninety, the Four Seasons’ signature restaurant. There are four breakfast sets to choose from – American, Continental, Chinese nad Japanese – and we think the choice should be obvious. Singapore’s Chinese population represents the country’s majority and a regular portion of their breakfast dining is devoted to Dim Sum, which you’ll get to sample. Think of it as the Chinese equivalent to tapas but with distinctive flavours of its own. You’ll also get some wok-fried noodles with bean sprouts and soy sauce, plus servings of congee (a porridge dish served with meat).
Head down to the Asian Civilisation Museum and really get immersed in Asia’s legacy. Each floor in the museum is devoted to a different theme. The Galleries on the first floor tell the story of Trade. The story begins in the 9th century, with the Tang Shipwreck display. The more than 1000 pieces of ceramics, gold, and silver displayed tell the story of the bustling Indian Ocean trade, and of globalisation long before the term was coined. The second floor re-tells the theme of Faith and Belief; their origins in Asia, their spread across the continent by land and by sea, and their localisation each step of the way. Pop-up or temporary exhibits will also make their way to the museum from time to time but don’t wait for these. The permanent ones are a great way to get acquainted with Singapore.
The museum itself is on the shore of Boat Quay, where we recommend a river cruise to get up-close with the sights of the Singapore River. Next is a short trip to the stunning Marina Bay Sands, the perfect place to get stocked up on exquisite celebrity chef experiences. We absolutely love Chinoiserie. As the name suggests, it represent Chef Justin Quek’s harmonious attempt to blend east and west, or French and Chinese cooking techniques in this case. A perfect example is the Freshly Shucked French Oysters, which come with an option for ginger flower and plum sauce dressing. It’s ‘award-winning’ in our books. A great vegetarian option is the Truffle Pasta, served as a bed of capellini pasta with Perigord Black Truffles, Wild Mushrooms and Albufera sauce. You can then walk it off by exploring some great places to stock up on your accessories. Church’s is one of our go-to outlets for spectacularly crafted men’s shoes and accessories and we don’t just mean the regular Oxfords or Derbies. Their legendary St James collection is still elegant stylish and something that should feature in every man’s wardrobe. If that’s not your fancy, we highly recommend the new St James Leather Card Holder in a coffee shade.
It’s Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix night and you want to get grandstand access to the world’s best night race. About 268,000 spectators attended when it was last held in 2019 so the 2023 race is going to be keenly felt. On a balmy evening, the cool breeze is your perfect cloak to let you soak up the thrill of the city circuit with Marina Bay Sands as the perfect back-drop. Whether you’re getting fed at one of the many precincts next door or in a hospitality suite itself, the vibes are great. Singapore Grand Prix also puts on a podium-deserving after party. It’s literally half the reason why people visit. If that’s not for you, another recommended experience is to visit the iconic Raffles Hotel. It’s an institution in Singapore with its own iconic export, the Singapore Sling. Served in the Long Bar, this tropic-inspired cocktail is a must-have and the ideal way to top off your weekend in the Lion City.
If you’re feeling adventurous, Singapore’s a great safe haven to anchor yourself in, then indulge in some spa and culinary pampering, and then even take short hops to extend those weekend gateways into week-long South East Asian sojourns that are only two to three hours away by flight.
Note: The Formula Singapore Grand Prix runs from 15 – 17 September in 2023. Tickets can be purchased here.