Movie turns Singapore into must-visit hotspot
The world is ready to see everything Singapore has to offer with this week’s theatrical release of Kevin Kwan’s best-selling hit Crazy Rich Asians.
The film paints a luxurious picture of this eastern cultural hub, with many scenes taking place among some of the city’s flashiest hotspots, including Marina Bay Sands, Supertree Grove and the city’s famous Hawker Centres.
While Singapore was ranked the 38th most popular international destination for Canadians on the latest Hotel Price Index from Hotels.com, the film’s release is expected to push it further to the top of Canadians’ next vacation hotspot.
Here are some hotels that earned top ratings on the index:
Best Boutique: Hotel Fort Canning — Feel like you’re attending the Wedding of the Century at this palace-like property. The award-winning boutique hotel is luxurious and trendy, with two outdoor pools. The property is within Fort Canning Park, where Colin and Araminta’s wedding reception is held in the book. Prices from C$264 per night.
Best Business: ParkRoyal on Pickering — It’s a luxury hotelin-a-garden concept wth a fullservice spa, outdoor pool, and walking distance to the famous Raffles Place. Prices from C$278 per night.
Best Luxury: The Vagabond Club — Located in the heart of Singapore’s Central Heritage District, this opulent vintage Art Deco building will cater to your every need. Prices from C$263 per night.
Best Family: Capri by Fraser —Delight in local living, with this upscale Singapore apartment hotel residence. This urban inspired high-tech property cuts through the conformity of typical hotels, offering an extensive range of facilities and services together with the comfort and convenience of a full-service residence. Prices from C$174 per night. Travel Tips for Singapore Best Time to Travel Located in the tropics, Singapore’s climate is more or less the same year-round, with temperatures rarely dipping below the mid-20s even at night. That means that whenever you come, loose, light clothes are essential to beat the humidity, but air conditioning is a feature of most places. Formula 1 fever hits Singapore each September, with hotels quickly getting booked up and prices leaping. Getting around Singapore’s Changi Airport is a global hub, and one of the busiest in the world, so getting here is easy. Located about 30 minutes east of downtown Singapore, the airport is well connected by public transport and taxis. One of the most convenient ways of getting around the city is on the MRT light rail system, which will shuttle you around the key districts. Customs and etiquette Learn the dos and don’ts and follow them wisely. Singapore is generally friendly and welcoming, but one thing you’ll notice is how gleamingly clean and shiny it is. To keep it this way, minor infractions, such as littering, can be severely punished with hefty fines. Chewing gum is particularly frowned upon, and the sale of it is banned in Singapore. Must see: Light-ups Singapore has some of the most impressive light-up festivals of anywhere, celebrating everything from ethnic holidays to artistic wonderlands like the Singapore Night Festival and the Light Marina Bay Sustainable Light Art Festival.
But Singapor offers more than just elaborate street decorations — it also has bazaars and free street performances. Visiting one could end up being your best experience.