Singa-phwoarr!
Neil Batey discovers that 21st century cutting edge technology and age-old culture go hand in hand in scintillating Singapore
To a funky soundtrack, 12 giant illuminated canopied structures start to pulse and shimmer in time to the music.
It’s like Avatar meets Saturday Night Fever as we stand in awe, watching the dazzling display of light and sound gather momentum.
From my vantage point on the aerial walkway suspended between two towering neon ‘Supertrees’, I’ve a perfect view as lasers and fireworks from Singapore’s iconic Marina Bay Sands resort light up the sky.
Gardens by the Bay – arguably its futuristic, most talked about and certainly most Instagramfriendly attraction – is strangely characteristic of this tiny island city-state in Southeast Asia… a gleaming glass and neon metropolis set amongst lush flora and fauna.
My arrival is via a direct Singapore Airlines flight from Heathrow. It is early morning and I travel to the city centre and my hotel, the Furama Riverfront, on the efficient subway system, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transport). Top-notch amenities at the Riverfront include a gym, outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sun deck. I’m still in time for breakfast, which is somewhat more glamorous than a usual typical hotel continental. This one includes delicacies such as lotus paste buns, sambar curry and fried fish. Suitably fuelled for exploring, and armed with my Singapore Explorer Pass – which allows you to use a SIA Hop-on bus and one-time free access to more than 20 big ticket attractions – I head out to
This is a a neon metropolis set among lush flora and fauna
explore the ‘high’ points of this remarkable city.
Right at the top of that list must be the Gardens by the Bay, which also features the jaw-dropping Cloud Forest conservatory, home to a 114ft indoor waterfall surrounded by tropical vegetation.
For more sensational views, Skypark, perched on the 57th level of Marina Bay Sands (though only the resort’s paying guests are allowed in the famous rooftop infinity pool) is worth a visit to get the lay of the land.
Singapore also has it’s own ‘London Eye’ which is the world’s second tallest observation wheel at 545ft. Back at sea level I enjoy a river cruise on an eco-friendly electric boat, departing from Clarke Quay and taking in waterside landmarks such as the landing site of Sir Thomas Raffles – the British statesman who founded modern Singapore and has a rather famous hotel here named after him. Its re-opening is imminent following a massive refurbishment. The vessel also glides by the statue of the Merlion, a mythical creature with a big cat’s head and a fish’s body, which represents Singapore’s humble origins as a swampy fishing village.
This is a city where both cutting edge and age-old culture go hand in hand. That’s evident when I take a three hour Night City Tour on an open-top HIPPO bus.
We take in the trendy malls of Orchard Street and on to districts steeped in the traditions of yesteryear, such as Chinatown. In this colourful neighbourhood of temples, pastel shophouses and markets you can relive the bustle of 1960s life.
Take advantage of the tour’s $2.80 food voucher at Chinatown Food Street’s 23 hawker stalls where you can sample local favourites such as fish head curry, chilli crab or laksa (noodle served with eggs, shrimp and fried tofu). Don’t miss the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a living museum of lakes, thorny bamboo plants and the stunning Orchid Garden.
Kids will love Singapore Zoo and – if they can stay awake long enough – the Night Safari where 130 nocturnal species roam in their own re-created native habitats is spectacular.
Worth a day trip in itself is Sentosa Island, especially if you take the scenic cable car, shuttling 200ft above the water en route to family friendly fun at Universal Studios,
Underwater World and Resorts World Sentosa. There are also some beautiful beaches on the island, should all that rollercoaster action prove too much.
After my whistle-stop three-day tour of Singapore, I’m hugely impressed by this hip 21st century, multi-cultural conurbation.
Riding the crest of a wave of an epic renaissance, the Lion City – so called because a 14th century Sumatran Prince is said to have founded Singapore city after spotting a lion here while hunting – is roarsome.