SINGAPORE BY SEA
Cruise holidays are made in Singapore, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary
You might know Singapore for its creative culinary scene, its cosmopolitan culture, or its longstanding historical links with the UK, but did you know it’s also the gateway to cruising in Southeast Asia? With a well-equipped cruise terminal set just a stone’s throw from downtown Singapore, and around half-an-hour from the airport, embarkation at this convenient cruise port couldn’t be easier. But why rush, when you could recharge before you set sail, with a few days of exploring a multicultural melting pot, while enjoying an array of quintessentially Singaporean experiences that will make your cruise-and-stay trip even more extraordinary? Here are five reasons to add a stay in Singapore to your Asia cruise adventure...
1 EAT YOUR WAY AROUND ASIA
Singapore’s multicultural make-up also means a diverse food scene, with everything from Chinese immigrant-inspired dishes Hainanese chicken rice or ban mian, to Malay-influenced laksa and nasi lemak, or South Indian roti prata. There are fine-dining restaurants aplenty but for a true Singaporean experience, hit the hawker stalls, home of the tastiest and most authentic dishes, recently recognised on Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. One even has a Michelin star and several boast the good-value Bib Gourmand rating – and where else could you find a Michelin-worthy meal for under $10?
2 GOING GREEN
This city-state’s skyscraper-filled horizon is as impressive as any other bustling business hub, but what might come as a surprise is the number of green spaces. It’s dubbed the ‘city in nature’ for good reason – as well as peaceful parks, Singapore has wildlife-filled woodlands like MacRitchie Nature Trail, historic monuments amid the green surrounds of Fort Canning Park and untouched islands fringed by golden-sand beaches. Embrace your penchant for tropical plants and rainbow-bright orchids at the Unesco-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens or stare up in awe at the showstopping Supertrees in Gardens by the Bay, home of a huge three-storey waterfall, lush plant-filled conservatories and unbeatable views of Marina Bay from its observation deck.
3 ARTISTIC ENDEAVOURS
Singapore is a hub for creativity, so ignite your artistic side with craft and ceramics workshops, exhibitions at the National Gallery Singapore or modern street-art tours. Take a guided walk around Little India to see the array of murals offering an insight into the way of life in this cultural district, from the mythological icons of Indian folklore to real-life characters from the neighbourhood. Or tap into another passion with food festivals, sports fixtures – including a late-night Formula 1 race – and cultural events year-round.
4 KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURHOODS
Singapore is made up of an array of di erent districts, each bearing the hallmarks of their distinct cultural and religious heritage and constantly evolving to give you new reasons to visit. Stroll from one to another for a true insight into Singapore’s vibrant character, taking in the Peranakan shophouses of Katong-Joo Chiat or the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, the unique architecture of Kampong Gelam and the fun-packed attractions of Sentosa Island.
5 ISLAND ESCAPES
It’s known for its small size – but there’s more to Singapore than just downtown. In fact, 64 di erent islands make up this country, from the golden beaches and tropical landscapes of Sentosa to the nature reserves of Coney Island and Pulau Ubin. Switch o on the peaceful shores of Lazarus Island, or visit the tortoise sanctuary on Kusu Island, which got its name from these curious creatures. e longer you stay, the more you can explore – so what better way to start your Asia cruise adventure than in Singapore?
Find out more and plan a pre or post-cruise stay at VISITSINGAPORE.COM