ENTERTAINMENT EXTRAVAGANZA
What makes Singapore a preferred family destination in Asia is its wealth of adrenaline boosting theme parks and entertainment venues. From hair-raising roller coaster rides to exhilarating water sports and pretty spots like Gardens by the Bay, this island country packs a punch with fun experiences for the young and young at heart — and the Universal Studios Singapore (USS) located within Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island is an ideal place to experience it. Touted as the rst Hollywood movie-themed park in southeast Asia, USS houses seven unique zones inspired by movies such as Madagascar, Far Far Away (Shrek), e Lost World and Ancient Egypt ( e Mummy) among others. Test your true spirit of adventure here by getting on to the world’s tallest duelling roller coasters, Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cylon.
For high-speed water slides, the water tornado ride and a refreshing dip in a pool, check out Adventure Cove Waterpark situated in the same integrated resort as the USS. Special experiences include encounters with hammerhead sharks, silver-tip and sandbar sharks; playing with dolphins; feeding manta rays and snorkelling with more than 20,000 tropical sh over a colourful reef.
Canoeing at Singapore Sports Hub, wakeboarding at Singapore Wake Park, windsur ng at Changi Coast and jet blading at Ola Beach Club are some of the other options for the thrill-seeking travellers.
Singapore is also an interesting pick for those looking for less rip-roaring and more exquisite experiences, running until the dawn. For instance, there is e Projector that screens indie and arthouse lms. Catch gigs and open-mics at one of the many cafés and alfresco bars adorning the narrow strip of Haji Lane in Kampong Glam area. Take your kids for a light and water show at Marina Bay. is 15-minute outdoor display called Spectra combines dancing streams, laser beams and visual art projections alongside a dramatic soundtrack.
In a city full of glitzy skyscrapers, we place our bets on the iconic property of
Ra es Singapore for a one-of-a-kind stay in the region. Reopened in 2019 a er a massive refurbishment, the hotel has managed to successfully revive its old-world charm. Business travellers from India, longing to have a good north Indian meal can visit
Ti n Room and savour dishes like paneer butter masala, kadhai chicken and Goan sh curry. ra es.com
Another historic address is e Fullerton Hotel Singapore which was once home to Singapore’s General Post O ce, the Exchange Room and Exchange Reference Library, and the prestigious Singapore Club. Nestled by the Singapore River, this swanking inn is where several new-age weddings happening these days. Event venues include East Garden, e Straits Room and e Ballroom among others. fullertonhotels.com
Should you be interested in staying amidst a bustling cityscape, then we recommend the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel. Its strategic location on the famed Orchard Road makes it easily accessible from other districts and locales. e hotel’s F&B is widely praised and includes outlets such as Crossroads for an east-meets-west fare; Marriott Cafe for seafood and premium meats and Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant is known for signature Peking duck and dim sums. marriott.com
Eco-conscious travellers should bookmark Grand Hyatt Singapore for their next visit to the island country. Sustainability lies at the core of their overall functioning with the hotel’s culinary team playing a major part. Some of their initiatives are using organic vegetables and herbs from their inhouse gardens, adopting a nose-to-tail beef programme to avoid wastage and serving sustainable wines. hyatt.com