Geneva Vanderzeil’s Guide to Singapore

Read the original post on A Pair & a Spare DIY.

A couple of months ago I visited Singapore, somewhere I hadn’t been since in a few years, so needless to say there was a lot to see and do. Visiting as a grown up (some what!), I didn’t know what to expect to be honest, people in Hong Kong tend to think of it as our less exciting cousin (sorry guys!), but I found it to be the opposite, fun, green and with a relaxed vibe that makes it perfect for a stopover or weekend getaway.

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PARKROYAL on Pickering, A PARKROYAL Collection Hotel

Stay

We stayed at the PARKROYAL on Pickering, A PARKROYAL Collection Hotel (Read The Luxe Nomad’s review here), and I was genuinely impressed by the green building and the modern yet cosy rooms. I definitely recommend this gorgeous hotel!

See & do

Botanic Gardens – My favourite stop on the Singapore Itinerary, these huge and magical gardens were the perfect place to wander away an afternoon. We had a great lunch at Halia and it was lovely!

Go swimming – In your hotel pool, the humidity will demand it!

Go to the Zoo – We didn’t get there but I went when I visited a few years ago and it’s one of the best Zoos I had been – my friend who lives in Singapore says it is definitely worth the trip.

Raffles Hotel — A gorgeous colonial hotel, which unfortunately feels a little touristy, but still hasn’t lost it’s charm. Naturally we had to visit the iconic Long Bar -I opted for a gin and soda rather than the singapore sling, but either way you’ll be happy.

Haji Lane – A wander down this indie lane is best done late afternoon, and in the street over you’ll find lots of gorgeous Indian fabric stores!

Wander Keong Saik Road – Once a gangster filled red light district, the hipsters have taken over and turned the lovely old buildings into restaurants, hotels and boutiques.

Eat & Drink

Potato Head Folk – We had drinks on the hip rooftop here on Keong Saik Road and it was a great way to top off a long day. They also have two other levels of different bars and restaurants, so there’s lots of variety.

Burnt Ends – The best meal of the trip. Although a bit pricey, the daily changing menu is delicious! Not for vegetarians annnnnd be prepared to wait.

Halia – Absolutely gorgeous spot in the Botanical gardens, a charming little restaurant serving some delicious Asian fusion food.

Common Man – Best brunch of the trip here, and recommended by everyone.

Food Markets – Singapore is well know for indoor food centres, where lots of small eateries serve food around a large food court. A great way to have a quick, cheap and delicious meal. We loved Maxwell Food Centre in China Town.

Take an afternoon trip to East Coast Park and get your Chilli Crab fix at Jumbo Chilli Crab.

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Keong Saik Road
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Marble steps at Raffles Hotel.
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Shopping for crockery.
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The Botanic Gardens
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Love this old building on Keong Saik Road.
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Maxwell Food Centre
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China Town
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PARKROYAL on Pickering, A PARKROYAL Collection Hotel

Let’s make a trip of it! 

Diandra Soliano

Our resident Wander Woman with a passion for languages, big cities and bronzer. When she's not listening to The Smiths a little too loudly at the office (after hours!), she can be found singing along to the soundtrack of Les Miserables with her two cats for an audience.

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