My 48 Hours in Singapore

Recently I was lucky enough to take my first trip to Singapore and even luckier that I had the experts, (The Singapore tourist board to show me around)

We met at National Kitchen for lunch where you can sample Peranakan cuisine at local food ambassador Violet Oon’s Peranakan-inspired restaurant, located in the National Gallery Singapore. This is a stunning restaurant with exquisite food so definitely worth a look if you want something special.

After lunch, we made our way to China town for a Walking tour, to visit Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Chinatown Heritage Centre. Singapore’s Chinatown evolved around 1821,  when the first Chinese junk arrived from Xiamen, Fujian province in China. The passengers, mostly men, set up home around the south of the Singapore River which is known today as Telok Ayer. Chinatown’s local name –
Niu Che Shui (Bullock Cart Water) arose from the fact each household at that time had to collect fresh water from the wells in Ann Siang Hill and Spring Street, using bullock-drawn carts. Not all parts of Chinatown are Chinese though. The Jamae Mosque and Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple in the center of Chinatown lay witness to the harmonious racial and religious atmosphere in Singapore.
The heritage center lets you learn more about the daily life and stories of Chinatown’s early residents. The Heritage Center is the only place in Singapore where the original interiors of old shophouse
tenants have been recreated. What was really interesting was that this wasn’t so long ago either and our guide told stories of how this was the way he lived growing up.

After we returned to our hotels to freshen up before our evening activities.

The coach picked us up and we made our way to Mount Faber and the Singapore cable car (you have to try to do this for sunset drinks if you can) Surrounded by lush rainforest, you ‘ll enjoy the best sunset and panoramic views of Harbourfront & Sentosa Island from the top of Faber Peak whilst having a drink at the bar the food also looked good here too. Afterward, we joined the cable car and soar high above the two destinations through the sky on the most scenic highway in Singapore for priceless views. Fly high above the hill from Faber Peak Singapore, through a skyscraper and cross the harbor on the Mount Faber Line before landing in Sentosa Island. This is definitely a trip I would do again.

After Mount Fabour we made our way to the Clifford Pier for our evening meal, the restaurant is spectacular and has a beautiful outside terrace to enjoy a drink or two.
Occupying the space of the original Clifford Pier, this beautiful new dining destination preserves the pier’s hawker culture while honoring its historical role as the landing point of Singapore’s forefathers. On the menu are the best of Singapore’s culinary delicacies represented by a melting pot of diverse cultures including Western classics. The meals not cheap but I guess that’s to be expected for the quality and location. if you time it right after dinner you can head back to their outside terrace and watch the laser and water fountain show from the Marina bay sands.

Afterward, we headed  to Marina Bay Sands for Drinks at CE LA VI (This is what I had been waiting for the best views of Singapore)
CÉ LA VI‘s unparalleled location atop the iconic Marina Bay Sands provides a unique setting to enjoy a fine cocktail, word of warning it was late when we arrived after midnight and the music was pumping so may not be to everyone’s taste, if you want something a little more relaxing then id head here a little earlier when the vibe is more chilled out. The views didn’t disappoint! It’s not cheap here but you pay an entrance fee which gets you a free drink so is definitely worth it.

After a long day, it was time to head back the hotel as it was another early start.

So today we were getting a bit more history and we visited  Battlebox & Fort Canning Hill (Of Graves, Guns & Battles) Hidden beneath Fort Canning Hill’s leafy exterior lies a secret: the former British command
center called the Battlebox, where the decision to surrender Singapore was made in 1942. you enter the original bunker and walk  along the cool corridors and dark rooms to learn the full story of the disastrous fall of Malaya and Singapore in World War II, as well as the rich history of Fort Canning Hill itself, a 60-m tall hill in the heart of Singapore city known for its lush greenery and Heritage Trees. But it also has a long and rich history going back 700 years. Are you ready to take a journey to the past? This place is not only interesting but outside the grounds are stunning. If you like your history then this is a must do!!!

Afterward, we made our way to the Burgis area and took a  Trishaw ride around Little India and Kampong Glam Hitch a ride on one of the city’s most traditional modes of transport – the trishaw! Pedaled along with one of Singapore’s famous Trishaw Uncles (and assisted by modern technology!), meandering through the colorful streets of Bugis and Little India to view the eclectic mix of old and new. You can appreciate distinctive historical gems and enjoy hands-on experiences en-route. Spot the gleaming landmark of Kampong Glam, Singapore’s Malay-Arab quarter. The name of this quaint and historical district originates from the Gelam tree, which once grew abundantly in this historical city for its use in building ships. In 1822, the land in Kampong
Glam was officially allocated to the Malays and others in the Muslim community, including a small but successful community of Arab traders. Free time for exploring the shops and local labels down Singapore’s narrowest and trendiest lanes.

We had  Lunch at The Banana Leaf Apolo A Singaporean’s favorite where you can try a selection of Southern Indian favorites including curries and sambals, all served in traditional banana leaf.

Afterward, we headed back to our hotel to relax before meeting up again for the evening.

That night we headed to Gardens by the Bay  This sprawling garden in the city provides mesmerizing waterfront views across three gardens, spanning over 101 hectares of reclaimed land. Adjacent to the Marina Reservoir, the park consists of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden. The largest of the three gardens is Bay South Garden, standing at 54
hectares. Featuring the best of horticultural, sustainability and architectural design, Gardens by the Bay is filled with wonders from every continent except Antarctica. Explore diverse plant life from around the world displayed in its spectacular Cooled Conservatories or marvel at the SuperTrees – towering vertical gardens that extend into the sky. Be inspired by nature and let your wonder bloom and experiences flourish.

We stayed by the Gardens by the bay and ate at   Satay by the Bay Enjoying  local delights there is so much choice and an ideal place so you can stay around until night falls to watch Gardens Rhapsody @ Gardens by the Bay as the show begins everyone lies down on the ground and looks up an awe and the amazing visual effects and sounds.  Waltz your evening away at the Supertree Grove and let the music and lights transport you to a mythical enchanted forest. Dance along with the Supertrees as they present a run of varying waltzes. The light and music show is simply stunning and was one of the best memories.

So this was my 48 hours in Singapore. and would certainly recommend all these if you get chance.
My overall highlights and if you cant fit all of these in were

1. Gardens by the Bay and the Show
2. Battle box
3. Mount Fabour
4. CE LA VIE

I hope to go back one day and explore further Sontosa looked stunning so id like to check out this area too and perhaps do it all again just at a little slower pace so I can take everything thing this amazing city has to offer.