Slip into Singapore for an exotic short break

Have you already forgotten your summer break?

Need another holiday? 

If you’re thinking it’s time again for you to just get away from it all for a few days to relax, party or indulge yourself, Surprising Singapore is just a comfortable short flight away to be instantly transported into another world.

Whether you want to spoil yourself with some serious retail therapy, tantalise your tastebuds with an incredible array of dining experiences, go to the theatre, amuse the kids, chill out at a day spa or see why the Lion City deserves its new reputation as a nightlife hotspot – in under seven hours your wishes could be coming true.

A break for family fun

While many families love revisiting Singapore’s glorious Singapore Zoo with its famous Wild Breakfast, and not forgetting the nocturnal magic of the Night Safari, there’s also diving with the sharks and swimming with pink dolphins at Underwater World, picnicking in the vast Singapore Botanic Gardens, or hurtling down the hill on Sentosa’s Luge.  Families can also spend a day at action-packed Escape Theme Park or Wild Wild Wet sampling some of the fastest and tallest rides in Asia, and of course enjoying plenty of cheap and cheerful meals to tempt the kids.

A break to relax and rejuvenate

Why not treat yourself to a rejuvenating long weekend at one of Singapore’s superb day spas such as the Aramsa Spa where your troubles will be massaged away with soothing aromas and a surprising air of secluded tranquillity. Many of Singapore’s luxury hotels offer tailored spa treatments in plush surrounds, such as Raffles The Plaza or retreat to one of the city’s five St Gregory’s Spas, a favourite with well-heeled locals and visitors alike who adore its complete water body massage and VIP suites exclusively for couples.

For those interested in eastern medicine, a meal at the acclaimed Imperial Herbal Restaurant is a must. The resident Chinese medical specialist will assess your ailments and prescribe a meal packed with nutrients and sometimes bizarre ingredients sure to send you home feeling happy and healed.

A cultural break

Culture lovers will appreciate an afternoon strolling the galleries of the Singapore Art Museum, Chinatown Heritage Centre or Asian Civilisations Museum, followed by a relaxed lunch at Art Season at the Box, a combined gallery, wine bar and restaurant. For the very latest in live performances, head to the state-of-the-art Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay and choose from a jam-packed diary of events including world-class plays, musicals, ballets, opera and more.

A gourmet break 

Gourmands, cooking fanatics, and anyone who enjoys eating out will find plenty of fascinating foodie choices in sumptuous Singapore. Take a cooking class at the renowned at-sunrice cooking school, the world’s first academy devoted to pan-Asian culinary arts, or visit during July’s Singapore Food Festival for a calendar featuring a variety of cooking, eating and heritage food adventures.

From lively hawkers stalls serving up sizzling satays and traditional favourites fried carrot cake and laksa, to five-star dining in elegant restaurants such as Space and Saint Pierre, the island truly has every option covered.

Visit the ethnic enclaves of Singapore for a truly authentic meal in bright and buzzing Chinatown, spice-scented Little India or the Malay quarter of Kampong Glam. And for a taste sensation like no other, Katong, home to Peranakan cuisine (a rich blend of Malaysian and Chinese influences), should feature on any itinerary.

A party break

Recent years have seen Singapore voted ahead of many US and European destinations for its nightlife, which has been given a boost by the chic, revamped Boat and Clarke Quays, where restored shophouses and old warehouses now play host to an awesome array of restaurants dishing up cuisine from around the globe in a stunning waterfront, fairy-lit setting.

Take a bumboat ride between the two to join Singapore’s hip, fashionable crowd as they chatter, giggle and dance into the night at favourite nightclubs Ministry of Sound and Attica.

The newly opened St James Power Station complex is a welcome addition to Singapore’s evening scene, charging a one-off entry fee which gives you access to nine different entertainment venues under the one roof. From disco to big band, swing to jazz and blues, pop to hip hop and dance, you’re sure to find a beat you’ll love, and cocktails to die for.

A shopping break

In the same waterfront development adjacent to St James Power Station is Singapore’s newest lifestyle and retail offering – VivoCity. Home to more than 300 retail stores, as well as the island’s largest cinema complex, promenade restaurants, an amphitheatre and a rooftop SkyPark complete with unique water feature, it really does have to be seen to be believed.

Back on the main drag, a shopping trip to Singapore just wouldn’t be complete without a stroll down Orchard Road, the world’s longest continuous shopping boulevard, where you can find everything from discount electrical goods or cutting-edge gadgets, bargain clothing and homeware, to world-class designer fashion and European labels.

Or perhaps the merchant traders and silk stores of the ethnic quarters are more your style. Haggle in Arab Street over batik prints and ornate jewellery or poke your head into the plethora of local stores in Chinatown where you can find absolutely anything and everything, at a knockdown price.

Serious shoppers might like to enjoy a short break during the Great Singapore Sale (May 25 to July 22), when retailers offer up to 70% off all manner of goods right across the island – remember to bring an empty suitcase with you to transport your booty back home!

Whichever kind of break you seek – take a few days or even a week. Singapore awaits.

A Singapore Report by The Mole