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Located in the heart of South Jakarta, InterContinental Jakarta Pondok Indah Hotel & Residences is a convenient base for travellers. The five-star hotel offers stylish, spacious rooms complete with luxurious bathrooms and stunning skyline views. You can also take a dip in the outdoor pool, unwind at Inaria Spa or work out at the 24-hour gym. The hotel’s location, along with its restaurants and business facilities, also make it ideal for meetings and small conferences. A direct connection to Pondok Indah Mall 1, 2 and 3, as well as the water park and golf course, ensures seamless access for guests. There are also special dining promotions including the indulgent Wagyu Dinner every Thursday evening, the Ocean Friday seafood night and the Mahamangsa buffet dinner on Saturday evenings that highlights Indonesian cuisine. For Japanese cuisine, there’s also SHIO, a modern teppanyaki restaurant with seasonal, omakase-style dining.
While Orchard Road is known for its many shopping options, this luxury mall in the historic Civic District is just as compelling for shopping enthusiasts with their finger on the pulse. Since its opening in 1986, the mall has been continuously cultivating a curated selection of luxury boutiques from some of the world’s most sought-after brands.
Its most recent revamp, which began in 2021, has seen an introduction of more than 50 new stores and restaurants including Sephora’s first Store of the Future concept, Givenchy Beauty’s flagship boutique, well-loved athleisure brand Lululemon and Australian grocer Surrey Hills. Whether you’re looking for a classic fragrance or updating your wardrobe with timeless looks or trendy threads, here’s what Raffles City has in store for you in 2023.
Raffles City Singapore offers a wide range of luxury boutiques and dining options
For the trendsetting fashionista
Raffles City is in tune with cutting-edge luxury fashion, featuring dozens of sought-after international labels. Montblanc, for example, is a luxury pen company with over a hundred years of experience creating high quality writing instruments, as well as bags, leather goods and timepieces. The mall also features contemporary brands like the London-based COS that’s known for elevated essentials, unconventional designs and reimagined icons. For colourful and trendy womenswear, head to & Other Stories and peruse their collection of shoes, bags, accessories and beauty products sourced from ateliers in Paris, Stockholm and Los Angeles.
Beyond designer fashion, Raffles City also has an impressive line-up of luxury watch boutiques including Cortina Watch, located at the dedicated ‘Peacock Alley’. A favourite among horology enthusiasts, Cortina Watch offers a robust selection of haute horlogerie brands including IWC Schaffhausen, Omega, Tudor, TAG Heuer and Jaeger-LeCoultre. Iconic luxury watch brand Rolex also has a revamped boutique highlighting the brand’s most sought-after pieces.
For the beauty and fragrance guru
Discerning fragrance enthusiasts have plenty to discover at Raffles City. Leading Italian fragrance house Acqua di Parma’s specialty store – the brand’s only barbiere in Singapore – features signature scents along with a range of beauty and lifestyle products. Also notable is the Givenchy boutique that is the first and only standalone flagship store in Singapore. The outlet carries exclusive products and offers services unavailable anywhere else. You’ll also be able to take advantage of Givenchy’s team of professional beauty consultants who can offer personalised recommendations. Adding to the impressive line-up of luxury fragrance brands is Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Guerlain that also have their own boutiques.
Shop Chanel and Guerlain at their official Raffles City boutiques
For the sophisticated aesthete
Rounding off Raffles City’s luxury offerings is Ode to Art. This contemporary gallery showcases a broad spectrum of mediums ranging from paintings and sculptures to photography and art installations. The gallery displays works from a number of distinguished contemporary art figures including pop artist Robert Indiana and acclaimed Chinese sculptor Chen Wenling. The gallery also puts the spotlight on emerging artists from across the globe.
For the epicurean tea connoisseurs
After a day spent shopping, you’ll no doubt be in need of a bite and perhaps a revitalising cup of tea. Paris Baguette x teatra is a newly opened concept store that offers the French-inspired Korean bakery’s lauded pastries, cakes and sandwiches paired with fine tea sourced from across the world by teatra.
If you’ve worked up an appetite for something more substantial, park yourself at PS Café’s Raffles City outlet that looks like a charming Parisian bistro right in the middle of the mall. The menu here highlights brunch classics, sandwiches, pastas and toothsome desserts like the golden banana butterscotch cake.
PS Café’s lush Raffles City outlet
Alternatively, head to the exclusive Tourist Lounge @L65. Located in Swissôtel The Stamford, it’s one of the few places that offer a daytime lounge service for tourists – and you’ll also enjoy stunning 360-degree views of Singapore. Entry to the lounge includes complimentary WiFi, newspapers and coffee, tea, soft drinks and light snacks. You can also store two pieces of luggage for the day making it possible to lighten your load and extend your shopping trip.
The Tourist Lounge @L65
How to get there?
Raffles City is linked directly to Singapore’s City Hall MRT Interchange station along the North-South Line and Esplanade MRT station along the Circle Line.
For more information on Raffles City Singapore, clickhere.
This article is part of Singapore Airlines’ “Beyond the Cabin” video series, in which cabin crew explore their favourite cities and share how their hobbies enrich their service delivery.
There are two types of people in this world: those who eat to live, and those who live to eat. Singapore Airlines In-Flight Manager – and avid foodie – Mitchelle Chua firmly belongs to the latter camp.
For starters, food was a big part of Mitchelle’s childhood. “I’m grateful that when I was growing up, there was always plenty of food on the table. My parents ran a cai fan [economy rice] stall, and some days, when business was slow, we would enjoy the dishes they had cooked to sell,” remembers the skilled cook, who competed in season two of MasterChef Singapore. “On weekends, my dad and I would pick wild betel leaves to make a Peranakan dish called perut ikan, a pickled fish stomach curry. We would also roast and pound peanuts to make achar, or pickled vegetables. These recipes were passed down from my grandma to my mother – two great women who helmed the kitchen during my childhood.”
Nestled off the border of SoHo on the quaint Bridges Street, Bar Leone is an Italian-styled bar with captivating 1970s vintage vibes helmed by award-winning mixologist Lorenzo Antinori. His first independent venture, Antinori cemented his credibility as one of Asia’s top mixologists during his stint at Four Seasons Hong Kong’s Argo. Nothing gimmicky, the bar showcases a repertoire of classic cocktails that prides itself on the ingredients used. You should definitely try the Leone Martini, shaken with Ginepraio Gin, Vermouth, dry Marsala, and orange blossom water.
Ubud’s jungle greenery is easily a match for Bali’s beaches, especially at Kabana, a day club clinging to a sloping hill and surrounded tropical coconut forest. The building extends over three levels with open air pavilions connected by winding staircases, and bamboo fittings that give the place a treehouse vibe. Lounge about in arm chairs on the top level, drink cocktails barside mid-way down, or head to the lower level for beats and beverages around the lagoon-shaped swimming pools.
While Darwin may not receive as much attention as other Australian cities such as Melbourne and Sydney, this underrated destination is a prime pick for nature lovers. From tropical wetlands to forests and bushland, Darwin is truly a gateway to the majestic outback. Discover its incredible wildlife and explore the landscapes in unparalleled luxury at these four destinations.
Finniss River Lodge
A riverfront retreat in a breathtaking tropical savannah
One of Australia’s newest luxury retreats,Finniss River Lodgeoverlooks the breathtaking tropical savannah of the Northern Territory’s wetlands. This safari lodge is located within a 200km² Brahman cattle station that’s been operating since 1987.
Finniss River Lodge’s rooms are kept simple and elegant. Photo: Finniss River Lodge
The grub:Epicurean dining is central to the Finniss experience. At their signature event, called Cows & Canapes, guests get to savour exquisitely crafted bites and meet the locals – both the station crew and the cattle! The event also showcases craft beers, boutique spirits and wines of the region.
The draw:The savannah and wetlands surrounding the lodge support an impressive array of wildlife including brolgas, magpie geese and Northern Territory’s most famous fish: barramundi. If you’re lucky, you might also spot the fearsome saltwater crocodile. Birdwatching is another draw, and guests can look forward to taking fabulous sunset and sunrise photos across the savannah.
Don’t miss:While there’s plenty of wildlife to witness from your doorstep, airboat tours, 4WD adventures and ATV expeditions allow you to get closer to the action. Scenic helicopter excursions to the nearby Litchfield National Park are also available.
How to get there:A 90-minute drive from Darwin
Yellow Water Villas
A Kakadu lodge with excellent birdwatching opportunities
Set within the World Heritage–listed Kakadu National Park,Yellow Water Villasis a sustainability focused eco-lodge that blends functionality and luxury. Each of the villas here is elevated on stilts to minimise the impact on the native bushland and its wildlife.
Take in stunning views of Kakadu National Park. Photo: Yellow Water VillasTry Yellow Water Villas for an alfresco tub experience. Photo: Yellow Water Villas
The grub:Yellow Water Villas celebrates the beloved Australian tradition of barbecue by offering guests a hearty cook-up not just for dinner, but breakfast as well. Guests also have the option to dine at the nearby Mimi’s Restaurant & Barra Bar, where the menu marries Indigenous flavours and locally foraged ingredients with modern techniques.
The draw:The villas here are exceptionally spacious, each offering a luxurious king-sized bed, two daybeds and an alfresco dining area. There’s also an outdoor standalone bath at the private balcony that offers an immersive bush-bathing experience.
Don’t miss:A third of all Australian bird species call the Top End – the northernmost region of the Northern Territory – their home, which means especially good birdwatching opportunities. Guests can also learn about Aboriginal culture at Kakadu’s Ubirr outdoor rock art gallery before ascending to its sandstone peak for a panoramic view of Arnhem Land and the Nadab floodplain. Those seeking further adventure can hike to Maguk, one of Kakadu’s largest waterfall, and stop for a dip.
How to get there:A three-hour drive from Darwin
Bamurru Plains
African-inspired luxury in one of Australia’s most biodiverse ecosystems
Set amidst a rugged bushland setting,Bamurru Plainsoffers a luxurious African-style safari experience that allows you to get close to nature without missing out on all the trappings of civilisation. The villas are situated along the coastal floodplains of the Mary River in Kakadu National Park, where native wildlife abounds.
Airboat adventures and scenic tours allow guests to explore further into the flooded Bamurru Plains. Photo: Bamurru Plains
The grub:At Bammuru Plains, the lodge’s chef incorporates native and locally sourced produce to create exquisite dishes. The highlight here is a fully hosted three-course dinner that you’ll enjoy while being serenaded by the resident frogs. And, as an all-inclusive experience, you’ll have access to an open bar with a selection of Australian wines, beer and spirits.
The draw:To experience the outback in superlative luxury, opt for the Kingfisher Suite. Thrice the size of the regular safari bungalows, it offers a king-sized bed and a private dining space. Floor-to-ceiling mesh walls help to truly immerse you in the lodge’s incredible natural surroundings.
Don’t miss:The lodge’s 300km² of land is home to a spectacular variety of wildlife. Each of the safari bungalows is designed so that guests can enjoy watching creatures emerge to feed across the floodplains. There’s also an extensive touring programme that takes guests further away from the lodge. These programmes include airboat tours across the wetlands, river cruises in search of crocodiles basking under the sun, birdwatching expeditions, astronomy evenings, overland safari drives and guided wilderness walks. The lodge can also arrange day trips for guests who wish to view ancient rock art and learn about Indigenous culture in Kakadu and Arnhem Land.
How to get there:A three-hour drive from Darwin
Cicada Lodge
Luxe villas overlooking the Katherine River in the Nitmiluk National Park
Open all year round,Cicada Lodgeis the perfect base to explore Katherine and its surrounding region. The 18 luxury villas overlook the Katherine River and allow guests to experience the sights and sounds of the bush from air-conditioned comfort.
Cicada Lodge offers a scenic dinner cruise that will lead you through the Nitmiluk Gorge. Photo: Cicada Lodge
The grub:The onsite Cicada Lodge Restaurant showcases native Australian cuisine presented in a contemporary style. The menu focuses on seasonal produce with inspiration from the Jawoyn people. For a truly special dining experience, embark on the Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Tour, which offers a mix of sightseeing and Jawoyn storytelling. While aboard, guests will enjoy three courses of fresh Australian produce against the backdrop of a spectacular sunset.
The draw:Each of Cicada Lodge’s accommodations offer views of the bushland and its native wildlife. Additionally, the lodge’s feature a spacious private pool and deck – perfect for enjoying sundowners. The lodge can also help with arranging for experienced Jawoyn guides to show you ancient rock art sites and teach you about Aboriginal skills and cultural traditions.
Don’t miss:For adventures further away from the lodge, explore the iconic Nitmiluk Gorge by way of boat cruises or helicopter. The helicopter tours also allow you to take a swim in private water holes accessible only by air.
How to get there:A 3.5-hour drive from Darwin
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Darwin, clickhere.
Think of South African cuisine, and quality steaks and red wine might come to mind. But the unique fusion food of Cape Malays is a gem just as deserving of recognition. Lying on South Africa’s southwestern coast, the Western Cape is one of the most beautiful areas of Africa and the home of Cape Malay cuisine.
Often overlooked, Cape Malay cuisine showcases how diverse culinary traditions from countries as far-flung as Indonesia, Malaysia and Holland blend harmoniously with African flavours. Think warm spices like cinnamon combined with fruity Malay curries, Dutch pastries and meats such as mutton and lamb.
The best place to start is in Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap, a traditionally Muslim neighbourhood filled with bustling kitchens within walking distance of theV&A Waterfrontat the foot of Signal Hill. Born from working class roots, Bo-Kaap seems refreshingly immune to gentrification in an increasingly cosmopolitan city.
Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap neighbourhood. Photo: Nigel SB via Unsplash
The colourful patchwork of houses – once a symbol of freedom from slavery – are cheerfully painted in bubblegum pink, lime green, cornflower blue, violet and bright orange. Paired with steep cobblestone streets, views ofTable Mountain,and shouts of Afrikaans, it’s become something of a postcard destination.
Cape Malay cuisine’s dark origins
But discussing Cape Malay cuisine means first contending with its dark past: this fusion cuisine emerged from South Africa’s history of slavery. Dutch settlers of the 17th and 18th centuries had brought slaves to work in the Cape Colony. Predominantly Muslim, these slaves hailed from Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Madagascar and Sri Lanka. Many of the women served as slaves in Dutch households, where they often cooked for both European settlers and their own families. The Bo-Kaap area, in particular, emerged as a vibrant Muslim community as early as the late 1700s.
Preparing their traditional cuisine on foreign soil, the people adapted their recipes for the European settlers’ milder palates, or substituted spices for what was available in the region. Over the years, these culinary evolutions gave rise to Cape Malay cuisine as we know it today.
As Cape Town grows more modern, Bo-Kaap is still so traditional. It has a real sense of community – and the food!
The beating heart of Bo-Kaap
Cape Malay cuisine remains an important part of the Western Cape’s culture today, especially among the Muslim population of Cape Town and more particularly, the vibrant suburb of Bo-Kaap. The fragrance of spices like cloves, cardamom and coriander – bought from the decades-oldAtlas Tradingstore – wafts from windows propped open against the summer heat. The streets are a perpetual hive of activity with greetings in Afrikaans and English punctuating the air alongside the clattering of pots, pans and street hawkers vying for attention as they sell their wares.
Reuben Riffel, renowned chef ofReuben’s, perfectly sums up his hometown: “Bo-Kaap holds a special place in my heart because it’s a sanctuary of authenticity. As Cape Town grows more modern, it’s still so traditional. It has a real sense of community – and the food! Traditional food like my mom’sbobotiemakes it so special.”
Essential Cape Malay dishes and their flavours
Cape Malay food relies heavily on a delicate balance of sweet, savoury and tangy notes. Fiery heat from chilies is complemented by the sweetness of dried fruits like apricots and sultanas. Cinnamon, cloves and turmeric add a delightful depth to the dishes, while the tamarind’s tanginess contrasts with the coconut milk’s creaminess. Here are four quintessential Cape Malay Dishes not to be missed:
Bobotie
Fruity cottage pie
Bobotie. Photo: Shutterstock
Perhaps the most quintessential Cape Malay dish is bobotie. This fruity take on a European cottage pie is made lovingly and adored by locals. Minced meat, typically beef or lamb, is infused with aromatic spices, raisins and almonds and finished with a baked savoury custard instead of potatoes. Served with sambal and rice, it’s arguably a contender for South Africa’s national dish. It’s also one of Riffel’s must-try recommendations for visitors – as long as it’s made the way his mother used to! While some recipes call for apples, bananas, or almonds, Riffel believes that the traditional way is best and sticks to golden sultanas and chutney for the fruity flavour.
Denningvleis is a traditional, slowly-braised meat stew made with tamarind, sugar, cloves and allspice to give a unique sweet and sour taste combined with aromatic notes from bay leaves and nutmeg. While vleis is the direct translation of meat in Afrikaans, denning actually originated from the Javanese worddendeng, meaning the meat of the water buffalo. It is thought that the Dutch settlers enjoyed dendeng stew in Java and brought the recipe to the Cape, together with tamarind.
These days, it’s made with mutton or lamb and is often found on the table at Christmas dinners or birthday celebrations. It’s also a frequent favourite at Cape Malay weddings, where food is a major part of the festivities. While many stew recipes use plenty of liquid, the secret to a good denningvleis is in using water sparingly and letting the meat braise for hours over a low heat. For an authentic experience, make sure it’s served over spiced yellow rice, or as the locals call it, geelrys.
Boeber
Sweet milk congee
Boeber. Photo: Fadz Behardien
Boebermight sound a little like bobotie, but they’re completely different dishes. Riffel shares that eating boeber is one of his fondest culinary memories. It’s a sweet milk dish made with vermicelli noodles, cardamom, cinnamon, rose water and sago. It’s not baked and doesn’t have eggs – so it can sometimes be more like a thick drink texture than a pudding.
Those hailing from or who have visited parts of the Middle East or Asia might find its flavours somewhat familiar. It’s similar to the kheer of South India, Malaysian bubur lambuk or even sweet congee – a nod to the diverse influences which make up Cape Malay cuisine. Traditionally, it’s made and shared with one another on the 15th night of Ramadan, or the halfway mark of the fasting month. This custom is so popular that the midway point of Ramadan is known as boeberaand or boeber evening.
Then there’skoesisters, which are not to be confused with the syrupy plaited dough known as koeksisters. Although both are sweet dough-based desserts, koesisters are more like gently spiced doughnuts tossed in toasted coconut. The dough has notes of cardamom, cinnamon and aniseed, as well as naartjie peel. They’re soft and sweet, best eaten piping hot from a takeaway food stand outside a bright pink, purple, green or yellow house in the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood.
Koesisters have become a beloved part of Sunday breakfast in Bo-Kaap, often made by one of the aunties selling them locally and fetched by the children of the family. They’re still scoffed down on the move before a busy Sunday, so a weekend trip is your best shot at getting fresh, authentic koesisters.
The best Cape Malay eateries in Cape Town
Many of the best places to try Cape Malay cuisine can be found in the Bo-Kaap. Formerly known as the Malay Quarter, it’s a well-located neighbourhood within walking distance of the foot of famed landmark,Table Mountain. It’s also home to theoldest mosque in South Africa, and theBo-Kaap Museum, where you can get a glimpse of the history and lives of the Cape Malay community.
Whether it’s the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap to the top-notch eateries in the city, no visit to Cape Town is complete without dipping your toes into the world of Cape Malay cuisine. Here are some prime spots to find authentic, delicious Cape Malay food: Bo-Kaap Kombuis: This culinary gem began as a humble café and bakery, and has since blossomed into a full-fledged restaurant. It’s earned a well-deserved reputation for dishing up simple, delicious and authentic portions.
Mariam’s Kitchen: Make like a local and grab your grub from a takeaway spot like Mariam’s Kitchen, a chain of takeaways renowned for curries, samosas and the famous Cape sandwich: the gatsby. They’re the epitome of cheap and cheerful, without compromising on authenticity. Just make sure you go there hungry!
Biesmiellah: Nestled in the heart of Bo-Kaap, Biesmiellah is a halal establishment celebrated for its koesisters and bredies (stews), providing a true taste of Cape Malay cuisine. It’s simple and laid-back, almost as if a local had invited you home for dinner. The Osman family, owners of this stalwart of the Cape Malay dining scene, say it’s “built around Muslim beliefs and habits, which are central to our cuisine”.
Learn to cook Cape Malay food
If eating out isn’t enough for you, learning to cook Cape Malay cuisine might be right up your street. Unsurprisingly, the best place to do this is also in Bo-Kaap – and you don’t need to beg a local tannie (auntie) to teach you her skills. For an intimate culinary encounter, try Faeeza’s Home Kitchen. Here, you’ll join the likes of Roger Federer and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, both of whom Faeeza recently hosted. Spend an afternoon immersing yourself in Cape Malay cuisine as Faeeza shares her passion, knowledge and time-honoured recipes perfected over decades of cooking food for hungry students at the University of Cape Town.
To learn more about Singapore Airlines’ flight service to Cape Town, visit the official website.
No visit to Singapore is complete without a deep-dive into its food scene, be that the Michelin-starred restaurants, the mom-and-pop shophouses or the world-famous hawker centres. But while some aspects of Singapore food culture are well-known, others are being lost to time, urban development and habitat loss.
This cultural amnesia is what researcher and history buff Khir Johari set out to fight through his epic coffee table book. With more than 600 pages, 400 images and some 40 recipes,The Food of Singapore Malays: Gastronomic Travels Through the Archipelagois an unprecedented English-language investigation and celebration of the food culture of Singapore’s second-largest population. Earlier this year, the 28thGourmand World Cookbook Awards recognised the author’s 11-year tour de force by giving the book its top prize.
Here, Khir Johari shares what’s so special about Singaporean Malay cuisine, the challenges it faces and – of course – where you can still enjoy it on your next trip to Singapore.
Khir Johari’s award-winning opus, The Food of Singapore Malays
What defines Singapore and Singaporeans geographically is our place in the middle of the MalayArchipelago. This island has been one of the important ports of this region since at least the13th century.
What’s more, the Malay community in Singapore specifically is unique, formed by people from across the archipelago and beyond. This includes everybody from the Javanese, the Bugis, the Minangs and the Orang Laut communities who are native to the islands that form Singapore.As such, the food of Singapore Malays is fluid, receptive and adaptable. It’s the result of the cross-cultural interactions of dishes, ingredients, techniques and culinary know-how of all these communities.
The Malay community in Singapore is formed by the Javanese, the Bugis, the Minangs and the Orang Laut. As such, the food of Singapore Malays is fluid, receptive and adaptable
But minority cuisines tend to be turned into caricatures, a dynamic I also saw while living in the US, towards Asian cuisine as a whole. The adjectives are almost always the same and point to an oversimplification of our rich traditions. For Malay cuisine in Singapore, this is likely due to a lack of representation. What is sold in hawker centres – as wonderful as they are – is not representative of the culinary canon of the Malay world. Our treasured hawkers also operate under price pressures, and their primary need is economic.
WritingThe Food of Singapore Malaysfor me has been a cultural calling that took 11 years. Malay food is under-researched and under-recognised, and a dedicated book around it didn’t exist. I interviewed people on the ground, from cookery teachers to housewives, visited museums, pored through historical materials going back to the seventh century Srivijaya Empire and translated ancient steeles. The result is a book with centralised vital information which would otherwise have remained untranslated, dispersed and not entered into the English vernacular or mainstream conversation.
The traditional way of preparing dodol, a chewy caramel-like treat
In reality, Malay cuisine features a wide range of boiled, steamed, grilled and soup dishes.Ulam– a class of botanicals which include leaves, shoots, flowers, fruit and rhizomes with culinary and at times medicinal applications – are actually at the heart of a Malay meal. Today, they are not ingredients you can buy at the supermarket. You’d have to go to Geylang Serai, and even then only a few varieties are available.
We are in danger of losing our culinary memories and forgetting how we used to eat before the industrialisation of Singapore. Kaya for instance, actually known asserikaya, has been attributed to the Portuguese or Hainanese cooks who arrived in Singapore. But the Filipinos, Thais and Vietnamese in regions untouched by the Portuguese all have versions of an egg-coconut spread sweetened with palm sugar. The earliest record in the Malay world appeared in a 1620 manuscript by the royal family.
This book contains centralised vital information which would otherwise have remained untranslated, dispersed and not entered into the English vernacular or mainstream conversation
Secondly, our heritage food is disappearing because the passing of this culinary knowledge from generation to generation has been broken. Most of these recipes are part of our undocumented oral history. When an elder passes away, it’s like a library disappears.
Then there is urban progress and habitat loss. Where we once had a dizzying array of Malay herbs, they are now no more. For example, theumbut(heart of the palm tree), used in salads or stir fries, is now a rare ingredient as our coconut groves are no more. Due to Singapore’s land reclamation efforts, we have also lost much of the native mollusks and crustaceans that we used to source for food, such as the “local escargots” calledsiput bakauand mangrove crabs. Thebelot(river eel) was once found in our rivers and simply fried or served in dishes likegulai(curry) – but no longer. Fruits such as thekuini(mangifera odorata), a very fragrant mango, andbinjai(mangifera caesia) are almost gone from our natural landscapes.
This book is a monumental project. Putting together something like this takes a real burning passion and drive. I felt at times like I’d bitten off more than I could chew, but it was a calling. I am grateful to have been able to make this contribution to society. Seeing it published and go on to win one of the world’s most prestigious book awards is one of my life’s greatest accomplishments.
An array of popular sambals
Where to taste Malay food in Singapore
From Kampong Glam to Changi, these are some are some of Khir Johar’s top recommendations
Warong Pariaman
Warong Pariaman is in the heritage Kampong Gelam district. I like to come here for the mostauthentic nasi padang – rice and curries –experience. For starters, they still steam their rice there and cook their dishes with charcoal which imparts the smokiness that’s missing in many other establishments.738 North Bridge Road
Hathaway
Dempsey is a great place for visitors and lunch at Hathaway would be my idea of a good meal.While it is billed as a Modern Asian restaurant, it has many dishes and elements of Malay cuisine,likesambal belimbing(chilli relish with starfruit),bergedil(fried potato patty) andrawon(beef soup).Block 13 Dempsey Rd, #01-07
Geylang Serai Hawker Centre
Geylang Serai doesn’t always appear on the tourist trail so readers looking for something genuineand local would love this place. The hawker centre on the second floor as a collective is a realtreasure and I especially like to eat here after doing a round of marketing on the ground floor.1 Geylang Serai
Hjh Salbiah
Changi is very much out of the way for most tourists but the more adventurous readers might want tohop across to Pulau Ubin to see what pre-industrial Singapore looks like. On the way, I’d recommendHjh Salbiah’s stall at the hawker centre. It’s anasi campur(rice and curry platter) eatery that I enjoy for their freshness and the amount of detail they put into the preparation of the food.Changi Village Rd, #01-04 Village Hawker Centre
Orang Laut SG
Visitors spending the weekend in Singapore can look to dishes by @oranglautsg onInstagram. The Orang Laut community are native to the grouping of islands that form modernSingapore and the people behind this initiative have a deep knowledge of indigenous marine life.Their food is home cooked, rustic and delicious. To eat their cooking is to experience their deepknowledge. To order, readers can head to https://oranglaut.sg.
All photos by Law Soo Phye. Photos courtesy of Khir Johari.
It’s an early morning deep in tiger country, at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in the south Indian state of Karnataka. Cold night gives way to warm day, and the mugginess of the tropics clings to the skin like a hug. This is usually a busy time in the jungle, when the canopy comes alive with birdsong and the brush is twitchy with animal movement. But today the only movement we survey is the bump of our jeep as we hit the trails. That is, until we turn a sharp corner.
Out of nowhere, there he is: a majestic beast pacing just ahead of us on the mud path. Paying no heed to our jeep on his trail, he saunters on, casually spraying urine and clawing on the trees along his way – as one does when one is the jungle’s apex predator. “He’s marking his territory so that other tigers stay away,” explains our guide.
Tiger tracking is a difficult process. Trained wildlife guides and naturalists keep their eyes and ears peeled for signals such as prey alarm calls, fresh pug marks on soil and lingering scents of recent kills. It’s made all the more complex because of how endangered these beasts have become.
In fact, India once came close to completely losing this magnificent species. In the early 1970s, tiger numbers had plummeted to less than 2,000 – from over 40,000 at the time of India’s independence in 1947 – due to unregulated hunting and unchecked poaching.
The king of the jungle at his leisure. Photo: Charukesi Ramadurai
The resurgence of the endangered tiger
Thankfully, conservation programmes such as Project Tiger – launched in 1973 – have helped boost the tiger population in recent years. Five decades on, India is home to some 53 tiger reserves, such as Corbett in Uttarakhand, Ranthambore in Rajasthan and, of course, Bandipur. The latest tiger census shows that 3,167 tigers, or 75% of the world’s tiger population, can be found in India. As such, it’s the only country that offers tourists a real, viable chance of seeing tigers in the wild.
I freeze, camera midair, heart aflutter, as I look into the gleaming, amber eyes of this king of the jungle.
This is in no small part due to the efforts of zealous government employees who patrol the dense forests day and night – on motorbikes, bicycles and even on foot – to monitor the movement and wellbeing of the local tiger population. They also keep a close watch on unauthorised human activity and ensure that poachers stay away.
I say a silent prayer of thanks to these guardians as our wild companion stops abruptly and turns toward our jeep. I freeze, camera midair, heart aflutter, as I look into the gleaming, amber eyes of this king of the jungle.
Karnataka – home to five tiger reserves and diverse wildlife
When I finally manage to tear my gaze away from his mesmerising black and orange stripes, I catch sight of a herd of deer in the distance. They look up from their grazing, alert and attuned to the tiger’s every move. Within this ecosystem, the tiger is the undisputed king who makes even otherwise fierce leopards hide high up among tree branches.
The herd is attuned to the tiger’s every move. Photo: Charukesi Ramadurai
While Karnataka is where one might find the highest number of tigers in India, several other animals such as chital (spotted deer), gaur (Indian bison), dhole (wild dog), golden jackal, sloth bear and mouse deer also flourish in its five protected tiger reserves.
These five tiger reserves – Bandipur, Bhadra, Nagarahole, Dandeli-Anshi and BRT Tiger Reserves – are in fact contiguous jungles located hundreds of kilometres away from one another. Of these, Bandipur and Nagarahole form part of the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Once the hunting grounds for the royal family of Mysore, these forests have since become protected under the conservation programme.
The Eurasian Hoopoe. Photo: Charukesi Ramadurai
They are among the most significant wildlife habitats in India, hosting the largest elephant population in the country as well as being a birdwatcher’s delight. Over 250 species of birds call these reserves home, including magpie robins, white throated kingfishers, hoopoes, crested serpent eagles, coppersmith barbets, white-bellied drongos and streak-throated woodpeckers.
Sighting elephants in Nagarahole
My hunger for tiger-spotting sated for the time being, I stop for a quick breakfast at the Bandipur Safari Lodge, part of the Jungle Lodges chain, before leaving for Nagarahole. It’s an easy drive through thickly forested roads, with the occasional sighting of chital and gaur. By the afternoon, I’m cruising along the meandering Kabini River on a boat safari.
A large family of tuskers cool off on the river banks. I marvel at their interactions from close quarters: the adults following the lead of the wise matriarch, gently but firmly nudging the playful young ones out of the water when it’s time to move on.
A family of tuskers cool off on the river banks. Photo: Charukesi Ramadurai
I return home the next day to the crowds and chaos of city life, but there’s a comfort in knowing that the wild surprises of these lush forests are a mere drive away – thanks to the dedication of the conservationists who protect them.
Plan your own tiger-spotting safari
How to get to the tiger reserves and when to visit:
The nearest major airport is Bengaluru, from where both Bandipur and Nagarahole are roughly a five-hour (~250km) drive away. Although these reserves are open through the year, the dry summer months from mid-March to mid-June tend to offer the best chances of tiger sightings.
Where to stay:
In Bandipur, Dhole’s Den is an upscale, eco-friendly homestay, focused on the wildlife experience. The Serai is nestled in a green zone, and offers a more luxurious stay, with a spa and a bar.
In Nagarahole, the plush Evolve Back has a scenic riverside location, while Kaav Safari Lodge offers a chance of glamping amidst wilderness.
Safari tips:
Reserve jeep safaris well in advance through your resort, although it is also possible to book directly online for Bandipur and Nagarahole. In both locations, packages at the government-managed Jungle Lodges Resort include all meals and two jungle safaris each day.
To learn more about Singapore Airlines’ flight service to Bengaluru, visit the official website.
The Lion City turns 58 this month, and to celebrate, the SilverKris team is rolling out – in four instalments – a comprehensive list of all the things to love about Singapore – from its vibrant arts and cultural scene and world-class dining experiences to its wide variety of entertainment offerings.
In this second instalment, discover where to go when you’re craving local street food, the best places to see and be seen, as well as under-the-radar watering holes where you can unwind with a well-made cocktail.
While many of Singapore’s older generation of hawkers are retiring, a small but brave new cohort of young hawkers are taking up the torch and keeping one of Singapore’s most treasured cultural elements alive.A Noodle Storyis one example, which made news when it clinched a well-deserved Bib Gourmand award back in 2016. While A Noodle Story puts a contemporary spin on their offerings, with inventive dishes such as pulled pork ramen, other next-generation hawkers like Tan Jia Le stick to the classics. His stall, which he runs with his girlfriend at Bishan Street 11, is simply namedFried Carrot Cakeand serves just two dishes – black or white carrot cake.
An addictively crispy carrot cake from young hawker Tan Jia Le.
18. Sustainable dining and drinking is taking off
One of the most exciting recent happenings in Singapore’s dining scene was the Michelin Guide presenting the country’s first Michelin Green star toSeroja. The award is bestowed to restaurants that have distinguished themselves through sustainable and ethical practices. While this might be the first restaurant to catch the Michelin Guide’s attention, bars and restaurants likeAnalogueandNATIVEhave also been championing sustainable practices for years. NATIVE’s efforts at sustainability include a zero-waste approach that sees dried lotus leaves used as coasters, reusable cloth towels instead of paper napkins and cocktails made with locally foraged ingredients to eliminate its carbon footprint.
“There’s been a rising trend in sustainability and I would like to see more organisations, brands, bars and restaurants working together and sharing ideas to push this movement ahead,” says Vijay Mudaliar, co-owner of NATIVE.
Seroja’s percik beef shortrib with red indigenous rice mountain salad and pickle chayote. Photo: Seroja
19. A brand new gourmet food park in Resorts World Sentosa
Looking for a convivial dining location with plenty of food options? Check out the newly openedGourmet Parkin Resorts World Sentosa. It features 18 exciting new concepts spread out across food trucks and urban containers, including one from Michelin-starred chef Rishi Naleendra of Sri Lankan joint Kotuwa, chilli crab from Blue Lotus and spins on old classics such as Chun Noodle Bar’s truffle char siew noodles.
Gourmet Park features 18 exciting food concepts. Photo: Resorts World Sentosa
20. Ample boozy brunches to splash out on
If you’re in the mood for a lavish brunch with endless flutes of bubbly, you’ll find no shortage of options. Manhattan’s adults-only Sunday cocktail brunch is a classic option with its extravagant spread that includes freshly shucked oysters, chilled seafood, carving stations and a free flow of Telmont Champagne and exquisite cocktails. Another decadent option for a booze-fuelled brunch is Sundays at Atlas. Take in the extravagant bar’s Art Deco-inspired interior and enjoy a free-flowing selection of finely crafted cocktails, Telmont Réserve Brut NV Champagne and an impressive array of small plates. The highlight here is the G&T suite where you can craft your own bespoke gin and tonic. Pick from a choice of two gins, 10 craft tonics and an array of eclectic garnishes, including pink peppercorn, rose bud, bay leaf and cinnamon.
The gilded and glitzy interiors of Manhattan. Photo: Manhattan
21. Home to gourmet nasi lemak – and its classic renditions
Nasi lemak (fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf) might be Malaysia’s national dish, but it’s just as beloved in Singapore where locals are fiercely protective of their favourite stalls. While normally considered a humble dish,Coconut Clubraised eyebrows when it first opened, selling an upmarket rendition with premium ingredients and prices to match. Since then, they’ve more than proven their merit, winning a coveted Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide. But just as important are the neighbourhood stalls that are held in equally high esteem –Boon Lay Power Nasi LemakandPonggol Nasi Lemakare just some of the stalls presenting exemplars of the dish. Fun fact: Ponggol Nasi Lemak is one of the hawker delights available on board Singapore Airlines!
The Coconut Club elevates the humble nasi lemak to delicious new heights. Photo: The Coconut Club
22. A wealth of heritage cuisine
While chilli crab and chicken rice might be Singapore’s most iconic dishes, take a deep dive into Singapore’s rich culinary heritage and you might find some other noteworthy culinary curiosities. Chwee kueh (steamed rice cake topped with preserved radish) is one such dish, and has recently garnered notice in the Michelin Guide by way of legendary stallBedok Chwee Kueh. Another uncommon Singaporean treat that deserves mention is putu piring – steamed rice flour cakes stuffed with coconut and palm sugar. Try this delectable confectionery atHaig Road Putu Piring, which was featured on Netflix’s Street Food Asia, and has outlets across the island – including at Jewel Changi Airport.
Haig Road Putu Piring was featured on Netflix’s Street Food Asia.
23. Quirky, under-the-radar boutique hotels
The city-state is home to a remarkable number of legendary five-star hotels including the quintessentialRaffles Hotel. But if you’re looking for a more intimate experience, book a stay at charming design-forward boutique hotels like The Warehouse Hotel,Hotel Clover The Artsand the Wes Anderson-esqueThe Great Madras – both located in some of Singapore’s most culturally rich neighbourhoods. If you’re craving a quiet respite,Lloyd’s Innis a tranquil oasis in the city that manages to feel far from the urban bustle.
Lloyd’s Inn is a serene hideaway in the heart of the city. Photo: Lloyd’s Inn Singapore
24. A growing craft spirit and beer movement
While Tiger Beer might be Singapore’s most iconic brew, adventurous craft breweries likeLion Brewery also call this city home. Founded by three friends, the boutique brewery produces a selection of pale ales, lagers and session IPAs that drink well in Singapore’s tropical climate. If you’re more of a gin aficionado, visit Tanglin Gin and Singapore’s first micro-distillery,Brass Lion Distillery. Here, you’ll discover a range of gins with local inflections, like the blue-hued Butterfly Pea Gin and the Singapore Dry Gin. Taste Singapore’s melting pot of cultures in the latter, which is infused with herbs and spices like torch ginger flower and lemongrass. Both these establishments also offer guided tours for those seeking deeper insight into the craft.
Lion Brewery is a homegrown craft beer microbrewery started by three friends. Photo: Lion Brewery
25. A bevy ofprivate dining options
Singapore’s private dining scene is heating up as food enthusiasts seek fresh, unique and personalised gastronomic experiences. A seat atPotters’ Table is a coveted experience. Here, guests sample artisanal Asia-centric dishes like flavourfulnasi ulam(mixed rice and herb salad) on tableware lovingly crafted by the chef-artisan duo. The folks behind Pistachio Everything, a boutique dedicated to – you guessed it – pistachios,The Mixtape Chefsees husband-and-wife Kenneth Yong and Laureen Goh serving a menu inspired by global cuisines, from octopus chawanmushi (egg custard) to Argentinean-style short ribs.Bombay Howrah Dining Caris a supper club with a modern take on regional Indian cuisines from the likes of kolhapuri lamb chops to prawn malai curry. From the rooftop of a terrace home,The Humble Pitfocuses on doing barbecue with Asian flavours, starring bacon-cured pork belly, grilled cod with soy bone sauce and many more tantalising bites.
Potters’ Table serves Asian flavours on exquisite handmade dinnerware. Photo: Potters’ Table
26. A brewing interest in tea
After spending years in the shadow of other beverages, tea is finally getting its moment. “Good tea helps you slow down,” says Xian Tan, co-founder ofSILK Tea Bar, which focuses on single-origin teas. And given how exquisite his cafe’s selection of Chinese teas are – and how calming the space itself is – it’s hard to disagree. Other places to enjoy a cuppa in Zen, modern settings includeAntea SocialandHvala. For traditionalists,Tea ChapterandYixing Xuan Teahouseare great options.
Hvala Singapore is a modern tea purveyor specialising in Japanese tea and matcha. Image credit: Hvala Singapore
27. City of speakeasies
Who doesn’t love a little secret? Especially when there are delicious drinks involved. There’s been a rise of hidden bars in recent years, such as Ume San 100, an izakaya and umeshu bar that’s located behind a row of vending machines inside Fortune Centre. Another one is Synthesis, whose traditional Chinese medicine-inspired cocktails can be found behind a medicine hall shopfront at Suntec City. For something a little more dapper, pay Taylor Adam a visit – this secret watering hole is concealed behind a bespoke tailor shop, and features a fantastical menu inspired by flavours and stories from around the world.
28. Drinks through the night
With many Singapore bars closing at midnight, a 2am closure is sure to draw interest. But Jungle Ballroom is more than just Duxton Hill’s only late-night haunt. For starters, it’s hidden within the buzzy Mondrian Singapore Duxton. An unmarked door off Bottega di Carna or a street-level staircase and tunnel of foliage take you inside this plush space that feels like a cross between ’70s tiki and Southeast Asian glamour. Charismatic head bartender Adrian Besa’s menu is inspired by the levels of a tropical jungle: earthy, herbal drinks go under Forest Floor, while spicy, fizzy cocktails feature under Understorey – and so on. Expect appearances from Asian craft spirits, homemade shrubs and tropical fruit.
Adrian Besa is the charismatic head bartender at Jungle Ballroom. Photo: Jungle Ballroom
29. A world-class cocktail scene
On this note, one would be remiss not to mention the Lion City’s world-class accolades in the cocktail department. 11 Singapore bars took home awards at the recent Asia’s 50 Best Bars ceremony, with veteran Jigger & Pony clinching the #2 spot on the list. Sago House (#10) also made waves in clinching this year’s Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award – well-deserved for its personalised touches that make every guest feel at home in its cosy third-storey walkup in the heart of Chinatown. And shiny awards aren’t the end of the story – the bar scene continues to evolve with newcomers like Cat Bite Club, a Duxton Hill watering hole that lovers of agave and rice spirits will adore, and Mixology Salon, the first international outpost of renowned Tokyo bar serving tea-infused cocktails.
Cat Bite Club specialises in agave and rice liquor. Photo: Benjamin Sim
30. A food historian putting Malay cuisine on the world stage
Gastronomy is a big reason to visit Singapore, but marketing food to visitors often means reducing nuanced cuisines to just a few dishes. This is also true of Malay food, with few tourists venturing beyond nasi lemak and mee rebus. But thanks to an 11-year tour de force by historian Khir Johari, the world is taking notice of this multi-faceted cuisine. From interviews with aging homemakers to translations of centuries-old tomes,The Food of Singapore Malaysrescues Malay cooking from cultural amnesia through 40 recipes and over 600 photos. Earlier this year, Johari’s labour of love received top prize at the 28thWorld Gourmand Cookbook Awards.
The Food of Singapore Malays. Photo: Law Soo PhyeKhir Johari. Photo: Law Soo Phye
That’s it for the hotels, F&B and nightlife edition of “58 reasons to love Singapore”, a National Day-themed series brought to you by SilverKris. Look out for upcoming stories in this series that highlight the best of Singapore’s shopping scene, as well as the best places to take the whole family.
To learn more about Singapore Airlines’ flight service to Singapore, visit the official website.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has long been a leader in unparalleled luxury in the skies. Since its establishment in 1972, SIA has been committed to service excellence, product leadership and network connectivity. In 1976, SIA took its in-flight offerings to new heights with the introduction of the Raffles Lounge, which would become a signature offering for First Class passengers travelling aboard its Boeing 747-200 fleet.
A Singapore Airlines’ Boeing 747-200 plane
While Singapore Airlines retired its Boeing 747-200 fleet in 2012, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the iconic Raffles Lounge at the Travel Lounge, one of three thematic pop-up rooms centred around the themes of transportation, accommodation and the entertainment scenes of Singapore in the 1980s, curated and produced by the National Museum of Singapore. The Travel Loungeoffers guests the unique experience of stepping back in time and experiencing one of the most luxurious ways to fly in the ‘70s.
Here are five things not to miss at the remarkably detailed pop-up room.
1. Check out the true-to-era check-in counter at the entry to the pop-up room
Before even entering the pop-up room proper, you’ll have to ‘check-in’ at the airline counter in front of the pop-up room. The counter is also dressed with period-accurate prop pamphlets and even a luggage belt with retro-styled bags on it. You’ll also have a peek at how the check-in counter looked like in the 1980s. While entry to the pop-up rooms is free, make sure to sign up for the immersive audio tour that will take you through the latest pop-up rooms and museum spaces.
An airport check-in counter greets you at the start of the pop-up room
2. The exterior of the pop-up room is also styled like an aircraft
Adding to the immersive experience of the Travel Lounge pop-up room is the exterior of the recreated Raffles Lounge. The facade is crafted to look like the hull of a Boeing 747, complete with period-inspired livery and aircraft-style windows that give you a glimpse of its interiors.
The facade of the pop-up room is crafted to look like the hull of a Boeing 747
3. Snap a photo with the musical trio – another first in in-flight services
On 16 May 1976, SIA introduced live musical entertainment on board all Boeing 747 aircraft – another industry first. Three singers from The Philippines would entertain Economy Class and First Class customers during pre-dinner cocktails and after dinner was served – moving from zone to zone in the course of their performance.
4. The Raffles Lounge was equipped with its own standing bar
Space on board an aircraft is precious, so it’s practically the height of luxury for an aircraft to offer a stand-up bar. This was where passengers could order their favourite mixed cocktails as well as fine wines and beer. In the Travel Lounge pop-up room, you’ll find the musical trio beside the bar, as well as other unique trinkets like an old SIA chess set and a retro copy of the SilverKris in-flight magazine.
Live musical entertainment was available on board all Boeing 747 aircraftThe plush interiors of the Raffles Lounge
5. Experience unparalleled comfort in the slumberettes and spacious lounge seating
The highlight of the Raffles Lounge were the slumberettes, which offered a rare in-flight luxury at the time. While they looked like regular finely upholstered lounge chairs, these specially designed seats could be transformed into beds. Each also came equipped with a sleeping belt for safety as well as bedsheets, pillows, blankets and individual reading lights. There was also an in-flight music socket that allowed passengers to listen to a selection of tracks – a detail considered revolutionary for its time. Customers could also grab a drink from the bar and unwind on the spacious sofa in the lounge.
Each slumberette came with bedsheets, pillows, blankets and individual reading lights
Keen on taking in more aviation history? While you’re at the National Museum of Singapore, make sure to pop by theNow Boarding pop-up roomto have a look at SIA’s first-generation A380 Suites cabin seat.
Located within walking distance from National Gallery Singapore, the Singapore Flyer, and Gardens by the Bay, this chic hotel is a great option for travellers who prioritise comfort as much as convenience. Apart from elegant rooms, it also boasts two infinity pools and a selection of bars and restaurants within the building: enjoy Japanese-Korean bites at Akira Back, contemporary Cantonese dishes at Madame Fan, or sip a cocktail in the company of mermaids at Fish Pool.
As the Lion City turns 58 this month, there are many reasons to celebrate – the most recent being the Singapore passport being crowned the world’s most powerful. For the rest, the SilverKris team has put together a comprehensive list of all the things to love about Singapore – from its vibrant arts and cultural scene and world-class dining experiences to its wide variety of entertainment offerings.
In this first part, dive into the city-state’s captivating arts and cultural scene. Bursting with creativity and diversity, Singapore’s dynamic creative community presents a tapestry of performances, exhibitions and festivals that showcase the nation’s unique heritage.
1. Arts festivals galore
Singapore is a city with a firm appreciation for all facets of the arts. For film buffs, theSingapore International Film Festival– taking place from 30 November to 10 December this year – is an annual celebration of international film and of Singaporean filmmakers on the up and up. Meanwhile, bibliophiles will love the annualSingapore Writers Festival(17 to 26 November) and theSingapore Night Festival(18 to 26 August) never fails to deliver a fun evening adventure for the whole family.
The newest addition to the city-state’s festival lineup is the much anticipatedSunda Festival– Singapore’s first multi-day camping festival celebrating music and the arts. It’s organised by local party collective Ice Cream Sundays and will see local and international acts like Amanda Ling, Batavia Collective and Bottlesmoker take to the decks at the northern fringes of the island.
Enjoy a wealth of filmmaking talent at the city’s largest and longest-running film event. Photo: Singapore International Film Festival
2. A prime destination for legendary musical acts
Singapore’s status as a hub for global travel naturally makes it an attractive location for some of the world’s biggest bands. This past month,Taylor Swiftand Coldplay dominated the headlines as tickets for their upcoming tours in Singapore sold out within hours. If you missed boyband legends Westlife and Backstreet Boys earlier this year, another iconic group is also due to rock bodies in the Lion City. On 7 October,A1will celebrate their 25th anniversary with Twenty Five Live in Singapore.
3. A quietly flourishing music scene
Festivals and concerts aren’t the only places you can enjoy good music in Singapore. At bars likeOfftrack, you’ll find a community of music-lovers that come together to celebrate live alternative electronic music alongside stellar cocktails. With its lineup of resident DJs and international guests, there’s always new tunes to discover. “Offtrack is the social space that Singapore always needed,” declares Dean Chew, co-founder of Offtrack. “We wanted an environment that was imbued with a thoughtful design, diverse music programming and a welcoming atmosphere.
If your tastes lean more towards techno,Headquartersat Boat Quay regularly hosts up-and-coming local DJs along with established names from abroad. For a laid-back evening of jazz and tipples,BluJazis a longstanding stalwart that’s a favourite among fans of the genre.
Offtrack is a gathering place for music aficionados. Photo: Khoo Guo Jie
4. Fascinating neighbourhoods rich with history
Explore Singapore’s nooks and crannies viathese self-guided trailsby the National Heritage Board. Not all are ideal for first-timers – the 8km Jubilee Walk and the 50-stop World War II trail will test your perseverance – but many offer a good introduction to the heartlands. The Toa Payoh trail, for instance, features the famous 1979 dragon playground. A compact route for the time-strapped is the Tiong Bahru trail: discover the hidden grave of 19th-century philanthropist Tan Tock Seng, a temple to the Chinese Monkey God and charming 1930s Art Deco flats.
The iconic dragon playground in Toa Payoh. Photo: National Heritage Board
5. Fresh reads from promising local authors
The Singaporean literature scene (or Sing Lit as it’s fondly called) grows from strength to strength each year, and residents and visitors alike ought to scoop up some home-grown titles. Kyla Zhao’s frothy debut novel The Fraud Squad riffs off Crazy Rich Asians, but features a young working-class woman determined to fake it till she makes it among Singapore’s elite. Short story collection Eternal Summer Of My Homeland, by the 2023 Commonwealth Short Story Prize (Asia) winner Agnes Chew, has scored on local bestseller lists. Out later this year is The Campbell Gardens Ladies’ Swimming Class by Vrushali Junnarkar, which won the most recent edition of the Epigram Books Fiction Prize.
6. And loads of new independent bookstores
Where better to browse the latest in Sing Lit than in the various independent bookstores scattered across the island? To borrow from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream: “Though they be little, they be fierce.”Epigram Bookshopat Tanjong Pagar Distripark stocks Sing Lit from floor to ceiling.For parents looking to get little ones reading, there’s the charmingWoods in the Booksin Tiong Bahru. The new kid on the block isBook Bar, which opened in July 2023 in Duxton – here you can read over coffee in the day or a tipple at night.
Book Bar is a new addition to the city’s literary scene. Photo: Alex Chua
7. Independent theatre is back with a vengeance
Singapore’s theatre scene suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic, but has since bounced back with a vengeance. Catch the latest shows at national arts centre Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s brand new mid-sized venue, the Singtel Waterfront Theatre, ranging from family drama Three Years in the Life and Death of Land (The Necessary Stage, 5 to 13 Aug) to musical Into The Woods (Pangdemonium, 27 Oct to 12 Nov). Four Horse Road (The Theatre Practice,4 Aug to 3 Sept), an outdoor theatre blockbuster scuppered by the pandemic in 2020, stages a much-anticipated return in the streets of Bras Basah.
Plays by women also shine bright this season, with productions likeKing (t:>works, 10 to 13 Aug) and Session Zero (Checkpoint Theatre, 19 to 29 Oct) by Jo Tan.Tan says, “The world’s cultures, trends and philosophies collide in our immigrant port city, and our theatre-makers love zooming in on the resulting chemical reactions. Drag shows versus Asian femininity, Dungeons and Dragons versus post-pandemic marriages – our plays are up-close-and-personal experiences of how unexpected elements combine in surprising Singapore.”
The stunning new Singtel Waterfront Theatre. Photo: Bryan van der Beek
8. Engrossing exhibitions in historic buildings
You may have glimpsed the latest in airport technology upon arriving at Singapore’s gleaming Changi Airport, but travel back in time at the National Museum of Singapore’s exhibition“Now Boarding”, which looks at how this nation-state has evolved as a travel destination from the 1800s to the 2000s. In pride of place is the iconic analogue flip board that once defined the Changi Airport experience. Elsewhere, learn about the fascinating history of the local Peranakan community at the newly revampedPeranakan Museum, which features artefacts such as elaborately carved furniture and exquisitekerosangjewellery (decorative traditional brooches); or explore the early days of video installation art in Southeast Asia at the“See Me, See You”exhibition at National Gallery Singapore.
Visitors viewing photographs at the Origins gallery. Photo: Peranakan Museum
9. Free art trails in and around the city
The Little Red Dot may draw its fair share of blockbuster exhibitions, but there’s also plenty of art to see around the island for free.Singapore Art Museumhas just launched two new public art trails, one scattered around the museum’s new home in the port area of Tanjong Pagar Distripark, and the other along the Rail Corridor, a former colonial railway that is now a nature walking route. Among the Rail Corridor works is award-winning film-maker Tan Pin Pin’s walk walk (Singapore Deviation version), a 27-minute video and installation on the theme of walking which can be found at Kampong Bahru bus terminal. Both trails run until 9 March 2025.
Tan Pin Pin’s walk walk (Singapore Deviation version) (2023), as part of “Singapore Deviation: Wander with Art through the Rail Corridor” under SAM’s public art initiative, The Everyday Museum. Photo: Singapore Art Museum
10. A cinephile’s vintage paradise
Located in a vintage cinema atop the historic Golden Mile Tower isThe Projector, which since 2014 has been screening indie, arthouse and foreign films for the alternative cinema-goer in its atmospheric halls. Upcoming film festivals include the Mexican Film Showcase in August, the Nordic Film Festival in September and the German Film Festival in October. In December, it will be collaborating with the Golden Village multiplex franchise on a joint venture at youth mall Cineleisure in Orchard Road, which will offer not just cinema screenings but also destination dining, a café and a bar. The Projector’s plans for its three ticket halls here include live music, comedy nights and a potential Stanley Kubrick film retrospective.
A screening of the 2009 film Blue Mansion at The Projector. Photo: The Projector
11. Emerging indie arts spaces
Discover the city-state’s edgy underground art spaces that even some locals might not have heard of. Located in a former locksmith store at Golden Mile Tower,Shrubis a haven for zines, prints, tees and other tchotchkes. A short distance away in Rochor, you can findKnuckles & Notch, a Risograph publishing and print studio in Singapore known for their striking pop-culture prints of Wong Kar Wai films. Get your fill of art, dining pop-ups and AI art-making workshops at events spaceEat Snake, or seek out unusual experiences like butoh dance workshops and candle-making atSainouSpace, an intimate art, music, design and wellness space.
The best place in town to pick up stunning Risograph prints by local creatives. Photo: Knuckles & Notch
12. A spook-tastic theme park dedicated to Chinese folklore
At over 80 years old,Haw Par Villaremains one of the most fascinating attractions in Singapore. The park is home to over 1,000 (sometimes bizarre) sculptures that offer a glimpse into Asian culture and philosophy. Visitors are free to explore on their own, or sign up for the“Journeys To Hell”tour on Friday nights. The revamped Hell’s Museum provides an especially eye-opening education on how different belief systems around the world view death, and concludes at the Ten Courts of Hell exhibition. The stuff of nightmares? Yes. Worth a visit? Hell yes.
One of the many eye-catching sights at Haw Par Villa. Photo: Shutterstock
13. Unique classes that help you connect with local culture
Travelling is all about broadening horizons, so why not experience Singapore culture in a more hands-on way at a workshop? For example,Mahjonglahoffers introductory classes on mahjong, a popular Chinese tile-based game. If you prefer something artistic, fashion designer Raymond Wong teaches the basics of traditional Peranakan beading atKim Choo. And for those who like their food with a side of adventure, learn how to make a variety of local delicacies atCookery Magic– classes are held at a 100-year-old house on stilts located on the quaint offshore island of Pulau Ubin, a short bumboat ride from Changi Jetty.
14. A varied contemporary art scene
The best way to get a taste of Singapore’s contemporary visual art scene is probably by visitingGillman Barracks’ cluster of galleries. Here, stalwarts such asFOST GalleryandYeo Workshopput out a strong roster of rising and established local stars such as Priyageetha Dia and Heman Chong. True devotees might consider venturing farther afield towards the industrial estates of the north, where artist-run spaces such asSupper House,starchandComma Spaceprovide much-needed incubatory opportunities for artists, and are known to host the occasional evening event.
Exhibition view of artist Priyageetha Dia’s 2022 solo show, “Forget Me, Forget Me Not” at Yeo Workshop. Photo: Yeo Workshop
15. A curator who lets you have your art and eat it
Whether it’s combining art with travel or art with food,The Itinerant CuratorTan Siuli is always cooking up something exciting for art enthusiasts. Most recently, she’s laid down roots at chic multidisciplinary spaceAppetite, where she curates a revolving line-up of art shows and programmes – including her signature regional art tours. “I started my art tours to offer people a taste of the region’s dynamic art scenes, and a chance to appreciate contemporary culture outside of the white cube,” Tan shares. “Appetite brings together everything I’m interested in – food, art, travel, conversations and the exchange of ideas.”
Comprising an art lounge, a listening room and a kitchen, this convivial space founded by chef-owner Ivan Brehm of Michelin-starredNouriis a fun find for those who enjoy the good life. Keep up with Tan’s adventures at Appetitehere.
The Itinerant Curator Tan Siu Li. Photo: Appetite
16. Heritage and hipsterdom rub shoulders in Little India
Perhaps Singapore’s least gentrified neighbourhood, Serangoon Road and its offshoot streets (collectively comprising Little India) are a testament to some of the best things about the city. Here, you’ll find fishmongers, butchers and fruit sellers at Tekka Centre, prayer accessory sellers along Buffalo Road, Tamil lunch rooms such as Komala Vilas and Madras New Woodlands, houses of worship such as Abdul Gafoor Mosque and Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, as well as the gleaming Indian Heritage Centre on Campbell Lane. Other parts of the subcontinent are also represented in Little India, at Pakistani restaurants Bar B Q Tonight and Bismillah Biryani, Bangladeshi eateries New Shapla and Mohammadi and even Bib Gourmand-recognised Sri Lankan hotspot Kotuwa.
Award-winning eats from Sri Lankan restaurant Kotuwa. Photo: Kotuwa
That’s it for the arts and culture edition of “58 reasons to love Singapore”, a National Day-themed series brought to you by SilverKris. Look out for upcoming stories in this series that highlight the city’s hottest tables and trendiest nightlife spots, as well as the best places to take the whole family.
To learn more about Singapore Airlines’ flight service to Singapore, visit the official website.
