Prada Caffè

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How Pearlyn Lee put pandan on Paris’ culinary map

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Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok

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Celebrating the Singapore Airlines kebaya, 58 years on

As far as icons go, none are more enduring in the airline industry than the “Singapore Girl”. Since the sixties, the Singapore Girl has been an embodiment of the airline’s quality of service and grace.

The kebaya was first worn by Malayan Airways’ flight attendants in 1968 and is described in the book SIA: Take-off to Success as “a modified sarong kebaya rendered in batik cloth [which] was the standard for Malayan Airways, with their flight attendants laying the groundwork for the service that Singapore Airlines would become known for.”

Flight attendants and ground staff posing with Japanese women

The airline subsequently commissioned French couturier Pierre Balmain in 1974 to adapt the uniform. The designer himself recognised the impact of the kebaya and did not want to change it too much. As he explained, “I approve of your sarong kebaya, I think it’s very graceful, and if any alterations are to be made, they should only be to make the dress easier to wear.”

Fashion forward

For See Biew Wah, the flight stewardess chosen to model the kebaya for Balmain, the whole process was steeped in mystery, even though she is now well-known for being his model. “I got a call from my cabin crew manager to meet a designer from Paris. Couture hadn’t really come to Asia, so I didn’t really know who [Balmain] was. At first I was quite nervous, but I figured it was just part of another assignment.”

See Biew Wah modelling the Singapore Airlines kebaya and overcoat

Biew Wah headed to Paris (“The airline didn’t even fly to Paris at the time!”), and was brought to the House of Balmain. “Every morning for a week I would walk to the designer’s maison, and at lunch time I would sit outside and people watch,” she says of the experience.

“At the time, we were not yet known for service – but half the battle is won just by wearing the kebaya.”

At the time, Balmain was also designing outfits for Queen Sirikit of Thailand, “For me, this showed that he understood Southeast Asian designs,” says Biew Wah. The designer had Biew Wah carry herself as though she was working, to get a real feel for what kind of movement the kebaya allowed for.

After a week in Paris, Biew Wah went back to Singapore. “I never wore the finished product – I couldn’t have! That was far too precious! That’s now in safekeeping by the airline.” For Biew Wah, the kebaya has represented so much more than just a uniform for a job.

Biew Wah in her kebaya

“Before becoming a flight stewardess, I had spent time in the United States, which left me bitten by the travel bug. “I thought this job would give me the opportunity to go back [there]!” she says with a laugh. “But really, the kebaya is something so dear to my heart. I’m very attached to it. At the time, we were not yet known for service – but half the battle is won just by wearing the kebaya.”

A career for life

Lim Suet Kwee, who is now head of cabin crew performance, has been with the airline since 1986 when she first became a flight stewardess. At that time, she couldn’t have known that she would eventually be chosen to model for the airline’s first Madame Tussaud’s wax figure and be the face of the airline throughout the nineties.

Lim Suet Kwee has her wax model prepared at Madame Tussaud’s

“It’s always a girl’s dream to fly with Singapore Airlines,” says Suet, “but I didn’t have the courage to apply until a friend suggested it.” She remembers what training was like in the eighties, and how different things were back then. “The passengers, the hardware, these were all very different,” she recalls. “But at the same time, [the] service will never change,” she says, noting that training now is still as rigorous as it was back then.

Suet posing with her wax figure

“The passengers, the hardware, these were all very different. But at the same time, service will never change.”

Like Biew Wah before her, Suet was also part of the “assignment pool,” referring to flight stewardesses who also worked ground events. Her sitting and subsequent wax figure for Madame Tussaud’s was another closely guarded secret that was only revealed to her after she arrived in London. “After that, they took hundreds of pictures of me, and it was still very secretive – I couldn’t even tell my husband!”

Her role in the assignment pool made Suet a recognizable face for the airline all over the world. In the late nineties, she decided to step down and spend more time with family, but after a year and a half away, she found herself back as a “flying mother,” doing short daily routes that allowed her to be home with her family later. “When I returned and did my first flight, putting the uniform back on made me realise how much I really missed the whole experience. I was so excited to be flying again,” she recalls.

Suet with the 4 different ranking crew at The Intan Peranakan Home Museum

For 50 years, the kebaya has never changed – and this has made it as much a part of the airline’s reputation for service as the women who wear it. “I still feel so proud when I see today’s cabin crew wearing that uniform,” says Biew Wah. “It’s still so recognisable, you’re basically living the brand.”

Find out more about the sarong kebaya in this video featuring lesser known facts about its form and functionality:

SEE ALSO: Cabin crew: A taste for adventure

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Fine dining restaurants for excellent Cantonese fare in Singapore

In the mood to sample some of Singapore’s finest Cantonese fare? We’ve got you covered with our list of swish dining spots that specialise in the cuisine. These Cantonese fine dining restaurants offer expertly crafted dim sum, nourishing double-boiled soups and perfectly roasted meats. Each is known for their well-guarded recipes and meticulous methods of preparation. They’re also luxurious in décor and ambience.

1. Yan Ting

At The St. Regis Singapore’s Yan Ting, the beige and pale-gold décor with floral wall art exudes a quiet elegance and their tables are often filled with regulars. The menu highlights memorable signature dishes and luxurious takes on Cantonese classics. From their long list of double-boiled soups, a must-try is the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall – though orders should be placed in advance. It is packed with nourishing premium ingredients such as abalone, fish maw, dried scallops, Jinhua ham, pork tendons, mushroom and bird’s nest. Dim sum selections are varied too, and top choices include the steamed lobster dumplings and the steamed rice roll with a choice of fillings. They serve a weekend dim sum brunch buffet ($138 onwards) and their semi-private dining alcoves are just right for intimate family meals.

29 Tanglin Road, The St. Regis Singapore. Nearest MRT: Orchard

Yan Ting’s classy interior. Photo credit Yan Ting

2. Summer Pavilion

The Ritz-Carlton’s one Michelin-starred Summer Pavilion serves modern Cantonese fare with finesse and artistry. The food is excellent, but other draws are their special menu of artisanal tea blends, six private dining rooms, and exquisite hand-painted tableware. Chef Cheung Siu Kong’s signature dishes include the popular poached rice and Canadian lobster meat, where steamed and crispy rice is soaked in an umami-rich broth poured over generous chunks of lobster. There is also the double-boiled sea whelk soup with fish maw and chicken, a delicate and comforting broth that is served in a whole coconut. Other menu mainstays include quintessential Cantonese dishes such as dim sum, double-boiled soup and roast meats, all executed with the finest of skills and elegance.

7 Raffles Avenue. Nearest MRT: Promenade

Summer Pavilion’s poached rice with lobster. Photo credit: Summer Pavilion

3. Jade

A meal at Jade is a feast for both the taste buds and the eyes. The restaurant’s interior was revamped in 2017 to its current soothing décor that incorporates shades of white, mint and green, complete with specially commissioned wallpaper. Running the kitchen is chef Leong Chee Yeng, whose mastery is in everything, from double-boiled soups and dim sum to roast meats and novel renditions of traditional favourites. From their dim sum menu, do try the pan-fried Singapore-style chilli crab meat bun or the moreish deep-fried crab claw served with a refreshing mango salsa. Jade also has a Singapore Nostalgia menu ($118 per person, two diners minimum) which includes traditional favourites like honey-glazed roasted iberico pork and a heritage-style spicy and sour slow-cooked giant grouper soup. From 1 to 10 September 2022, there’s also a special Mid-Autumn Treasures menu ($138 per person) with seasonal specialties like sautéed sliced duck with Chinese wine, rose wine marinated chilled abalone and other treats.

1 Fullerton Square, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. Nearest MRT: Raffles Place

Jade’s double-boiled kampong chicken soup in fresh young coconut with Japanese dried scallops and snow lotus. Photo credit: Jade

4. Lei Garden

If you’re looking for Cantonese restaurants serving traditional fare that’s suitable for a multi-generational family dinner or lunch, Lei Garden is an obvious choice. They have been serving Singapore’s discerning diners since 1989 (from the old Orchard Road location) and are known for authentic Cantonese fare served in an elegant European dining space. Their bright and classy restaurant within historic CHIJMES has been awarded a Michelin star and meals here are consistent and classic. Signature dishes include well-executed family favourites like the roast pork, which boasts a crackling skin and tender flesh, and the hearty claypot rice with preserved meat.

30 Victoria St, #01-24 CHIJMES. Nearest MRT: City Hall

Lei Garden serves comforting Cantonese fare such as crackling roast pork. Photo credit: Lei Garden

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5. Wah Lok

Wah Lok at the Carlton Hotel is a stalwart Cantonese restaurant that has been serving diners since it opened in 1988. Wah Lok’s interiors offer a grand dining experience and most of the tables are situated in a rotunda-style dining area complete with polished marble, lacquered arches and a beautiful chandelier. Signature dishes include traditional favourites like a double-boiled mixed seafood and yellow melon soup that is served in an actual hollowed out melon. There are also some memorable and unique dishes like the baked barbecue pork buns and steamed crab meat and egg white dumplings. The food is consistently good and a popular choice for weddings and celebratory meals, weekend dim sum lunches and more.

76 Bras Basah Road, Carlton Hotel Singapore. Nearest MRT: Bras Basah

Wah Lok has been a stalwart in the scene for decades. Photo credit: Wah Lok

6. Mott32

A meal at Marina Bay Sands’ Mott32 is a glamorous experience – right from the dark and sexy interiors of wood and marble to the creative cocktails and inventive Cantonese fare. At the helm is Hong Kong-born executive chef Chan Wai Keung, who has more than 35 years of experience. His specialities include the apple wood-roasted Peking duck ($108, advance orders needed) which is carved tableside and made only with 42-day old Malaysian birds that go through a 48-hour preparation. The dish is presented as crispy skin (to be dipped into raw cane sugar) and tender flesh to be rolled into pancakes. Other menu highlights are the iberico pork and black truffle siu mai where the meat is wrapped around a perfectly cooked quail egg with a runny yolk. For lunch, they serve an expanded dim sum menu, and are happy to cater to diners with dietary restrictions.

10 Bayfront Ave, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Nearest MRT: Bayfront

Mott 32’s applewood roasted Peking duck. Photo credit: Mott 32

7. Man Fu Yuan

This Michelin Plate awardee is one of the most highly acclaimed Cantonese restaurants in Singapore and known for their modern and creative interpretations of traditional dishes. Man Fu Yuan‘s menu, conceptualised by executive Chinese chef Aaron Tan, are equal parts innovative and delicious. Dishes never stray far from what you’re used to as they are underpinned by traditional culinary techniques. The kung fu soup is a hearty, moreish broth made of double-boiled sakura chicken, abalone, maca and morel mushrooms served in a tea pot, while the chilled Fanny Bay oysters in hua diao wine, ikura, and bonito is a delight, arriving in a tea-infused smoke presentation akin to floating clouds. While there, pair your dishes with the restaurant’s selection of quality wines and premium teas.

80 Middle Road Level 2 InterContinental Singapore. Nearest MRT: Bugis

Man Fu Yuan’s Fanny Bay oysters in hua diao wine, ikura and bonito. Photo credit: Man Fu Yuan

8. Yàn

The elegant Yàn is where you can get visually attractive Cantonese fare that is both familiar and gratifying. Situated on level five of National Gallery Singapore, the menu boasts both innovative pairings and comfort classics. The steamed cod fillet with enoki mushroom and minced garlic is aromatic and light, while the braised hot and sour broth is hearty and comforting with flower crab claw, scallop and prawns served in a whole coconut with a glass of coconut juice and crispy breadstick on the side. The usual Peking roast duck and crispy roast suckling pig is available for a grand feast, or you could go for the moreish fried soon hock (marble goby) with preserved lemon sauce. Yàn also has tempting five-course set lunch menus for the busy professional ($42 per person, minimum two diners) that includes a dim sum trio platter, soup, a rice or noodle dish, a main (either sautéed kurobuta pork with seasonal vegetables or a crispy cod fillet) and a dessert.

1 Saint Andrew’s Road, #05-02, National Gallery. Nearest MRT: City Hall

Steamed cod fillet with golden minced garlic is served in one of Yàn’s set lunch menus. Photo credit: Yàn

9. 5 ON 25

Perch on the 25th floor of Andaz Singapore, 5 ON 25 is a restaurant that’s set to impress with its striking modern design that takes cues from 1950s Singapore. The menu, crafted by executive chef Lim Hong Lih, is filled with modern Cantonese favourites that are gussied up with luxurious ingredients. It draws from the “five home-style flavours of Chinese cuisine” and the idea that meals should present a harmonious mix of salty, spicy, sour, sweet and bitter flavours. Chef Lim’s signatures include elevated Cantonese classics like the double-boiled grouper soup with fish maw and wolfberries, as well as intriguing creations like the fried bird’s nest with Sri Lankan crabmeat, beansprouts and superior stock. And if the sheer variety of dishes overwhelms, you can always opt for the family dinner sets ($108-$238 per person, four diners minimum) that include a selection of dishes that are perfect for sharing. 5 ON 25 also offers a dim sum menu with savoury offerings like the scallop siew mai with fish roe, the crowd-pleasing xiao long bao and the honey barbecue pork in puff pastry.

5 Fraser Street, Andaz Singapore. Nearest MRT: Bugis

Shredded chicken with sesame sauce and the deep fried honey pork rib at 5 ON 25. Photo credit: Andaz Singapore

Please check the establishments’ respective websites for opening hours before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.

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The best family-friendly attractions and experiences in Singapore right now

While Singapore might be known as the “Island City”, there’s still plenty of ways for the whole family to get some sun and enjoy the great outdoors. For the more adventurous, take to Singapore’s many parks or perhaps hit easy hiking trails and try spotting some of the island’s fascinating wildlife. And for curious little ones, there are also educational outdoor activities in Singapore to participate in like exciting kayak tours along the coast and even as far as Pulau Ubin. Here are nine exciting ways to explore the great outdoors with the whole family.

1. Breakfast at the zoo

Looking for unorthodox company over breakfast? Singapore Zoo’s signature breakfast has returned after a two-year hiatus. The programme began as Breakfast with Ah Meng, an charismatic orangutan who was an iconic part of the zoo. The relaunched Breakfast in the Wild will give you and the whole family an opportunity to dine with several of the zoo’s friendly residents including orangutans, macaws and tamanduas (lesser anteaters).

The meals themselves feature local and international flavours and are made with sustainability in mind – dishes are cooked with sustainably sourced palm oil and served with wildlife-friendly OWA coffee. Beef is also omitted from the menu because of its high environmental impact.

After the meal, you’ll also get to interact with the animals and take home a photo keepsake of your new friends.

Get up close to some of Singapore Zoo’s friendliest residents Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

2. Take them for a slide at Admiralty Park

Admiralty Park holds the honour of having more slides than any other park in Singapore – a whopping 26 of them – including the longest and widest ones. Head to the Junior Play area if you have toddlers between two- to five-years-old, where they can amuse themselves with the cargo nets, tube slides and sand play area, as well as a wide Family Slide that can accommodate up to four people at the same time.

The Family Terracing Play area is best for those between five to 12 years old and boasts a pair of double-barrel metallic tube slides that whoosh down nine meters, while the Adventure Play area’s highlight is a pair of roller slides. Additionally, a suspension bridge, swings and a Flying Fox ride round up the adventure.

3. Go wild at Jurong Lake Gardens

Whether it’s a casual stroll through gardens, nature trails and grasslands, or embarking on the 36km, coast-to-coast cycling trail that extends to Coney Island Park, Jurong Lake Gardens in the west of Singapore has it all. You can even kayak, or walk on the meandering Rasau Walk boardwalk along the edges of a freshwater swamp habitat.

Dog lovers can let their pups run free at a large dog run, and the kids will enjoy the Forest Ramble, a 2.3-hectare nature-inspired playground with structures that resemble treehouses and bird’s nests, ideal for children between five and 12. With 13 play areas designed to encourage children to mimic the behaviours of otters, herons and other creatures, it’s bound to keep them entertained.

A boy playing on the flying fox ride at Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden at Singapore Botanic Gardens. Photo credit: Singapore Tourism Board

4. Play and learn at Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden

The first of its kind in Asia, this nature-themed park has been specifically created for children 14 and below. With its theme – Life on Earth Depends on Plants – the space not only aims to create a fun environment but also cultivate a love for the great outdoors.

Naturally, there are plenty of zones for the little ones to play and engage with nature: a farm, an orchard and a forest with its own stream and ponds. They can climb into treehouses, explore the suspension bridge and journey through a garden maze. They also get to pick up knowledge about the surrounding flora and fauna as well as their ecosystems. At the farm zone, for example, children can learn more about how vegetables and fruits are grown as well as how to reduce food waste.

See Singapore in a refreshing new light from a sidecar of a Vespa

5. Zip through town on a Singapore Sidecars tour

Get a fresh new perspective by going on a breezy sojourn around the city seated in the sidecar of a vintage Vespa. Singapore Sidecars offers various daytime and night-time tours, as well as those focused on particular heritage sites, such as Tiong Bahru, Tanglin, Joo Chiat and Katong. For a snappy overview, go for the popular Singapore in a Nutshell itinerary that involves stops through key areas and a view of the city skyline.

Want something more unconventional? The Crazy Rich Asians tour will take you around some of the movie’s locations, including Chijmes, site of the lavish wedding scene, before finishing off with a meal at a hawker centre. If you have kids who are 10 or older, this will be a ride to remember.

6. Try Segway tours

Prefer travelling around Singapore via a more unorthodox mode of transportation? ORide offers a guided two-hour segway tours through well-known Singapore tourist spots such as Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay. This journey is a fun and laid-back alternative means for exploring the island and prior experience is not required – kids simply need to be above the age of five.

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7. Go kayaking

Paddle the waterways of Mandai Rivers with tour company Kayakasia, and explore one of Singapore’s most important mixed mangrove areas. While there, spot the world’s largest resident population of mangrove horseshoe crabs and see if you can find remnants of the old Kampong Fatimah, one of the last kampongs in Singapore, located near the Causeway.

Other family-friendly tours include Sungei Khatib Bongsu, where you get to paddle under vast leafy canopies along the natural river, or Seringat Trail, where you traverse from the beaches of Sentosa to Seringat Island to laze on a deserted white-sand beach. These tours require that children be at least four years old.

There’s plenty to see at Coney Island, including coastal forests, grasslands and mangroves. Photo credit: Paris Chia Photography/Singapore Tourism Board

8. Go bird-watching on Coney Island

For a family day of biking, beach time, wildlife spotting and obstacle courses, try Singapore’s own Coney Island. Though land reclamation for it began in the 1970s, the 133-hectare island was officially opened to the public in 2015. The rustic, relatively untouched park boasts a myriad of nature-centric areas such as coastal forests, grasslands, mangroves and beaches.

Cyclists can journey along a bumpy but easy 2.5km sandy path. If you prefer to walk, the mangrove boardwalk is an ideal place for a scenic stroll. Kids will love the Casuarina Exploration Playground, a mini obstacle course constructed out of uprooted casuarina trees. Home to endangered wildlife, Coney Island is also where you may spot unfamiliar birds – over 80 species have been spotted so far.

A woman biking in Chestnut Nature Park. Photo credit: Paris Chia Photography/Singapore Tourism Board

9. Mountain bike at Chestnut Nature Park

At 81 hectares, Chestnut Nature Park is Singapore’s largest nature park. Consisting of a northern and a southern region, separated by the narrow road of Chestnut Avenue, this green lung has separate trails for hiking and mountain biking to ensure safety. You can choose to walk the 5.6km path which leads you directly to Dairy Farm Nature Park or explore the 8.2km trail on wheels and stop by Singapore’s first pump track if you’re into more adventurous biking stunts.

Look out for native tree species such as the Singapore Walking-Stick Palm and Braided Chestnut and threatened species of birds such as the straw-headed bulbul and the brown-chested jungle flycatcher. If you don’t have your own wheels, you can rent bikes from the kiosk there as well as stock up on some snacks.

For advisories and opening information please visit each location’s homepage.

 

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Singapore’s newest hotels for every type of traveller

If you’re one who thrills for the new, Singapore’s luxury hospitality scene is well and ready for you. The recent mushrooming of hotels continues well into 2024, so take your pick of tastefully designed stays or nostalgic heritage lodgings in cultural districts. There’s something for everyone, be it gorgeous infinity pools, co-working spaces or snack bars stocked with local goodies. And that’s not even mentioning the host of scintillating culinary options to choose from. Get the low-down here:

Along the bustling Orchard Road

The beating heart of Singapore’s shopping scene, Orchard Road is home to iconic malls and upscale boutiques. Many of the newly-opened luxury hotels are a mere stone’s throw away.

1. The Singapore EDITION

For a luxurious experience acclaimed by the trendiest tastemakers

This hotly anticipated luxury boutique brand opened its doors last November, becoming the first Southeast Asian outpost of this iconic brand by legendary hotelier Ian Schrager.

In keeping with the EDITION’s trademark of creating one-of-a-kind experiences that take inspiration from their locale, nature intertwines with architecture here at The Singapore EDITION. The light-filled conservatory at the lobby is lush and leafy, while a skypark and a sunken garden continue to deliver an expression of Singapore’s tropical abundance.

The Singapore EDITION’s lobby sets the mood with its gold leafed domed ceiling and tropical plants galore. Photo: The Singapore EDITION

The rooms themselves exude a plush minimalism, with every single room type featuring a marble bathroom with a bathtub, the fluffiest La Bottega bathrobes and exquisite Le Labo amenities. For further pampering, book an appointment at their signature spa, where plunge pools replete with powerful jets and an ice fountain await.

While there: Take a dip in their 43-metre long rooftop pool – the longest you’ll find along the Orchard belt – and enjoy the curious experience of peeking at the diners below from its transparent acrylic oculus base.

2. Artyzen Singapore

For picture-perfect infinity pool shots

Just down the road from The EDITION, Artyzen Singapore offers a different expression of luxury while also being a mere pebble’s skip away from the main shopping belt of Orchard Road.

Book a stay here if you enjoy a touch of eclecticism in your décor: its 142 rooms exude a fun, modern vibe with their splashy, colourful carpets and throw pillows alongside brushed chrome and black light fixtures.

Photo: Artyzen Singapore

The crowning glory of this hotel is its 25-metre long cantilevered infinity pool that has a transparent base, set alongside a leafy rooftop garden. Enjoy peering down on the crowds along Orchard Road as you unwind.

While there: For a charming morning adventure, take a ride to the nearby Singapore Botanic Gardens – Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site – on one of the hotel’s complimentary city bicycles.

3. Conrad Singapore Orchard

For a family-friendly stay that you’ll never have to leave

With staggering food and beverage options from Italian-style buffet brunch at Basilico to glitzy destination bar at Manhattan, to the Michelin-starred Summer Palace serving Cantonese fine dining, your every gastronomic need can be satiated without ever stepping out of the Conrad Singapore Orchard.

The Italian-style buffet brunch at Basilico features a sumptuous spread, including an extensive array of cheeses in a dedicated cheese room. Photo: Conrad Singapore Orchard

Its 445 guest rooms are furnished in calming sand tones with terracotta accents, and boast floor-to-ceiling windows with a breezy view. The hotel’s suites particularly feel like a home away from home, with their residential-style floor plan and plentiful seating options. All room types enjoy minibars stocked with favourite local snacks that celebrate the Lion City.

If you’re bringing the kids or travelling as a large group, you’ll be happy to know that connecting rooms can be requested for all room types.

While there: Start your morning right by signing up for their complimentary poolside sessions, which rotate daily between yoga, meditation and movement classes.

4. Pan Pacific Orchard

For sustainability-minded luxury

If eco-consciousness is your jam, look no further than Pan Pacific Orchard. The 347-key hotel embraces biophilic design and sustainable features such as rainwater collection, solar panels and a biodigester system.

The biophilic facade of Pan Pacific Orchard. Photo: Darren Soh / Pan Pacific Orchard

Its four lushly-vegetated terrace spaces offer tropical alfresco vibes, starting with a breezy check-in at the Forest Terrace. Over at the bar Florette at the Garden Terrace, guests can indulge in an impressive Champagne list that includes growers and rare vintages. Pair these with fresh oysters for an evening of decadence.

While there: Try their exclusive Singapore’s Orchard Gin, crafted in collaboration with local distillery Tanglin Gin.

5. The Standard Singapore

For first dibs on a glitzy stay in late 2024

As if travellers who intend to stay close to the main shopping belt aren’t already spoilt for choice, there’s one more highly anticipated hotel due to open in July. The Standard Singapore is slated to be the city’s next social hub, and will be the trendy global brand’s third property in Southeast Asia – the first two being in Hua Hin and Bangkok, Thailand.

The hotel will include 143 rooms on its prime – yet tranquil – Orange Grove Road location, directly across from the renowned grand dame Shangri-La Singapore.

Artist rendering of The Standard Singapore. Photo: The Standard

Along cultural hotspots and nightlife jaunts

These hotels near Chinatown, Robertson Quay and Clarke Quay offer the perfect roosting spot for those exploring Singapore’s cultural district, and those who plan to party into the night at trendy bars and clubs.

6. The Robertson House

For cosy rooms decked out in luxury colonial style

Stepping into The Robertson House is akin to entering the bygone era of British colonial Singapore. Every space in this 10-storey hotel is perfumed with bespoke scents inspired by the historic spice and tea trade along the Singapore River, while each of the 336 rooms are decorated with a nostalgic black-and-white print of the river and decorated with visuals narrating the city’s port history.

The room décor pays homage to Singapore’s port history in soothing monochrome. Photo: The Robertson House

The inspiration extends to its culinary offerings. All-day dining restaurant Entrepôt pays homage to Singapore’s trading port growth by way of its fantastic Anglo-Asian cuisine. The must-try is its grilled tiger prawn malfadine pasta with wok-roasted shellfish bisque and sakura ebi, an umami flavour bomb that does its inspiration, the Singaporean Hokkien noodles, justice.

The private quarters are on the snug side at 24 square metres for most room types, but the views that look out to the Singapore River make this boutique stay a delightful one. Choose The Robertson House if you’re looking for charming digs to return to after an adventurous day out about town – historic Fort Canning Hill and party central Clarke Quay are right around the corner.

While there: Indulge in the complimentary in-room mini-bar, which features snacks by local businesses, such as spiced pepper chips by The Golden Duck Company and granola by Amazin’ Graze.

7. Pullman Singapore Hill Street

For a cosmopolitan food trip in railway style

Offering quintessential railroad charm, Pullman Singapore Hill Street welcomes guests with a replica Pullman sleeping cabin that serves as its luggage area. And right on theme, the marble and wood-clad lobby are adorned with vintage carriers and antique-style elevators.

Right on theme, the hotel’s entrance feature wall is filled with vintage suitcases. Photo: Pullman Singapore Hill Street

Its 350 rooms take some design cues from private railroad cabins, but unlike the locomotive experience of yore, here you can look forward to plush bedding, open-concept wardrobes and smart technology with customisable functions.

Pick a vibe and swing by one of the hotel’s three dining options. Madison’s on the ground floor offers New York-inspired, all-American deli bites, while El Chido on the rooftop is a Mexican-themed swim-up bar with an infinity pool and views of the Marina Bay Sands.

Last but not least, modern Japanese Izakaya and cocktail bar MOGA promises to please with its curated selection of sake and small plates – don’t miss their melt-in-your-mouth A3 Wagyu striploin.

While there: A stay at Pullman Singapore Hill Street puts you at the heart of the local cultural district. Art lovers, check out the National Gallery Singapore – a treasure trove of Southeast Asian modern art – while history buffs, make a beeline for the Asian Civilisations Museum.

8. 21 Carpenter

For a historic shophouse stay that art and architecture enthusiasts will love

Nestled between the lively nightlife of Clarke Quay and the cultural allure of Chinatown, heritage boutique hotel 21 Carpenter is a design-forward stay that breathes fresh life into a former remittance house. This architectural revival of the Chye Hua Seng Wee Kee house – which dates back to 1936 – was led by the award-winning local firm WOHA. 21 Carpenter is only Singapore’s second member of the international Design Hotels network.

The mix of textures and motifs in the Heritage Suite are understatedly chic. Photo: 21 Carpenter

The building’s interior blends heritage and contemporary design, with its 48 rooms exuding a quiet sense of chic with their mix of textures and motifs. At between 30 to 56 square metres, the rooms are amply sized for a city hotel. Enjoy sweeping views of the city and Marina Bay at the rooftop infinity pool, and lounge on the third-floor garden terrace.

While there: See if you can spot artworks by local artists dotted around the hotel, such as a hand-drawn charcoal mural by Dawn Ang, a tapestry by Heman Chong and bespoke vases by Jenevieve Studio.

On the city fringe

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, consider staying in the cultural district of Little India where there’s plenty to shop, eat and explore.

9. Owen House

For an immersive working-holiday stay in Art Deco style

Those looking for a flexible living experience should check out Owen House by Habyt, nestled in this characterful precinct. The hotel extends an array of flexible accommodations and co-living solutions, with some room types featuring kitchenettes and pantries. It’s a great stay to feel like a local while immersing yourself in a rich cultural hotspot.

Sunlight and Moonshine, Owen’s House lobby and bar space. Photo: Owen House

If you’re feeling social, whip up your meals in their two communal lounges that come with fully-equipped kitchens, or nurse a coffee while you work at Sunlight and Moonshine, a co-working space that transitions into a 35-seater cocktail bar at night.

It’s a slick, modern take on co-living, with décor that nods to the neighbourhood’s famous New World Amusement Park from the 1920s.

While there: Check out New World’s End, an immersive art experience and night tour where you’ll learn more about this historic neighbourhood.

Offshore in Sentosa

One of Singapore’s main entertainment destinations, Sentosa offers a gamut of attractions, from aquariums to beach clubs and adrenaline-pumping rides. And now, travellers can look forward to a new all-villa resort:

10. Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa

For a secluded island resort escape

One would not typically think of heading to Singapore for a villa stay, but this might all change when the Little Red Dot’s first all-villa resort opens its doors in the third quarter of 2024. Expect the height of tropical extravagance in the Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa, which will span over 10 hectares of gardens, with views of the South China Sea.

Each villa in Raffles Sentosa has its own private pool. Photo: Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa

The resort promises a serene island escape with its 62 villas, each equipped with its own private swimming pool. Guests can also look forward to top-notch amenities – including bars, restaurants, a fitness centre and state-of-the-art meeting spaces – alongside personalised hospitality by the renowned Raffles Butlers and luxury wellness offerings at the Raffles Spa.

For our full list of things to try and places to see in Singapore, check out our Singapore City Guide.

For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Singapore, visit the official website. 

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The Long Table by John Hardy

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PLU

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Core Atelier

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The Drift: The Blue Mountains through the eyes of Australia’s First Peoples

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Oakwood Premier Raffles Place Singapore

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MASA Wellness

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Meet the world’s best female chef who almost became a journalist

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In good hands: Supporting every journey with care

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Jiak 99

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Madrid’s coolest neighbourhoods for food, culture and nightlife

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Mellben Seafood

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Casa Benigna

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Cocol

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Prado National Museum

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Salmon Guru

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This scenic coastal trail is one of South Korea’s best-kept secrets

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Bread Ahead

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Lobster Bar & Grill

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Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

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Toma y Toma

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Kimpton Naluria

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Hangzhou China Silk City

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Jin Sha

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5 incredible hotels in Asia-Pacific for your year-end vacation

Produced by SilverKris for Padma Resort Ubud, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, The Langham Gold Coast, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra and Vana Belle Koh Samui

 

Looking for the perfect getaway in Asia? We’ve curated a list of five incredible hotels in Asia-Pacific that will make your year-end vacation truly unforgettable. From the idyllic Padma Resort Ubud in Indonesia to the serene JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa in Australia, these hotels offer luxurious accommodations and stunning amenities perfect for all group sizes and travel preferences.

 

Padma Resort Ubud, Indonesia

For nature-lovers

The 101
Nestled in the serene Payangan region of Ubud, Padma Resort Ubud offers an idyllic escape for discerning travelers. This expansive destination resort features contemporary Balinese architecture, breathtaking views of the bamboo forests, and a wealth of five-star amenities.

Highlights
Whether you’re seeking tranquility or adventure, Padma Resort Ubud caters to every traveler. Families will appreciate the family-friendly facilities, including the Wolly Kids Club and the animal garden where children can interact with birds, rabbits, and rescued otters.

For those seeking relaxation, the 89-meter heated infinity pool and the signature dining venues provide the perfect setting to unwind and soak up the views of the surrounding Payangan Jungle.

At 89-metres long, Padma Resort Ubud boasts the longest infinity pool in Ubud. Photo: Padma Resort Ubud

 

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Australia

For families seeking a splashing good time 

The 101
With its luxurious rooms, award-winning service, and a covetable location on Ferny Avenue, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa offers a haven for multi-generational travelers.

Highlights
The resort boasts plenty of kid-friendly amenities and facilities, including saltwater lagoons with tropical fish, a freshwater pool with a slide, an aquatic center, and even culinary classes for children and adults.

Explore nearby attractions such as the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Home of the Arts, Sea World Gold Coast, and the stunning beaches of Surfers Paradise located just a stone’s throw away.

The JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa boasts an array of family-friendly activities including a saltwater lagoon, a freshwater pool with a slide, and an aquatic center that provides snorkels, flippers and underwater scooters. Photo: Padma Resort Ubud

 

The Langham Gold Coast, Australia

For a sophisticated beach escape

The 101
The Langham Gold Coast is the first beachfront luxury hotel to grace Australia’s holiday capital in over 30 years. Nestled along the pristine coastline between Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise, this grand 5-star hotel offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Highlights
Its hotel rooms and apartment-style residences reflect a delightful blend of coastal charm and the elegant British heritage of The Langham. Wind down at its Health and Wellness Centre, enjoy a dip at its two pools or partake in a group fitness class.

The Langham Gold Coast features over 330 rooms, each offering beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the Gold Coast Hinterland. Photo: Padma Resort Ubud

 

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, Cambodia

For culture and history lovers seeking a stay in the Kingdom of Wonder

The 101
Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra in the heart of Phnom Penh combines French colonial elegance with modern luxury. Located near a bustling shopping mall, government offices, embassies, and major tourist attractions, this 5-star hotel is perfectly situated for exploration.

Highlights
Attractions like the Independence Monument and the Riverside are within walking distance, while the National Museum and Wat Phnom are a mere ten-minutes drive away. For downtime, guests can indulge in the hotel’s variety of gourmet restaurants, relax in the pools amidst its lush gardens, or pamper themselves at the indulgent Sofitel SPA. 

The Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra is perfectly posited to explore the city’s main cultural attractions. Photo: Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra

 

Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui, Thailand 

For private beachfront fun

The 101
Located on the serene Chaweng Noi Beach, Vana Belle Koh Samui is a luxury beachfront retreat that offers guests a taste of Thai-style island living. With its exceptional facilities and guest experiences, it’s no surprise it’s voted as the #1 Best Hotel in Thailand on TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice 2023 list.

Highlights
Guests can enjoy stunning views of the beach or the lush rainforest backdrop from its private pool suites and villas. The resort is also perfectly positioned to explore the island’s remarkable attractions. Dive into the cerulean waters of the Gulf of Thailand, hike through emerald rainforests, or discover cultural treasures like the Big Buddha Temple and Hin Ta-Hin Yai rock formations.

Vana Belle Koh Samui immerses guests in the beauty of Thai-style island living. Photo: Padma Resort Ubud

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Highlights from the first permanent PokéPark in Tokyo

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bar.ter

Quietly situated just off Boat Quay, this independent bar houses an enviable collection of rare and artisanal liquors. Floor-to-ceiling shelves stretch the length of the shophouse, a trove of hard-to-find bourbon, premium Scotch, agave spirits and more. To help navigate the formidable selection, look to the friendly co-founders Joseph Seah and Benedict Poh and their knowledgeable team for spiritual guidance. For those who prefer a taste before committing, many of the bottles are available by the dram.

Still, the bar’s signature creations are definitely worth exploring. Their take on the classic Singapore Sling, which uses honey, tequila and moonshine, has a softer, more nuanced character. The Hampden rum Old Fashioned is also a standout – rich, smooth and bold. You could even request for a custom cocktail crafted from your spirit of choice. Hankering for some food to accompany the pours? There are curated menus from nearby restaurants Meh’r by Inderpal and Ricciotti to choose from. The bar also hosts regular events and masterclasses, so keep an eye on their socials.

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Siyou Tan on becoming an award-winning filmmaker

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Your luxury coastal escape awaits at Desaru Coast

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Wildcard

Almost hidden in a cozy nook at Furama Waterfront, Wildcard is a curved, lo-fi space that feels welcoming the moment you step in the door. The food, by Head Chef Angelo Maniam, is creative yet unpretentious – a simple dish like fried broccolini, for instance, becomes irresistibly moreish with tea leaf dust, green chilli raita and a kicky fermented chilli padi. It’s hard to pick favourites from such a stacked menu, but the torched mackerel with gochujang butter and the messy-but-delicious prawn sando with celeriac remoulade are must-tries.

Not sure which wine to choose? General Manager Aina Dutartre is always on hand to recommend a bottle. It’s here where we discovered Lazarus Pulp, Indonesia’s first Pét-Nat. If cocktails are more your speed, have a negroni from London’s famed Bar Termini. Poured from a bottle, it’s always perfectly balanced. On Thursdays, the night turns soulful from 9pm. The mood is eclectic and improvisational, as a coterie of jazz artists take the stage.

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Canning Bar & Lounge

Perched on verdant Fort Canning Hill, the all-day dining space segues seamlessly into a jazzy cocktail lounge at sunset. The signature cocktails pay tribute to the area’s rich and layered history, journeying from the reign of Malay royalty to the strategic British command posts. The 1822, a refreshing mix of vodka, torched ginger, calamansi and nutmeg tincture, marks the year Sir Stamford Raffles founded Singapore’s first Botanical and Experimental Garden on this very hill. Those who like their martinis savoury should try the crisp Olive III – olive gin, olive vermouth and olive brine with hickory smoke and Pecorino Romano. Sundowners during the bar’s Canning Hour make the climb up the hill worthwhile; easy-going spritzes are paired with elevated bar bites like Battered Sea Bass Soldiers.

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Maison 21G

Produced by SilverKris for Maison 21G

Blend your own perfume and home scents with Maison 21G’s wide range of high-quality natural ingredients. Housed in elegant Shoppes at Marina Bay, this collaborative olfactory house allows you access to the finest ingredients and skilled scent designers to help you create a bespoke fragrance all your own. With over 50 scents to play around with and endless bottle design possibilities, it’s a fun and interactive way to unleash your creativity, express your personality and bring home a unique memento of your Singaporean adventure. A perfect gift for a loved one or a treat for yourself.

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Hideaway

Sequestered on the 5th floor of New Bahru’s Big Block, the stylish wellness club offers privacy and rejuvenation for the weary. Designed by the award-winning Parable Studio, the soothing space features infrared saunas and cold plunges to aid muscle recovery and support mental wellbeing. In the bathhouse, guests can soak in 8°C or 10°C tubs in the semi-private area, or reserve a private suite for up to four, complete with a sauna, cold plunge, and shower. Sessions can be complemented with full-body massages, including The Meridian – an oil-free treatment using Shiatsu-style techniques – and Deep Tissue, which targets muscle strain. Freshen up post-treatment with showers equipped with Omno toiletries and Dyson hairdryers.

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Central Beach Bazaar

The Central Beach Bazaar in Sentosa offers a wealth of exciting activities for the whole family. This lively beach carnival experience includes an international food street lined by brightly coloured Kombi vans as well as a variety of beach carnival games where you can win attractive prizes. When the sun sets, be mesmerised by the Sentosa SkyJet (Southeast Asia’s tallest fountain!) and its 24 dazzling LED lights.

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Oo La Lab

Hidden in the heart of Delta House lies an immersive scent-making experience, where you are your own perfumier. Founded in 2017 by industry veteran Terry Jacobson, it features the proprietary Chemistry of Oo – an ingredient table of 27 core notes – and a fragrance library of custom accords made for blending. Jacobson, the designer of the signature scents for ION Orchard and Changi Airport, leads a team of mixologists who guide new scent makers through every step.

The studio also offers candle making workshops, and you can even design your own Chinese incense with locally-sourced ingredients. Look out for brand collaborations such as the recent partnership with Japan’s Nikka Whisky, where guests enjoyed a guided whisky tasting and perfume making before taking home a bottle of Nikka From The Barrel. For those looking for gifts, they also carry their own line of fine fragrances.

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Frame of mind: Singapore’s only bespoke eyewear atelier

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Uncovering the soul of Sydney through three neighbourhoods

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Mellben Seafood

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With Love

Located along the eclectic Neil Road, this independent boutique began life as a pop-up shop at nearby Keong Saik. Today, it houses over 20 emerging and cult labels from Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and more. Curated by founder Mary Knickrehm Kumar, the collection includes refined tailoring from Vietnam’s ClothesBar and Indonesia’s Cult Suri, alongside conscious demi-fine jewelry from APOLUNA from Hong Kong. Thai heritage silk house Jim Thompson adds an element of sophistication with its range of menswear, womenswear, scarves and bags, while Singapore-based Paper Palette offers a sweet femininity. The brands refresh every eight weeks, so every visit promises a surprise.

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KrisFlyer Fest returns with exciting activities and chances to score miles and prizes

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Gifts that go beyond flowers this Mother’s Day

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Sultan Abdul Samad Building

In its heyday, the 1897 the Moorish Sultan Abdul Samad Building served as government offices to the city.  Under the careful care of Khazanah Nasional, it was very recently restored, now displaying its “blood and bricks walls”, arches and copper-clad domes in all its glory. For the full effect, enjoy the façade from the Merdeka Square, stroll its corridors and gardens, and stop for a drink in the café. Visit in the later morning or after 5pm to escape the hottest part of the day.  

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Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

Running from the 75th to the 114th floor of the Merdeka 118 building, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur offers jaw-dropping views of the city and some of its most plush accommodations. It is ideally situated for guests to explore the sights and sounds of Chinatown or downtown KL, while main shopping areas and attractions are a quick MRT or Grab ride away. Be sure to check out their 99th-floor spa designed to align the body’s natural circadian rhythms with sunrise and sunset.

 

 

 

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The Drift: Exploring the secrets of Denpasar

In this evocative, first-person column exploring a singular place, writer Andy Hill journeys through Bali’s capital of Denpasar giving readers a taste of the sights, sounds and vibes of its less well-known areas. 

I set out to walk Bali’s capital of Denpasar without a plan. No fixed goal, no dry itinerary, just the mildly romantic notion that walking is the best way to understand how a city actually functions. Denpasar, unlike some other more touristy spots in this part of the world, won’t bend over backwards for visitors. You move with it, or you fall out of step.

My day starts at Lapangan Puputan Badung, a broad green square that feels like the city’s shared front lawn. Joggers loop the field, while students cut diagonally across, fixated on their phones. A chessboard has been set up near the pavement, and two men lean over an opening gambit, squabbling amiably as the traffic surges in formation behind them. It’s tempting to linger, but a temple catches my eye, and I push on.

Pasar Badung offers a multitude of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to fashion. Photo: Shutterstock.com

I leave the park and cross the road. This small temple is tucked behind a low wall and a simple gate. Inside, sandals shuffle over stone as worshippers move through the courtyard with baskets of flowers and rice. Incense spirals upwards. A bell rings once and then again. Outside, a vendor lines up bottled drinks on a folding table, serving passing trade on motorcycles, refilling his cool box as horns blare inches away.

The smell of frying oil and the chatter of bargaining pull me towards the river. Pasar Badung rises ahead, a stacked hive of stalls and voices. The pavement out front is a shifting obstacle course of motorbikes, sacks of chillies and delivery carts. Inside, the air thickens with fish, spice and, somehow, exhaust. Fresh produce and seafood below, flowers, fabrics and household goods above, with escalators carrying shoppers between floors. A stallholder presses a sliver of unfamiliar fruit into my hand, watching intently to see what I make of it.

Jalan Gajah Mada offers a mix of traditional stores and local eats. Photo: Shutterstock.com

Back on Jalan Gajah Mada, hardware shops spill brooms, buckets and coils of rope onto the pavement. Fabric stores hang long stripes of batik and lace in the shade. Between them, tiny warung kitchens push out steam and smoke from spaces no wider than a doorway: broth, charcoal, something sweet and fried. Every few storefronts, a small shrine hosts a fresh floral offering. These appear all over Denpasar, placed daily at thresholds and street corners, part of a routine rather than a display. A delivery rider waits while a short prayer finishes, helmet still on, engine idling. When it’s done, he pulls away, and traffic closes the gap.

At the river, I pause under a bridge on the walkway. Benches line the bank. Teenagers sit shoulder to shoulder over phone screens, thumbs swiping in sync. Couples share snacks from paper bags. Children test the reach of a nearby fountain, squealing when the droplets catch them. The water churns slowly below, breaking the surface into fragments of reflection. I buy a satay skewer from a stall and eat it leaning on the rail, watching scooters thread through the heat on the road above.

The afternoon presses down. At some corners the pavement vanishes and I pick my way between parked scooters before it returns. Shopfronts darken for short closures, then reopen. Fresh offerings appear where earlier ones have been flattened underfoot or swept into neat piles at the edge of the pavement.

The busy-ness of Denpasar is still pepper with traditional Balinese architecture. Photo: Shutterstock.com

By late afternoon, my route drifts back towards Puputan. The park is still there, but the cast has changed. Where keep-fit mums stretched in the morning, a football game now gathers pace, boys chasing a scruffy ball across the grass. Children clamber up the edges of a statue base. Couples lean together on benches, heads close. Traffic still rings the perimeter, but the light has softened and the heat has loosened its grip.

I haven’t “done” Denpasar in any official sense. I haven’t collected sights or chased photo opportunities. I’ve walked, eaten, paused and allowed myself to experience life as it’s lived, letting the city set the pace. No doubt that chessboard is still around somewhere, the game moved on.

Written by: Andy Hill

For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Sydney, visit singaporeair.com.

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Chef Andre Chiang makes his Singapore return with 1887 by Andre

Driven by a desire to build an iconic dining destination in the city that shaped his career, chef André Chiang describes his latest venture, 1887 by André, as a “love letter” to Singapore. The fine dining establishment which opened in March this year at Raffles Hotel marks the celebrated chef’s longawaited return to Singapore.

He had shuttered his two-Michelin-starred Restaurant André in 2018 and brought his acclaimed Taipei-based RAW to a close in 2014, on its 10th anniversary. Now Chiang’s reappearance on the local circuit feels like a full-circle moment.

The opening of 1887 by Andre is a full-circle moment for the chef. Photo: 1887 by Andre

“Returning to Singapore feels deeply personal; it is where I grew as a chef, found my community and forged my philosophy.

It is a city defined by its multicultural influences, openness to the world and deep respect for craft – qualities that continue to inspire how I cook today,” says Chiang. Despite the many closures in the local food and beverage industry, Chiang remains optimistic that the time is right.

He says, “Diners are no longer looking for spectacle; they are looking for meaning, clarity and continuity. I believe the timing is right to introduce something timeless yet exciting and closely connected to our evolving lifestyles and expectations.”

Le Vert Verdant Forest. Photo: 1887 by Andre

1887 by André is set to be Raffles Hotel’s most ambitious culinary endeavour, drawing inspiration from the hotel’s 139-year history. Guests can expect dishes crafted from locally sourced and cultivated ingredients, while the dining service evokes Victorian-era rituals – most notably through the use of an original, hundred year-old silver beef wagon and antique silverware.

The restaurant’s interior has been transformed into an elegant formal dining room, featuring marble and wood, alongside palm trees and punkahs (cloth fans) that reflect the region’s tropical climate.

“By drawing inspiration from Raffles Hotel Singapore’s storied past and the city’s multicultural roots, the restaurant transforms cuisine into thoughtful storytelling, by valuing clarity, craftsmanship and lasting impact over fleeting novelty,” says Chiang

For more information on Singapore Airlines’ flights to Singapore, visit singaporeair.com.

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