Posts, pics, video and motivation on Travel Lifestyle, countries around the world! Addicted to adventure travel and photography, I'm on a mission to inspire your next journey with entertaining stories, beautiful images, fun travel videos, and useful tips.
Every spring, this green oasis in the middle of Fukuoka draws crowds as its cherry trees come into blossom. Maizuru Park is also the former site of Fukuoka Castle. Although only the foundations remain, a walk to the top of the ruins offers a panoramic view of the city. Complete your day’s itinerary by popping into Fukuoka Art Museum next door to view their extensive collection of modern and contemporary art. Then, if you’re craving more nature, head into Ohori Park for a stroll around its impressive lake.
Today, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is the destination de rigueur for students of all ages, who come to pay their respects during examination season. It’s one of the key shrines in Japan dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, or Tenjin, the deity of learning, culture, and the arts. The road leading up to the shrine is lined with various souvenir shops selling gifts and local delicacies. The road also features a Starbucks designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Make sure to try the umegae mochi rice cake when you visit; it’s a Dazaifu delicacy.
Adored by visitors and locals alike, the yatai, or small outdoor food stands, are one of the most iconic aspects of Fukuoka’s culinary culture. Every night, around 100 yatai stalls set up shop along the streets of Fukuoka, serving customers late into the night. You’ll find clusters along the river in Nakasu and around the Tenjin district. The recent influx of new yatai owners in the Nagahama area (famous for its ramen) has also put that area firmly back on the map.
You can experience the wide gamut of Fukuoka cuisine by visiting the yatai. A wide array of dishes beckon, from Fukuoka’s famous tonkotsu ramen to yakitori chicken skewers to gyoza dumplings. Your best bet is to embark on a hashigo, or yatai crawl, sampling one stall after another until your tummy fills up. Each stand only seats around ten people, so it is a great place to rub shoulders with the locals and other visitors to the city. But with other people always looking for a seat at the counter, it is always best to think of yatai stands as pit stops rather than a leisurely dining experience.
One thing comes to mind as we turn the corner into the holiday season: shopping for presents for your loved ones – and also for yourself.
Whether you’re in the market for the luxury labels that can be found along Orchard Road or in Marina Bay Sands, seeking local heritage finds in Kampong Glam or looking for athleisure and outdoor gear in Novena Square, there’s a hotel nearby that you’ll want to appoint as your home base.
(Those heading to Orchard Road will enjoy an additional treat: its annual Christmas light-up and three Great Christmas Villages outside popular malls Shaw House, Ngee Ann City and Plaza Singapura whereshoppers can look forward to carnival rides, games, pop-up stores and food kiosks.)
COMO Metropolitan Singapore, Orchard
For the discerning fashionista
The brand newCOMO Metropolitan Singaporeis not just conveniently located just off the main Orchard Road stretch; it also occupies the same building as multi-label clothing brandClub21. Here, you’ll find two whole floors of high fashion labels the likes of Mulberry, Paul Smith and more.
Minimalist chic in COMO Metropolitan Singapore’s Emerald King suite. Photo: COMO
The stay:This five-star digs is COMO’s first hotel in its home country. Each of the hotel’s rooms features a pared-down minimalist style with abundant natural light and views of the city outside. For longer stays, spring for the spacious one- and two-bedroom suites.
While there: The hotel also conveniently houses the largest global flagship of its famous sister wellness establishment, COMO Shambhala Singapore, on its fourth floor. Warm up for your day’s adventure with their functional fitness training, yoga and Pilates classes. Otherwise, keep an eye out for the hotel’s classes and one-day Wellness Packages, which will be launching soon.
Pullman Singapore Orchard
Beloved Japanese brands galore and more
Opposite high-end mall Paragon and housed in the same building as sportswear giant Adidas and a gleaming Apple store, Pullman Singapore Orchardin the heart of Orchard Road is a stone’s throw away from pretty much every need. But Japanophiles will want to note the longstanding Japanese departmental store Takashimaya in nearby Ngee Ann City, as well as Orchard Central’s coterie of Japanese brands such as Hands (formerly Tokyu Hands), a massive multi-story Uniqlo and the sprawling DON DON DONKI supermarket.
Pullman Singapore Orchard will put the shopping streets at your fingertips. Photo: Pullman Singapore Orchard
The stay: The hotel takes its design cues from the luxury fashion houses that it shares the street with. Its rooms, suites and lounge spaces are all decorated with a chic collection of art and fashion artefacts. All326 rooms feature extensive automation that ensure guests can personalise their stay to their utmost comfort – you can even adjust the ambient lighting to set the mood.
While there:Celebrate the end of the year in style with the hotel’sME-TREATpackage. Aside from accommodations at the Club Residence Room, you’ll enjoy breakfast in bed, a three-course poolside dining experience, evening cocktails at the Archive Club and an hour of free flow beverages at Atelier Lounge.
Mandarin Oriental Singapore
Retail fun for the whole family – with a view
A stay at the freshly refurbishedMandarin Oriental, Singaporeputs you within easy reach to a host of shopping options in Singapore’s Marina Bay district. Check out the stylishMillenia Walk, family-friendlyMarina Squareor the high-end boutiques atMarina Bay Sands. And when you’re all shopped out, sweeping views of Marina Bay provide respite.
The newly revamped Marina Bay View King Bedroom has stunning panoramic views. Photo: Mandarin Oriental Singapore
The stay:Mandarin Oriental’s new design direction takes its cue from Singapore’s rich heritage and architectural traditions, but its interpretation of luxury goes beyond a comfortable, well-designed stay. The hotel has partneredMandala Club, an exclusive private members’ club, to offer shared cultural and culinary programmings across both venues for Marina Bay View Room and Suites guests.
While there:The hotel provides bicycles for guests, ideal for taking in the city’s iconic sights which are all within riding distance. Or if being driven around is more your speed, opt instead for one of their chicVintage Vespa Sidecar Adventures.
InterContinental Singapore
Local finds in the heritage Bugis district
Small homegrown brands such asBaju by OniattaandSifr Aromaticsline the streets nearIntercontinental Singapore, while the hipster mecca of Haji Lane is likewise a short walk away. Jostle through the narrow shophouse lanes of Arab Street to scope out textile and perfumery treasures alongside your usual souvenir tchotchkes in the historic Malay Quarters, or Kampong Glam.
The stay:This refurbished property abounds with Peranakan design elements such as in its drawer chests and wall hangings, while louvred shophouse windows open up to the bustling streets below. Suite guests can enjoy the hotel’s new Butler Service – head butler Shirish Shrivastava handles every request with finesse and efficiency, from personalised welcomes to private offsite travel experiences. Prepare to be pampered with bespoke touches such as pillows with your initials monogrammed on the covers, and turndown service that include an exquisite moth orchid flower display.
The hotel’s new Butler Service takes hospitality to the next level. Photo: InterContinental Singapore
While there:The freshly revamped Lobby Lounge will do a great job of replenishing the calories you’ve walked off, whether it’s their renowned high tea menu or local favourites that you’re hankering after. Fancy a tipple? Their new cocktail menu, with its sprinkling of regional ingredients like pandan, cumin and gula melaka, will take you on a delectable journey inspired by the nearby neighbourhoods.
Aloft Singapore Novena
A perfect stay for the rugged athletic
Aloft Singapore Novena, is the bold new kid on the block in Balestier that’s ideal for the outdoorsy type. Take a brisk 13-minute walk toVelocity@Novena Square, known for its wide selection of sporting and camping goods from brands such as Outdoor Life and Decathlon. Otherwise, a short cab ride will bring you toMustafa Centre, the famed late-night shopping haven of Little India where you’re bound to find your heart’s desire – and at a bargain, too.
The splashy colour in Aloft’s lounge area goes hand-in-hand with its art-forward design approach. Photo: Aloft Singapore Novena
The stay:This Marriott Bonvoy property boasts modern rooms and suites equipped with wireless charging capabilities, a spacious gym and rooftop pool. The four-star hotel’s eclectic design includes striking contemporary art and a show-stopping video wall that showcases electronic art from digital artists like Refik Anadol and Jonathan Monaghan.
While there:Check out the hotel’s halal-certified buffet, 21, for Mediterranean and Asian delights. Alternatively, wander the neighbourhood for some of Singapore’s most well-known bak kut teh (a traditional peppery pork rib broth) eateries like homegrown brand gone global,Founder Bak Kut Teh, andSong Fa, a Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee.
To learn more about Singapore Airlines’ flights to Singapore, visit the official website.
At Sola, chef Hiroki Yoshitake returns to his native Kyushu homeland after a time abroad in top restaurants the likes of Astrance in Paris. Here, he merges high-end French cooking techniques with the freshest locally sourced Japanese ingredients and seasonings. This is Sola’s second iteration; its original version in Paris earned a Michelin star within its first year of opening. Reservations are a must.
