7 hikes in Sri Lanka for enjoying its lush landscapes

Given its exquisite hinterland and beautiful hiking weather from December to May, Sri Lanka draws lovers of the outdoors from all over the globe. And with this year’s launch of The Pekoe Trail – the nation’s first long-distance hiking trail – there’s even more reason to visit. 

Here are seven hikes across Sri Lanka to consider exploring in the upcoming months, when its crisp air and blue skies beckon.

1. The Pekoe Trail

A journey through tea country 

A 300km walk across Sri Lanka’s central highlands, the Pekoe Trail passes through the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, with valleys, waterfalls and tea-carpeted hills along the way. The trail is designed to completed in 22 stages, which means you can choose to do it in short segments or as a multi-day trek. 

The Pekoe Trail is named after a famous golden Ceylon tea. Photo: Shutterstock

Stay at: Pick the elegantly restored former tea planter residence Norwood Bungalow at Ceylon Tea Trails. Located at stage eight, it’s only a nine-minute drive from the trailhead. 

While there: Book a guided tour at the Dunkeld Tea Factory to find out more about tea-making and the nuanced history of Ceylon Tea. 

2. Pidurangala

For a taste of the historic 

Once known only to local pilgrims who frequented the adjacent Buddhist monastery, Pidurangala is a soaring rock that overlooks the plains below and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sigiriya, a four-hour drive northeast of Colombo. It’s a fairly easy hike, but go early before sunrise to enjoy the morning breeze and avoid large crowds. The view of the lion-shaped ancient rock fortress Sigiriya at sunrise is not to be missed.

Gaze at Sirijaya Rock to your heart’s content from Pidurangala. Photo: Shutterstock

Stay at: In this area where rustic cabins are the norm, enjoy instead the eco-luxury of Jetwing Vil Uyana, a local-owned hotel that features lush paddy fields and suites with plunge pools. It’s a twenty-minute drive from the Pidurangala trail. 

While there: An eight-minute drive from Vil Uyana, cooking classes at Sajee’s Place offer hands-on experience in Sri Lankan homecooking.

3. Knuckles Mountain Range

A rugged journey for the bold

Named after the five peaks that some say resemble knuckles of a clenched fist, the Knuckles Mountains is best described as an off-beat choice. Some small settlements of the hill range – marked by evergreen forests, rice terraces and natural pools – are still with rough roads that are not ideal for motorists.

Knuckles Mountain is named after its shape. Photo: Shutterstock

It’s also a birdwatcher paradise thanks to the 128 species that frequent an area of 21,000ha of this valley, often shrouded in mist. 

There are trails of different lengths to choose from, like the 1.5km long beginner-friendly Mini World’s End Trail, where a cliff drops at 1192m high, and the arduous 16-km Duwili Ella Trek to a 40m high waterfall inside the thick jungle.

Stay at: Santani Wellness, perhaps Sri Lanka’s best wellness resort overlooking the mountains with guided hikes. From here, the trailhead is a scenic one-hour drive away. The resort would be happy to help with arranging your exploration of Knuckles Mountain. 

While there: Pamper yourself with a day at the tranquil Kandy Samadhi Centre, with yoga, Ayurveda treatments, waterfall visits and a hearty Sri Lankan lunch.

4. Sinharaja rainforest

Sri Lanka’s last untouched rainforest

Sinharaja is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southern interiors, and its nearest entrance is a mere three hours’ drive south of Colombo. Over 60% of the reserve’s trees are endemic, most of which are rare species. Several moss-clad trails run through the dense, thick forest. You’ll get to know more about the forest’s inhabitants by exploring them on foot with a guide from Donga, a regional tour company in the south of Sri Lanka. 

Also noteworthy: Sinharaja is home to over half of the island’s endemic mammals and butterflies, and other rare insects and reptiles. 

Sinharaja Forest. Photo: Shutterstock

Stay at: Nothing is quite as good as the Rainforest Ecolodge in Deniyaya, a 14-minute drive from the southern entrance of the rainforest. Book a luxury chalet hidden inside the loud, roaring forest.

While there: Join a birdwatching tour organised by the lodge – they’ll make sure you spot some of the 21 out of 26 endemic bird species that live in these green lungs.

5. Ella Rock

One for the ‘gram

Ella, once a sleepy town, has become Instagram-famous over the years, thanks to the nine-hour train journey from Colombo that spans unparalleled views of Sri Lanka’s highlands. Complete this scenic train ride with a hike up Ella Rock, which overlooks surrounding hills and valleys, giving you more stunning social media fodder as well as big leg-day energy. The 10km roundtrip hike to Ella Rock is quite steep in parts and can take three to five hours to complete. 

The scenic Ella Rock. Photo: Shutterstock

Stay at: 98 Acres Resort & Spa. Set amidst a tea estate, this charming boutique hotel is only a 15-minute drive from Ella Station, where you’ll have to walk along the rail tracks to reach the starting point.

While there: Join a Sri Lankan cooking class at Matey Hut, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional coconut-based Sri Lankan dishes from scratch.

6. Horton Plains National Park 

For a lighter climb

You’d be forgiven for thinking that this mountain plateau – at above 2000m – feels like a different world from the rest of the island, given its thick forests, bright-red rhododendrons and herds of sambar deer. Clouds roll in before midday, so start the easy 9.5km trail early in the morning to World’s End, where the plateau ends at a cliff plunging over 800m. From there, you’ll see the valley below with tea estates and circle back to the park’s famous Baker’s Falls. 

See if you can spy sambar deer at Horton Plains. Photo: Shutterstock

Stay at: It’s best to stay in Nuwara Eliya, the biggest town in the region, an hour’s drive from the trailhead. Pick the Grand Hotel next to the town’s iconic golf grounds. 

While there: Craving more adventure? Take the one-hour hike to the atmospheric Bomburu Falls.

7. Devil’s Staircase 

A tricky trek with spectacular views

Many hikers prefer to start this 13km trek from Bambarakanda Falls, Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall that stands proudly at 263m high. The hike, which begins in remote Kalupahana, 200 km east of Colombo, involves hairpin turns, steep, uneven paths, narrow ridges and dilapidated estate tracks. It is all worth it for the breathtaking vistas of the southern valleys, but don’t go without a guide as it’s easy to get lost here.

Bambarakanda Falls is Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall. Photo: Shutterstock

Stay at: There aren’t many hotels due to its remote location, but Hill Safari Eco Lodge in nearby Ohiya is a local-run guesthouse with comfortable rooms, great views and outstanding Sri Lankan hospitality. 

While there: Take the train, or go on a railway hike from Ohiya to the mountain hamlet Idalgashinna – it’ll take you through 14 tunnels. 

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

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Hilton Frankfurt Airport

Experience the perfect blend of futuristic design and world-class hospitality at Hilton Frankfurt Airport. Situated in The Squaire, Germany’s largest office building, this next-generation airport hotel offers state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities. With over 200 contemporary guest rooms, including the exclusive Presidential Suite, and 11 flexible event venues, Hilton Frankfurt Airport is perfect for both business and leisure travelers. Located above the high-speed train station, the hotel offers a direct indoor walkway to Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1. Plus, with a short 15-minute train or car ride, you can easily explore the vibrant Frankfurt city center.

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Revolutionising wine storage with the Singapore Wine Vault

Produced by SilverKris for Singapore Wine Vault

Many of us know the importance of wine pairing. After all, the right wine can accentuate different dishes and make most food taste delectable. What many don’t realise though, is the complex nature of the wine industry and how much effort goes into getting the wine from vineyard to table. Every step, from sourcing rare vintages to finding the appropriate storage, is critical and of utmost importance.  

That’s where the Singapore Wine Vault comes in. This $200m state-of-the-art urban wine vault spreading across 750,000 square feet is the largest in Southeast Asia. Aside from providing wine storage, Singapore Wine Vault offers oenophiles access to a wide range of international wines and reliable and secure shipping, making them the perfect partner from the beginning to the end of your wine journey.   

This state-of-the-art urban wine vault spreading across 750,000 square feet is the largest in Southeast Asia.

The importance of proper care for your wines 

Experts often say that wine is “a living and breathing thing” during its time in the bottle. Changes in the environment can open up and release complex flavours in wine. In equatorial climates like Singapore, there are many challenges when it comes to the transport and storage of wine. Environmental factors such as light, heat, and humidity can cause wines to develop an unpleasant taste and even become undrinkable.

In other words, keeping your prized bottles safe can be a tedious task. As a serious wine collector or investor, this means finding a storage solution with specific parameters. Given how expensive some rare wines are, it is wise to leave them to experts with dedicated facilities and solutions.   

Founded in 2014, the Singapore Wine Vault is that dedicated expert. Offering a secure home for your liquid assets, they also act as a trusted partner for international wine shipping. Set up to respond to the growing needs of sophisticated wine investors, they understand the importance of having access to a wide range of wines from different regions. They work with international suppliers who can source and procure the best wines from around the world. Additionally, they facilitate the logistics of getting those wines to you, guaranteeing a seamless wine experience from start to end.   

Equatorial climates like Singapore posits many challenges when it comes to the effective transport and storage of wine.

Unlike traditional self-storage facilities that require fixed lease agreements, Singapore Wine Vault offers a pay-per-use option. This flexible approach allows clients to merely pay for the storage space they need and the duration they require it for. Whether you’re looking for short or long-term storage, you have the freedom to adjust your storage requirements based on your changing needs.   

 

Cutting-edge technology  

Believing that your liquid assets only deserve the best, Singapore Wine Vault employs the best technology and security setting it a cut above its competitors.

To ensure ideal storage for all types of wines, the vault offers secure wine space that is separated into two main chamber areas: 12°C for storage of fine wines, and 20°C for storage of commercial wines. The combination of a temperature-controlled warehouse and industrial dehumidifiers ensures wine quality is preserved. This offers the best of both worlds to clients who may want to store and age their wine at an optimal temperature as well as wine lovers who want to have a collection of wines on hand for drinking. 

Offering both bonded and non-bonded options, you’re free to suspend the payment of duty and GST until your wines are withdrawn for consumption. It is also the first in the world to receive the ISO and HACCP Certification from TUV Rheinland for the storage and handling of wines. Other services they offer include processing GST and taxes for duty-suspended goods, optional wine insurance covering fire and theft, and even wine photography.   

 

 

As the creators of the first-ever Wine Vault app developed for both Android and iPhone users, anyone with a Singapore Virtual Wine Cellar account can access their wine cellar, regardless of where they are. This dedicated app offers an instant overview of your wine collection, delivers information for easy management of your wine portfolio, shows a photographic inventory of your wine collection upon request, and even arranges delivery door-to-door for wines at the mere touch of a button.   

Your trusted partner in wine storage  

  

Whether you’re someone who enjoys hosting dinners with the best bubbly at your place, an investor looking to restock your cellar with top-notch picks, or simply a wine lover who loves a good glass from time to time, the team at Singapore Wine Vault guarantees top-notch customer service so you can have peace of mind from vineyard to living room.   

  

 

For more information, visit www.singaporewinevault.com. 

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10 Restaurants to celebrate the festive season in Singapore

With Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year just around the corner, it’s time to plan a well-deserved festive feast to close the chapter in 2023. From fab turkey-centric feasts you can get delivered to your home to brand new bars to usher in the new year, this list is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

HighHouse

Set on a scenic perch on the 61st and 62nd floor of One Raffles Place, HighHouse is one of Singapore’s newest high-rise restaurant and lounge. Its plush interior features a glitzy Art Deco styling as well as intimate booth seating and private entertainment rooms. On the dining front, flavours from the Pacific Coast take centrestage – most apparent in large format sharing plates like the seafood kokoda ceviche. The cocktail menu draws from the same inspirations, demonstrated in signatures like the seaweed umami martini and the clarified pisco punch with Key lime foam. Adding to the lounge’s appeal is a vibrant music programme lead by a mix of prominent and new local and international artists. You can expect a wide range of genres from house and disco to techno and other electronic subgenres. The bar also offers spectacular views of the New Year’s fireworks over the Marina Bay.

1 Raffles Place, Level 61 & 62

HighHouse is the perfect vantage point to watch the New Year’s fireworks display over the Marina Bay. Photo credit: HighHouse

Artichoke

With an irreverent menu that’s very much in line with chef-owner and Masterchef Singapore judge Bjorn Shen, Artichoke presents modern Middle Eastern cuisine with a contemporary twist. The restaurant’s offerings lend themselves well to a festive family meal, with its variety of mezzes and generously-portioned dishes. These include the AFC (Artichoke fried chicken) and the ‘Lambgasm’ – 2.5kg of slow-roasted lamb shoulder served with greens and mixed-grain pilaf (pre-orders must be made 48 hours beforehand). The lively restaurant boasts both an indoor space and a lush outdoor dining area. Book a table soon; this will be Artichoke’s final few months at their Middle Road location, before their move to the 46 Kim Yam Road lifestyle compound in April 2024.

161 Middle Road

Artichoke’s large format sharing dishes are perfect for festive dining. Photo credit: Artichoke

COLLIN’S

With over 28 outlets across the island, COLLIN’S is a household name when it comes to quality Western cuisine and grilled meats. For Christmas this year, the restaurant group is once again offering a selection of festive feasts that can be enjoyed at home. Their Christmas combos can be ordered directly from their online store and include the traditional turkey with chestnut stuffing, cranberry sauces and turkey jus, classic herb-marinated roasted chicken with chicken jus, bone-in gammon ham honey with yuzu sauce, roasted barbecue pork ribs and other classic sides. Alternatively, these festive classics can also be ordered separately as an a la carte item on its own.

Various locations

Take the fuss out of hosting with a takeaway feast from COLLIN’S. Photo credit: COLLIN’S

Elfuego

Since its opening in 2019 at Jewel Changi Airport, Elfuego has won a slew of awards for its quality halal-certified European cuisine including Halal Award’s “Best Halal Restaurant” (2020 and 2022) as well as “Best Steak” (2023). In celebration of the opening of its second outlet, Head Chef Loh will introduce a selection of classic Christmas dishes to put diners in a festive mood. These new creations include the roasted whole chicken with porcini mushroom ragout along with a hearty slow-roasted Australian ribeye and natural jus, and roasted root vegetables with herbs and butter.

78 Airport Boulevard, #02-216 Jewel Singapore Changi Airport 

Elfuego offers a range of halal festive dishes including the Roasted Whole Chicken with Porcini Mushroom Ragout. Photo credit: Elfuego

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Singapore

Known for its fine cuts of prime beef, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is a dining destination that’s perfect for celebratory occasions. For Thanksgiving this year, the steakhouse will offer a special Thanksgiving Set Menu available from 20 to 26 November. Start your meal with either a spinach salad with bacon dressing or a comforting carrot and parsnip soup. For mains, you’ll tuck into petite filet mignon paired with boneless turkey breast slices served alongside baked vegetables and purple sweet mashed potatoes. End things on a sweet note with the toothsome pumpkin cheesecake. For a more intimate Christmas celebration with your beau, there’s also a Christmas Set Menu for Two. Available from 1 to 31 December, the set meal includes mains like honey-baked ham, roasted prime rib and classic Christmas sides.

1 Nanson Road, #02-01 InterContinental Singapore

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Singapore will present a special Thanksgiving dinner set menu. Photo credit: Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Singapore

Rempapa

Helmed by the “Grandfather of Heritage Cuisine” Damian D’Silva, Rempapa is a love letter to homestyle Singapore cooking. While turkeys are usually the Christmas centrepiece that comes to mind, for some it can be a spread of curries, festive sides and kuehs. The menu here reflects this tradition along with comfort classics from Chinese, Peranakan, Indian and Malay cooking. Crowd pleasers include babi pongteh, singgang, and baca assam. For those celebrating at home, tuck into a festive platter featuring an assortment of local favourites that will make for a thoughtful gift for any Christmas gathering. 

2 Paya Lebar Road, #01-01/02/03 Park Place Residences

Rempapa’s colourful kueh platters make for an excellent holiday gift. Photo credit: Rempapa

Hashida

When it comes to impeccable omakase-style sushi in Singapore, Hashida is the place to be. Holding court behind the counter is master sushi chef Kenjiro ‘Hatch’ Hashida who crafts his menu in line with the concept of Shu Ha Ri – an ethos that espouses innovation while remaining anchored to traditions. The restaurant itself comprises a trio of private rooms. At each of these rooms, guests will enjoy unique dining experience, where Chef Hatch will personally introduce you to his ‘Hashida Universe’ – the chef’s personal approach to omakase sushi that goes beyond traditional Edomae styles.

77 Amoy Street

Hashida’s interiors feature a pared-down contemporary design. Photo credit: Hashida

VUE Bar & Grill

Perched on a panoramic rooftop on OUE Bayfront, VUE Bar & Grill presents a menu of seasonal binchōtan-grilled meat, seafood and produce curated by Chef Sam Chin. The venue also distinguishes itself by offering Singapore’s first rooftop spritz bar. As the sun sets over the skyline, Chef Sam reveals an exclusive selection (just 20 portions) of binchōtan-smoked Kokuou Wagyu beef. This exceptionally sought-after Japanese beef is painstakingly slow-roasted for over 20 hours and served with rice salt flakes making for an absolutely unforgettable treat for meat connoisseurs.

50 Collyer Quay, Level 19 OUE Bayfront

VUE Bar & Grill is home to Singapore’s first rooftop spritz bar. Photo credit: VUE Bar & Grill

Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro

Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro is the first international outpost of one of Japan’s most lauded Szechuan restaurants. To ring in the new year, the restaurant has put together a special dinner menu curated by Chef Kentaro himself. The delightful multi-course menu will showcase seasonal ingredients and the chef’s skill at marrying traditional techniques with modern twists. Guests can expect innovative dishes like a Szechuan-style deep-fried quail, stir-fried lobster with chilli sauce and the signature ‘Chen’s Mapodoufu’ which comes served with Hokkaido rice. The menu will be available on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

333 Orchard Road, Level 35 Hilton Singapore Orchard

‘Chen’s Mapodoufu’ is the chef’s speciality. Photo credit: Shisen Hanten

Chatterbox

For scrumptious local nosh, Chatterbox at Hilton Singapore Orchard has put together a New Year menu (available from 15 December 2023 to 1 January 2024) showcasing a variety of Singapore’s most iconic local delicacies. The set menu begins with a pair of appetisers – sweet and sour cherry tomatoes with pickled cucumbers as well as a mini set of chicken satay, kueh pie tee and lemon butter prawns. The appetisers also come accompanied by a bowl of bak kut teh. For mains, choose between Chatterbox’s famed Mandarin chicken rice or the seafood Hokkien mee. Both options come with a sharing portion of stir-fried garoupa fillet. End things on a sweet note with a decadent pandan cake paired with gelato. 

333 Orchard Road, #05-03 Hilton Singapore Orchard

Chatterbox’s famed Mandarin chicken rice. Photo credit: Chatterbox

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Swapping a desk job for a career in the sky

A mid-career switch can be daunting – but it can also be immensely rewarding, as Chief Steward Alvin S Louruduraju can attest. Back in 1996, the then 23-year-old traded his desk job in banking for a career as a cabin crew member with Singapore Airlines (SIA) – and he hasn’t looked back since.

“The pull factors of being able to travel the world, embrace new cultures and taste new cuisines were what made me decide to switch careers,” says Alvin, who has recently been promoted to In-Flight Manager. “Transitioning to a new work environment – one without a permanent desk! – away from home was certainly challenging. However, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given as a cabin crew member and as a leader.”

A learning experience

Alvin soon discovered that all Singapore Airlines cabin crew undergo rigorous training – in areas ranging from safety and security to services – in order to deliver a consistently high level of service. “The learning curve at the beginning was steep. Being new to the industry, I was overwhelmed by the multitasking abilities that were required of a cabin crew, and the need to think quickly on one’s feet. I had to learn the ropes from my fellow experienced colleagues while ensuring that customer satisfaction was not compromised,” he recalls.

Fortunately, he managed to settle into his role thanks to the supportive work environment. “The constant encouragement shown by my colleagues and team leaders played an important role in helping me develop a growth mindset and embrace the joy of learning. My instructors and managers have also been extremely encouraging,” he says. “The most memorable part of training is striving for excellence together as a team. On board, cabin crew will always rally together in times of need to deliver the best service to our passengers, especially during full and busy flights.”

In addition to learning the various responsibilities of a cabin crew member, Alvin has picked up many soft skills along the way, including heightened situational awareness. “My training has prepared me to manage emergency, medical and security situations on board.

Alvin says his career with Singapore Airlines is a constant learning journey. “My mantra for success is ‘practice makes perfect’. Repeating what we do every day on board helps us become better at our job, and helps us grow individually and professionally,” he notes.

And while his role can be demanding, he ensures that he sets aside time to decompress after each flight. “I know when to work hard and when to play hard,” he says. “I look forward to enjoying me-time overseas after a hard day’s work. Experiencing what different cultures have to offer with my fellow colleagues is extremely satisfying.”

The joys of flying

Indeed, being able to explore new places is a major perk of the job. “As Singapore Airlines flies to more than 70 destinations, I’ve been able to enjoy the sights and sounds of big cities like New York, London and Paris. I also vividly remember my first experience of winter on my first flight to Auckland,” he shares. “And of course, I’ve been able to indulge in famous cuisines from Indonesia, India, China and Australia, just to name a few.”

Watching football in the UK and Italy and witnessing glorious English Premier League and Champions League games have been some of the most memorable moments.

As a massive football fan, Alvin relishes being able to catch some of his favourite players in action. “Watching football in the UK and Italy and witnessing first-hand the glorious English Premier League and Champions League games have been some of the most memorable moments for me,” he enthuses. “It’s simply a dream come true.”

In addition, Alvin appreciates that his job enables him to meet new people on a daily basis. “Over the years, my role as a cabin crew has trained me to interact confidently with people from all walks of life,” he says. “The important elements of communication involve a genuine smile, eye contact, and showing mutual respect. With these in mind, I have been able to have meaningful conversations with customers from all over the world.”

Above all, Alvin thoroughly enjoys being able to deliver personalised care and attention to the customers he serves – right from the moment they set foot on board. Once, a Solitaire PPS customer declared he could tell how good the service was going to be just by looking at the chief steward or stewardess greeting passengers at the door. “His words resonate with me every time passengers board the aircraft, and underscore the world-class service we provide throughout each flight,” he says.

Part of the family

At Singapore Airlines, Alvin feels glad to be part of a large, close-knit community. “I cherish the moments I spend with my colleagues, who are like siblings to me. We have fun together and the bond we have created will stay close to our hearts forever,” he shares. “I continue to do what I do without regrets, knowing that my extended SIA family is rooting for me.”

He is especially grateful for the strong culture of compassion, especially among fellow cabin crew. “For example, when a crew member is ill or injured, other crew members will rally to show care and concern without hesitation. This togetherness transcends both time and geographical boundaries and touches my heart,” Alvin says. “The spirit of gotong royong [“mutual assistance” in Bahasa Indonesia] is so beautiful and wonderfully contagious.”

This sense of familial belonging helps Alvin stay grounded, no matter where in the world his job takes him. As he sums it up: “Knowing that I have the love and support of my colleagues, whom I am proud to call my family, makes me feel at home even when I am away from base.”

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