A Guide for the City Slicker in Singapore

So, you want to take in the sights of the city. We suggest breakfast at Crossroads Café at Singapore Marriot Tang Plaza Hotel on Orchard Road, a perfect place to see and be seen. Then while away the morning at Singapore's famous shopping area, checking out all the major retail centres: Isetan Scotts, Wisma Atria, Ngee Ann City, Metro@Paragon, and The Centrepoint.

Ngee Ann City is a central spot for a mid-morning break and has an impressive view of Orchard Road. Also pop into Kinokuniya in the same mall, the largest bookstore in Southeast Asia.

Then, flag a taxi and head for the historic Raffles Hotel. Lunch at The Tiffin Room, with its silver tableware and English atmosphere. Sip a cup of tea at the Empress Café, also at the hotel, while watching the lunch crowds head back to work. Take another cab to Suntec City, labelled as Singapore's vertical Silicon Valley because of its super-tall buildings that house many IT firms.

Explore the world's biggest fountain right in the centre of the 4 skyscrapers and exhibition hall that make up Suntec City – learn how it was built according to the laws of Chinese geomancy. More shopping can be had at the Suntec City Mall, or you can choose to have a quick backrub or foot massage at the many spas and wellness centres available. Then, walk towards the ultramodern CityLink Mall and browse around Singapore's first underground retail hub.

Inside the CitiLink tunnel, head for the City Hall MRT Station and take a train to Raffles Place. From there, it’s takes only a short walk to reach Boat Quay, a historical spot at the mouth of Singapore River. Enjoy dinner at one of the Quay's many riverside restaurants, or at the rooftop terrace of Our Village Indian restaurant (46 Boat Quay). You'll get a fine view of the civic district with its monuments such as Victoria Concert Hall, as well as sights of the looming skyscrapers in Singapore's financial hub.

After dinner, climb into a taxi and get to the Swissôtel The Stamford, where you can enjoy a martini atop the world's tallest hotel at the Equinox Restaurant on the 70th floor. You’ll enjoy superb views of the island here – at night, you'll get to see the whole city lit up. Then, get another cabbie to drive you to Zouk and its sister nightclub Velvet Underground near River Valley Road. Party till you drop!

Ari Gunadi | Compulsive Traveler

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