Singapore

The warmest of welcomes

Singapore’s fascinating history tells a tale of how a sleepy fishing village transformed into an economic powerhouse and cultural heavyweight. Much of its past is visible in the museums and monumental architecture of the city, but for a deep dive into the backstory it’s well worth taking a walking tour to see the historic highlights. An independent city state since 1965, Singapore is justly proud of its heritage and its people renowned for their kindness, generosity and openness.

An innovative arts scene

If food is the primary national obsession of Singapore, culture comes a close second. By nature, Singaporeans are culturally curious, creatively inclined and collectively supportive of talent and innovation. Accordingly, Singapore has a thriving arts scene that spans outdoor concerts and Broadway shows to local bands and edgy public art. As Sydney has its Opera House, Singapore has the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, 60,000 square metres of beautifully designed performing arts space including a concert hall seating about 1,800 and a 1,950-capacity theatre. Meanwhile the theatres at Marina Bay Sands are drawing Broadway and West End hits such as Phantom Of The Opera, Wicked and Les Misérables. More grassroots entertainment can be found at Timbre’s portfolio of venues, where homecooked food is served alongside homegrown musical and performance talent.

Meanwhile within the visual arts, the past five years have seen Singapore cement its reputation as an international art hub. The recently opened, much-lauded ArtScience Museum unites art and science exhibitions, while the National Gallery Singapore comprises the world’s largest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art, totalling more than 8,000 artworks. Bringing together international and home-grown art galleries, Gillman Barracks visual arts cluster welcomes art lovers, collectors and the artistically curious in a buzzing centre with a packed calendar of exhibitions and events. “Culture” is a broad term in Singapore, and visitors will discover a passionate, creative community engaged in cultural efforts large and small.

Fusion and festivities

Singapore enables travellers to experience numerous colourful cultures and cuisines without ever leaving the island. One important local tradition is the many festivals celebrating this cultural diversity. An unmissable spectacle, if you are lucky enough to be there at the right time, is the Chinese New Year extravaganza: the highlight is Singapore’s equivalent of carnival – the Chingay Parade, featuring dancing dragons and lions, fire eaters and elaborate floats. There are plenty of enticing experiences to enjoy throughout the year, though. In Chinatown, for example, the smell of sweet cured pork intermingles with the smoke from the Hindu temples at neighbouring Little India, whose Tekka Market is one of the most vibrant and colourful (and frequently Instagrammed) sights on the island. Meanwhile, in Kampong Glam, the Arab quarter, Haji Lane is lined with independent boutiques, retro barbershops and even a Tokyobike store, a hipster accolade positioning Singapore alongside Copenhagen, Berlin, Melbourne and London. Now you’ve got your itinerary sorted, it’s time to start looking for somewhere to rest your head. Check out all the properties we have to offer.