Singapore Highlights
Abundance in the Garden City
Known as the "Garden City,” Singapore has fused bountiful green spaces with urban design to produce a thriving city surrounded by nature. As Sarah Morgan discovers, it’s a treat for the senses.
Known as the "Garden City,” Singapore has fused bountiful green spaces with urban design to produce a thriving city encased in nature. But a stunning cityscape is not the only thing on offer in this bustling metropolis—from world-class dining to sandy beaches to a shopping paradise, there are plenty of things to keep even the most discerning Annual Meeting registrant occupied.
Eat Singapore
There’s no better way to begin an introduction to Singapore than by setting out some of the best food and drink this city has to offer. Singapore is home to a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society, and this is reflected in variety of cuisines available. It should perhaps come as no surprise that Singapore had an impressive tally of 52 Michelin-starred restaurants on the 2022 list.
“Singaporeans are known to have an obsession with food. Trying out different foods, especially street food at hawker centers, is an activity not to be missed,” says Francine Tan, managing director at Francine Tan Law Corporation (Singapore). “Even if you’re not inclined to try the food, visiting one of Singapore’s many hawker centers is an activity not to be missed as it will give visitors a glimpse into the Singapore lifestyle.”
From chili crab (a sweet yet savory dish of slightly spicy stir-fried crabs) and succulent chicken with fragrant rice cooked with ginger and pandan leaves known as chicken rice, to kaya toast (charcoal-grilled or toasted bread with butter and coconut jam) and nasi lemak—a coconut-infused aromatic rice dish with deep-fried chicken wings, grilled fish paste, fried local anchovies and peanuts, eggs, cucumbers slices, and spicy chili paste—there’s plenty on offer.
"Singapore's multi-ethnic culture and heritage presents a multitude of colorful cuisines, each with its own unique flavor. Our dining scene features a rich mix of local street fare as well as unique and quality dining experiences by local and international chefs,” adds Edward Koh, executive director, conventions, meetings & incentive travel at the Singapore Tourism Board (Singapore).
And, aside from the iconic Singapore Sling at Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel, there are plenty of other offerings for a post-meeting drink.
“You can savor innovative cocktails at Jigger & Pony, drinks inspired by Singapore’s ethnic cultures at Nutmeg & Clove, as well as experience the sustainability-focused Analogue, just three of the many Singapore bars featured in Asia’s 50 Best Bars list,” says Mr. Koh.
“Singaporeans are known to have an obsession with food. Trying out different foods, especially street food at hawker centers, is an activity not to be missed.”
- Francine Tan | Francine Tan Law Corporation (Singapore)
Experience Singapore
Many know Singapore as a vibrant and green city, but it’s more than just one island. Singapore’s land area includes more than 60 islands that surround the main island, offering plenty of opportunities to escape and explore.
Marina Bay | With the INTA 2023 Annual Meeting Live+ taking place at the Marina Bay Sands, attendees will not have to travel far to experience some of the wonderful things Singapore has to offer. Marina Bay is “home to some of the city’s most distinctive architectural icons”, says Mr. Koh, including the soaring structure of the hotel, the “charmingly durian-shaped Esplanade (Singapore’s premier arts center), and Singapore’s national icon—the Merlion.”
Take a stroll to the unmissable Gardens by the Bay. Ms. Tan explains: “It’s especially lovely in the evening when the lights of the electric ‘Supertrees’ are turned on.”
Take a Walk | For those who love walking, the Botanic Gardens is a prime spot. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hort Park’s Southern Ridges walk is one of Ms. Tan’s personal favorites. “Apart from flora and fauna, visitors will get to enjoy splendid views of Sentosa Island and the lush green areas around Labrador Park Nature Reserve,” she says.
Around half of Singapore’s land area is under green cover and there is rich biodiversity in the many nature reserves. The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, in particular, is said to contain more tree species in a single hectare than the total number of tree species found in North America!
Sentosa Island | “With its pristine beaches with restaurants and beach clubs, exciting attractions, and tropical landscapes, Sentosa lives up to its name as the ‘State of Fun,’” adds Mr. Koh.
He advises attendees to check out the Central Beach Bazaar, a new attraction that offers a day-to-night carnival beach experience with food and games and features the iconic Sentosa Musical Fountain.
Cultural Precincts | A true experience of Singapore’s local cultures would not be complete without a visit to the different ethnic quarters of the island, explains Mr. Koh.
“Experience our diverse heritage—Chinatown for the Chinese, Kampong Gelam for the Malays, Little India for the Indians, and Joo Chiat & Katong for the Peranakans [Straits-born people of Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage],” he adds.
You can also join walking tours to “unearth the never-ending stories brought to life by our trained guides,” Mr. Koh says.
Orchard Road | Singapore’s bustling shopping belt of Orchard Road hosts countless international brands along its 2.2km street.
Mr. Koh recommends visiting Design Orchard, a creative incubator with some of Singapore’s most beloved brands, lauded designers, and talented newcomers.
It showcases more than 60 homegrown designers ranging from skincare to furniture and fashion and also offers a plethora of lifestyle services and food options.
Local Favorites | If you’re looking to discover something away from the beaten track, save some time for Dempsey Hill. Mr. Koh describes it as “a lesser-known locale and heritage site that is an idyllic lifestyle destination, filled with charming shops and stellar restaurants, cafes, and bars.”
Chocolate lovers should check our Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie for craft chocolate with novel flavors and ethical sourcing, build-your-own chocolate slab station, and an indoor and outdoor dining experience.
Gin lovers can take a distillery tour at Tanglin Gin and taste gins with unique Singapore flavors.
Ms. Tan also recommends Tiong Bahru where you can see Bauhaus-style architecture, a local “wet market” and a popular hawker center which is located above the market.
"The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in particular, is said to contain more tree species in a single hectare than the total number of tree species found in North America!”
- Edward Koh | Singapore Tourism Board (Singapore)
Explore Singapore (Easily and with Peace of Mind!)
Singapore is amongst the safest cities in the world, with English as the working language and an efficient public transport network, explains Mr. Koh, adding that you will be able to explore the city easily and with peace of mind.
Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is quick and easy to use, and many attractions are located within minutes of a station.
If you’re looking to travel by car, you can download apps for Gojek and Zig (also known as Comfort Delgro, the largest regular Taxi operator in Singapore).
The Visit Singapore Travel Guide app provides myriad offerings both in the vicinity and around the island, including recommendations for food, nightlife, shopping experiences, and tours.
“It also has an Essentials tab which is a nifty, all-in-one feature that answers your travel questions, from currency exchange rates to nearby free Wi-Fi hotspots. The app can also help with directions to your destination, including recommending a number of interesting locales along the way,” Mr. Koh explains.
Sustainable Singapore
Singapore is one of the world’s greenest cities, with a strong commitment to sustainability. For example, the Singapore Green Plan 2030 charts Singapore’s ambitions and targets over the next ten years.
Tourism products and experiences have also been built with sustainability in mind. In 2020, the Sands Expo and Convention Centre at the Marina Bay Sands became the first carbon-neutral meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibition venue in Singapore.
Additionally, Singapore has been certified as a sustainable destination based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) Destination Criteria.
The certification follows similar achievements by key tourism partners such as Sentosa Development Corporation, Resorts World Sentosa, and Marina Bay Sands Singapore, which had also achieved certification based on the relevant GSTC Criteria.
“This reflects Singapore’s efforts and commitment in our journey to become a sustainable urban destination, where large experiences come with small footprints,” says Mr. Koh.
Last Minute Tips
Make sure you pack sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, light cotton clothing, and sandals, and whatever else you need to feel comfortable in tropical heat, says Ms. Tan.
She advises: “Do not forget to add a shawl/cardigan for the indoors (the air-conditioning in malls, hotels, and the Convention Center can be a little strong). Singaporeans generally dress informally, with the exception of restaurants with a more formal dress code.”
