It is the second smallest Asian country so you can cover a lot of ground in a short break in Singapore and retreat to your Singapore hotel to recharge.Start your short stay in Singapore at the city oasis of the Botanic Gardens just west of Orchard Road. Tree-shaded paths wind past lakes and gardens of spices, orchids and bamboo. Explorers will soon be ready for lunch at nearby Holland Village. The 211 Roof Terrace Café above Holland Road Shopping Centre continues the al fresco theme and serves a picnic of pasta and sandwiches.
Start: Holland Road or Bukit Timah Road bus stop.
Cool off with culture at the colonial National Art Gallery, east of Orchard Road, which houses South-east Asian contemporary collections. Or visit the Asian Civilisations Museum, which tells the story of settlers who arrived on the Singapore River. When happy hour approaches, cross the river to Boat Quay and join the throng of city traders for dusk at legendary jazz venue Harry's Bar.
Start: National Art Gallery.
Nearest MRT Dhoby Ghaut or Asian Civilisations Museum. Nearest MRT Raffles Place.
A Singapore short break isn't complete without a hawker food experience. Newton Circus, just one MRT stop from Orchard Road, serves freshly cooked signature dishes from each of Singapore's nationalities – Chinese chicken and rice, Malay Nyonya and Indian Murtabak dishes.
Start: Newton Circus
Nearest MRT Newton
Take an air-conditioned taxi ride to Mount Faber, a 100m peak on the south coast. Hop on a cable car to fun-filled Sentosa Island, taking in South China Sea ships passing below from the 60m-high glass baubles. Touch down next to the Butterfly and Insect Kingdom to brush shoulders with 1,500 winged breeds. Then board the island bus for an unusual spa treat. After an oceanic tour of Underwater World, fish will nibble and exfoliate paddling feet in the Fish Reflexology pool.
Start: Mount Faber.
Nearest MRT Harbour Front
Get a fix of Asian flavours in one lunchtime with Malay laksa curry or Indian tandoori at Tastes of Singapore next to Imbiah or Beach Station light rail stations. Fuelled for a shopping spree, take the train and in four minutes you'll be back on the mainland in VivoCity mall. The tidal wave-shaped Harbourfront is the largest of the shopping city's plazas and a haven from the afternoon humidity. Floors and floors of fashion and food outlets sprawl under the gigantic roof, which has its own open-air amphitheatre and kids' playground.
Start: Sentosa Island.
Nearest Sentosa Express station Imbiah or Beach
Downriver from the financial district, Clarke Quay is a short MRT hop from any central hotel. Waiters rush between kitchens in the restored warehouses to serve diners on the riverfront “lily pad” seating areas. Try the national dish of chilli crab – a staple at Quayside Seafood restaurant.
Start: Clarke Quay
Nearest MRT Clarke Quay
Get out and enjoy a Singapore short break for yourself while staying at one of Hotels.com's Singapore hotels.
