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Shangri-la Singapore
Posted on | August 25, 2009 | Posted by Marian Simms Comments Off
Singapore is increasingly being seen as a destination that goes way beyond the stopover. Marian Simms spends 10 days learning what’s going on in this vital island hotspot.
Somewhere Great to Stay
Our choice was the Valley wing of the Shangri-la Hotel. It was a great decision. We were met at the airport by a very swanky limo, which was divine after a 12-hour flight. I will be the first to admit we decided to pull out the stops and go for the uber-swanky wing, but if you are travelling “light” the hotel has many options.
Sliding into the tub of our marble bathroom, flicking on the telly (yes, the bathroom one) I started mentally planning my outfit for the champagne lounge for complimentary Moet and canapés. Little things (like the stationery and the dimmers on the lights) to the major (having your own butler!) all make this a unique experience. The personal touches the hotel offers of everyone knowing our name, handmade chocolates in the room each night and the little teddy bear for the small person were all so appreciated. After a day or two, I cottoned on to the fact that the intense level of attention and security came from the Who’s Who of the guest register: royalty, US presidents, diplomats, ambassadors and stars. Suffice it to say I was made to feel no less important by the adorable staff.
Starting the day at my silver service complimentary breakfast in the divine atrium like dining room was heaven. And after days in Singapore of seeing trees everywhere, it wasn’t until I looked closer to see our hotel had grounds – normal in my part of the world but rare in Singapore! The four-hole golf course, giant swimming pool and tree lined rolling lawns are local luxury. And just five minutes of strolling put us bang in the hive of retail that is Orchard Road.
Eat
Singapore is famous for its Chilli Mud Crab, the Singapore Sling, and a series of amazing food festivals and events. This will give you insight into the passion the locals have for gastronomy. From the super-clean and busy mall-based food courts to the high-end restaurants, the eating options are quite something and the pricing is surprisingly reasonable. My food highlight, however, was about one minute from my room within the Shangri La hotel, at the Shang Palace restaurant.
Master Chef Peter Tsang’s specialty is modern Cantonese cuisine that was simply delicious art. The steamed scallops and radishes with knotted string bean would inspire the heck out of Donna Karan, and fortunately for me, they were the best example of scallops I have ever tasted. The following stream of dishes had me saying my thanks for the blessings. The level of excellence here extends to the décor. The red glass panels in the ceiling, engraved with peonies, would go unnoticed by many but I had heart flutters at the sheer beauty of them. I am already planning my return for another mouthful.
The Must-Sees
Taxis in Singapore are very inexpensive and they act as unofficial public relations for the island city. Our first expedition was to the Singapore Zoo. The 35-year-old zoo is one of the most well-regarded in the world and was a two-in-one for us, as it was right next door to the Night Safari. This is indeed an excellent way to view the wide range of exotic animals, as cages are not high on the list here… you’re more likely to be in one than the animals are.
The monkeys were by far our favourites, with the big Komodo dragon and white tigers other highlights. It’s a quick 100-metre walk to the Night Safari for a spot of dinner (keep walking past the fast food outlets, as there are more delish spots further in), where you can eat, drink, be merry, and then hop on the bus for a relaxing and fascinating nocturnal ogle. The pigmy hippos are absolutely adorable.
For a grand look at the human zoo, the Singapore Flyer definitely gives you the big picture. The giant wheel that takes 35 minutes to complete a full turn is a gentle and dramatic experience well worth doing.
Sentosa Island, (aptly meaning tranquillity) is where the locals go for a weekend of fun, beach and relaxation. You can only do so much city with a climate as warm as Singapore’s, and Sentosa is only a bridge away. We stayed at the Rasa Sentosa; it was simple and relaxed, in a great setting. Our small person had a ball on the water slides and giant swimming pools. The island attractions, such as the butterfly park, golf green, and the island’s famed music festivals, are all within easy reach, as are the beautiful native rainforest and walking trails.
I loved Singapore so much more than I expected to. I felt safe and really well looked-after, in a city proud of its identity. With stunning tree-lined streets everywhere, fantastic shopping and not an eyesore billboard in sight, Singapore indeed has a lot to be proud of.
Things To Know
• It is very hot and your hair will frizz, so pack an anti-humectant like GHD Smoothing Serum if you hate bad hair days.
• People dress up (even in the stifling heat) so bring smart looking, cool clothing.
• Budget more time than usual for shopping and wear flat shoes.
• A must-see is Takashimaya Ngee Ann City on Orchard Road – all KAREN’s favourite boutiques are there.