Singapore has come roaring back with a vengeance. The Lion City has reopened and now welcomes all fully vaccinated travellers without having to do PCR tests or quarantine. With the exception of mask-wearing indoors, most social-distancing restrictions have eased, so get out there and enjoy the many new things to see and do, places to dine, drink and shop at. Here’s a start.
Southern Ridges
The Southern Ridges is a 10km-long network of elevated trails, bridges and walkways that connect Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve. Do it all in one go or just a chunk of it. Highlights include the curvaceous Henderson Waves, Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge, and a Forest and Canopy Walk that takes you through lush greenery.
https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/the-southern-ridges
SkyHelix
For more elevated thrills, take the cable car to Sentosa and the new SkyHelix, the highest open-air panoramic ride in Singapore. A balloon-like gondola slowly ascends to a height of 79 metres above sea level, gradually rotating to give you stunning 360-degree views along the way. Not that high, you say. It is when there is nothing between your dangling feet and the ground below, except for fresh air.
https://www.mountfaberleisure.com/attraction/skyhelix-sentosa/
HiRoller
Hit Netflix series Stranger Things has made everything 80s cool again, including roller skating. Channel the vibe at HiRoller, Singapore’s largest skating rink, complete with disco balls, neon lights and cheesy tunes. Look out for special theme nights, and book ahead as numbers are capped to avoid crowds.
https://www.hirollersingapore.com
Wakuda
Restaurant openings have been coming thick and fast in Singapore, but none as big as Wakuda at Marina Bay Sands. The second venue by star chef Tetsuya Wakuda, of two-Michelin-starred Waku Ghin, takes the Japanese izakaya dining experience to new levels. The extensive menu features appetisers such as roasted carabineros prawn risotto, sushi, tempura, rice and noodles, or leave it to the chef by ordering the omakase menu.
https://www.wakudajapanese.com
Coconut Club
We’re not entering the debate about who makes Singapore’s best nasi lemak, but Coconut Club has many fans. Its new flagship location on Beach Road serves this beloved coconut rice dish with your choice of fried chicken or fish, as well as more substantial portions of beef, lamb or seafood to share. You can also drop in for breakfast, coffee or cake and dessert.
Joo Chiat
With its rows of colourful shophouses, Joo Chiat is an insta-friendly retail alternative to the city’s ubiquitous malls. There’s Cat Socrates for stylish homeware, accessories, stationery and gifts; Singapore Trading Post for throwback and tropical-style furniture; and Rumah Bebe for all things Peranakan including beaded slippers and embroidered textiles. There’s a ton of good eating to be had too, including famous 328 Katong Laksa.
https://cat-socrates.myshopify.com
