District Guide
Boat Quay, a few minutes from the hotel, lines the Singapore River with restored shophouses converted into restaurants and bars. In colonial times, this was the busiest stretch of the river, filled with lighters carrying goods to the warehouses. Today, the view of the old quay against the skyscrapers of Raffles Place captures Singapore's transformation in one frame. Evening dinners by the water are popular, but checking prices before ordering is wise.
Clarke Quay, a short walk upstream, is the centre of riverside nightlife, with colourful warehouses turned into clubs, bars and restaurants under a large canopy. Bumboats depart from several jetties along the river for cruises past Marina Bay, offering a relaxing way to see the city at night. Riverside Point nearby is home to well known seafood restaurants serving chilli crab and black pepper crab.
The civic district, ten to fifteen minutes on foot, includes the Asian Civilisations Museum, the National Gallery Singapore in the former Supreme Court and City Hall, the Victoria Theatre and the Fullerton Hotel. The statue of Sir Stamford Raffles marks the place where he is said to have landed in 1819. These sights combine easily into a walking tour.
Fort Canning Park, a green hill behind Clarke Quay, was once the seat of Malay kings and later the British command centre. The Battlebox, an underground bunker used during the Second World War, tells the story of Singapore's fall in 1942. Gardens, old gates and shady paths make it a peaceful escape from the city heat.
Chinatown lies about ten minutes away on foot. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple and the colourful shophouses of Pagoda Street show the city's multicultural heritage. Maxwell Food Centre, famous for Hainanese chicken rice, and Chinatown Complex Food Centre offer some of the best inexpensive meals in Singapore.
Hong Lim Market and Food Centre, very close to the hotel, is a hawker centre loved by office workers for its char kway teow, curry noodles and other local dishes. Lunchtime queues reveal which stalls are best. Eating at hawker centres is the most authentic and affordable way to discover Singaporean cuisine.
Marina Bay, around twenty minutes on foot along the river or a short MRT ride, offers the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands with its observation deck, and the Gardens by the Bay, where the Supertree Grove hosts a free light and music show every evening. The waterfront promenade is particularly beautiful at night.