Ever proud of its status as a bucket list destination which recently earned it the Most Desirable Long-Haul City award at the 2021 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, Singapore has an array of new and reimagined experiences that future visitors can look forward to in 2022.
A city fuelled by passion and innovation, visitors can enjoy incredible experiences and limitless possibilities suited for all types of travellers, from foodies and explorers to collectors and culture shapers. Discover the city-state’s many facets and be inspired to make your next visit to Singapore one to remember.
FOR FOODIES
True to its status as a city famed for its culinary scene, Singapore always delights visitors with its multicultural melting pot of flavours. From hawker centres to haute cuisine, rooftop bars to speakeasies, including six of the World’s 50 Best Bars, travellers are invited to experience refreshed menus, stellar ambiances, and stylish interiors. Whether celebrating a special occasion, treating yourself to an indulgent meal or needing to recharge before continuing to explore the city, keep these in mind for your next feast!
Claudine
More than two years in the making, French restaurant Claudine has finally opened its doors at Dempsey Hill. Marking a continued partnership between chef-owner Julien Royer of the three-Michelin-starred Odette at National Gallery Singapore and hospitality company The Lo & Behold Group, guests can look forward to comfy French cooking inspired by flavours from the chef’s childhood.
Jigger & Pony
Ranked 2nd on Asia’s 50 Best Bars (9th on the World’s 50 Best Bars list) and named after the double-coned measuring device used by mixologists, Jigger & Pony is a tribute to the 19th-century and continues to delight guests with a menu featuring 24 fresh interpretations of classic cocktails spanning over three categories (classics, vintage and signatures).
Kult Kafé
Kult Kafé provides an escape from Singapore's high-rises with both an outdoor lounge area and an indoor bar, providing guests with two different experiences. Upon entering the compounds, vibrant psychedelic murals by Soph O can be admired and inside, the retro-futuristic architecture is echoed with the plush leather seating booths and neon light accents.
Cluny Food Court
Les Amis group’s first food court concept brings exciting options from five different hawkerpreneurs under one roof. Housed within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Cluny Food Court serves up belly-warming bowls of congee from Mui Kee Express, souped-up wonton noodles from Laifaba Express, Texas-style meat platters from S’mao Barbecue, ayam penyet[1] from Project Penyek by Ansar, and Italian fare from Piccante Pronto. www.clunyfoodcourt.com.sg
FOR ACTION-SEEKERS
Singapore to host the FIA Formula One World Championship until 2028
Grand Prix Season Singapore returns in 2022 with thrilling racing set to make its comeback to Singapore’s unique street circuit that runs through the heart of the city. The Singapore race experience is also elevated by an exciting line-up of lifestyle and entertainment programmes that extend beyond the Circuit. The high-profile night race has been a Formula 1 fan favourite since its debut in 2008 and will once again delight attendees this autumn. The newly announced seven-year extension of the race will allow Singapore to continue building on its success and work towards reducing the event’s carbon footprint as part of a transition to more sustainable business models. www.singaporegp.sg/en
FOR CULTURE-SHAPERS
Gardens by the Bay celebrates its 10-year anniversary & Becomes an RHS Partner Garden
Arguably Singapore’s best‑known attraction, Gardens by the Bay will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2022. The Gardens are also now a Partner Garden of the RHS for 2022 and members are invited to enjoy a free virtual tour to experience and explore the site from the comfort of home. An integral part of Singapore’s ‘City in Nature’ vision, Gardens by the Bay is a national garden and horticultural attraction that illustrates the best of garden and floral design. Spanning 101ha (249.5 acres) in the heart of Singapore’s downtown Marina Bay, it comprises three waterfront gardens: Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central. The site covers 250 acres and the world-renowned Supertree Grove comes alive at night with a music and light show.
Mandai Wildlife Reserve adds new visitor areas and trails
Home to some of Singapore’s biggest attractions, including Singapore Zoo, Mandai Wildlife Reserve will add several new visitor areas over the next couple of years, including Rainforest Wild. This new park within Mandai Wildlife Reserve will feature intriguing walking trails that allow visitors to explore the flora and fauna, while the new Bird Paradise (currently Jurong Bird Park), will provide a habitat for 3,500 birds, with nine huge walk-in aviaries. www.mandai.com
Explore the 10 Courts of Hell at Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa, Singapore’s largest outdoor art gallery is the brainchild of Aw Boon Haw, the millionaire philanthropist and marketing extraordinaire who gifted the world Tiger Balm. Formerly known as Tiger Balm Gardens, the eclectic park is a treasure trove of Asian culture, history, philosophy and religion. A first of its kind, Hell’s Museum invites visitors to explore how death and the afterlife have been viewed and interpreted across religions, cultures, and the ages. The immersive, 3,800 sqm exhibition invites guests invites to gain a deeper understanding of Haw Par Villa’s infamous 10 Courts of Hell via multi-media elements and both indoor and outdoor installations. Enjoy this eye-opening experience and have a hell of a time!
Singapore Philatelic Museum reimagined as Children’s Museum
Singapore’s first-ever museum dedicated to children up to 12 years old is set to open its doors early next year and will serve as a “starter museum” to cultivate a love for lifelong learning and introduce young visitors and their families to the museum-going experience. Offering year-round children’s programming and hands-on interactive and immersive exhibits, the museum will cover a wide range of themes including the heritage and culture of Singapore and the region, as well as contemporary issues. Confirmed exhibitions include “Singapore, Our Home”, where children can learn how early pioneers lived and worked, and role-play as hawkers, coolies and merchants. www.nhb.gov.sg/spm/
HOTEL NEWS
Whether you’re a party of one, two or enjoying some family time, Singapore has hotels for all occasions. The city has an array of new and refurbished accommodation options on offer, keep these in mind for your next visit!
Hilton Singapore Orchard Refurbishment
Following an extensive refurbishment, the Hilton Singapore Orchard in the heart of Singapore’s downtown Orchard Road boasts 1,080 rooms and represent Hilton’s flagship presence in the country and in Asia-Pacific. The property will also include two 24-hour fully equipped fitness centres, an outdoor pool, a newly established Executive Lounge and direct connection to a four-storey luxury shopping gallery. With five curated dining concepts including the award-winning Chatterbox and two Michelin-starred Shisen Hanten, the hotel is set to be a dining destination in its own right.
Pan Pacific Orchard – Opening late 2022
2022 will see the opening of Pan Pacific Orchard. This is Pan Pacific Hotel Group’s first zero-waste hotel with four levels of soaring gardens that will redefine vertical sky-rise typology. The hotel, located along Singapore’s famed Orchard Road, will feature 350 eco-friendly rooms, a rainwater harvesting system, a recyclable water system, and a compactor that turns food waste into compost – which will then be channelled into fertiliser for its sky gardens.
Oasia Resort Sentosa – Opened late 2021
Catering to a growing trend of wellness conscious travellers, the new Oasia Resort Sentosa launched in tandem with Oasia Spa. The 191-key resort offers guests a signature Oasia wellness experience with its spectrum of thoughtful amenities and holistic programmes such as healthy eating options, wellness journals, self-care checklists and access to a collection of guided meditation audio. Other complimentary recreational activities include balm-making and tea appreciation as well as fitness and yoga sessions in collaboration with boutique studios. www.oasiahotels.com
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