ELLE Escapes: Singapore

I’ve been desperate to visit Singapore ever since I spent part of quarantine following the drama on the Netflix reality show Singapore Social. Sure, the show may have a 1-star rating, but it was a convincing advertisement for the Asian island’s glitz and glam. The real Singapore is slightly more staid than the show might have you think, but it’s still packed with plenty of bars, restaurants and sights to keep a traveler busy. Below, the best places to eat, drink, stay, and see on your next trip to Singapore.

Sentosa

Sentosa is a relaxing island resort located only 15 minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown Singapore. With beaches, hiking, and adventure parks, it’s perfect for when you’re feeling like a break from the city center.

Gardens by the Bay

Okay, so air-conditioned gardens might not be the most environmentally-friendly tourist attraction, but it is one of the best things to do on a super hot day. The large nature park offers different ecosystems to explore featuring plants from all over the world.

Kampong Gelam

The traditional Muslim quarter of Singapore offers great shopping, delicious Middle Eastern food options and some of the city’s most beautiful (and traditional) architecture.

The Coconut Club

You can’t go to Singapore without eating Nasi Lemak, the delicious Malaysian dish that will keep you full all day long. At Coconut Club, it’s made with coconut rice, fried egg, anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, sambal, and you can get your choice of meat or veggies. Don’t sleep on the Chendol for dessert!

Revolver

When you show up to Revolver, you better be hungry; the Indian restaurant with an international flair offers two dinner menus: Discovery, a 6-course tasting menu, or Experience, an 8-course tasting menu. Each dish will be even better than the last, so make sure you save room.

Maxwell Hawker Center

Hawker Centers are Singapore’s open-air food markets, featuring cuisines from all over the world at incredibly low prices. Maxwell isn’t as crowded as some of the other ones, so you’ll actually be able to find a table to enjoy all the chicken rice.

Mamadiam

Upon first glance, you might not be able to spot Mamadiam; the cozy speakeasy is hidden behind a fake convenience store setup. Once inside, you’re treated to tropical cocktails and some of the best chicken rice you’ll find outside a hawker center.

Barood

Barood is “inspired by the rich Moorish influences of 1960s Paris,” and that inspiration is definitely evident in both the decor (red walls, lots of candles) and the cocktail menu (the Naked Flower is the perfect warm-weather cocktail).

Jigger and Pony

Perhaps one of Singapore’s best-known haunts for cocktail lovers, Jigger and Pony offers a cozy environment for after-work classic cocktails, replete with leather booths and copious mood lighting.

Mandarin Oriental

Situated in the downtown area, just a few blocks from some of Singapore’s many malls, the Mandarin Oriental offers stunning views of the waterfront, an outdoor pool and not one but seven different restaurants to choose from.

Shangri-La Sentosa

If you’re traveling with kids, Shangri-La Sentosa is the perfect family getaway spot. Situated on the vacation resort island of Sentosa, it features beaches, pools and a game room for the kids, plus a spa for any parents in need of a little R&R.

Marina Bay Sands

If you’ve seen an influencer Instagram from Singapore, they’re probably staying at Marina Bay Sands, the 5-star luxury resort that sits downtown on the waterfront. Part hotel, part mall, and part casino, you can spend days inside without ever getting bored.