Most Indian travellers look at Singapore as their first international travel place to go. One reason, is applying for a visa is easy, it only takes three days and the you can go online to do it. Two, you don’t feel like your away from home once you’re there. Singapore has a large Indian population and Tamil is one of the official languages. When in Little India you can almost feel like you’re in Mumbai, of course, a little cleaner that Mumbai. Also, Singapore is a country where you can exchange rupees into local currency very easily. For a first time Indian traveller, Singapore is so easy to relate to.

Shopping is the best in Singapore, starting with walking through the Changi International Airport, there are store selling all kinds of things from Nikon camera’s to Scotch. It can take you an hour or more to shop all the stores in the airport alone. But, save some of your money for the mall’s in the city. I recommend checking out the high-end leather goods at Takashimaya and then go to Sim Lim Square of the electronics, very good deals, almost steals. The Chinatown part of Singapore has great items to purchase for friends and family when you get back home to India, like chopsticks, statues, silk pouches and porcelain.

After shopping, head over to the Singapore Zoo and pose for pictures with some very hairy primates or dolphins. For peace of mind, check out Singapore Botanic Gardens, set up by a Brit Sir Stamford Raffles in 1822. After that, take a joyride to Sentosa Island and book a room for the night at one of the fabulous Singapore Sentosa hotels, because you’ll want to spend more than just a few hours there, you’ll want to spend a day and a night. The Chinese operas are a delight at The Durian. Visit the National Museum at Orchard Road where you can learn about the struggle for independence. Check out the St. Andrews Church and the Town Hall near the Esplanade which were constructed by the British. That’s a lot to do in Sentosa, plus an excellent night life. So, East Indians will thoroughly enjoy all of what Singapore has to offer, and a little bit more.

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Inner Sentosa Singapore

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The five-star hotels in Singapore are a splendid testimony to the best that civilization can offer.  With a fantastic combination of old world comfort and hospitality with new world technologies and design, we have it all.  Guests here will find themselves living in the lap of luxury, enjoying accommodations that meet or exceed the highest standards in the industry.  There are many things to recommend our lodgings, with magnificent restaurants that serve world cuisine cooked up by master chefs, sleek and elegant exercise rooms to facilitate your international workout, and a host of other amenities.  These will add up to a rested body and mind, and one who is ready to investigate this remarkable city.

Singapore is a heady mix of culture and tradition, meeting up with many contemporary cultures and ideas, and the beneficiaries of this mix are the citizens of Singapore (and visitors like you, of course!).  The energy is palpable from every corner, and there is a powerful sophistication that runs like a theme under the surface, rising to the visible realms when there is a new manifestation of creative energies.  One manifestation that is not to be missed is the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival.  This is an annual event that celebrates performance in Singapore and in the world, and attracts a wide range of cultural events.

Geared toward alternative audiences and specializing in cutting-edge works, the Singapore Fringe Festival features nearly two dozen new works from all over the world.  There is an emphasis on Singapore art and artists, but works from elsewhere are encouraged and certainly a main part of the festival.  One can see stunning new works of theatre, dance, multi-media art, and installation work here.  The theme of 2009′s festival is Art and Family, focusing on how the family (in all definitions) is represented and re-configured in radical art practices.  One of the interactive installations this year is the Museum of Broken Relationships, where viewers are invited to contribute artifacts from their own sad love lives, in a playful exhibition that unifies the spectator with the art work.  This is a must-see event for art lovers and practitioners from all over the world.

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M1 Singapore Fringe Festival

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Robert De Niro has stated that when he has needed to gain weight for a particular role he is playing, such as the quick weight gain for “Raging Bull”, or in his role throughout the series for the “Godfather” movies, he pack up and heads abroad, where he eats his way around Italy.  Today, perhaps he would choose the island of Singapore.  Food is a way of life on the island, and it is suggested that one not travel to Singapore if one is on a diet.  There are not many places that offer such exotic and diverse fares, every Singapore restaurant promises everything from authentic and traditional Italian food, to Indian and Chinese.  The preoccupation with all aspects of the culinary world has created a world of flavor that is plentiful and suits all budgets.  It really is amazing that amount of locations for dining out.  From fancy restaurants offering haute cuisine, to cafes and hawker malls.

One of the reasons for this diversity is the diversity of cultures and races that have made Singapore their home over the years.  The food reflects the cuisines of those that have immigrated, the Chinese, Thai, East Indian and the European influence have presented fusion dining like none found, as well as many locations for traditional foods of each region.  Many people travel to locations for ‘food vacations’, obsessed with discovering foreign flavors and recipes, will find in Singapore a virtual cornucopia of variety.  One can stay for a month and never eat at the same place twice.  For the true Singapore flavor, one should visit restaurants run by the Peranakan culture, which is a blend of Malay and Chinese cultures.  This will be an adventure for those who do like spice, a bit of heat in their meal.  Items spiced with chilies are popular such as the favorite dish of the very spicy, very delicious chili crab.  This is a truly international island, in every sense of the word.

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The Variety and the Diversity of the Singapore Restaurant

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From one of the Best Singapore Hotels, my friend and I walked up to the ‘Image of Singapore’. It’s a building with an old truck in front of it and the entrance fee was S$ 10. So, we decided just to walk past it, because not far from there was a tall tower with a circling top. We found out it was the ‘Tiger Sky Tower’. We figured it must be the best place to see all of Singapore, but the ride to the top was S$ 12. So, we past that up too.

We decide to take a ‘Nature Walk’, although we weren’t sure about the nature part because we really didn’t see anything but trees, people and more trees. The road we were on leads to the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom. The entrance fee for that was S$ 16, but we really wanted to see the butterflies, so we paid the fee and went inside. It was really cool to see all the butterflies and the insects. I even thought that this would be a good place to take my niece and nephew, but they aren’t here with me, too bad, they really would’ve like it. My friend and I were surprised to find a 3D Theater here, we didn’t go inside, there were too many children in Que along with their parents. We figured it must be some kind of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ ride or something like that.

After the Butterflies, we walked to Siloso Beach. There was a tram ride there, but we doubted it was free, so we just walked around, but we still had lots of fun and it wasn’t too hot either. We took pictures of the beach, but these photos were a bit disappointing after we went to Phuket beach. I mean really, nothing compares to Phuket. But, at least this beach was small and well maintained. We even played some volleyball with some really cute local boys. But, what was really strange about Siloso Beach, is that there’s no swimming at night, no littering, no fishing and no DOGS! How sad, the locals can’t bring their dogs to the beach!  We still had fun anyway.

We took the monorail, which was at the moment free because the scanner machine was broken, back close to our hotel and decided we saved enough money today to do some shopping.

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A cheap day in Singapore

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There are gardens that sit just along the Jurong Bird Park, that are on the two islands surrounded by the Jurong lake.  These are accessible through an overpass that connects the two, the Chinese and the Japanese Gardens are two different gardens, both similar in that they are beautiful and peaceful retreat from days of business at ones private bank of Singapore, or days in the office, or day just spent during the work week in the busy city of Singapore.  Whether one is traveling for business or for pleasure, the gardens that were designed and built in 1975 have many features that will take ones breath away, and take one away from the hustle and the bustle.  Professor Yuen Chen Yu developed the garden based on the concept of art.  In the Chinese Garden, the landscape design is modeled after the gardens of the the Imperial Garden, which integrates colorful buildings with the surroundings of the plants and flowers.  The Chinese is meant to stimulate ones visual sense while the Japanese Gardens is to create feeling and emotion.  The pathways are designed with metal chips intended for one to hear their own footsteps, and become able to meditate on that sound.

Art in gardens of China, revolve around the art that is placed within them.  The bridges in the garden of Singapore play an elemental role in the character of the garden and are considered the most important element of these particular gardens.  They are intended to indicate that different eras of civilization.  When one enters the garden one will pass under the Main Arch, arches are typical in Chinese gardens.  Once passed, one will be standing in a courtyard, with two sections, the Early Spring and the Garden, the two are separated by a koi pond.  Another traditional feature in Chinese gardens is the Boat structure made of stone, a design that is originally from Peking, and is considered to be a work of fine art.  Close to this sculpture is the Tea house, in miniature form.  This is to suggest the winding nature of the original, and is a graceful adaptation of the larger architectural designs of Peking.  Both gardens offer those in the city, some peace from the daily grind, and a slice of beauty when retreating from the concrete jungle.

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The Double Beauty of Singapore

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In the realm of accommodations, Singapore luxury hotels are a whole world apart.  Nestled in one of the world’s most interesting and livable cities, the hotels are a beautiful combination of old-world traditions and absolutely contemporary style.  There is an extremely lively youth culture here, and they have a fascinating way of adopting the latest trends, recycling them, and then turning them into something entirely local.  Art, design, and visual culture generally are watched and absorbed very carefully, and then refabricated in new and innovative ways.  The hotels are a mirror of this, where the best of the old world, with traditions of hospitality and graciousness, are added to the most cutting edge trends in hotel living, to make for a very lovely experience for guests.  With incredible food, and a very knowledgeable staff to help you plan your days, your stay here is destined to contain adventures.

Some of these things will become apparent as soon as you walk outside the door, where the incredibly lively urban scene will play out before your eyes.  People watching is at a premium here, and there are way too many things to do.  With restaurants featuring delectable meals, clubs playing some of the hottest beats in Asia, and live performances that demonstrate the best in live art, this is a place to see and to be seen.  Fashion, of course, is a big part of urban life, and one of the coolest places in Singapore is Surrealist Love Scene.

Started by a group of four like-minded (read: extremely hip) individuals looking to unite fashion and rock culture, Surrealist Love Scene is a physical store in Singapore with an interesting on-line presence.  Too cool even for a website, their store is a blog, with updates on some of the newest trends in fashion in Singapore, Asia, and the world.  The writing is incisive and witty, and their taste is really impeccable.  They carry and distribute some of the coolest labels out there, and their world of fashion has a global scope, and a local feel that is utterly modern.

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Singapore’s Surrealist Love Scene

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Finding the right muse can take a lifetime, but in the meantime the searching of this elusive muse and having them stay in ones life makes for an interesting journey. I had no idea when I met Uni at a friends housewarming party that he would create the winds of poetry to stir within me and pour out and land upon him so beautiful and exacting. The art of flirting boldly found voice when Richard stood behind me in a grocery store checkout line and made for bushings and several attempts at hair fixing. One time, when I was eating in one of the many Singapore Luxury Hotels, my waiter of name I do not remember, made me draw his loveliness on my cloth napkin and write below his manly figure just how much he lights up midnight.

I have had female muses also, like Beverly, her smooth alabaster skin required henna and body-paint blurs that go on for days. My twin sister’s compassion for those who suffer calls me to reach out and encompass all that cross my path with my knowing of healing arts. Renny’s laughter and her joyfulness moved me to coax my body and soul to dance harmoniously with the light of day.

I know you have your muses too. But, I ask you to find the muse in everyone you meet. Even the people you may not like, they are and will be a muse that will bring out from the depth you can not reach by yourself, a beautiful and newness of thought; something wonderfully original and marvellous. If you manage to captivate your muse and make them want to stay with you, then you are blessed with a life filled with awe inspiring days and a warmth that was never known that could be reached and deeply felt every time you open your eyes and see the world as your muse sees the world.

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Quest for the perfect muse

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A Singapore coffee shop is called a Kopi Tiam. Kopi Tiams have long been a part of the social fabric of its community. You can almost find them on every corner; they are commonly found in all residential areas, some industrial sites and business districts numbering over 2,000 stalls or shops. A Kopi Tiam is typically run by the owner who sells the coffee, teas and any other beverage available. Breakfast items, like kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs are also available. The better Kopi Tiam and more traditional, still buy and roast their own beans and brewed on a charcoal grill, strained through a bag and severed with sweet milk and a chaser of hot water. The hot water a necessity for those not used to a strong coffee.

Despite the exodus of Malaysian coffee-drinking society from the Kopi Tiams to the new hip and cool incorporated coffee shop such as Starbucks and Coffee Bean, the coffee shop still figures prominently as a part of the local scene, to all Singapore Luxury Hotels and rural countryside rest stops for the weary traveler. Kopi Tiams are still around due to not only a place to get a hot drink or a quick meal, but their atmosphere of relaxation and for catching up with friends, neighbors and local news read out-loud from the newspaper. What corporate coffee shop can say that they read, out-loud, the newspaper to their customers?

To compete with today’s corporate chain coffee shops, the outdoor Kopi Tiam has had to move into the food-courts of shopping malls for the air-conditioning and the convenience of shopping for their customers. But, many Kopi Tiam owners are sticking it out and not going with the trend and capturing the attention of the younger generations disillusionment with the corporate look-a-like coffee shops wanting the experience of the uniquely wonderful tastes of a neighborhood tradition. Do to the tenacity of these Kopi Tiam owners and promoting the concept of buying local, once again, the humble, unassuming Kopi Tiam is becoming a lucrative business.

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Local Coffee Shop in Singapore

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For luxury hotels, Singapore is in a dynamite location. An island microstate with a booming economy, Singapore is one of the best city’s in the world to do business. It is also a fantastic location for art. Visual art, music, and performance are all on the rise, and some of China’s most innovative practitioners are working here.

In 2004, a ban was lifted on public funding of performance art in Singapore, and this has resulted in a new wave of young and daring new artists. Mostly coming from art school, they are studied in the contemporary trends of new art, and also devoted to advancing the dialogue among artists within Singapore. This is part of an exciting period of innovation within Chinese art in general. The new generation of Chinese artists is enjoying a rather unprecedented popularity. And, as Chinese citizens are avid art lovers, there is also a great deal of money changing hands over the new works and projects.

One young innovative artist in the Singapore scene, and also coming to her own in international realms, is Chia Chu Yia. Her background is painting, like many artists who move to live forms, and her form is decidedly performance art. Her work takes her body as the object on display, and she uses herself as the mediator between global climate change and her art work. Her performance, then, is decidedly engaged in the display of public identity as a forum to ask elemental questions about the human being in nature in the contemporary world. The body and mirrors, direction and placement, are metaphorical concerns that drive Chia Chu Yia‘s work. Her work, visual art, installation, and live performance, is shown in Singapore and is also traveled to the U.S., Australia, Malaysia, and Peru.

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Chia Chu Yia: Contemporary Artist

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Singapore has many cultural and historic icons that attract tourists every year. While sight seeing and attending major entertainment events are a strong aspect of vacations, the diverse cuisine of Singapore is sometimes overlooked though extremely important in experiencing the city. Singapore proudly serves food from around the world though local specialties are among its most popular. Traditional favorites are not always known by visitors though diners are often extremely surprised by the unique flavors and taste sensations they find. 5 star Singapore hotels and restaurants offer many luxury accommodations and meals to the tourists who visit this diverse city.

Han’s Café and Cake House is a popular favorite among locals and big hit with tourists. It was first opened in 1980 and is run by the Hainanese family. Since its opening as a small food counter it has expanded into the 17 chain outlet it is today. The Café offers a great selection of affordable meals, which makes it perfect for a quick meal on the go. Because Han’s has 17 locations, it is one of the most accessible and recognized eateries in Singapore. The Hainansese family is strong with intentions to provide affordable delicious food and is the reason for the company’s success and growth. Also, the diverse and numerous meal options cater to the needs of most everyone.

Singapore has many restaurants that serve food from various countries. This offers locals the opportunity to experience food from around the world, and also allows visitors to enjoy their preferred standards while mixing in Singaporean traditional meals. Pepper Lunch is a popular spot that originated in Japan. They are known for their DIY steaks, which they serve half cooked on hotplates. The meal itself is something of an interactive experience. Diners flip their sizzling steaks themselves while stir fried vegetables are also cook. There are a number of Pepper Lunch’s throughout Singapore and they are extremely popular with locals and tourists alike.

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Singapore Restaurants

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