Day 1 – USA to Singapore
Today you will begin your Swain Destinations customized itinerary. Please note, international air has not been included in this package price.
Day 2 – Welcome to Singapore
Upon your arrival, a driver will transfer you directly to your hotel by private vehicle.
Begin your time in Singapore with a visit to spot regional birds like the Yellow-vented Bulbul at Telok Blangah Hill Park. From September to March, you may be lucky enough to spot birds migrating like the Black Baza and the Asian Brown Flycatcher. Admire the contemporary architecture of Henderson Waves, the highest pedestrian walkway in Singapore. Breathe in the fresh air, 118 feet above the forest floor.
For lunch, you can head to the train-accessible Gardens by the Bay for a fine-dining experience at Pollen, located in one of the climate-controlled domes. This unique restaurant celebrates fresh produce in its French-Mediterranean dishes, plated to mimic the flowers and plants that surround the eatery. After lunch, explore Gardens by the Bay, an architectural marvel where landscape designers and horticulturists take gardening to the next level. The Cloud Forest, Supertree Grove and Dragon & Kingfisher Lakes are not to be missed. Afterwards, consider heading to the waterfront to grab a bite to eat at Satay by the Bay as the sun sets.
Starting Accommodation: Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Day 3 – Explore The Lion City's Rich Cultures
Today, immerse yourself in Chinatown, a unique mixed-use development of commerce, food and residences. See buskers on traditional Chinese instruments, like the erhu (Chinese violin) and guzheng (16-string-plucked instrument), showcasing their musical expertise that's been the life of this site for decades. Explore the Chinatown Complex Market & Food Center where visitors will find family businesses that have been around for generations on the first floor. Stop at Foo Leong Records where Mrs. Wong has run the record store for more than 40 years, selling Cantopop, Mandopop and other music from Southeast and East Asia.
Grab a bite to eat on the second floor of the complex where you'll find the largest hawker center in Singapore. Choose from more than 260 stalls, including the Michelin-starred Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle. The massive eatery only lends credence to the Lion City's reputation as one of the world's leading culinary capitals.
Enjoy the Civic District where the buildings range from historic to modern, or both, like the National Gallery Singapore, transformed from a former City Hall and Supreme Court to a modern architectural wonder. This visual arts institution houses an unparalleled collection of modern Singapore and Southeast Asian art. Then you can head to dinner at National Kitchen by Violet Oon, a Peranakan restaurant that serves renowned fiery dishes. Like the food, the restaurant's decor of antique furniture and black-and-white photos from Oon’s personal collection comes straight from the heart.
Visit Ann Siang Hill, a beautiful area with a stretch of lively bars and restaurants. Head to Oxwell & Co. for rustic British fare and a signature cocktail, while enjoying the rooftop views of the shophouses and the Central Business District's skyscrapers. Another nighttime option is lounging on the plush couches at The Screening Room to check out an independent film. This cinema also has a rooftop bar for pre-or post-film cocktails.
Starting Accommodation: Fullerton Hotel Singapore
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Day 4 – Explore Singapore's Eclectic Neighborhoods
Your day begins in Little India where you'll visit the city's oldest Hindu temple, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple. Take a free Theravam class where you'll learn how local devotees worship the incarnations of Lord Vishu. Theravam is part of a collection of devotional poetry.
Jothi Store & Flower Shop has grown into a full-blown enterprise, supplying garlands to almost all Hindu temples and Indian weddings in Singapore. Learn a few secrets about the historic neighborhood from the shop’s owner, Rajakumar Chandra, who is also the chairman of the Little India Shopkeepers & Heritage Association. Across from the shop, eat at lunch the century-old Ananda Bhavan Restaurant. This local chain of vegetarian Indian restaurants claims to be the oldest of its kind in the city. Go for the experience and specialties, such as thosai (savory pancake) and masala chai (spiced tea).
Continue your neighborhood exploration in Kampong Glam, where we recommend a visit to the Malay Heritage Center, once a Sultan’s palace. Today, the Center and the mosque, the Masjid Sultan, remains the epicenter of the Muslim community. If you’re looking for unique souvenirs, head to Haji Lane, known for its hip boutiques. Many of them take inspiration from local culture, for instance the cute plushies and cushions are modeled after local snacks and stocked at Meykrs.
Stop by Hjh Maimunah Nasi Padang for some of the best authentic Malay food in the Lion City, sticking to their mum’s time-honored recipes. Make sure you try their specialties: sambal goreng (fried tofu, string beans and chili paste) and ayam bakar (barbecued chicken) on rice. After dinner, head to Atlas, located in the "Gotham City building," where you can sip on a martini or negroni shaken up with a small batch of spirits. Then make your way Haji Lane for al fresco seating to watch live musicians belt out tunes at The Singapura Club or Going Om.
Starting Accommodation: Fullerton Hotel Singapore
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Day 5 – Singapore to USA
Today is at your leisure until private driver meets you at your accommodation to be transferred to the airport for your flight back to the USA.
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