The installation Borealis brings the Northern Lights to Singapore, also known as the garden city because of its many parks and beautiful gardens.
Dan Acher, a Switzerland-based artist created the outdoor art installation that combines layers of light and cloud particles to recreate the Northern Lights or aurora borealis.
A soundtrack by French composer Guillaume Desbois, plus variations in wind, humidity and temperature make this installation a fascinating blend of art and technology. Singapore’s beautiful Gardens by the Bay with its futuristic Super Trees was opened in 2012 and sprawls over 100 hectares of reclaimed land.
Horticulture and garden artistry combine to create amazing diverse displays.
They include Cloud Forest that features diverse vegetation and rare plants.
The Flower Dome showcases a beautiful world of plants and flowers from the Mediterranean and semi-arid regions.
The gardens are spectacular and boast the world’s biggest glass house where rare tree and flower species flourish.
It’s no wonder Gardens of the Bay is Singapore’s number one tourist attraction and it’s easy to spend a day here.
Gardens Galore
If you enjoy gardens, the city’s much-loved Chinese and Japanese Gardens have reopened after five years of extensive rebuilding.
Familiar landmarks such as the Twin Pagoda, Grand Arch and Stoneboat have been reinvigorated.
New ecofriendly spaces include the Water Wall Court and Water Lily Garden, which houses the largest collection of water lilies in Singapore.
Today, both gardens along with Lakeside Garden completed in 2019 make up the Jurong Lake Gardens – Singapore’s first national garden located in the heartlands.
Night Safari
Another of Singapore’s best attractions is the Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal animal park.
To celebrate its 30th anniversary a new fully sheltered walking trail, the Pangolin Trail has been opened.
The 280-metre-long trail provides the chance to see a dozen different animal species including the Sunda pangolin, slow loris, binturong, oriental small-clawed otter and spotted giant flying squirrel.
Night Safari is the first zoological facility in the world to successfully care for and breed the Sunda pangolin, which is native to Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Hop on our open-sided tram and journey through six of the world’s geographical regions from the Himalayan foothills to the jungles of Southeast Asia.
Little India
For a change of pace head to Singapore’s colourful and vibrant Little India neighbourhood where you can purchase a colourful sari, have your fortune told by a parrot, visit a flower garland shop and enjoy a curry.
The historic area was once the home of Indian migrants, who came to Singapore to find work and created a flourishing commercial centre for the Indian community.
Expect an assault on your senses – sounds, sights and smells are heightened as you wander around.
History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Peranakan Museum that showcases the lifestyle of descendants of the early Chinese community who settled in the Malay Archipelago from the 17th century.
The Peranakan culture is a rich blend of the Chinese and Malay cultures with some influences from the Portuguese, Dutch, British, Thai and Indonesian cultures.
When it comes to dining, Singapore is a foodie’s heaven with everything from street food to five-star restaurants.
The Chinatown Complex Food Centre is the largest hawker centre in Singapore with more than 260 food stalls, followed by Maxwell Road Food Centre in the heart of Chinatown with 100 stalls. Try the famous Tian Tian Chicken Rice or the popular char kway teow which are both delicious.
Where We Stayed
Andaz Singapore by Hyatt is in a great location in the heart of cultural crossroads, where Kampong Glam, Little India and the Bras Basah Bugis arts and entertainment hub meet.
Shopping, dining and many of the city’s main attractions are within walking distance.
It’s a 20-minute drive from Changi Airport and a five-minute drive to the Central Business District.
The hotel that opened in 2017 was the first Andaz property to launch in Southeast Asia.
It’s located in a striking pair of lofty concave skyscrapers, known as DUO, which are clad in a latticework of hexagonal windows.
Designed by multi-award-winning German architect Ole Scheeren, DUO is the largest integrated development in the Ophir-Rochor district and comprises residences, retail spaces, offices and the Andaz Singapore hotel.
It is directly connected to Bugis MRT station via underground pedestrian walkways, providing easy access to all corners of the city.
First Impressions
It’s a buzzy lobby on the 25th floor with a great vibe.
Impressive artwork intrigues. Brazilian sculptor Andre Mendes, local Singaporean artists Danielle Tay and Ahmad Abu Bakar, New York-based Filipina artist Monica Delgado and Malaysian artist Fauzulyusri Mohd Yusof all contribute to the eclectic art scene.
Feeling energetic? Check out the infinity pool which has great views overlooking Marina Bay and the city. There’s also a well-equipped 24-hour gym.
It’s officially home to the highest herb garden in the city, with many of the herbs decorating cocktails.
Complimentary coffee, Andaz iced tea, and light refreshments area available in the Sunroom. In-house guests also get a fully stocked minibar with locally sourced snacks, replenished daily.
My Room
I’m impressed by the Andre Fu-designed hotel with its striking interiors and pops of colour.
The 347 contemporary guestrooms, including 27 suites, have floor-to-ceiling windows framing stunning views of the city.
As with all Andaz hotels there’s a complimentary minibar with locally sourced snacks that are replenished daily plus complimentary Wi-Fi.
Sustainability
I love how the windows are covered with a special filter that doesn’t impede the views but assists with energy saving and reduces the solar heat up to 25 per cent during the day.
There’s also a handy fresh water tap to fill the complimentary water bottles.
French Aroma
The bathroom is compact with its walk-in rain shower and amenities by French perfumier Christophe Laudamiel. He was inspired by the city’s orchids and ginger lilies and created Singapore Fusion #19.
Dining
You won’t go hungry here – there’s a variety of dining options.
Located on Level 38, 665°F features a meat-centric dining experience with Southeast Asian flavours. The Cellar, an extension within the restaurant, offers a wide selection of Old and New World wines, and overlooks the stunning Marina Bay.
5 ON 25 is a modern upscale restaurant serving refined Cantonese cuisine with an extensive selection of tea and wine curated by in-house sommeliers.
Alley on 25, the culinary hub of Andaz Singapore is a multi-cuisine, all-day dining venue, which recreates Singapore’s street dining in the sky.
Asian and Western comfort food stars here plus seasonal dining experiences and afternoon tea is served daily. The popular weekend Lazy Breakfast brunch has a great following.
Bar Square offers a backdrop of dramatic sunsets with servings of Singapore-inspired cocktails which keep mixologists busy.
Nestled at the rooftop on Level 39, Mr. Stork is a destination rooftop drinking and dining spot with 360-degree views of the city below.
There are also 10 teepee huts and relaxed seating set amid lush tropical landscaping to enjoy the best views.
For a treat try the Andaz Summer Ale, brewed locally on Dempsey Hills.
Andaz Singapore by Hyatt Hotel
andazsingapore.com
