Singapore Gets Sexy

Singapore used to have a bit of a “no” culture. Don’t smoke, don’t litter, don’t spit, and whatever you do, don’t think outside of the box. Well, for anyone who hasn’t visited this tiny island state in the last few years, we suggest you steel yourself.

The busiest port in the world has got some serious wind in her sails. No longer the land of the stopover – Singapore is now most definitely the destination. She’s vibrant, she’s hip, and she’s fabulously diverse. Incidentally, Singapore has also won the contract to stage the mother of all Grand Prix this September. And the trump card? The event is making history because, for the first time ever, the second most watched sporting event in the world is happening at night.

Here are three reasons to rev up for a whirlwind tour of Singapore:

1) The shopping
Orchard Road has some of the best designer and bargain shops in the world. But our insider tip is to check out the breezy shops cropping up in the up-and-coming and wonderfully leafy area of Dempsey Road. Old converted army barracks house an array of irresistibly beautiful Asian furniture, artefacts and antiques. Trust us, once you’ve seen what’s on offer you’ll be calculating your excess baggage, or (even more likely) shipping container-loads of goodies back home. And Dempsey is the perfect setting to sit down, have a glass of wine in one of the elegant bars nearby and bask in the glow of your purchases (ever so smug in the knowledge that your friends back home will be green with envy).

2) The nightlife
Sophistication, history, hedonism – take your pick. Singapore is buzzing with nocturnal bustle and it’s got the magnetic atmosphere of somewhere that’s in the process of transforming. Our pick for the hippest bar right now goes to Bar Fly, which has an edgy New York vibe. We also love China One; the young and beautiful of Singapore head here for good reason. It’s a sleek oriental den of bamboo lanterns, plush red décor, the best djs and a fantastic pool hall.