If you’re look for a combination of exotic travel, fashion and culture, where better to go than one of our closest neighbours, Singapore. We spoke to Sue Di Chio, Managing Director at Suboo about her incredible experiences travelling in Singapore.
RESCU: What are your three must visit places in Singapore?
Sue Di Chio:
- Sentosa Island (15 minutes from the city) is an island within the island, with stunning beaches, the 50’s inspired Tanjong Beach Club, celebrity restaurants and Universal Studios – it is the perfect escape from the city.
- Spend a day at Dempsey Hill – once the old Army Barracks , the area has been transformed with cafes and restaurants. The area is well known for its gastronomic delights with pretty bungalow style buildings amongst a stunning leafy green backdrop.
- ‘Gardens by the Bay’ is a 101 hectare botanic garden with plants from all around the world. The 16 metre tall super-trees are like something out of Avatar.
RESCU: What was is your favourite restaurant?
Sue Di Chio: Wild Rocket on Mount Emily in Singapore is a hidden gem. This quaintly located fine-dining restaurant perches on a quiet hill, ideal for laidback weekend set-menu brunches or candlelit weekday dinners. The much celebrated chef Willin Low has an imaginative menu, fusing local Singaporean flavours with Italian cooking techniques, as seen in his Bee Tai Bak Bolognese or laksa pesto linguine.
RESCU: Best place for a fabulous night out?
Sue Di Chio: Check out Orgo, an organic bar that carries a natural theme, dimly lit outdoor lamps and low tables. It’s the perfect place to relax on a balmy night.
RESCU: Best thing to do for under $50?
Sue Di Chio: Explore hip hang outs by foot such as Ann Siang Hill, Haji Lane and Tiong Bahru. Each of these locales has an eclectic mix of cafes, boutiques and stunning architecture to appreciate. With
RESCU: Best luxury shopping destination?
Sue Di Chio: Absolutely the Floating Louis Vuitton store at Mariana Bay. Floating LV can I say more? RESCU: Best place to nab a bargain? Sue Di Chio: I definitely recommend visiting Singapore during the great Singapore sale, running from 31 May to 28 July this year. 8 weeks of sales with across international brands all shopaholics like me can rejoice. www.greatsingaporesale.com.sg
RESCU: Where can we go to get a real feel for local life?
Sue Di Chio: For a uniquely Singaporean experience, head to one of the many hawker centres scattered around the city for an eclectic choice of local delights. Some of the dishes you must try are chicken rice, char kway teow, carrot cake and laksa. Best of all, for just a couple of dollars, you can feast like a king. Here’s a tip on deciding what to eat: the longer the queue, the better the food.
RESCU: Anything else we absolutely must do when visiting Singapore?
Sue Di Chio: Don’t forget to visit Ku De Ta atop Marina Bay Sands for the most fabulous views you will see in Singapore. You must also visit Singapore’s ethnic enclaves to a taste of the local culture including Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam (The Malay district). These areas allow you to immerse yourself in the melting pot of cultures and experience the people who have shaped Singapore to what it is today. All are located within a short distance of each other and getting around Singapore is so easy you can see it all in under a day.
RESCU: Would you recommend others to visit Singapore?
Sue Di Chio: Absolutely, I’ve already made a Singapore hot tips list and passed onto girlfriends for shopping weekends and bar hopping, and families for a holiday vacations on Sentosa Island.
For more on Sue’s Singaporean adventure visit: www.suboo.com.au
