What makes the Lion City roar?

MANILA, Philippines - I think that I shall never see a tree as super as the Supertree installation that’s inspired by Singapore’s own Gardens by the Bay and now lording it over Greenbelt Park (it will be up until March 10). On a balmy Tuesday afternoon, we’re pampered with heartwarming finger food treats as we chill out and await the lighting of the Supertree to signal the launch of Singapore Tourism Board’s marketing campaign for the Philippines dubbed “Singapore. See where the world is heading,” which aims to encourage Filipinos to experience the pulse of the world through the various innovative and world-class experiences Singapore has to offer.

From where I’m seated, I could see why the world will be heading to Singapore, the famed Lion City, this year (and probably in the years to come). It’s on top of my list of favorite cities in the world. No matter how many times I’ve been to Singapore, I don’t really get tired of it because there’s always something new there — to see, to visit, to taste, to experience.

“Singapore prides itself on constantly renewing its experiences for visitors, whether they are first-time tourists or frequent guests,” asserts Sherina Chan, area director, Philippines and Brunei, Singapore Tourism Board (STB). “Our strategy continues to be a combination of upgrading existing attractions or adding brand-new ones to constantly keep the engagement level with our visitors high.” 

Sherina cites Singapore’s new iconic landmark, Gardens by the Bay, which won the World Building of the Year at The World Architectural Festival 2012.

Wild about Singapore’s wildlife

Then there’s the Wildlife Reserves Singapore, which recently introduced River Safari, where you’re bound to have a beary great time with pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia. Likewise, you can have a splash at the Adventure Waterpark and Marine Life Park, which houses some 100,000 marine animals and features the world’s largest viewing panel. 

There’s always something new coming up — literally speaking — in Singapore. Last year, 35 new hotels were added to the city’s rising tourism landscape, which included Holiday Inn Express Orchard, The Westin Singapore, Ramada Hotel, Days Hotels at Zhongshan Park, and The Amoy.

This year, Singapore will see the rise and rise of new hotels, such as Sofitel So, Traders Orchardgateway, and One Farrer Hotel & Spa.

Set to open this May, Sofitel So Singapore will be one of Singapore’s top luxury boutique hotels. “It is graced by ‘The Lion’s Seal’ emblem and surprise elements designed by the legendary Karl Lagerfeld and Isabelle Miaja, blending timeless French elegance and sophistication with modern Singapore chic to give the boutique hotel a unique style and design,” Sherina describes.

Who doesn’t know Singapore’s famous shopping strip Orchard Road? Soon to bloom on Orchard Road is the Traders Orchardgateway, which is poised to be the center of the city as guests enjoy easy access to shopping, entertainment, and dining destinations within walking distance or via the nearby MRT (subway) station. It’s a pool’s  paradise, too, with its 19th-floor pool deck providing a panoramic view of Singapore.

So far so good! Now, let’s go even Farrer, I mean farther — to Singapore’s growing downtown district, where Farrer Hotel & Spa promises guests one memorably unique hotel experience. Picture three distinct hotel accommodations —from standard rooms to private villas to serviced apartments — and luxury amenities that exceed guests’ expectations. On One Farrer Hotel and Spa’s campus are two large spas, two fitness centers, a pool, a retail arcade, a grand ballroom, and three restaurants and a poolside bar. Amid the most tranquil gardens with peaceful hideaways and waterfalls, guests can enjoy healthy living and medical facilities with expert healthcare professionals. You’re guaranteed to leave One Farrer Hotel and Spa feeling relaxed and stress-free.

Cool summer promos

With summer upon us, does STB have promos/tie-ups with airlines that the travel-happy Pinoys can avail themselves of?

Sherina nods her head and says, “With a total of four daily flights from Manila, eight weekly flights to Cebu, and six weekly flights to Davao, flying to Singapore has never been so easy. This month, we have a partnership with Singapore Airlines that provides a sweet deal for Filipinos to hop on a plane to Singapore with its $150 and $190 packages. We have other partnerships lined up for the rest of 2014 so do watch for it.”

The kids are not left behind, too, as Singapore’s tourism landscape constantly evolves and improves to cater to all types of visitors, including families with children.

On top of the River Safari and the 101-hectare Gardens by the Bay that features nine different gardens and comes alive with an exhilarating display of lights and sounds at night, Sherina lists some of the exciting sites that are must-visits this year:  Wonder Full, a free spectacular light and water show complete with a 140-piece orchestra at Marina Bay Sands; Resorts World Sentosa, where you can have a splash at the Marine Life Park, the world’s largest oceanarium with 100,000 marine animals of over 800 species, or plunge into some wet and wild fun at Adventure Cove Waterpark with your kids; Universal Studios Singapore, Southeast Asia’s first Hollywood movie theme park with its unique rides and live shows; VivoCity, a family-friendly mall with a resto called Marche that’s got a Picky Kids Menu and 500 stores selling everything from budget items to designer brands.

But of course, a visit to Singapore won’t be complete without the shopping! Sherina tells us where you’ll probably see the shopaholics heading to:

• The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands carries a refreshing mix of international brands, emerging labels, and new concepts. Get a different shopping high as you ride a beautifully-crafted sampan through the retail belt.

• Louis Vuitton Island Maison is the first maison concept store in Southeast Asia. The “floating” island ensures a thoroughly memorable shopping experience as you browse through its expanded collections, alongside specially curated books and artworks displayed throughout the store.

• Haji Lane boasts an array of contemporary garments by up-and-coming designers. Or drop by Ann Siang Hill, home to vintage boutiques and toy stores. Also, visit Tiong Bahru and check out the fascinating books and handcrafted items.

• Of course, don’t forget to bring back a slice of Singapore to share with your loved ones at home. You can find numerous pasalubong options along Orchard Road: Prima Taste Premium Gifts for ready-to-cook Singaporean meals and sauces; Bengawan Solo’s local kuehs (cakes) and biscuits; classic kaya (coconut) jam at Ya Kun Kaya; special local flavored cookies from Cookie Museum; and of course, the popular beef jerky from Bee Cheng Hiang or Lim Chee Guan.

And as a fragrant memento of your Singapore experience, bring home orchids dipped in 24k gold in jewellery and accessories from Risis.

Don’t miss the 2014 Great Singapore Sale from May 30 to July 24, 2014.

Now, we can see clearly why the world is heading to Singapore!

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 â€œSingapore. See where the world is heading” has launched a microsite and consumer interactive digital platform called #TheCuriousTraveller at yoursingapore.com/ph and a downloadable application to encourage Filipinos not just to look at the aspirational experiences Singapore has to offer but also to discover them on their own and become their own #TheCuriousTraveller. Get the chance to vote for innovative experiences or challenges that you wish for Erwan Heussaff, the face of #TheCuriousTraveller.