Example Itinerary

Singapore in the Sky: Architecture in the Lion City

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Price Per Person

Interests: Architecture

Destinations: Singapore

From its British colonial roots to undergoing Brutalist and Modernist phases to erecting the iconic skyscrapers and eco-green towers that decorate its skyline today, Singapore’s landscape is a hodgepodge of architectural styles that tell its evolving story throughout the centuries. The 120-year old squat wet market Lau Pa Sat sits in the shadows of glass towers, rows of colorful pastel-hued shophouses mingle with fortress-like gray concrete apartment buildings, and the Neoclassical-styled National Museum of Singapore has recently been outfitted with a glass passage connecting it with an ultra-modern glass structure. Discover Singapore’s rich history through its architecture and see how historical heritage buildings stand side by side with gleaming towers and futuristic structures.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

• Futuristic Structures: Experience the world-famous SkyTrees of the Gardens by the Bay, Helix Bridge, and the durina-like Esplanade as you travel through some of the most spectacular architectural wonders of the Lion City, including the iconic Marina Bay Sands.

• Highrise Marvels: Enjoy the brutalist People’s Park Complex, visit the horseshoe-shaped Pearl Bank apartment building, and walk through the Sky Gardens of [email protected]

• Colonial History & Heritage: Once the heart of British colonial power in Southeast Asia, the Lion City's skyline is a mix of outside influences, from the Neo-Gothic St. Andrew’s Cathedral to Thian Hock Keng, the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore.

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Day-by-Day

Day 1

Singapore »

Arrive at Changi Airport and meet your guide for your private transfer to your hotel, the Fullerton Bay. Relax and unwind from your flight for the rest of the day. At your leisure, explore the sister property, the Fullerton Hotel, for a taste of Neoclassical design. Once known as the Fullerton building, this landmark structure was once the largest in Singapore and housed services such as the General Post Office, the Singapore Club, and the Marine Department. In the evening, opt to view the city’s skyline at sunset while on the Singapore Flyer, a modern iconic observation wheel erected in 2008.

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Day 2

Singapore »

Today, begin in the 19th century with the European styled colonial buildings that first propagated across the city in Palladian, Renaissance, and Neoclassical styles such as the old Supreme Court Building, City Hall, Raffles Hotel, and Victoria Theatre. Visit the beautiful Neo-Gothic St. Andrew’s Cathedral with its three stained glass windows dedicated to three important figures in Singapore’s early colonial history. Also visit the local Straits eclectic styled heritage buildings of that time such as Lau Pa Sat, the city’s wet market, and Thian Hock Keng, the oldest Chinese temple. Chinatown and Katong neighborhoods feature traditional shophouses typically found on the Malayan peninsula, two-story structures where families lived and ran business. Visit an authentic and beautifully preserved Peranakan house which is typically described as Chinese Baroque or Tropical Renaissance. For an in-depth discourse on Singapore’s architecture, opt for the accompaniment of an architecture expert.

Day 3

Singapore »

Advance to the 20th century when modern designs began with the popular Art Deco movement which appeared after WWI. Buildings showcasing this style include The Cathay Building, the Capitol Theatre, and Geylang and Bugis neighborhoods. Following WWII, post-war architecture became clean and simple, abandoning ostentatious decoration and favoring austere concrete, bringing about modern designs including the Brutalist style. This can be seen in public apartments and towers that sprung up such as the People’s Park Complex, Singapore Land Tower, OCBC Centre, and striking Golden Mile Complex which features a top heavy stepped design. The Pearl Bank apartment building was notable for being the tallest and highest-density residential building in Singapore, and its unique horseshoe shape. Another notable apartment is the Pinnacle @ Duxton, another high-rise high-density building with seven tower blocks housing 1848 apartments in a tight 2.5 hectares. Its continuous Sky Gardens that weave through the seven tower blocks function as an extension of living environment for residents.

Day 4

Singapore »

Towards the end of the 1990’s, the Singaporean government actively launched an initiative to develop key landmarks within the city which brought about iconic structures and skyscrapers featuring glass and steel. Around Marina Bay are these new landmarks including Marina Bay Sands with its three towers topped with an observation platform, the two massive glass-domed conservatories and futuristic SkyTrees of the Gardens by the Bay, Helix Bridge, the lotus or hand-like ArtScience Museum, and The Esplanade. Other futuristic and award-winning buildings noteworthy for its designs include the Interlace, a 1000-unit apartment which looks like 31 bricks irregularly stacked upon each other, The Hive at Nanyang Technological University which resembles a beehive, and Tree House condominium which is the world’s largest vertical garden.

Day 5

Departure

After a final breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly onward.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

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