[brought to you by Singapore Tourism Board]

 

Apart from taking a stroll through  Singapore’s hip cafés and cool bars, the city also has a natural side that lets you really relax, as heartthrob singer Two Popetorn found out. 

 

Chillax in Singapore with

Two Popetorn

 

 

 

Relaxing Coast

If you’re in the mood to play or unwind in a wide-open space, head to the Marina Barrage, the charming walkway built across the Marina Channel. Since first opening, this place has become a favorite spot for locals who love to just kick back by the sea. Due to the strong winds, many people come here to fly kites. Another popular spot for weekenders is Tanjong Beach Walk, where you can enjoy fresh air, sun, sea and sand. Strolling along the beach is a blissful experience. You can drop by Tanjong Beach Club, where they serve an all-day menu. It’s also a great place for a romantic dinner to top off your evening.

 

 

“Marina Barrage is a good place to meet locals as they love to come here to spend time together, especially to fly kites as the wind here is so strong. Another surprise for me is the white sands of Tanjong Beach Walk. It’s really one of the most gorgeous places in Singapore.”

 

 

 

Surprising Countryside

Singapore is well-known for its splendid skyline dotted with modern architectural wonders, as well as its very hip and happening lifestyle. But a trip to Singapore isn’t complete without a trip to the countryside. Yes, countryside. It’s called Kranji Countryside, a large green area out of the city center that’s packed with organic farms as well as animal farms. One such place is Jurong Frog Farm (56 Lim Chu Kang Lane 6, (65) 6791-7229. www.jurongfrogfarm.com.sg), which is open to the public every weekend to give people a chance to play with and learn about giant frogs. While here, you must make the effort to feast at Bistro by Gardenasia (240 Neo Tiew Crescent, (65) 6898-91111, open Wed-Thu 11am-6pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun and public holiday 10am-6pm. www.gardenasia.com), which offers a mix of French and Singaporean cuisines—don’t miss their Hokkien pasta with jumbo prawns. 

 

 

“The trip to Singapore’s countryside was full of surprises. I never knew that such a modern country would have such beautiful natural scenery. The food at Bistro is so delicious!” 

 

  

Walking in the Clouds

Ever dreamt of walking on clouds? Cloud Forest (open daily 9am-9pm, www.gardensbythebay.com.sg) at Gardens by the Bay is the place for you. When you first walk into this giant glass house, you will feel the sprinkle of a waterfall that streams down from the 35-meter-tall man-made tropical mountain. Slowly hike to the top or take an elevator then learn all about local biodiversity and geology amid the clouds. Don’t forget to take a tour around Supertree Grove, which is beautiful by day and simply stunning by night.

 

“I was amazed by the grandiose tropical forest and mountain they created in a giant glass house. Walking in the clouds is unbelievable. It’s mysterious and marvelous at the same time.”

 

 

 

Blissful Gardens 

Walking in the blazing heat of Bangkok might make you wish someone would grow a forest in the middle of the city. Well, Singapore has actually done that. Not far from Orchard Road, next to the hip neighborhood on Holland Road, is Singapore’s oldest national park, Singapore Botanic Gardens (1 Cluny Road, (65) 6471-7138, 6471-7361. www.sbg.org.sg). With its large area spanning more than 183 acres, this green space is open to everyone from 5am till midnight. The must-visit here is National Orchid Garden (open daily 8:30am-7pm, last ticket sales at 6pm), a veritable wonderland home to more than 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids. It’s also worth paying a visit to Evolution Garden and Cool House, the former lets you walk along a trail lined with prehistoric trees like ferns and cycads, while the latter is a tropical forest set within a beautiful glass house. 

“The National Orchid Garden here is completely amazing. I’ve seen flower gardens in Thailand before but this one is sensational—a whole garden full of different kinds of orchids!” 

 

Chill Out to the Max in Singapore

 

 

 

This sponsored section was brought to you by Singapore Tourism Board

 

 

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Four restaurants to expand your pan-African palate in Bangkok.

Faria

In a soi dedicated to Middle Eastern restaurants, this restaurant serves up Thai options during the day and a brief list of African dishes at night. This spot is perhaps best suited for those newly interested in pan-African cooking and who need a friendly auntie to guide them. The food is adapted to the Thai palate with local ingredients and spices. If you can handle the low-key ambience of the canteen and the dodgy soi, go for the sosatie (grilled lamb), which we saw at quite a few tables, or a Ghanaian dish like fufu (dough-like ball) served with a stew made with peanut and fish, plus a meat of your choice at B100. Feeling adventurous? Check their list of specials which includes the Senegalese dish yassa (spicy chicken with onion and lemon, B180).

Sukhumvit Soi 3 (Nana), 02-253-4741. Open daily 12pm-midnight

A Taste of Africa

If you don’t want to go to the salubrious Soi Nana, A Taste of African will suit you just fine. They’re currently busy constructing a restaurant (in Soi Samakkhi, Nonthaburi) focusing on the food of Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria, but for now they offer delivery to the downtown area (though there’s no guarantee of when it will be delivered). The set lunch menu (B400) is proving popular, featuring the Nigerian dish egussi (thick stew with ground seeds) with chicken and served with plantains and rice or chapatti (flat bread). Otherwise, you can opt for an Ethiopian dish like impressive doro wat (stew) with chicken and served with plantains, homemade injera (sour flatbread) or rice (B400). Do check their Facebook page as they sometimes hold wine dinners in Nonthaburi.

Delivery only. 083-438-5075. www.facebook.com/africainthailand

Ethiopian Restaurant

Run by Ethiopian natives, from the owner to the cooks, this restaurant does exactly what the name says—classic Ethiopian dishes. Dining here, you’ll feel like you’re no longer in Thailand with the eclectic crowds conversing in multiple crowds and languages. Try the popular doro wat platter that comes with stew, vegetables and flatbread or a wide range selections of grilled meat. Bring some friends as portions are quite big and note that it’s located right next to an African pub where things can get pretty rowdy later on in the evenings.

Sukhumvit Soi 3 (Nana), 084-930-3250, 085-440-5428. Open daily 11am-10pm.

Habesha

Stepping into Habesha is an otherworldly experience, with its low ceiling adorned with baubles and tinsel, vintage-patterned wallpaper and dimly-lit corners. Hookah smoke fills the air and Ethiopian music blares at all hours, with a stage hosting live music every night from about 11:30pm. It also serves up large portions of authentic Ethiopian food. In keeping with tradition, it’s all about eating with your hands, here. Wat (stew) is served on a plate of injera, a fermented bread that resembles a large pancake. Slightly sour, the bread is great for soaking up the rich, spicy flavors. Dishes come with beef, chicken and lamb, while there are also plenty of vegetarian options, with prices around the B200-400 mark. Try them all as part of the Ultimate Combination (B1,000, serves 2-3 people). And don’t leave without ordering a strong Ethiopian coffee (B100). 

1/26 Sukhumvit Soi 3 (Nana), 085-016-0353. Open daily 11am-late (food finishes 10pm). www.ethiopianrestaurantbangkok.com

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