Port guide: Singapore

This small island nation packs in more easy-to-visit, family-friendly attractions and multi-ethnic influences than many cities twice its size.

Who goes there

Singapore, which has good flight connections, great infrastructure and reliable catering supplies, is a major departure and arrival point for cruise lines. All major companies sail in, from mega-ships to small expedition vessels. Most are operating Asian itineraries, but during twice-yearly relocation seasons you can sail to or from Australia’s east and west coasts.

The historical Boat Quay on the banks of Singapore River.Credit: Singapore Tourism

Sail on in

Arriving in this city built on maritime trade and still one of the world’s premier shipping ports seems appropriate, but don’t expect drama. Singapore’s landscape is low-lying, and only ranks of buildings appear on the horizon. Marina Bay is the more scenic arrival thanks to downtown skyscrapers and the vertical-garden Supertrees. The very busy waters have a mesmerising coming-and-going of ships and ferries.

Berth rites

Ships dock either at the labyrinthine Singapore Cruise Centre opposite Sentosa Island and attached to a large shopping and dining complex, or Marina Bay Cruise Centre, which is more convenient for the city centre. Both have impeccable efficiency and transport connections. Newer Marina Bay is designed to berth mega-ships. The dramatically jagged terminal building is said to represent breaking waves, if waves were angular. The cavernous interior is easy to negotiate and cheerfully light-flooded.

The famous Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.Credit: iStock

Before and after

Your itinerary won’t have you in Singapore for long, since most passengers here are embarking or disembarking. The city is worth a few days, and an abundance of family-friendly activities will keep kids happy. The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore combines heritage piers with contemporary architecture and art to spectacular effect, and sits over Marina Bay waterfront.

Going ashore

Those who’ve been before can look beyond the best-known sights and delve deeper into Singapore’s heritage. The Peranakan blend of Chinese and Malay culture is on display at Katong Antique House, which is full of family memorabilia and elaborate wedding costumes. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, surging with monks, is a spectacularly kitschy temple centred on a gold-covered stupa, and has a museum that outlines Buddhist culture. Top-notch multimedia exhibits at Singapore National Museum trace the city’s colonial past and its emergence as a modern Asian city.

Don’t miss

Gardens by the Bay, best known for their 50-metre-tall Supertrees linked on elevated walkways. Even better are two vast glasshouses. Flower Dome is the world’s largest, and displays Mediterranean and semi-arid plants, while the fabulous Cloud Forest Dome showcases high-mountain flora and houses a waterfall.

Get active

As long as you can deal with humidity, Singapore offers lush parks in which to jog, and beaches on Sentosa Island. You can also burn off calories by taking to a rental bicycle, tandem or in-line skates in East Coast Park, which provides cooling sea breezes. Singapore Sports Hub has excellent sporting facilities and kayak rentals, while Changi (though inconveniently located for cruise passengers) is good for windsurfing.

Retail therapy

Orchard Road is the epicentre of department stores, while Little India nearby allows a rummage among textiles and spices. Arab Street features basket ware, incense burners and silk from India; Basharahil Bros. is the place for batik, including sumptuous silk versions. Chinatown’s department stores will satisfy the bargain-hunter. Yue Hwa Department Store specialises in traditional Chinese goods and tailors gorgeous embroidered cheongsams.

Further afield

Cruise lines offer an abundance and wide variety of pricey shore excursions that never get beyond the island. You’ll save significantly by going it alone: Singapore is safe and has excellent public transport and cheap taxis. Some excursions do however concentrate on particular subjects, such as WWII history, eco-farming or Crazy Rich Asians movie locations.