Anne Gunaratna resides in Singapore, one of Asia’s most fast paced cities. A mum to two young boys, she runs an interior design consultancy which has a presence in Sri Lanka. Anne who has made Singapore her home for over a decade knows the Lion City well and shares with us some secrets from her address book. 

Singapore is known for shopping so where best to one’s shopping odyssey that at Paragon down Orchard Road. If you have money left over after your shopping spree at Paragon then visit Takashimaya which is also down Orchard Road. If you need to purchase souvenirs to bring back then Chinatown is the place to make those purchases. If you tire of malls then head to the Wet Market - Ghim Moh Market on Ghim Moh Road or for budget shopping visit Bugis Street. 

It's always best to start a day of retail therapy after a good breakfast. Wild Honey at the Madarin Gallery serves all day breakfast and is well worth a visit. One can not leave Singapore without trying a Singapore Sling, so make your way to the Raffles Hotel where the best Singapore Slings are served. 

If all that retail therapy makes you hungry then head off to the Mezza 9 at the Hyatt Hotel down Scotts Road for dinner where you will not be disappointed with the fare on offer. 

If you are visiting Singapore on a special break with a loved one then head to OCF (Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt) a French Restaurant located at the Old Parliament House. Alternatively if you want to try the best authentic hawker style street food then Newton Food centre is your port of call. If it’s traditional Singaporean cuisine you wish to indulge in then head to Straits Kitchen at the Hyatt Hotel as their traditional cuisine is the best. For those who are in need of a curry fix then Shahi Maharani at Raffles City serves up the best curry in town. 

Need a break between the shopping? Then the Coffee Academics at Scotts Square has a variety of excellent coffee. Looking for accommodation? Then consider Capella at Sentosa Island. While there do the tourist thing and head off to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia on Palwan Beach, Sentosa Island. 

While Singapore is always a nice place to visit, it is very strict so do remember to obey its laws and do not litter.. after all none of you want to extend your stay..... in jail! 

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana