u+a travel + design magazine

"The >Concierge Recommends" is a section which reveals the personal opinions and recommendations of highly knowledgeable concierges working in the world's top hotels. This issue features Norberto Gabriel Cordova II, Head Butler of the exclusive Valley Wing at Singapore's five star Shangri-La hotel.

Q: What is the one things which most people miss when visiting Singapore which they absolutely must not?

A: Most definitely the suburban experience! Encompassing close interaction with the locals at the bustling wet markets, shopping at modest residential hubs, trying out comforting local gourmet delights, in a nutshell, an opportunity to 'live' like a Singaporean, even if it's for a couple of hours. Having experienced it in person, it makes the experience in Singapore a more deep-seated one.

Most of these residential hubs are connected by the Mass Rapid Transit. One of the recommended ones would be Toa Payoh.

As one of Singapore's first housing estates, Toa Payoh has developed a distinct character through the years. The area bustles with activity and is a great place to soak into the local lifestyle.

Toa Payoh hub has its own cinemas, hawker centres, coffee shops, a library and a nearby park.

Q: Two nearby restaurant recommendations with short descriptions?

Halia Restaurant - Botanic Gardens

- proximity - 5 minutes by car from Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore. Nestled among palm trees and lush foliage of tropical plants, diners have a choice of enjoying the scenery from the air-conditioned dining area, or to dine closer to nature, al fresco style on the sheltered, elevated deck.

Ah Hoi's Kitchen - Trader's Hotel Singapore

- proximity - complimentary shuttle bus available hourly starting from 10.00am. Last bus departs Shangri-La Hotel at 8.00pm

- no visit to Singapore is complete without sampling the famous Crabs (choice of Chilli, Black Pepper, Buttered or Steamed), Fried Kway Teow (broad rice noodles, fried in black sweet sauce), Sweet and Sour Pork, amongst others. All these and more can be savoured at Ah Hoi's Kitchen, an air-conditioned eatery, serving home-cooked delights.

Q: Two unique / special boutiques in the area?

A: Tudor Court

- take shuttle to Trader's Hotel and walk. This charming row of Tudor-front shops offers the shopper a variety of antiques and home furnishings. Particularly popular with visitors looking for gifts to take home.

Tanglin Mall

- also take shuttle to Trader's Hotel and walk. multi-interest shopping mall.

Q: One cafe?

A: Killiney Kopi-tiam (nearest one located along Killiney Road, about 15 minutes by car). Think Starbucks, Singapore style.

Q: One Museum?

A: Chinatown Heritage Centre

Located in three newly restored shop house at the ethnic quarters of Chinatown, the Chinatown Heritage Centre houses a wealth of memories and untold stories of how Singapore's early forefathers had settled in this area after their perilous journey from afar. 48 Pagoda Street. Open 10am-7pm daily. SGD 8 admission, 4.80 for children.

Q: Your favourite area of Singapore?

A: Holland Village - This small area of Singapore still has the feel of a village about it, with its own wet market and shop houses selling everything from straw brooms to valuable antiques. Holland Village is a microcosm of Singapore life, a curious mix between old and new - old coffee shops and hawker stalls jostle for space with ritzy new wine bars and restaurants. The Holland Road Shopping Centre is alive with interesting shops, including some selling Asian arts, crafts and antiques. Electronic goods and factory outlet clothing are other good buys.

Q: Your favourite park?

A: In keeping with it reputation as the "Garden City", Singapore is awash with lush gardens and parklands as tropical greenery carpets the landscape. Innumerable trees and flowering shrub line the expressways and colourful plants hang from balconies and overhead bridges.

Pasir Ris Park - this coastal park of some 17 hectares includes a 6-hectare mangrove swamp traversed by boardwalks allowing visitors to appreciate the rich mangrove flora and fauna. This is also a popular spot for bird-watching, cycling, kite flying and swimming. Many families come here for barbeques and picnics by the beach. For a range of seafood and local delicacies, make your way to the Fisherman's Village located by the beachfront.

Q: Favourite walk

A: Botanic Gardens/ Orchid Gardens - the present orchid enclosure has 20,000 orchid plants on display. The National Orchid Garden promises sprawling orchid displays, water features, and an exotic bromeliad collection from Central and South America. Other attraction for visitors' enjoyment include Palm Valley, Eco-Lake and outdoor concerts on Symphony Lake on weekends. Great for family picnic sessions.

Q: Something new which many people don't know about yet?

A: Trapizza at Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort - The latest casual outdoor Italian restaurant, with live trapeze performers doing their acrobatic acts, while chefs prepare the pizzas a la minute. All happening by the beach front.

Q: What is your favourite aspect of your hotel?

A: The luxury of space. Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore sits on 15 acres of land, and the fact that we are known to many as Singapore's other Botanic Gardens. Truly reflective of "Paradise"

www.shangri-la.com

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