The Weekender Singapore
From the moment you fly into the city-state with a view of international ships lining the Straits, Singapore imprints upon you as a vibrant mix of heritages. Since pre-colonial times, it has been an important trading port, with all the cultural riches of the world coming in and going out. Only 60 years old as an independent state, Singapore is a fast-paced and affluent place, where East and West truly coincide and amalgamate. Explore it over a laidback period of four days, taking in the lesser-known green spaces, as well as architecture both historical and futuristic, pausing for regular refreshments in some of the most iconic culinary destinations.
Singapore is a mixture of old and new, East and West, city and greenery, and the Weekender’s trajectory reflects those contradictions. From the vintage, pastel-hued Peranakan houses with their wooden shutters to the futuristic Supertrees in the Gardens by the Bay, you’ll move through time and space in the blink of an eye, turning from contemporary India to old-world London or from modern skyscrapers to a lush green park in a moment. There are few other places in the world that manage the transitions between boundaries with such panache and it is well documented in Matthew Chen’s thoughtful exploration. The Lion City has long been known for its food and drink scene, and you’ll have a delicious journey taking in all those cuisines and cocktails as well, with regular stops for refreshments along the way.
Matthew Chen is a Singapore native. Despite living abroad for several years, the Lion City is where his roots lie and where he is currently based, working as an architectural designer. As a photographer, he pays attention to detail, colours and composition, in a highly personal portfolio which centres around his everyday life and travel. His vision of Singapore encompasses tourist highlights, out-of-the-way local spots, and the melting-pot medley of cuisines for which Singapore is so well known.
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