When in Singapore: The Lion City's Middle Eastern allure

"If you like to do what the locals do, then check into one of the Village Hotels to experience the rich cultural and ethnic flavors within the surroundings," said our host from the Far East Hospitality Management.

The Far East Hospitality Management is the owner and operator of the largest hospitality portfolio in Singapore, with seven hotels and 11 residences across the city. Hospitality is at the core of the company's values, and it takes this to heart in its brand—the Village Hotels & Residences. Here, guests can encounter authentic, friendly, comfortable, and memorable stays. Each of the Village Hotels & Residences presents an experience of the Lion City's local culture and indigenous offerings of the communities where its properties are located.

To immerse yourself in the Malay culture, head to the historic district of Kampong Glam. Kampong Glam is known as the "Village of Gelam Trees," a former seat of royalty, and the center of the culturally rich Arab quarter. The area is characterized by the majestic Sultan Mosque, Arab Street’s textile shops, and trendy cafes in Haji Lane.

At the center of this area is one of Far East Hospitality's properties, the Landmark Village Hotel. Daylight showed how conveniently located the 393-room hotel is. From the hotel, it's easy to explore the neighborhood, where the mixture of old and new architecture was strikingly contrasting and interesting.

Kampong Glam is where Singapore's largest mosque is—the gold-domed Masjid Sultan, along with the Malay Heritage Center and the Hajjah Fatima Mosque. For shopping, head to Arab Street and the bargain hunter's paradise of Victoria Street, while secondhand treasures can be discovered at the Thieves Market. 

The charming shop-houses lining H Street, said to be the "smallest street in the city," and Bali Lane are now homes to young, talented clothes designers, cafes, bars, and graffiti-walled restaurants. Not far away, the contemporary retail shops are clustered at the Bugis Junction and Iluma, while more retail havens are a stop or two away via the MRT at the Bugis Station.

Our tour guide from Landmark Village Hotel, who is adept in the history of the area and the country, pointed out the must-see spots and how these are important to the area. Proof of how fast Singapore is changing is how the new shops are popping up like mushrooms in the area, shops that were not in the area since our guide's previous visit.

More importantly—the food. Just like any area, cuisine is an essential part of its history. In the area around the Landmark Village Hotel, there are dining spots that locals are loyal to, like Le Bistro Parisiene, a small French restaurant run and owned by a local chef trained in France; the Kampong Glam Cafe, famous for its Singapore tea; and an old popular shop still with no name, which offers the delicious Kaya roll popularized by the "Rich and Good Cake Shop."

The best was saved and served last. Back at the Landmark Village Hotel, we dined at the hotel's award-winning restaurant, Mooie Chin Place. We were presented with a delicious spread fit for royalty. The specially curated menu was topped with the restaurant's reputed Hainanese cuisine (do try the Hainanese Black Chicken) and joined by the other house specialties, like the Sweet Yam in coconut milk, Pomfret Sambal, Hainanese Mutton Soup, Hainanese Pork Chop, and the Hofan Noodles.

Perhaps you've been to the Arab quarter and KlampKampong in the past, but for sure, the next time you drop by, there will be a few more surprises that await you. There will be a lot more things to see and a lot more food to taste. Why not stay close to where all the Middle Eastern action is? Consider the Landmark Village Hotel as your address on the next visit to Singapore.