Travel insider: Singapore

Marina Bay Singapore at dusk. Photo / 123RF

Where does Singapore's party set hang out?
Clarke Quay has been a long-standing nightspot for after-work drinks and Zouk is probably the most famous club for all ages, but if you're looking for something more classy, the CBD has fantastic rooftop bars with breathtaking city views, like One Altitude, Level 33 and Empire.

Hands down best place/s to get dumplings?
Crystal Jade or Din Tai Fung - for the best xiao long bao.

What are the main shopping precincts - and can you recommend a great local designer?
The massive strip of shopping malls along Orchard Rd is a shop-a-holic's heaven - it feels like the malls go on forever. For more eclectic local designers, Haji Lane is a great place to find something bespoke.

Lunch with friends sees me at . . .
Local hawker centres are good spots to meet for a quick and delicious feed.

What are the must-see galleries?
The National Gallery, which has just undergone a massive refurbishment.

Great place for a cocktail?
If you're feeling nostalgic, it's hard to go past a Singapore Sling at Raffles, though for something less touristy, the rooftop bars are always abuzz on Friday and Saturday nights.

And a rooftop swim?

The Marina Bay Sands has to be one of the world's most beautiful and famous rooftop infinity pools.

Clarke Quay has been a long-standing nightspot for after-work drinks and Zouk is probably the most famous club for all ages in Singapore.

Where's a top breakfast spot?

It's a bizarre concept to go out for toast but when in Singapore, Toast Box is a local favourite. People queue for their Kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs and local coffee, called Kopi, that is sweetened with condensed milk.

And for a late-night feast?
Lau Pa Sat. The outdoor markets have everything you could possibly want, from stingray to satay sticks.

A good place for a walk or run?
For a coastal walk there's East Coast Park. MacRitchie Reservoir is also great for a walk or run. For a longer trail with lots of greenery, The Southern Ridges is a scenic walk that, as the name suggests, runs along the southern ridge of Singapore. During a port day, our guests often disembark and enjoy a leisurely stroll around Marina Bay.

And if the weather means you're better off indoors, where's a good place?
Gardens by the Bay has indoor conservatories, the gallery is always a good way to kill a couple of hours, or try one of the malls.

What's Singapore's best-kept secret?
Puala Ubin Island. It's great to explore.

Stuart Allison is Princess Cruises' vice president Australia & New Zealand.