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Top 5 daytime delights for visitors to Singapore Grand Prix Formula One race weekend

The Singapore Grand Prix featuring Formula One motor racing action will return to the city state’s Marina Bay Street Circuit for the 11th year in a row on Sunday night. Photo: EPA-EFE

The Singapore Grand Prix, which became the first Formula One motor racing event to be held at night in 2008 – will take place around the Marina Bay Street Circuit for the 11th time on Sunday.

The entertainment featured during the three days of motor racing activities, starting on Friday, remains as electrifying as ever, with a sterling line-up of concerts featuring top acts such as Jay Chou, Liam Gallagher and Simply Red.

With all the high-octane action taking place after nightfall, here are our recommendations for five relaxing daytime distractions over the long weekend.

1. Sample local cuisine at Clifford Pier, Fullerton Bay Hotel

Once a landing point for immigrants before it became the terminal for travellers to Singapore’s southern isles, the beautifully restored Clifford Pier is now a dining annex at the Fullerton Bay Hotel.

It offers a wide selection of local cuisine from which to choose.

We would recommend the Best Bak Chor or minced meat noodles, renowned for being the city’s most expensive version upwards from S$27 (US$20).

2. Check out artworks at Opera Gallery, Ion Orchard 

Opera Gallery Singapore, at the Ion Orchard shopping centre, has been showing the seminal works of postmodern masters such as Salvador Dali, Amedeo Modigliani and Fernando Botero during the F1 weekend since the inaugural race in 2008.

This year it is bringing in the major works of Pablo Atchugarry, the Uruguayan artist best known for his abstract sculptural art.

Besides the five monumental sculptures on display along Orchard Road, many of the artist’s pieces will be on show at the gallery from September 14 to October 18.

3. Sip tea and snack on dainties at Capella Singapore, Sentosa 

Sentosa is Singapore’s only resort island and Capella Singapore has become its most famous landmark after hosting June’s summit meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.

The hotel, which opened in 2009, combines two former military barracks with the new hotel, villas and spa.

British architect Norman Forster carried out the masterful transformation, which perfectly blends the old with the new.

Afternoon tea, which features superbly blended teas, scrumptious scones and other baked delights at its bright and charming Chef's Table, is a relaxing way to spend a weekend afternoon.

4. Explore Asian Civilisations Museum 

 

Singapore is a melting pot of many cultures as it sits at the crossroad of the maritime trade route.

At the Asian Civilisations Museum one can gain a better understanding of these bygone kingdoms thanks to the wide array of fascinating artefacts with historical, artistic and cultural significance that are on display.

5. Stroll in Unesco-listed Singapore Botanical Gardens 

 

Singapore Botanical Gardens became the city state’s first Unesco-listed heritage site in 2015.

The beautiful 158-year-old attraction is situated within a sprawling site surrounded by prime residential and embassy districts, just minutes from the retail belt of Orchard Road.

The tropical gardens, spread over 82 hectares (202 acres) features three different concept zones – a heritage area, a recreational and educational area and a central tourist area, which includes the National Orchid Garden, its most famous attraction.

Scheduled performances are held regularly over certain weekends, and a symphonic concert, “Beethoven Im Garten: Celebrating German-Singaporean Connections And Friendship” will be held on its Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage on Saturday, from 6pm to 7pm. Admission is free

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Try great local cuisines at Clifford Pier, afternoon tea at Capella Singapore resort or a stroll in city state’s tropical gardens before F1’s night action begins