By Emma Lovell
Singapore is a key transit point connecting Asia to the northern and southern parts of the world. As a bustling hub of International activity, it’s the perfect place to extend your holiday and have a quick two or three-day stopover. Here’s an itinerary to reveal the best of what this tropical country has to offer.
Choosing a place to stay in spectacular Singapore isn’t easy. However, I’ve narrowed it down to suit the two most common styles of holiday – relaxing or city escape. For those who long for the tropical vibes, best head to Sentosa Island. You’ll feel a world away in this mini paradise, while being just a short metro ride from the mainland. Wake up to beautiful warm waters and endless attractions at your door including Universal Studios, lunch at Hard Rock Hotel and Adventure Cove Waterpark to name a few.
For those who crave being at the heart of the action, Marina Bay is for you. Stay at the famous Marina Bay Sands and look down over this gorgeous harbour from the incredible infinity pool. You can also just visit the famous hotel bar and instead stay at one of the many hotels in this area. They too offer breathtaking views of the cityscape and easy access to great food, shopping and historic sites around the city. Don’t miss the light show in the middle of the bay every evening.
Now to your itinerary! Our first day was spent on Sentosa Island and we made a beeline for the Megazip. After seeing it on Australian show, The Bachelorette, I had to try it for myself. At 75m high, and travelling a distance of 450m on a zip-line to the beach below, this is a truly unique way to see the island of Singapore. Arriving on the safe sands of Siloso beach, we soaked for a while in the tropical waters before opting for another attraction, S.E.A. Aquarium. This first class marine attraction is filled with exotic creatures from all over the world’s oceans. You’ll be mesmerized there for hours!
Day two is reserved for the city sights and no Singapore itinerary is complete without shopping. Underground, over ground, malls and markets, this city can wear out even the most dedicated of shoppers. Orchard Road is the place to start your spree and work your way along the 2.2km boulevard to find your bargains and treasures.
The afternoon is reserved for a stroll through the phenomenal Gardens by the Bay. Appearing to be just a beautiful greenhouse and interesting plant structure, you’ll quickly have your mind changed as dusk turns to night and a whole new world is revealed. Like something out of Avatar, the glowing, coloured structures will blow your mind. A meal or beverage at SuperTree by Indochine will offer 360 degree views of this incredible area and allow you to enjoy a sky high walk among the “trees”. It is a truly unique experience combining nature and technology, beauty and the future.
Eating out is tough in Singapore – not for lack of choice, quite the opposite! The cultural flavor fusion in this country can boggle the mind and your cuisine choices are endless. The absolute highlights for me were the No Signboard restaurant in Geyland and the Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre. Night one of our trip was spent enjoying the light show with a drink by the bay and then sampling satay skewers, fried rice, ice cold Tiger Beer and the most amazing dumplings at the Hawker Market, all for a very reasonable price. The No Signboard Restaurant is a local favourite. Although there are a number of different branches of this famous eatery, this is the most authentic. Hands down the best chili crab I’ve ever had. Fresh, fast and very generous portions.
If you have a third day up your sleeve, then you must add the Night Safari into your tour. It is a truly unique animal experience with its theatre-like atmosphere in a jungle setting. Traveling by toy train though the zoo, catch glimpses of the wild animals in the magically lit animal park. Experience the creatures in a whole new way as well as enjoying the novelty of exploring a zoo by night.
For your final day, it’s time for some zen – head to the magnificent Singapore Botanic Gardens. The beauty of this warm and tropical island is demonstrated in the exotic plants and flowers that thrive here. Stroll leisurely through these lush gardens and enjoy panoramic views from the hilltop back over the island. Don’t miss the National Orchid Garden, with more than 2,000 varieties, it’s a beautiful symbol of this island paradise.
At the heart of Asia, Singapore is the perfect launching pad for an amazing holiday. Make sure to add this quick itinerary into your next overseas adventure.
