Singapore Uncovered: A 6-Day Adventure in the City of the Future
There I was, stepping off the plane and into the city of the future: Singapore. For years, this country had been on my bucket list. I’d marveled at its ultra-modern, sustainable landscape; at its buildings that looked like giant silver surfboards; at its collision of cultures; even its cleanliness. Having honeymooned in Thailand, and performed in concerts all across the Philippines, Southeast Asia has become one of my favorite places on earth, in part because they’re literally on the opposite side of the world. And while all those destinations felt far away, Singapore was literally the farthest. Now, having returned home after a six-day whirlwind adventure, I can safely say that it’s one of the most fascinating travel destinations I’ve ever visited. From the floral majesty at Gardens By The Bay to the mouth-watering cuisine at local hawker markets, Singapore truly is a feast for the senses. Home to world-class architecture, delectable food, and lush green spaces, this “city of the future” was even more incredible than I imagined.
How I got there
The adventure began on the longest non-stop flight in the world: from NYC to Singapore, aboard the luxurious Singapore Airlines. To make the 19-hour flight more enjoyable, I splurged on business class, and I am happy to report that it was worth every penny. The comfortable seats, expansive entertainment selection, and surprisingly delicious airplane food made the journey fly by (pun intended). I was even able to get a lot of work done and catch some Z's, thanks to Singapore Airline’s signature diagonal sleeping arrangement.
Where I stayed
During my stay in Singapore, I chose the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Singapore located right on the Marina Bay. With its epic views and chic amenities, this hotel exceeded my expectations. When booking, we spent a little extra, choosing to stay in one of their larger Club rooms that include access to the Club Lounge, where you can avail yourselves of free meals, cocktails, and afternoon tea. Once you factor in all the free food and drinks, it’s a treat definitely worth the extra expense.
Things to do
Especially if you arrive in the evening, I’d recommend kicking off your trip with a River Cruise to get acquainted with the city and Marina Bay. Opt for the 8:30 PM cruise and you'll be treated to the impressive and futuristic light show at Marina Bay Sands.
Read any travel guide and they’ll tell you Gardens by the Bay is a must-visit, and I would have to agree. Though admittedly, other than the impressive sky garden, we found the other ticketed areas to be underwhelming, and given the pricey admission, you might be better off just wandering around the grounds.
Shopaholics can't miss the glamorous Marina Bay Sands, one of the most stunning malls you'll ever visit. Even if you don’t buy anything (we didn’t) it’s still worth a trip. There may be full on gondoliers.
For a unique experience, try “prawning” at Hai Bin, where you can fish for prawns and barbecue them afterward. Though we couldn't muster the courage to grill our prawns, we were able to pawn them off on another friendly and grateful patron.
Shopping and picturesque streets await you in Kampong Glam and Haji Lane, a colorful neighborhood with an eclectic mix of stores.
Taking the cable car to Sentosa Island was an exhilarating experience, offering stunning aerial views of the city and the surrounding waters. Sentosa Island is a premier destination for leisure and entertainment, packed with attractions like Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Waterpark.
While on Sentonsa, book a cabana at the Tanjong Beach Club for a perfect spot to relax by the sea. It was hard to believe that just a few miles from the urban downtown, we were soaking up its pristine white sands, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear waters.
Orchard Library, situated in the heart of Singapore's shopping district, is a modern and innovative library that redefines the traditional library experience. With sleek interiors, inviting spaces, and a vast collection of resources, it's a haven for book lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling city outside.
Changi Airport, consistently ranked as one of the best airports in the world, is more than just a transit hub—it's a destination in itself. With its extensive array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, there's always something to do. One of the highlights is the mesmerizing butterfly garden, a tropical oasis teeming with over 1,000 butterflies. Be sure to arrive at the airport a few hours before your flight to fully enjoy the multitude of attractions and experiences that await you.
Where we ate
The best food we had in Singapore was undoubtedly at the hawker markets. These open-air food centers offer a wide range of mouth-watering dishes at incredibly affordable prices. We visited several, but these were our top picks:
At Maxwell Food Center, we savored Tian Tian Chicken Rice's legendary dish, Fu Shun Shao La Mian Jia's scrumptious duck rice, and Alimama's spicy and delicious green chili chicken.
The Chinatown Complex boasts a Michelin-starred stall, Liao Fan, where we sampled their famous soy sauce chicken. We also loved Hill Street Fried Kway for their fried noodles.
The cinematic Lau Pa Sat was easily the most beautiful, housed in a historic building. We recommend whichever is the busiest stall on Satay Street and the nearby BBQ stingray.
For a more upscale experience, we ventured to:
Colony, which offers a “vintage champagne all-you-can-eat brunch.” It is often touted as the best luxury brunch in Asia. This was definitely a splurge, and with good reason — it’s a far cry from your typical buffet. In addition to unlimited pours of champagne for the three hours that we were there, we were able to make multiple trips to the different food stations, piling our plates sky-high with lobster, sushi, chili crab and pastry after pastry.
Spago Bar & Lounge, located atop the famous Marina Bay Sands, provides probably the best view of the city that you’ll get. Admittedly, this splurge was perhaps a little too pricey for what you actually get and certainly one of the more touristy places we visited.
For a quick bite, we loved:
Pita Bakery in Haji Lane, the perfect spot for a quick lunch.
Our favorite coffee shop was Coffee Donkee, where the owner's exquisite collection of coffee cups from around the world inspired us to buy two sets - one for ourselves and one for our dog-sitting friends.
Finally, we dined at Keng Eng Kee Seafood, a local favorite. While they boast an extensive menu, the thing we were coming for was their famous chili crab — a giant Sri Lanken mud crab, bathed in the sweetest, spiciest, most delicious, finger-licking gravy.
Where we drank
Singapore's cocktail scene is a mixologist's dream, with more entries on the World’s 50 Best Bars List than any other Asian city. Some of the ones we checked out were:
Republic Bar located in the Ritz-Carlton, is a classy spot with creative cocktails that harken back to the roaring 20’s.
At Raffles Long Bar, you can sip the original Singapore Sling in a nostalgic, colonial setting. It’s touristy as hell, and the famous cocktail comes out to almost $40USD per glass, but we’re gonna go ahead and say that this one was worth it.
Indulge in luxurious caviar service and exquisite gin cocktails at Atlas, the most eye-popping, art-deco bar I have ever visited.
While MO Bar ranks among the world's best, we honestly found it overrated compared to other options.
LGBTQ+
Singapore has a complex and often difficult history with the LGBTQ+ community. As a former British colony, Singapore inherited the British colonial-era law, Section 377A, which criminalizes sex between men. Although this law is rarely enforced, it continues to hang over the LGBTQ+ community and hinders progress in terms of rights and acceptance. Furthermore, the country does not legally recognize same-sex relationships or marriages and lacks anti-discrimination laws that protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Despite these legal restrictions, we found that, as gay travelers, we felt incredibly safe and welcomed during our visit to Singapore. The city boasts a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, with numerous bars, clubs, and events catering to the community. It's essential to recognize, however, that while visitors might feel at ease, the local LGBTQ+ community still faces challenges in their fight for equal rights. Singapore has made strides in recent years, with growing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, but there is still much work to be done to achieve true equality. If you are a queer traveler looking for a fun night out, make sure to check out these spots:
Dorothy's is a Wizard of Oz-themed bar with a very friendly vibe and warm waitstaff.
Neil Conversion Clinic is a cheeky, tongue-in-cheek speakeasy. What appears to be a conversion clinic from the outside is actually a gay bar, transforming a place with destructive connotation into a place of joy.
Theatre enthusiasts will adore Backstage Bar, a Broadway-themed haven for good drinks and company.
Our trip to Singapore was truly an unforgettable adventure that showed us the diverse and luxurious side of this remarkable city. While it's true that Singapore is a more expensive destination compared to other places we've visited, their approach to ultra-luxury really is unparalleled. Luckily, the city also provides a wealth of affordable options, particularly in the realm of food, allowing travelers to indulge in its rich culinary scene without breaking the bank. A six-day trip to Singapore is perfect for immersing oneself in the city's many different cultures, ensuring ample time to explore, taste, and experience everything this vibrant metropolis has to offer. With its remarkable cleanliness, unmatched safety, and a wealth of activities to enjoy, Singapore truly knows how to do luxury travel.