Cocktails aren’t the only attraction that makes Singapore a little gem
SINGAPORE has always been a handy stopover and its incredible Changi airport is a great place to spend a few hours before heading on to Australia or New Zealand.
But this tiny country — half the size of Greater London — promises much more for those who spend a night or two exploring.
I took up a challenge to squeeze in as much as possible in 72 hours, starting with a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel’s famous Long Bar.
The storied hotel reopened this month after a two-year restoration. Though the hotel has long been a byword for luxury, its Long Bar started out as a watering hole for plantation workers who would drop in after a day’s toil in the fields.
The bar has embraced its humble beginnings. Each table has a bag of nuts to crack open over the cold drinks and guests are encouraged to brush the shells on to the floor.
This tradition from plantation days makes the Long Bar perhaps the only place in pristine Singapore where you are encouraged to litter.
Next was a boat ride to a great spot to catch the Marina Bay Sands light show. The tour ended at Clarke Quay and while some stayed on to enjoy the nightlife, I headed to Chijmes, the church where THAT wedding in 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians took place. Naturally, an extravagant wedding was taking place when I happened to visit . . . at 11pm.
No visit to Singapore could be complete without seeing the hawker centres with dozens of street-food stalls. The set-up is basic — you might get ceiling fans and seats if lucky. But the food is incredible.
I headed one near my hotel, the Albert Centre Market. With so much choice, I followed my nose and joined the longest queue. Dishes cost between £1 and £3 — and with so much competition, the stallholders have to deliver.
My last stop before a late flight back to London was Sentosa, Singapore’s staycation destination. If you have time, it is easy to spend a week on this resort island.
It has a Universal Studios and nearby is Adventure Cove Waterpark; explore the S.E.A. Aquarium or pose with the waxworks at Madame Tussauds.
Golfers will find plenty of options and Sentosa has some of Singapore’s best beaches. The weather is always warm here.
With so much to pack in, I wanted a place where I could kick back and relax.
The new adults-only hotel was perfect. A few hours splashing in its infinity pool, a quick nap on its comfy bed and a light dinner in the restaurant had me ready for my journey home.
Staying there: Rooms at the Mercure Singapore Bugis start from £114 per night. See . Rooms at the adult-only The Outpost Hotel on Sentosa are from £190 per night including breakfast. Find out more at .
More info: See .
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