Five places every Singapore first-timer needs to visit
Never been to Singapore?
Well, don’t be put off by the sheer number of exciting to see and do! Just follow this handy guide and you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy.
The heart of Chinatown is a bustling, colourful mix of old and new, with annual festive celebrations, night markets, spas and authentic hawker markets.
Eat like a king for less at Chinatown Complex Centre’s Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle, selling traditional dishes starting from SGD$2-3!
This makes Singapore home to the cheapest Michelin-starred meal in the world. For a journey into the past, pay a visit to the Chinatown Heritage Centre and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum or round the evening off with drinks at one of the many bars.
A local favourite is Native on Amoy Street, which recently earned its place at #13 on the World’s Best Bar List for 2018.
Native’s inventive menu typically uses regionally-sourced ingredients, including basil leaf frozen with liquid nitrogen and garnished with crunchy ants.
Set in the heart of the city, the impressive 101 hectares of Gardens by the Bay showcases horticulture and garden artistry, capturing the essence of Singapore as the premier tropical “City in a Garden”.
The awe-inspiring space includes the avatar-like 16-storey Supertree Grove where you can marvel at the solar-powered trees against the Singapore Skyline by day or witness the free Garden Rhapsody Sound & Light show by night.
Travellers should also visit the two enclosed domes – the Cloud Forest with the world’s highest enclosed waterfall; and Flower Dome, the world’s largest free-standing glass greenhouse.
With a variety of offerings, Sentosa caters to the family-friendly crowds with Adventure Cove Waterpark and the S.E.A Aquarium.
Thrill-seekers can navigate the Sentosa Skyline Luge and AJ Hackett Sentosa Bungy while beach-goers are able to enjoy lunch at one of the many beach-bars.
The quieter beach on the island is Tanjong Beach, where you’ll find white sand, serene waves and Tanjong Beach Club (the place to be for fancy cocktails, live music and delicious food). Hint: bring swimmers!
Learn about history and art at the National Gallery Singapore, which holds the world’s largest display of modern Southeast Asian art, offering over 8,000 of the region’s most extraordinary art pieces from the 19th and 20th century.
After touring the gallery, experience Singaporean cuisine at National Kitchen, where head chef Violet Oon (a grand dame of Singaporean cooking) serves up unforgettable Nyonya food.
For a nightcap, head upstairs to Smoke & Mirrors, a rooftop bar hidden on the 6th floor gives a spectacular view of the bay.
It’s been voted the world’s best airport for the past six years so it’s no surprise 1.08 million Australian travellers through it’s terminals in 2017; with a butterfly garden, the world’s tallest slide in an airport, free Singapore tours and a hotel with runway views.
If you can’t make it to Singapore’s iconic Raffles Hotel, why not pull up a stool at the Long Bar by Raffles in T3, where you can sample the original recipe of the iconic Singapore Sling with a valid boarding pass.
Hint: keep your eyes peeled for Changi’s new addition, Jewel, that is set to open in the first half of 2019.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
changi airport chinatown Gardens by the Bay sentosa island singapore singapore national galleryLatest News
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
Global tour operator Collette has announced a series of special offers on selected dates across a range of tours in the peak northern hemisphere 2024 summer season. Greece The offers include ‘Greece & Its Islands’ features classics such as the Parthenon as well as the picturesque islands of Mykonos and Santorini. A saving of $700 […]
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Air India and All Nippon Airways have signed a codeshare agreement connecting their networks. The new commercial partnership will provide more travel opportunities for customers of both India’s leading global airline and the largest Japan’s largest carrier. Effective from 23rd May, the Air India and All Nippon Airways agreement will see passengers fly to their […]
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
A&K Travel Group will now provide a minimum of 18 weeks paid parental leave for both care-givers, setting a new standard for the travel industry. By providing 18 weeks of paid time off for all new parents, regardless of gender, A&K Travel Group is not only enabling parents to spend valuable time with their newborns […]
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.