Singapore is one of those destinations that manages to pack a lot into a small amount of space. It’s a breathtaking, east-meets-west blend of traditional culture and 21st-century technology, and it’s packed with indulgent, world-class experiences that make it a dream destination if you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your holiday.
Although Singapore is so much more than a stopover destination, if you are visiting for a good time rather than a long time, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the ultimate luxury stopover.
This compact island nation is located just off the southern tip of the Malaysian peninsula at a point historically known as ‘the Crossroads of Asia’. Measuring just 49 kilometres across and 28 kilometres from north to south, you could drive around the entire island in less than three hours. Its population of just over six million people is a melting pot of cultures, predominantly comprising Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan and European influences.
Because Singapore is just a few degrees from the equator, it has a warm, tropical climate year-round. You can typically expect more rainfall from September to March, but the temperature rarely drops below the mid-twenties.
A direct flight from Melbourne to Singapore takes around eight hours, while the flight time from Perth is around 5.5 hours, and once you’re on the ground, you might be tempted to spend your entire stopover exploring Changi International Airport – more on that later.
Singapore’s compact size and excellent public transport make it easy to get around. It takes around 40 minutes to reach the central city by underground train known as the MRT – it’s efficient, clean and extremely affordable. You can also travel by bus, taxi, or rideshare, or opt for a luxury private transfer so you can pull up to your hotel in style.
Singapore is home to some of the world’s most iconic luxury hotel names, Raffles Hotel has been a local landmark ever since it opened in 1887, and its combination of colonial grandeur and outstanding service makes it a wonderful choice if you want to feel like you’ve stepped back in time for a night or two. If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to one of the hotel’s immaculate suites, you can still spend a few blissful hours soaking up the atmosphere in the hotel’s famous Long Bar, sipping Singapore Sling cocktails and nibbling on freshly shelled peanuts.
Whether you’re shopping for high-end luxury goods in Orchard Road or taking to the skies for a private helicopter tour of the city, Singapore is a dream destination if you’re looking to sprinkle your stopover with a touch of glam. If you’re travelling with kids, you can treat the entire family to a private guided tour of Singapore’s internationally renowned Night Safari, or skip the queues with VIP access to the rides and shows at Universal Studios Singapore.
Singapore is paradise if you love great art: you can lose yourself amidst more than 200 outdoor sculptures while exploring the picturesque Gardens by the Bay, or browse some of the finest collections of art in Southeast Asia at one of the city’s many prestigious galleries.
Sentosa Island is a small resort island located a short distance from the main island of Singapore. Along with perennial favourite attractions like Universal Studios, Adventure Cove Waterpark and the Singapore Aquarium, the island contains a number of high-end holiday resorts that offer every luxury amenity imaginable, from indulgent spa experiences to fine dining restaurants. There’s even a 2.5 kilometre stretch of white-sand beach, where you can relax and unwind before you embark on the next sector of your travel adventures. Sentosa’s waterfront is also a fabulous spot to watch the extravaganza known as Wings of Time. This twenty-minute spectacle of pyrotechnics, dancing water fountains and high-tech laser show is set to music and takes place twice daily at 7.40 pm and 8.40 pm.
Chinatown is one of our favourite Singapore neighbourhoods to explore on foot. You’ll find cool cafes and chic boutiques tucked away alongside breathtaking Buddhist temples and bustling market stalls.
Singapore is packed with amazing foodie experiences, from high-end fine dining to a vibrant street food scene. In a city of just six million people, there are forty Michelin-starred eateries to choose from, including the world-renowned Odette, which is part of the National Gallery. Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle may seem like just another budget-friendly hawker stand, but this humble eatery has earned its own Michelin star with its mouthwatering take on Singaporean street food.
Singapore’s international airport is consistently ranked the world’s best, and you’ll soon understand how it earned its stellar reputation. Within its four terminals you’ll find an element of design, nature, entertainment, retail therapy and art, all rolled into one amazing location. There’s even a collection of lifelike, life-sized dinosaurs to keep the kids entertained while you await your onward flight.
You can book into a wellness spa for a pre-flight massage, indulge in duty-free shopping in an extensive collection of designer stores, and even take in a movie at the on-site cinema complex. The neighbouring Jewel Changi Airport is a destination in itself, complete with the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, a lush indoor garden of walking trails and tropical plants, and more than 280 boutiques and restaurants.
Singapore is the perfect location for an extended stopover where you can turn transit time into treasured memories. If you want to experience its world-class attractions, lush green spaces, indulgent dining experiences and unique cultural diversity for yourself, ask your Personal Travel Manager for advice on planning your Singapore stopover.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
