A short stay in Singapore: essential tips for a perfect visit

A recent trip to Singapore made me fall in love with this city all over again. Singapore city is clean and organized. The people are super friendly. The food is ridiculously good. The cocktails are irresistible. Seriously, there are so many things that make this city a must-visit, again and again. The only problem is deciding what to do when you’re there. Your best move: create a list and then cull it to a manageable number of activities based on the days you have available.

It’s been a few years since Monty and I were there but having recently returned after a short stay, I have jotted down a couple of tips that may prove helpful for anyone visiting the city.

Nature lovers
Singapore is also known as the ‘Garden City’ and for good reason. Best attraction is Gardens by the Bay where you are assured of a relaxing adventure amongst lush vegetation. You can buy tickets when you’re there but it’s easier to purchase in advance online. We waited to buy our tickets until the day we decided to go for two good reasons: the tropical weather can be unpredictable (we weren’t keen on exploring Gardens in the rain); we also wanted to ensure we didn’t have to go through the rigmarole of trying to change the day or ask for a refund if for some unforeseen reason we couldn’t get there. We loved the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, OCBC Skyway and SuperTree Observatory. Different ticket combinations are available for a variety of attractions.

There’s often a special exhibition at Gardens. When we were there in October, we attended the Monet exhibition which was visually spectacular. Do stop for a breather and have a cocktail at Janice Wong at SuperTree at the top of the SuperTree Observatory. We imbibed on Singapore Sling Botanical and Naked cocktails while soaking up the spectacular panorama. Cocktails were SGD $25 each. Happy to recommend them! If you’re a sweet tooth, you’ll be tempted by the perfect desserts and sugar-laden treats.

Cheap eats
Singapore is literally overflowing with first class restaurants. The options are overwhelming. However, if you’re watching your budget or simply want to enjoy cheap eats during your stay, a favourite is the Hawker Food Centre. While there try the Hainanese Chicken Rice “Tian Tian”. It’s incredible. We bought ours from Stall #01-10/11. Be prepared for a queue. The centre is closed Monday. Open daily 10am – 7.30pm Tuesday to Saturday. We were staying nearby so this became our food paradise, but there are other hawker food centres that maybe closer to your accommodation. I’d argue, however, Maxwell Food Centre is hard to beat.

Chinatown
Dive into Asia in Chinatown. Simply let your feet do the walking. If you’re new to the precinct and keen for some ‘locals’ guidance, head to Chinatown Visitor Centre (2 Band Street – behind Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum). Personally, I prefer to simply wander around and make my own discoveries.

As a lover of art, I was drawn to the colourful wall murals which add a unique, artistic charm to Chinatown, turning the streets into an open-air gallery, bringing a rich sense of life and culture to the area. Blending traditional Chinese artistic elements with contemporary street art, they create visual fusion telling the story of the neighbourhood’s history, heritage, and the daily lives of its people. You’ll find murals on many street walls including Smith Street, Telok Ayer Street, Trengganu Street and Temple Street. For a comprehensive list check out https://www.littledayout.com/chinatown-murals-singapores-heritage-in-street-art/

While in Chinatown pay a visit to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (images below) in South Bridge Road. It’s calming and soul-satisfying (if it’s not full of tourists).

Cocktails and more
Wine can be hideously overpriced, but cocktails are reasonable. A great find was Mami’ s Tamales co-founded by gregarious chef Maribel Colmenares. We happened to come across this pleasant Mexican surprise while exploring the local Chinatown precinct. It was Happy Hour 12pm-7pm!!!! The timing was perfect! Serendipitous! Our addictive Mojitos hit the spot! Currently Margaritas headline the Happy Hour offer for a doable SD$10.

If you want to up the ante and go somewhere flash, the sophisticated Atlas Bar (images below) is unquestionably wondrous. Unaware, Monty ordered a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck and couple of delectable treats from the Atlas Dining menu as a treat. Pure indulgence and pricey, but perfect. Recommend you book online to avoid disappointment.

For first timers to Singapore, the iconic Raffles’ Long Bar (images below) is always on the tourist list. Having been there on more than one occasion, I was quietly disappointed when we popped in for a drink this time. It seemed to have lost its sparkle and was overloaded with tourists in every shape and form. We sat at a table in the corner and watched the comings and goings. However, Monty and I ventured there twice, only because on the second occasion when we headed to Raffles, we arrived early and our planned destination, The Writers Bar, was yet to open for afternoon service. As both bars are at Raffles, to kill some time we returned to the Long Bar. This time we perched ourselves on the bar stools at the bar, just like we had done some years ago. The happy memories flooded back. Sitting at the long bar is the only place to be when you’re sipping your Singapore Slings. If there’s a large group of you and you want more privacy, take the spiral staircase to the floor above. There’s a similar long bar upstairs with less people.

The Writers Bar (images below) was certainly worth the wait. It’s quiet, intimate atmosphere is a deal-breaker; its ambience exudes a ‘private club’ appeal. The staff and service were well above par. You’ll find the bar in the front most corner of The Lobby at Raffles.

Does anyone come to Singapore and not visit Ce La Vie Skybar (formerly Ku De Ta) on the rooftop of Marina Bay Sands? Surely not. Tip: check out the website and make sure you follow the dress code, or you won’t be permitted entry. And yes, there is an entry fee per person, but it is redeemable on your first drink. Bar food is also available.

Apart from the ones I have noted, there are so many bars, including rooftop bars, you can easily become discombobulated trying to choose. Best to start with bars close to the hotel you are staying at then venture forth, relying on Singapore’s fast and efficient public train network get you from Point A to Point B.

Spectra Light and Water Show
Worth adding the show to your list. More important: get a good vantage point where you can enjoy a drink while watching the show unfold.
On a previous trip, we were staying at the Fullerton Hotel (the former GPO). We were fortunate to time our evening drinks at their rooftop bar to perfection, gaining a full, unimpeded view of the show from the comfort of our bar stools. I am uncertain whether the bar is still a feature at the hotel.

Shopping
While shopping wasn’t our main objective, Chinatown is a handy place to pick up inexpensive souvenirs and clothing. Orchard Road used to be high on the list for tourists, however, as we didn’t venture there this trip, I am unable to comment

Think twice about buying luxury designer goods in Singapore. You won’t bag a bargain. And, if you’re considering the opportunities available through the Tourism Refund Scheme and GST refunds, consider if it is worth your while. I’ll leave it up to you to do the calculations.

There are several tourist activities you could also explore including:
Walking through Little India and around Emerald Hill
Esplanade Theatres on the Bay
Walk the Henderson Waves Bridge
Visit Sentosa Island (which is very touristy)
Take a night river cruise

Stay

While we were in Singapore we stayed at the Scarlett Hotel. It was wonderful. Monty and I always search for accommodation that reflects the local culture and isn’t your typical cookie-cutter western-style hotel accommodation. This hotel ticked all the boxes and some. An added bonus was the intimate Barouv rooftop bar – an unexpected surprise.

Getting around
As a tourist staying for a limited time in Singapore, you no longer need to buy a public transport card (like Melbourne’s Myki card or Brisbane’s Go Card). It’s simply a case of tapping your debit/credit card on and off at each station. Fares are calculated based on distance – just make sure you tap in and tap out and to pay the correct fee.
A Tourist Pass is also available which allows for unlimited rides on public buses and MRT for 1-3 days. You’ll find the usual modes of transport are available as you would in any major city: buses, trains, rideshare, bicycles, as well as public ferries (to the outer islands)

If you need money (credit card is king) there are plenty of ATMs located throughout the city.

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