In a few short weeks, I’ll be heading out for a few days in Singapore. The trip came on relatively short notice and at quite a surprise thanks to the tech issue that allowed for the award booking of Singapore First Class seats through United’s Mileage Plus while Singapore was undergoing a technology upgrade a few weekends ago.
Being that I’ve never been to Singapore, I’m reaching out to you for advice on things to do while I am there. Thus far only 2 things are set in stone. One, my flights are set. Normally most of my international travel involves Lufthansa, but in this case, considering the circumstances under which I was able to book the trip, I’ll be flying on Singapore Airlines (Star Alliance member) for the first time.
I’ll be flying United from Grand Rapids to Houston and from there it will be on Singapore Airlines from Houston to Singapore via Moscow. On the return, it will be Singapore-Hong Kong-San Francisco on Singapore and then San Francisco-Chicago-Grand Rapids on United:
The only other item on my agenda that is set is my hotel. I’ll be staying at the Grand Hyatt and will be in a good position to compare and contrast this property against the other Hyatt properties that I had stayed in during previous trips to Hong Kong, specifically the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, and the Hyatt Regency Tsim Sha Tsui.
Apart from these 2 items on my itinerary, there’s little else on my itinerary and this is where I hope you can help. On past trips, you have given me fantastic recommendations on places to go and things to see in Istanbul and Hong Kong. I’m hoping that will be the case with Singapore as well! For your efforts (as was the case in my other trips), I’ll bring back souvenirs from Singapore for the individuals responsible for the top 3 places that are suggested (as determined by me).
Thanks in advance for your ideas and suggestions, I look forward to sorting through all of them!
I envy you! First class form Houston to Sin sounds great.Book the cook. Try to Kaiseki Japanese 15 course if available. Probably on the route mack to SFO. Get the shut eye during the Moscow to Sin leg so you arrive fresh to tackle the first day to the fullest. The Grand Hyatt is very Zen and central. Transport system easy to navigate. Do dress light. It is hot and humid although we have virtually everything air-conditioned. If you’re here a few days do the night safari – a Zoo that opens at night only! Food and water is completely safe – tap water is potable. Eating anywhere would be an adventure and novel. And its very safe. Enjoy.
Thanks everyone for the great sounding ideas. I’ll put together a list and pick the top 3 things that I am definitely going to do and will write about it later this week.
Wow lucky you! U’re gonna have a blast both on the flights & in SG! 😉 A one day visit to Sentosa is a must.
One thing I like about Singapore is getting the ferry to Bintan and spending a few nights at one of the resorts. Its only around 55 minute trip and being Indonesia its much cheaper than Singapore, also heard Batam is good as well.
All of the comments submitted are excellent suggestions. I agree that visiting a Hawker Center is a “must”. I felt a little funny taking time out to go to the Zoo, but not only was it a very interesting exhibit, it gave me the opportunity to try the subway system (immaculately clean!) which you should do while there , even if not to the Zoo. One thing that hasn’t been mentioned above is a visit to world reknown Raffles Hotel (I known it’s a touristy thing to do but there is a musuem there now as well and a visit to their bar – you don’t have to order a Singapore Sling -takes you back in history. Can’t wait to hear about SQ, I have never had the chance to fly them and hear absolutely wonderful reviews. Safe Travels!
@Martin, Thanks for the ideas. I feel a little guilty not flying LH but in this case I had to make the exception! 😉
Didn’t read any other comments, but if someone didn’t suggest it, go to the Sky Park at the Marina Bay Sands.
Since you’ll be close by at the Hyatt, I’d suggest walking up Emerald Hill to see some old shophouse style homes. With significant development all around it, this small part of downtown has been preserved. I used to live in that area and got to see it after 20 years when we went back in May.
I second the notion of getting out of the urban center like the MacRitchie Reservoir suggestion. We hiked up the tallest hill in Singapore, Bukit Timah and got to see some monkeys. I used to go up there on school field trips when I was a kid. It feels nothing like the traditional Singapore everyone expects.
How long will you be there?
The Singapore Zoo features tropical beauty and wonderful opportunities to view lemurs, bats and other animals up close in an aviary, plus a chance to hand feed manatees, giraffes and babboons. A working elephant show, surprisingly good food and well-designed exhibits all contribute to a great day out.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Preserve features mangroves, a wide variety of birds, and even mudskippers and crocodiles. You aren’t in Kansas anymore, Toto.
@Marion, never wanted to go to Kansas! 😉
I’ll be there at the end of Aug! Hope I see your tips before I leave
How long are you staying?
When you’re all mall’d out and have extra time to explore :-), check out the MacRitchie Reservoir and Pulau Ubin…..
http://the1stclassproject.blogspot.com/2011/07/other-side-of-singapore.html
Flight simulator experience: http://www.flightexperience.com.sg/
National Orchid Garden at the Botantical Gardens is a must-see. The Night Safari can be interesting if you have the time. If you like molecular cuisine, Fifty-Three is a place to try.
Try the open air bar at the Marriott c/r Orchard/Scott. Get a cold beer (or several) and watch the world go by.
If you are visiting Chinatown, cross South Bridge Road and walk up the short (50m) An Siang Hill. There are several restaurants and bars there in a delightful, quaint old SIngapore environment.
Enjoy.
Chinatown is a great place to grab a quick bite and to stock up on souvenirs. There is a fantastic pork bun/sandwich shop when you get off the at the MRT. With your back facing the 7-11 at your 11 o’clock there should be a stand for them. If you don’t see it there are a ton of other good spots. I picked up all my souvenirs down there as well. To get around in SIN taxi’s are cheap, but the MRT is just as good, when you get to the Changi get a Smartcard, and pro tip since it’s HOT there, find the part of the train with the AC and stand directly under that, as the train speeds up the AC blows harder (it’s glorious). Do all the touristy things as well, I walked to the Singapore flyer, did that and then walked around the bay to the Merlion by way of the Marina Sands mall. Tips on food would be:
1. Find a hawker center, find the longest line and order whatever they are serving.
2. Get chicken rice from Wee Nam Kee (some will disagree but everyone has opinions) http://www.wnk.com.sg/
Enjoy SIN it’s a great place.
Well, given that the Singapore national past-times are sShopping & eating I would recommend hitting “Satay Street” at the Lau Pa Sat hawker center. http://www.timeoutsingapore.com/restaurants/hawker-centre/lau-pa-sat A stroll along Orchard Road is always fun & the bookstore at Takashimaya is very good.
Also, the Gardens by the Bay just opened & the “Super Trees” & nightly light show look like they would be very fun/interesting. http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/home.html
If gambling is your thing hit the Marina Bay Sands but remember to bring your passport with you as they won’t let you into the casino without it.
Enjoy Singapore!
I was there about two months ago. You definitely need to go to the bar at the top of Marina Bay Sands for a drink sometime before sunset, the views up there are amazing. Be sure to have a traditional meal at a Hawker centre, I think Lau Pa Sat is best because of the amazing Victorian architecture. It’s also very close to downtown and a quick walk from China town.
For outdoor activities be sure to visit the botanical gardens, and take a walk down one of the famous boulevards such as orchard road which has some amazing shops and is considered a premier shopping district. Taking the metro to raffles place station and walking to waterfront is nice to, since you can see the famous merlion, the symbol of Singapore.
Pay a visit to Chinatown and little India as well for some authentic cuisine and interesting markets and shops.
Enjoy!