Travel: Things to do during a Singapore Stopover

On By AlexandraIn Travel

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Before embarking on my trip to Europe, the airline I was travelling with cancelled my flight and gave me one free night’s accommodation in Singapore. So, after switching to holiday mode by throwing back a Singapore Sling on the plane, here is what I got up to during my day in this amazing (and very clean) place…

1. Singapore Botanic Gardens

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Founded in 1879, this 74-hectare site is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. A tranquil spot to relax before perhaps flying to your next destination, the Gardens cost nothing to enter. You can also take a free walking tour on Saturdays to learn about the rainforest and healing gardens. Please note that there is a $5 admission fee for the orchid garden.

2. Orchard Road

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Source: WikiCommons

Shopaholics rejoice! This 2.2 kilometre boulevard offers retail, dining and entertainment options galore. From local craft shops to high end designer labels, it is not to be missed!

3. Chinatown

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Comprising of five districts, Chinatown has something to suit everyone. During my time, I wandered through the hundreds of souvenir stalls at the Chinatown Street Market, had the dead skin on my feet eaten away by garra rufa fish (although I have since read how unhygienic it can be) and even found the TinTin Shop!

4. Singapore Flyer

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Riding on the disappointment of the London Eye being closed while I was visiting the UK, I decided to ride on the next best thing in Singapore. It cost me $33 for panoramic views of the city and one rotation took 30 minutes. Want greater luxury? Choose the 4-course sky dining experience.

5. Raffles Hotel

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It’s virtually impossible to speak of Singapore without mentioning the Raffles Hotel in the same breath. Opened in 1887, its colonial architecture and gorgeous grounds demand your attention. Is your budget a bit stretched? Don’t worry! Try afternoon tea in the Tiffin Room ($66 per adult) or a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar – this is where the cocktail was invented by bartender Ngiam Tong Boom in 1915.

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Some other places that I sadly didn’t get to visit include the Singapore Zoo, Universal Studios, Gardens By The Bay, the Changi Museum and the Marina Bay Sands.

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Now over to you. Have you been to Singapore? What are your recommendations for when I return?

11 thoughts on “Travel: Things to do during a Singapore Stopover”

      3. History has soaked into the streets in Sai Gon.
        Most days I walk past the office building that the last chopper out of Sai Gon flow from. I shop at a market down the road from the intersection where Thích Quảng Đức self-immolated in protest against the treatment of Buddhist monks (look him up). I live on the same street as the War Museum.

        There isn’t a ‘Vietnamese culture,’ there is Mekong Delta culture, Central Mountains culture, Northern culture, etc. It is very diverse for a relatively small country.

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  3. Hey. I’m living in Singapore. Definitely need to check out Gardens by the Bay and Sea Aquarium. If you’re a foodie, I have lots of place to recommend – Singapore is pretty well known for great cafes and restaurants! Also if you’re up for trekking , you should check out the Treetop Walk in Matcritchie or the Henderson Wave in Mount Faber Park or go for a walk in Labrador Park. (:

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      1. There’s a lot of great places with good food in Singapore – Bugis, Chinatown, Tanjong Pagar and Punggol. I think I’ve missed out East Coast park. It’s a great place for outdoor and Cycling

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