Should you hear the phrase ‘Singapore’ and assume ‘stopover’, then assume once more. This tiny nation (London is 2.5 occasions greater than the whole nation!) packs a punch and is a lot greater than a spot to purchase duty-free.

It’s onerous to consider that simply over 200 years in the past, Singapore was a group of easy fishing villages. Now, it’s a contemporary melting pot of various cultures, with a panorama of gorgeous skyscrapers and tropical inexperienced areas. Belief me: it’s price placing in your bucket listing.

What to do in Singapore

Go on a Singapore Sidecar tour

Singapore is just 50km vast and 25km lengthy, so it’s extremely simple to discover. If humidity isn’t your factor, then hop on one of many totally air-conditioned electrical buses (London buses, I’m taking a look at you) – or in the event you fancy exploring on foot, each Singapore district is linked by 350km of trails known as the Park Connector Community.

For a extra uncommon approach of getting round, strive a Singapore Sidecar tour. There’s no higher approach to absorb the sights and sounds than from a classic Vespa, notably at evening. The very best bit? Income go to supporting good causes – and also you don’t must drive.

Discover each district

The Singaporean inhabitants is extremely various, which is mirrored within the districts. Purchase spices from the slim streets of Little India, discover boutique outlets scattered all through the Muslim Quarter of Kampong Glam and go to temples and museums in Tanjong Pegar (I’d extremely advocate a tour with Cecelia across the fascinating Peranakan Museum).

Go to the highest of Marina Bay Sands

You may’t go to Singapore and never take within the panoramic views from the highest of Marina Bay Sands (there’s not a lot you’ll be able to’t see from the 57th flooring!) While you’re there, make time to wander by means of the close by lovely tropical Gardens by the Bay, the place you’ll see one of many world’s tallest indoor waterfalls, and take within the free every day evening time gentle present – it may possibly’t be missed.

Go to Aramsa Spa for a therapy

Should you’re like me and consider no vacation is full and not using a self-indulgent spa therapy (as a result of we’re price it, proper?) then Aramsa Spa is a should. Set within the lovely environment of Bishan nationwide park, you wouldn’t consider you’re nonetheless within the metropolis. Otherwise you wouldn’t in the event you handle to remain awake when you’re smothered in home-made important oils, listening to the chirping of birds, searching onto the plush gardens throughout the *most* stress-free therapeutic massage of your life. Should you do go, please ask for the key recipe for his or her ginger tea – I’m nonetheless dreaming about it.

Go to the Tanglin Gin distillery tour and tasting

Should you like some tipsy in your tipple, then look no additional than the Tanglin Gin distillery tour and tasting. As soon as house to spice plantations, the Tanglin neighbourhood is now an upmarket hub of eating places and bars, together with Singapore’s first gin distillery. Strive the Orchid gin for successful of Malay spices, or sip away on the Singapore traditional for extra of a citrus hit.

The place to eat and drink in Singapore

Go to the hawker markets

Should you’re planning on staying in Singapore for a number of days, I like to recommend packing an additional abdomen as a result of you’ll not need to cease consuming. The overwhelming majority of Singaporeans don’t really cook dinner at house (I’ve discovered my folks!) – as an alternative they go to hawker markets and feast on the wonderful array of meals served in any one of many six million stalls. It’s simple to spend a dinner time leaping from stall to stall – strive roti prata (puffed bread) and Hainanese rooster rice, adopted by a Kopi C, a sweetened espresso that’ll hold you going for hours.

You may’t beat the satay and chilly beer from Lau Pa Sat, or ‘Satay Avenue’, a row of smoking-hot stalls promoting BBQed meat or prawns by the stick.

Coconut Membership

For a extra upmarket native lunch, strive the Coconut Membership and its notorious nasi lemak – rice cooked in pandan leaf and coconut milk with an array of toppings. Depart room for a go to to boutique ice cream store Birds of Paradise (the strawberry and basil is a gamechanger).

For dinner, you could have *too* a lot alternative, however my favourites had been:

Rempapa – a multicultural restaurant reflecting all the ethnicities in Singapore. You haven’t lived in the event you haven’t tried the stir-fried Chee Cheong Enjoyable or the Baca Assam, belief me

Nationwide Kitchen by Violet Oon – strive the Kueh Pie Tee from this scrumptious genuine Peranakan restaurant

KEK Seafood – put on the bib offered so you’ll be able to dig into the Black Pepper Crab and Salted Egg Prawns and not using a care on the earth.

Raffles Lodge

You may’t go to Singapore and never strive its signature cocktail, the Singapore Sling. Strive the unique recipe on the historic Raffles Lodge – order sufficient and also you’ll be capable to have a go at mixing them within the well-known shaker (beware the ‘slingover’ the subsequent day – you’ve been warned).

Mama Diam

For a much less touristy tipple, head to Mama Diam – this speakeasy places a contemporary twist on native favourites and is hidden behind {a magazine} rack. Bonus factors for managing to seek out it and for snaffling up one of many free ice pops!

Atlas Bar

And in the event you’re feeling fancy, head to the wonderful artwork deco Atlas Bar, the place you could have over 1,300 gins to select from. If I hadn’t booked my return flight, I’d nonetheless be there sampling…

The place to remain in Singapore

Oasia Lodge Downtown is strictly what it says on the tin – an expensive haven in the course of the busy enterprise district, or CBD. The smooth skyscraper is roofed in tropical greenery and prides itself on providing a chance to refresh, refuel and recharge. Belief me, the sight of the rooftop pool after an extended day exploring the bustling streets of Singapore was precise heaven (as was the every day free cocktail throughout glad hour #steadiness).

Doubles are from £157 an evening.