Singapore is a cultural metropolis and unsurprisingly one of our most popular stopover destinations.
A lively mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian and British colonial history, the modern city is a fascinating place to break up your journey to Australasia. With plenty to keep you entertained, unearth the city’s best attractions from botanical gardens and harbour fronts, to museums and night safaris at the zoo.
Work your way through the various districts to get a real sense of the city. Visit bustling Chinatown for tasty street food from one of the many hawker stalls. Then head for Orchard Road, the shopping heart of the city, before walking the picturesque riverside.
Another must-visit district is Little India. Aromas of sweet spices and freshly cooked food, paired with colourful shopfronts playing Hindi music all day long, Little India is one of Singapore’s most exciting and vibrant places in the city. Explore the ornate temples and shrines before going to the 24-hour shopping mecca, the Mustafa Centre.
Nature lovers should certainly spend a few hours exploring the 101-hectare Gardens by the Bay. A nature park filled with awe-inspiring structures and exhibitions including the tropical Cloud Forest and the Supertree Grove with its elevated walkway and impressive aerial views of the gardens below. One of the best times to visit is after dark when it’s slightly cooler and the Supertrees come alive with vibrantly coloured lights and music.
For a bit of nightlife with a difference, experience the world’s first nocturnal zoo – the Night Safari. Enjoy being shown around the jungle at dusk by a knowledgeable guide, witnessing the 1,000 plus nocturnal animals as they awake. Set in an open-air zoo, the area can be explored by either foot or tram, while low lighting resembling moonlight allows you to spot the various animals, from ferocious predators to smaller forest inhabitants.
Lastly, a stopover in Singapore wouldn’t be complete without having an aptly-named Singapore Sling cocktail.
