With its manicured roadside gardens, hefty price tags and lack of suspicious street smells, Singapore is more like the South East Asian version of Sydney. But maybe that’s why Australians love the city... it’s Asia without grit.
No Bintang singlets here boys. This city oozes wealth, fashion and austerity. Don’t worry though, Birkenstocks are cool now and with all the walking you’ll be doing, you’ll be glad they are.
Friday
6PM
Watch the sun go down and cheers your travels with a cocktail at one of Singapore’s best rooftop bars. Among the current standouts, Mr. Stork on the 39th floor of Andaz Singapore (a boutique concept hotel by Hilton) offers 360 degree views of the city, teepee huts and tropical vibes, while LeVeL33 holds a microbrewery inside. Head to Lantern in the Fullerton Bay Hotel for something a little fancy or the twinkly tiki rooftop at Potato Head Folk.
8PM
Head over to Boat Quay and choose among the many bars and restaurants for dinner and drinks then pop your bathers on and cool down in your hotel pool.
Saturday
9AM
Do brekky like a local with roti canai and kopi-o at Lau Pa Sat. Remember hawker 101: Don’t be shy, you've got to be in it to win it. Be adventurous and try lots of different things. See a line? Go to it and follow what the locals are doing. There’s a line for a reason right?
11AM
Get ready to snap some killer 'Grams along Arab Street and Haji Lane. Once your feet feel hot and bothered, go get pampered at The Nail Social, a social enterprise training and employing local underprivileged women.
1PM
Jump in a cab and head over to Din Tai Fung for lunch on Orchard Road. Michelin starred Xiao Long Boa for a few dollars = win. Walk off your over consumption of dumplings by shopping your way down Orchard Road then cool down with a $1 ice cream sandwich from a street cart.
4PM
Soak up the colonial history with a Singapore Sling and too many free peanuts at The Raffles Hotel.
6PM
If the afternoon downpour of torrential rain has stopped, wander through the stalls at China Town and just because you’re in Singapore, find the strength to eat again and grab some sate, chicken rice and beers at Maxwell Hawker Centre.
9PM
Make your way through Duxton Hill, marvelling at the old Singaporean architecture before hitting Club Street. Pretending the Singaporean dollar is monopoly money, dance the night away at the many rooftop and street bars.
Sunday
10AM
Casually start your morning with an Australian hangover breakfast and flat white at Forty Hands Coffee in Tiong Bahru then stroll through the market.
1PM
Before you head to Sentosa Island, stop on the way at Bath Culture Foot Therapy for a cheap massage then get back in that cab for some Universal Studio action (tickets are here). Not into the rides? Singapore Zoo prides themselves on having the cutest pandas.
3PM
If you didn't opt for a trip to Universal Studios or the zoo, walk through Gardens By The Bay and if you can get access, the infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands. It’s the closest thing you’ll get to being in Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians and will be a sure 100 likes on your Instagram page out of pure jealousy.
6PM
Time for one last meal? Dine at one of Singapore’s best for your last night in town. Burnt Ends, Mozza, Camp Kilo, Gemmils, The Flying Squirrel, Lucha Loco, Meat Smith and last but not least, Esquina are among the personal favourites.
9.30PM
Squeeze in one last tourist activity along the Promenade at Marina Bay for the Wonder Full Light Show that would make even Muse green with envy.
Hints & Tips
Still need a reason to go? Book your ticket around Singapore Grand Prix Formula 1 Night Race.
Need an Australian flat white? Common Man Roasters, Punch, Sarnies, Ronin Cafe, Group Therapy or Toby’s Estate have got you covered.
What To Order
- Roti canai
- Nasi lemak
- Curry laksa
- Kopi-o & teh tarik
- Char kway teow
- Chicken & beef satay
- Char siu pork
- Chicken rice
- Kaya toast
- Popiah
- Chilli crab
- Dry wantan mee
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Image credit: Adrian Jakob, Lily Banse, Shawn Ang and Stuart Beckenridge