Smart travelers use the stopover in Singapore for a short city trip before continuing their flight to Australia, New Zealand or Thailand. Here is what you should experience and see in 36 hours
The landmark of the boomtown, the Marina Bay Sands, is the starting point of our Singapore ramble. You enjoy an amazing view over the Singapore skyline rom the lushly planted Sky Garden of the three-tower hotel or from the edge of 150-meter-long infinity pool 200 thrilling meters above the ground. Unfortunately, only hotel guests are allowed to swim.
MRT Station: Bayfront
Singapore Flyer
The Ferris wheel was the highest in the world until 2014 and with a height of 165 meters still Asia’s largest observation wheel. Worth seeing and experiencing and free for SSH customers, otherwise about 22 euros admission fee.
MRT Station: Promenade
Gardens by the Bay
50 meter high supertrees overgrown with climbing plants and creepers form the backdrop for a phantastic sound & light show in the evening. Visit two modern greenhouses: Flower Dome (the world’s largest glass greenhouse) and Cloud Forest. Admission to both conservatories is around 18 euros.
MRT Station: Bayfront
Singapore’s Colonial District
Around the water spouting Merlion sculpture there is always a lot of activity. This is also where the Singapore River Cruises vessels depart: Cruising or strolling one of the Original Singapore Walks (one of five walks is free, otherwise 12 or 19 euros), you can get in close touch with the pulse of the colonial heart of the Glamour City Singapore.
Recommended stops? Cavenagh Bridge, Elgin Bridge, Empress Place Building, The Fullerton Hotel, statue of Sir Stamford Raffles and Clarke Quay. Or simply stroll along the Singapore River on your own, from the party mile Clarke Quay to Robertson Quay and back.
MRT Station: City Hall
Chinatown in Singapore
Lively alleys with stores for Chinese stamps, silk clothes, lanterns, stores for Chinese medicine and dozens of good restaurants – “Yum Cha” is a perfect stop for dim sum. The 19th century pastel facades are typical of the shophouse architecture of that era.
Don’t miss the Chinatown Heritage Center, the Indian Sri Mariamman Temple, the Tooth Temple of Buddha, and the Thian Hock Keng Temple.
MRT Station: Chinatown
Orchard Road
Singapore is a shopper’s paradise, especially on fashionable Orchard Road. In the sultry climate, the department stores are cool oases that people like to visit for a little longer. Singapore’s most spectacular shopping mile offers flagship stores of global luxury labels, fine dining and national fashion labels.
MRT Stations: Somerset, Orchard
Streetfood Adventure
If you haven’t eaten at one of the city’s more than 100 hawker centers, you haven’t really been to Singapore. Nice and our favorite spot is the historic Lau Pa Sat Market at the foot of the bank towers with its diverse range of street food from all over Asia. As much hygiene as possible, but no antiseptic food mall feeling, that’s how the Hawker Centres became a tourist success story and world-renowned landmark.
The most famous Hawker Centres besides Lau Pa Sat are Chinatown Complex Hawker Centre, Maxwell Road Hawker Centre, Tekka Hawker Centre and Chomp Chomp Food Centre. Dress code? Flipflops.
MRT Stations: Raffles Place, Downtown
Little India
The subcontinent’s rhythm of life is very intensely felt everywhere in this part of the city. Fun fact: The famous fish head curry was invented in Little India. The numerous mini-shops are stacked with Ganesha statues, Bollywood movies and sandalwood soaps.
Weird shopping experience at the Mustafa Center. Open 24 hours a day it is crammed to the ceiling with kitsch, bric-a-brac and household goods. Be sure to visit also the modern Indian Heritage Center.
MRT Station: Farrer Park
Kampong Glam
Not far from Little India, you will find a lively nightlife district embedded in pretty conservative neighborhood: the “Arab quarter” Kampong Glam. The first thing to catch your eye are the domes of Sultan Mosque and Malabar Mosque.
Perfume stores and shisha cafés in the old shophouses with their narrow arcaded walkways add to the oriental or arab flair. Tip: Visit the Malay Heritage Centre (free admission for SSH customers).
MRT Station: Bugis
National Gallery
The architecture itself is worth seeing. The two collections make the Singapore National Gallery a true museum heavyweight. The National Collection alone, housed in the former City Hall, offers around 10,000 exhibits of modern Southeast Asian art, plus works from the independent UOB Southeast Asia Gallery.
The National Gallery forms the heart of the small but select Museum District, which also includes Asian Civilisations Museum, SAM Singapore Art Museum and SAM at 8 Q, as well as the well-made National Museum. The National Gallery has excellent restaurants led by well-known chefs – some in great locations overlooking the city.
MRT Station: City Hall
Singapore Guide
INFO SINGAPUR
If you’re flying to Thailand, Bali or New Zealand with Singapore Airlines, it’s best to use your stopover for a city break. The Singapore Stopover Holiday program (SSH) makes it possible. From 39 euros per person, you get a good hotel, bus transfers to and from the airport, free travel on the SIA hop-on bus and free admission to the most important sights. Singapore Airlines flies nonstop from London and from New York (with a stop in Frankfurt) to Singapore from 1.350 GBP / 2.350 US-$
On the road: Means of Transport
Instead of taking a cab, it is best to travel by metro MRT. Convenient, clean trains and stations, very punctual and cheap daily tickets!
Overnights / Hotel Recommendations
The Warehouse Hotel
Small, fine, lots of design! 37 chic rooms, casual bar, organic grooming products and small pool. Located right on the Singapore River and just a 15-minute walk from the party row Clarke Quay. Member of Design Hotels.
thewarehousehotel.com
Jen Orchardgateway
Large, modern, chic. In the shopping streetOrchard Road. Beautiful rooftop garden. The four-star hotel with 499 rooms is also a tip because of the beautiful rooftop pool..
shangri-la.com
