A Canberran’s Guide to a long (and warm) weekend in Singapore
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As winter ravages Canberra this week, we are dreaming of warmer times and tropical places.
To help defrost, and in exchange for a few days of leave, we’ll trade you a fantastic weekend in Singapore – one of the easiest and safest destinations to travel in the world.
In a city of five million squeezed into a footprint smaller than Canberra, it’s easy to feel a bit intimidated – but we promise that with just two hours’ time difference, an amazing mix of cultures, and options for any type of traveller, you will be surprised how easy it is to explore Singapore.
We’ve treaded the pavement, hailed the taxis, stuffed ourselves to the hilt, and sweated through our shirts to give you the best spots we found in 2022 and would recommend for an extended weekend in this sparkling city.
Day one – the greatest hits tour
First up, head towards Marina Bay for the day – wander through Gardens by the Bay and explore the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome (both are air-conditioned oases from the humidity and heat). Pay a visit to the ArtScience Museum, explore hundreds of stores at the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, and take a moment to admire the breathtaking views of the skyline from the riverbank (all within 20 min walk or a short taxi ride).
View from the top of the amazing Cloud Forest.
River cruises run along the harbour from the late afternoon, and it’s one of the most relaxing hours you can spend in Singapore. If you’re lucky (like we were) and jump on a WaterB, you might even score a SpongeBob SquarePants themed vessel to spice up those skyline selfies.
After dinner at one of the countless food courts or restaurants across the precinct (we’d recommend sampling Singapore’s national dish, Chicken and Rice), finish your evening with a quintessential view of Singapore and some snaps of the city at night.
From 7pm the world-famous Gardens by the Bay Supertree Grove comes alive with music and light. If you’re feeling game you can buy a ticket to walk the suspended OCBC Skyway, where the soaring views of the harbour and the glittering trees are truly magical (they even manage to distract from any clammy hands or shaky legs brought on by the 50m drop).
Singapore’s famous Skytrees and the OCBC Skyway at night.
If you’re not ready to end your evening, consider grabbing a Singapore Sling at its place of origin: the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel, or frocking up for a visit to rooftop CE LA VI Skybar at the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
Day two – choose your own island adventure
Today, despite the cocktails from the night before, try for an early start and take the Sky Network Cable Car from Faber Peak to Sentosa Island – enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city and complimentary access to the monorail, cable cars and buses on the island.
For adventure seekers, there is the Adventure Cove Waterpark, MegaZip zipline, a Hydrodash floating obstacle course, and as many rides and rollercoasters as you could ever need at Universal Studios.
For those looking for a bit of luxury, you can sip cocktails, sample a sophisticated menu and relax by the beach or pool at the Tanjong Beach Club or Coastes.
For animal lovers, there is the SEA Aquarium, which boasts thousands of fish species and some truly wondrous displays of aquatic life from around the world.
When you’ve soaked up the island, consider a late afternoon break from the heat and bustle of Sentosa. Head back to the city and enjoy the afternoon tea at the Hilton Orchard’s Ginger.Lily, where they offer a “sumptuous storybook” of sweet and savoury delights. Paired with exclusive teas and artisanal cocktails, this one is not to be missed!
After napping off your generous afternoon tea, head over to Lau Pa Sat to experience street dining and sample some of the world’s best satay – smaller serves and share plates mean you can have you fill by mixing and matching heaps of different dishes.
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Day three – the essentials: shopping and food
Start your final day with a walk along Orchard Road, Singapore’s famous shopping district. It’s not known as the city of malls for nothing – there is a cool sanctuary at every turn with a web of shopping centres linked across the city. If you travel in September/October, be sure to check out the Great Singapore Sale along Orchard Road too where you can bag some massive savings.
Take a 20 minute walk or 5 minute taxi from Orchard Road to one of Singapore’s most famous street food sites, Newton Food Centre. Made famous by its inclusion in the blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians, it is home to two Michelin Star hawker stalls (we loved the Chili Crab!) and a range of other great cuisine from around Asia – most meals will set you back between $5 and $15.
From here, you can hop on the clean and affordable subway at Newton Station, jump off at Burgis and enjoy the 10 minute stroll to the famous Haji Lane (passing by ATLAS Bar, where you’ll have a choice of over 1,300 gins including our very own HerCanberra French Early Grey Gin). In Haji Lane you’ll find younger travellers frequenting hipper, slightly grittier bars and restaurants; snapping the perfect insta-worthy shot in front of the Lane’s unique boutiques and colourful facades.
The trendy Haji Lane is home to a range of bars, restaurants and boutiques.
One of the newest boutiques to the Lane is StudioNeon, opened by artist Idris Johor, who is responsible for much of the colourful artwork and murals inside some of Haji Lane’s best-known venues.
Flying in and out
Remember to make time to explore the world-renowned Changi Airport as you pass through too. It boasts the Jewel, which features the most unexpected set of gardens and a very impressive central water fountain, complete with nightly light show, as well as a host of other exciting and unexpected attractions for an airport (free movies, the world’s tallest airport slide, and a butterfly garden anyone?).
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With a post-COVID rush of travellers yet to descend upon the city, you might want to consider a sneaky sojourn to Singapore for your next overseas trip.
