Singapore: a gold‑standard stopover packed with culture and experiences

Seeing the city from a sidecar

One of the most fun ways I have ever explored a city was our sidecar tour alongside a vintage Vespa. Imagine weaving through Singapore’s streets, winding through different districts, all from the comfort of a little sidecar with the warm evening air on your face.

It was such a unique way to get a feel for the city. Rather than watching it all go by from an air‑conditioned coach, you feel part of the street life: the smells from food stalls, the neon signs, the mix of old shophouses and gleaming skyscrapers. Our guide pointed out landmarks, shared local stories and gave us a real sense of how diverse and layered Singapore is.

It is the kind of experience I would happily recommend to clients who like something a bit different from the usual city tour.

Dinner in the sky at CÉ LA VI, Marina Bay Sands

Singapore’s skyline is world‑famous and we were lucky enough to see it from one of the very best vantage points: dinner at CÉ LA VI, right at the top of Marina Bay Sands.

From up there, the city looks like a scene from a sci‑fi film: glittering towers, the curves of the bay, and tiny ships sprinkled out in the distance. As the sun went down and the lights came up, it felt completely magical.

The atmosphere is stylish but relaxed, so you can really enjoy the food, the company and those jaw‑dropping views. For couples on a stopover, this would make an incredible “welcome to Asia” first night.

Raffles: a slice of Singapore’s history and a Singapore Sling masterclass

No trip to Singapore feels complete without a visit to the iconic Raffles, and we were treated to a very special afternoon there.

We started with lunch, which felt like stepping back into another era: the elegant colonial architecture, ceiling fans slowly turning, and that old‑world charm that Raffles is so known for. It is one of those places that manages to feel grand and yet wonderfully relaxed at the same time.

After lunch, we had a cocktail‑making masterclass to learn how to make the original Singapore Sling. Rather than just ordering one at the bar, we were shown exactly how it is put together, the story behind it, and then we got to try making our own. It was fun, interactive and a lovely way to connect a classic drink with its home city.

Gardens by the Bay and the Cloud Forest: nature meets future

If there is one place that shows off Singapore’s blend of nature and innovation, it is Gardens by the Bay.

We spent time wandering among the Supertrees, those surreal tree‑like structures that light up at night and look like they have come straight out of a film set. By day they are impressive; by evening, when the light show begins and the music starts, they are unforgettable.

We also explored the Cloud Forest, an indoor world of mist and greenery with a towering waterfall and walkways that carry you through layers of lush planting. It is cool, tranquil and completely different to anything you would expect to find in the middle of a city.

Finishing our visit with the evening light show felt like the perfect way to round off the experience: lying back, looking up at the illuminated Supertrees and just soaking in the atmosphere.

Sentosa: beach club vibes and so much more

We dedicated a day to Sentosa, Singapore’s playground island, and spent our time at a beach club, enjoying the sand, sea and laid‑back vibe. It was the ideal contrast to the city: cocktails, loungers, gentle waves and a chance to just switch off for a few hours.

Even though I only scratched the surface, Sentosa offers so much more than just a beach club afternoon. You can fill your time with:

• Theme parks and family attractions
• Adventure activities like zip‑lines and luge rides
• Aquariums and wildlife experiences that are great for children
• Golf, spa experiences and plenty of dining options

It is one of those places where everyone in a group can find something they love, whether that is high‑energy fun or simply relaxing by the water.

Tasting Singapore at the hawker centres

Food is absolutely at the heart of Singaporean culture, and one of my favourite evenings was spent at a hawker centre.

Hawker centres are bustling open‑air food courts where locals and visitors sit side by side at plastic tables, eating everything from noodles and satay to dumplings and curries. It is noisy, informal and completely authentic.

We tried different dishes, shared plates and soaked up the atmosphere. It is a world away from a hotel restaurant and such an important part of the Singapore experience. If you want to understand the city, you really need to eat like a local at least once.

Why Singapore is such a brilliant stopover destination

This Gold Trip really highlighted just how much Singapore packs into a relatively small area. For clients thinking about a stopover on the way to Australia, New Zealand, Bali or elsewhere in Asia, it is an outstanding choice.

In just a few days, you can:

• Experience a unique sidecar tour that gives you a fresh perspective on the city
• Enjoy rooftop dining with some of the best skyline views in the world
• Step into history at Raffles and learn to make a Singapore Sling where it was born
• Wander through futuristic gardens and cool off in the misty Cloud Forest
• Escape to Sentosa for beach clubs, attractions and relaxation
• Eat your way through hawker centres and discover why Singapore is a foodie heaven

What I loved most was the balance: rich culture, incredible food, cutting‑edge architecture and yet so many green, peaceful spaces. It feels polished and efficient, but it also has soul.

Whether you want a dynamic three‑night stopover to break up a long journey or a slightly longer city break with a beachy twist on Sentosa, Singapore deserves more than just a mention on your flight ticket.

If you are curious about how to build Singapore into your next long‑haul trip, or want ideas for experiences like the ones I enjoyed on this Gold Trip, I would be delighted to help tailor something just for you.