What to Do in Singapore – According to Qantas Frequent Flyers
Whether you’re swapping classic hotspots for hidden gems or exploring one of the city’s most elaborate resorts, Singapore is a destination that’s constantly evolving. This month’s Qantas Frequent Flyers share their highlights of the Lion City.
“We hiked forest trails through MacRitchie Reservoir, spotting long-tailed macaques along the way.” – Kyle Beattie, Platinum Frequent Flyer
“I’ve visited Singapore many times over the years and ticked off all the big attractions. My girlfriend Lydia lives there now, so instead of racing around tourist hotspots, I’m experiencing Singapore like a local. We rented bikes to cycle around Gardens by the Bay, hiked forest trails through MacRitchie Reservoir – spotting long-tailed macaques along the way – and ate amazing food including stingray with sambal at Newton Food Centre hawker market, cupcakes from Plain Vanilla and the Peranakan cuisine of Lydia’s culture at Indocafé. On a lazy Sunday, Lydia took me to a yoga class at Yoga Movement in Robertson Quay and brunch at Common Man, a great cafe just downstairs. After an afternoon lazing by the 18th-floor pool at JW Marriott South Beach – the best hotel pool I’ve seen yet – we checked out New Bahru, a collection of creative businesses, bars, restaurants and boutiques inside a former girls high school. We ate at Sri Lankan dining spot Kotuwa and then had drinks at Bar Bon Funk. Lydia chose Morning Cartoons, a gin-based cocktail with cartoon characters printed on its top. I feel like I have a much better sense of the city now – though I will probably always get lost in the mall underpasses without my girlfriend.”
Kyle flew Sydney to Singapore.
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“It’s like its own city with everything you could possibly want under one roof.” – Peter Chayter, Silver Frequent Flyer
“Marina Bay Sands is what drew my wife and me to Singapore and it was a revelation. It’s like its own city with everything you could possibly want under one roof. There’s an observation deck for views of the skyline, a science and art museum, more world-class restaurants than I could count and a luxury shopping complex. You can even take a sampan boat ride along a canal that flows through the mall. On our first night we watched the Spectra light and water show from the rooftop, with music and lights sparkling across the bay, and the atmosphere was electric. We could see it from our room, too, as well as Gardens by the Bay and its Cloud Forest – which has a huge misty mountain inside a massive glass dome filled with tropical plants and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. One afternoon, we visited the legendary Raffles Singapore hotel for its decadent high tea experience (pictured), savouring sandwiches, pastries and scones served with clotted cream and rose petal jam.”
Peter flew Brisbane to Singapore.
“The Malay-inspired dishes at Michelin-starred restaurant Seroja were a standout.” – Shirley Yin, Bronze Frequent Flyer
“The best thing about Singapore is definitely the food. My partner and I loved the hawker centres, such as the iconic Lau Pa Sat, where we tried toast with kaya jam. The Malay-inspired dishes at Michelin-starred restaurant Seroja and the chilli crab at Jumbo Signatures were also incredible. We stayed at The Clan Hotel, near Chinatown and close to the city’s food hubs, like Maxwell Food Centre. Starting our trip in the Qantas Lounge was a great way to relax into holiday mode.”
Shirely flew Qantas from Sydney to Singapore.
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“We had afternoon tea while a musician played the harp – the ambience was wonderful.” – Louise Ballard, Silver Frequent Flyer
“My girls’ trip with my 81-year-old mum [pictured above] was filled with unforgettable moments. At Raffles hotel’s The Grand Lobby, we had afternoon tea while a musician played the harp – the ambience was wonderful. We strolled down Joo Chiat Road, admiring the beautifully restored Peranakan houses – they’ve been designed with intriguing curved windows for bats to fly out of. After soaking in Chinatown’s street art, we visited the National Gallery Singapore to view the Portrait Series, featuring original work by artist Chen Wen Hsi on a $50 note. The Qantas Lounge at Singapore airport was amazing – they served the best prawn laksa of my life. I’m already looking forward to my next Singapore holiday.”
Louise flew Qantas from Melbourne to Singapore.
“The mist created inside Gardens by the Bay produces magical clouds.” – Danica Bunch, Platinum Frequent Flyer
“Singapore is such a fabulous city. I flew over for a trade show but I also had time to meet up with a friend while I was there. We visited the Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay [pictured], home to one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls – inside the dome, the mist created by the water along the aerial walkways gives everything a magical feeling. Chinatown’s Maxwell Food Centre was another standout with stalls offering delicious street food, such as exceptional chilli crab. As a Platinum Flyer I enjoyed the extra perks, including indulging in a facial at the Qantas First Lounge.”
Danica flew Qantas from Orange, (via Sydney) to Singapore.
“Singapore is safe, great for the family – and the food is incredible.” – Alex Christou, Platinum Frequent Flyer
“I've been travelling to Singapore for years, mostly for work but I also love to visit the island city-state for holidays. I flew there with Qantas earlier this year and I’ve never had better service on any airline in 25 years. Quite often for me, the journey starts in the First Lounge. I get spoiled with the food, the treatments and a massage – it’s just an opportunity to unwind and eat a great meal.
“On my most recent trip, I stayed at Raffles in the Cathay Suite. It was an upgrade so I was very fortunate to get it. The hotel is world-class. I've always wanted to stay there ever since I first visited Singapore in 1998. It's just one of those places with a very storied charm and elegance about it.
“One of the Singapore must-dos is the Long Bar at Raffles. Grabbing a world-famous Singapore Sling and throwing peanut shells on the floor never gets old. It always gets me in the mode of, ‘I'm in Singapore now’.
“The city has so many great places to eat at. One of my local favourites is the humble chicken rice. Everybody's got their own go-to for chicken rice – there are so many places that serve it and each one of them is different. On this trip I came across a restaurant called COL which serves woodfired grills and classic cocktails. It’s a 50-seat eatery that offers casual dining with a pinch of sophistication. It's a great place to have a meal and a drink.
“When I’m visiting with my children we’re mostly centred around Sentosa, visiting theme parks like Universal Studios and the beaches. We’re also going to the Grand Prix this year. It's more than just the race. Some of the best global acts have performed at the circuit, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Calvin Harris, Black Eyed Peas and Bon Jovi. You can see the appeal for a family – in my case, two teenage kids. Meanwhile, my partner will be off shopping on Orchard Road. Everyone's happy.”
