How to Make the Most of a Stopover in Singapore
Opens in a new tab or windowMake the most of the Lion City.
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Marina Bay Sands
Singapore
While Singapore boasts one of the world’s best airports, this is one city you’ll want to stop and see. Explore the bustling streets filled with hawker markets, epic horticulture and high-flying cocktails at sky-soaring bars with our travel guide. This is a city where you can simultaneously play it safe or tap into your intrepid side.
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Places to stay
With new hotels opening all the time, you’ll find a variety of accommodation experiences in Singapore. For a bed above the clouds and a dip in the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, stay at the Marina Bay Sands to enjoy an envious swim in their exclusive guest-only pool. Decadence abounds in the Downtown Core area of the city, with hotels like the Mandarin Oriental, The Fullerton Bay Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton all offering elegant escapes.
Alternatively, surround yourself in minimalist chic by staying in one of the monochromatic rooms at the boutique Hotel Mono. For beachside bliss, set off for Sentosa Island for plush hotels and family-friendly resorts.
In the quaint neighbourhood of Katong, you can experience a local side to Singapore by staying in an Airbnb amongst the coloured shop houses and cute cafes. There are infinite accommodation options to make your stay in Singapore unforgettable.
Things to do
Singapore is home to world-class attractions plus plenty of hidden gems tucked in amongst all the well-known sites across the city. Seek out the candy-coloured houses of Koon Seng Road in Katong to peek at these gorgeous facades and freshen up your Instagram feed.
No stop in Singapore would be complete without marvelling at some of the city’s majestic greenery: The Singapore Botanic Garden and the Gardens by the Bay are massive attractions for a reason.
Packed with wet markets and alleyways crammed with colourful wares (and characters), Little India is a vibrant hub of culture and community worth visiting especially during Deepavali and Pongal festivals.
For cute shops, cool bars and quirky cafes, all crammed into one of the city’s skinniest streets, head to Haji Lane for a fresh juice, a spot of shopping or a frosty craft beer. With so much to do, stop in and spread your time all over the city.
Where to go
Food and drink
Singapore’s hawker fare and local restaurants are a delicious and affordable way to get a taste for the city’s culture. Sample tasty local dishes like Hainanese Chicken Rice, Char Kway Teow, Indian curries straight off a banana leaf and Singapore’s iconic chilli crab.
With a thriving cocktail scene, be sure to stop for a drink at Native Bar, which uses exotic local ingredients or Lantern, a rooftop bar with stunning views.
Southern Ridges
Surround yourself with tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city at the Southern Ridges. Walk the 10km of outdoor trails to discover the array of flora and wildlife. The Southern Ridges is made up of Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Hort Park, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve.
With one of the best panoramic views of the city, harbour and the Southern Islands, it’s a picturesque experience not to be missed.
Getting around
From the airport: Singapore’s Changi AirportOpens in a new tab or window is about a 20 minutes drive from the city, and is so enormous that it’s often marketed as a destination in its own right. The complimentary Sky-Train operates between Terminals 1, 2 and 3, and a shuttle bus will get you to Terminal 4. When you’re ready to leave the Butterfly gardens and The Slide behind, you can get into town by taxi, MRT train, shuttle bus or private transfer.
In and around the city: Singapore has an excellent network of transportation options. The buses, MRT and local subway network are fast and will get you to Singapore’s key attractions. There's plenty of taxis too.
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Important information
Disclaimer: ^ Qantas Frequent Flyer members will earn 3 Qantas Points per A$1 value unless otherwise specified, for hotel stays booked through qantas.com/hotels, except Classic Hotel Rewards and Airbnb bookings. Points Club members will earn 25% more Qantas Points, and Points Club Plus members will earn 50% more Qantas Points. Qantas Points will be credited to your account at least 8 weeks after check-out. Qantas Points may be earned by the member in whose name the booking is made. Members will not be able to earn points on additional charges paid to the accommodation provider for extras (including cots, breakfasts and other incidentals) on check-in or check-out (as applicable).
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Disclaimer: ++ Status Credits are earned on eligible Qantas, Jetstar, oneworld® member and oneworld connect® airlines only - see the Airline Earning Tables and Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions for details. Status Credits may not be earned on some fare types and booking classes.
Disclaimer: ∆ Meals, beverages, entertainment offerings vary between flight times.
Disclaimer: ± Inflight entertainment varies by route and aircraft.
Disclaimer: #You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.