Singapore's best-kept secrets explored through these extraordinary getaways

Singapore today is far more than just the fun family vacation you had gone on years ago. Already a sought-after, vibrant, and modern destination, Singapore always captures the hearts of travellers. The secret behind Singapore’s success is that this island nation is on a constant quest to reinvent itself. And by doing so, it offers travellers a fresh list of must-dos that make for a truly unforgettable experience each time they visit Singapore.


The city’s timeless icons like the breathtaking Marina Bay Sands, offering panoramic views of the city skyline, and the world-renowned Gardens by the Bay, a horticultural marvel celebrated across Asia, continue to charm visitors. But delve deeper and you will uncover a realm of unexpectedly extraordinary experiences that redefine the very essence of a getaway.

Forest bathing at Jewel Changi’s Rain Vortex
Your Singapore adventure begins even before you enter the city, at the World’s Best Airport, the Jewel Changi Airport. The Rain Vortex, dubbed the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, is a spectacular 40-metre-high indoor waterfall, surrounded by a lush rainforest floor, and presents the intrepid explorer with the perfect opportunity to indulge in forest bathing. The waterfall is in the centre of the Jewel compound, surrounded by the Shiseido Forest Valley, which features thousands of varieties of shrubs and trees from around the world. This tranquil experience will give you a whole new perspective of Singapore as an urban oasis.

Eat like a local at Lau Pa Sat Hawker CentreLocated right in the heart of Singapore’s downtown district, the iconic market houses a dizzying array of stalls serving the best of Singapore’s local cuisines, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Living up to its reputation as Singapore’s largest open-air Satay Street, Lau Pa Sat is home to ten satay carts, where people can enjoy an alfresco dinner under the stars. More than just a popular hawker centre, Lau Pa Sat is also a beautifully restored heritage site that dates back 150 years, offering travellers the perfect combination of delectable street food and must-see landmarks.

Enjoy the colourful ‘air show’ at the Mandai Bird Paradise
The Mandai Bird Paradise is Asia’s largest bird park and is home to several unique and rare avian species. Guaranteeing a sensory feast, the park takes birdwatching to a whole new level, with 3,500 birds representing 400 species taking the spotlight within an open expanse.


At the new-and-improved Mandai Bird Paradise, you can traverse eight immersive walk-through aviaries that reflect different biomes of the world, from dense African rainforests and South American wetlands to Southeast Asian forests. This is your chance to witness an enchanting ‘air show’ starring the vibrant and exotic feathered inhabitants.

Relish some beachside thrills at The Palawan, SentosaSentosa Island, home to exciting events, award-winning spas, and golden sandy beaches, elevates beachside entertainment to new heights with The Palawan. For a brand-new Sentosa experience, hop on the beach tram at Beach Station and head down to Palawan Beach, where you’ll find an entire seashore teeming with activities. In addition to buzzy beach clubs and a massive floating waterpark, the beach has some out-of-the box additions. From exhilarating go-karting at HyperDrive, Asia’s first indoor gamified electric circuit that turns the conventional racing experience on its head, to the UltraGolf beachside mini golf course, which offers imaginative landscapes for friendly competition, Palawan offers an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Sip classic Singaporean cocktails at PLUME and Lou Shang
Singapore was already renowned for its diverse and innovative culinary scene, and over the years, the addition of several spectacular bars has made the city an absolute paradise for bar hoppers from across the world. Check out the destination cocktail bar PLUME, located at Pan Pacific Singapore, which takes its inspiration from vibrant indigenous birds. Or head to Lou Shang, a quirkily designed café and bar that takes you on a nostalgic trip to Singapore of the 80s and 90s, courtesy the creative minds behind the whimsical and immensely popular Mama Diam. With three Singapore bars making it to The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list and 11 in the Asia's 50 Best Bars 2023 list, Singapore bars are the perfect place to go during happy hours.