48hrs in Singapore Itinerary

Double your freshness, double your fun, double the fines in Singapore-lah! No spitting, ok I can get behind the sanitation of that, no jaywalking, as a former New Yorker that one’s painful to abide by but for safety reasons, fine, I can understand that, but no gum?! Now that’s where I draw the fresh breath line!

Singapore is like those “10 best plastic surgeons” advertisements in magazines, they most likely paid for the publicity, and probably aren’t the best choice for your money (low blow I know). Is Singapore the best destination in Southeast Asia? No, unless the Singapore government is reading this, in which case I take it back, I love your city-state, please don’t ban me from entering your conveniently situated transit hub of a country, I’ll be your mole in the underground gum trading rings in lieu of a caning!

While Singapore isn’t my top destination, I did enjoy my time living there and it’s a worthwhile layover, just not a final destination. Here’s how to enjoy a quick stopover in Southeast Asia’s cleanest, rule abiding, sweaty city.

Day 1:

  • Wake up at The Raffles Hotel, famous for inventing the Singapore Sling and serving it to its famous regulars like Ernest Hemmingway (at $30 a pop I hope Ernie got a discount on those slings!).
  • Begin the national Singapore sport…SCHVITZING! I thought the amount of sweating would counteract all the noodles being eaten and make me lose weight, this was unfortunately not the case.
48hrs in Singapore Itinerary - Gardens by the bay
  • Head to the Gardens by the Bay where you can you can keep your head in the clouds at the Cloud Forest, feel like an Avatar as you walk the OCBC Skyway, and wander through the Flower Dome, the world’s largest glass greenhouse, screaming “Viva los biodome!”.
  • After feeling like you’ve been on another planet, have lunch at one of the outdoor restaurants at the Marina Bay Sands along the water. One look at the prices will bring you crashing back down to earth.
  • Spend the afternoon bopping in and out of the air conditioning as you window shop in the Marina Bay Sands Mall, and check out the latest exhibits at the ArtScience Museum.
  • As you visit the famous Singapore Merlion at Merlion Park, take a moment to reflect on the fact that a country who banned spitting, has a 28ft tall spitting Merlion as their mascot (oh Singapore, you’re so silly).
  • If you find yourself saying “I haven’t spent enough money!” (said no one in Singapore EVER) then try your hand at the massive Marina Bay Sands Casino (important tip: foreigners must bring their passports to enter the casino or you’ll get turned away).
  • End your night at Ce La Vi (formerly known as Ku de Ta) at the top of the Marina Bay Sands, drinking and dancing as you take in the amazing city views and wonder how you’ll afford lunch tomorrow.
2 days in Singapore - Spitting Merlion

Day 2:

  • Head to Sentosa for a chill morning at Tanjong Beach Club on your pre-booked lounge, shaded by an umbrella, so you don’t melt from the Singapore sun (tip: dogs are allowed!).
  • Having earned your Singaporean Undergraduate degree in sweating, you’re now primed and ready for your Masters in the country’s favorite hobby…EATING!
  • For lunch, make your way to one of the many Hawker Centres around the city such as Lau Pa Sat, Maxwell, or Amoy. This is where you can eat reasonably priced dishes made by sweaty men who’ve been cooking only one dish their entire life. Go at lunch, choose the stalls with the longest lines, and dig in!
  • You’ve now sweat and eaten (perhaps simultaneously), what else could possibly make you feel more Singaporean? The answer is obvious…SHOPPING!
Tanjong Beach Club Singapore Dog Friendly
2 Days in Singapore Haji Lane
  • Meander through Arab Street and Haji Lane, checking out all the local boutiques and avoiding the international big box stores of Orchard Road.
  • Don’t miss beautiful temples such as Sri Thendayyuttapani Temple as you walk back from your successful shopping spree and head to dinner.
  • Walk down Club Street and pick out a restaurant that looks cool and delicious for dinner and drinks (Lolla and Ding Dong were personal favs of ours…and yes, we willingly ate at a place called Ding Dong).
  • End your night partying like an Avatar at Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay and Boat Quay (now you know where the ones from the Garden go when they’re off duty).

So book a layover in Singapore, eat some food, drink some water, and avoid avatars with extra fresh breath, because you never know what kind of crazy gum ring they’re involved with!

Why not?!

PS – all my blogs are choose your own adventure – click the bold words for more information!