Singapore may be a global business hub, but for those with just a few spare hours, the Lion City doubles as a playground of world-class attractions, cultural gems, and culinary treasures waiting to be explored.
There are a lot of unique advantages that businesses can benefit from in Singapore, from its strategically located location in Southeast Asia to its friendly policies and opportunities. For these reasons, you’d find that the Lion City has become a beacon to entrepreneurs and business-oriented individuals worldwide. However, beyond its thriving free-market economy, the country is also celebrated as a world-class leisure destination.
So, if you find yourself in Singapore on a business trip with a few extra hours, here are some exciting ways to make the most of your time.
Walk Around Changi Airport
Whether you’re an investor in forex trading on a vacation or an entrepreneur taking a business trip to Singapore, you’d most likely start your journey at Changi Airport since it’s the primary international gateway to over 400 destinations worldwide. If this is the case, the airport is a great place to start. It could also be ideal if you only have about 30 minutes to 2 hours to spare.
Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of the most luxurious in the world, featuring remarkable sceneries like the HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, and the lush Shiseido Forest Valley. The entire area is also surrounded by lush greenery, shopping spots, and dining areas to get a quick meal. It’s like taking a trip to a luxury mall without leaving the airport.
Alternatively you can explore the outdoors by hopping out to see the East Coast Park. It’s just 15 minutes from the airport, and it could be the breezy seaside walk you need to refresh your mind before the next flight.
Exploring the City
The next option would be exploring the city and its most iconic locations. The Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay are two such places; no trip to Singapore is complete without seeing them.
Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort with side attractions that most tourists find exciting, including a high-end shopping mall, world-class restaurants, the ArtScience Museum, and much more. It’s also quite well known for its architecture.
Another integral part here is Gardens by the Bay, the realisation of Singapore’s vision of a “City in a Garden”. This landmark is over 101 hectares of waterfront gardens and horticultural artistry that anyone would find remarkable.
There are other notable places to visit, such as Merlion Park and Singapore Flyer. If you’ve ever seen images of the iconic Merlion statue online and would love to see it in person, then Merlion Park is where to go. The spot is also a great vantage point from which to enjoy the amazing views of Marina Bay Sands, the city skyline, and its modern metropolis.
Take in a Few Cultural Stops
Singapore’s history and culture is rich and diverse. Chinatown’s traditional temples, the bustle of Little India, as well as the historic district of Kampong Glam are some notable cultural stops no one should miss.
Enjoy, for example, the colourful traditional architecture of Chinatown and the vibrant lanterns of the iconic Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Then there’s Little India, a fever dream for foodies enthusiasts and culture aficionados. You’ll enjoy navigating the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple with its intricate statues, soaking in Hindu culture and exploring the many wonderful eateries celebrating cuisines all across South Asia. Over at the Kampong Glam you can start by visiting the Sultan Mosque before wandering through the cafes and boutique shops of famed Haji Lane.
Food Experiences You Cannot Miss
Singapore is a haven for the true gourmet. No matter how packed your schedule is, Singapore’s food scene demands you at least dedicate some time for it.
Head to famous spots like Maxwell Maxwell Food Centre, Newton Food Centre or the East Coast Lagoon Food Village for Singapore’s hawker eats beloved by locals. If you have more time, book a seat at one of Singapore’s many Michelin-starred eateries, from the innovative Singapore cuisine of Labyrinth to the contemporary Latin American flair of Araya.
Singapore also holds food festivals across the year. There may be a chance your visit coincides with one of these, so it is something to look out for. The annual Singapore Food Festival, for example, takes place around September and is a spectacular celebration of Singaporean cuisine.
Also, Singapore is home to many award-winning, globally-acclaimed cocktail bars. If you’re dropping into the Lion City during the evenings, hit up one or more of these bars and explore the city’s thriving cocktail scene.
Make Every Minute Count in the Lion City
The great thing about Singapore is that it doesn’t matter whether you have a few hours of free time or half a day; there are activities right from the airport. So you have the opportunity to make every minute count. However, remember that some of the activities listed here are more time-consuming, and you should ask yourself how much free time you have before stepping out. So if you’re working with just 30 minutes to two hours, you should stick around the airport so you don’t miss your flight to the next destination.
[Photo credits: Depositphotos.com]
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