Mark’s Stop-Over Special

Singapore is a safe, vibrant, joyful place and a handy stop-over. You can see and experience so much in a short amount of time. I first visited Singapore in 1991 with no money, not much time and a very basic room in the YMCA hostel. For my second visit (recently), I was determined to explore everything the city has to offer.

Here is my insider’s guide to Singapore, designed to help you make the most of a short 2 or 3 day stay.

1. Perfect sunset with the locals – Marina Barrage

Head to the Marina Barrage an hour before sunset and take a picnic with you. You will be welcomed by the locals who come here to fly kites, drink wine and share food. It is a magical atmosphere and as the sun sets you get the best view in town of the Singapore skyline.

Many people part with a fair few Singapore dollars to visit the top of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel for sunset photos but by doing this they miss out on the building you need for the perfect photo… the Marina Bay Sands Hotel itself.

2. Fort Canning Park

I wandered around this magnificent, lush, surprising park in light drizzle and loved every minute of it. It rains quite a lot in Singapore but there are plenty of building overhang to shelter beneath. This park is where Sir Stamford Raffles built his residence, which is surrounded by a rich variety of themed gardens and military remnants from the colonial era.

You can immerse yourself here for a couple of hours and it isn’t too far from the centre of the city.

3. Hawker Markets

Imagine your favourite street food trucks all under one roof competing for your attention. These markets are an intoxicating feast for the eyes and the belly.

The term “hawker” relates to vendors who “hawked” their wares by calling out to customers. The government relocated street vendors into purpose-built, clean, organised hawker centres back in the 1960s.

My favourite was Lau Pa Sat, where I gorged on duck, chicken and veggie dishes each night. A full meal cost about £4 — however a pint of cool, refreshing beer was double that.

4. Raffles (Without the Painful Queue)

Is it true that you have to queue for hours to get a seat at the famous Raffles Long Bar? No, not if you know when to go.

The best time is Monday to Wednesday. Arriving just before opening time at 11am is a good idea, or go before the evening rush – I arrived around 3:30pm and only waited about 15 minutes.

Once nestled at the bar you can enjoy a Singapore Sling, munch on the free peanuts and, as tradition dictates, sweep the empty shells onto the floor. Enjoy walking around the whole building, spend time in the Raffles Courtyard and consider a drink in the Lantern Bar or the Writers Bar.

5. Freebies, Hidden Gems and Money-Saving Tips

This is where you can really stretch a short Singapore stop-over.

Walk and use public transport.
Everywhere I travel I walk as well as using public transport. It saves money and gives me a deeper connection with the place. Singapore is perfect for this: the streets are very safe, the buses are prompt and the metro is superb.

Escape the crowds.
If you fancy a mooch away from the tourist trail, try the leafy lanes around Duxton Hill for boho shops, peaceful coffee spots and characterful bars. Just off the bustling Orchard Road you’ll find a similar vibe on Emerald Hill.

Gardens by the Bay — so good I went twice.
Take a couple of hours to explore the stunning Gardens by the Bay during the day, then return in the evening for the free light show, which is genuinely impressive.

Marina Bay Sands views.
If you want panoramic views from the top of Marina Bay Sands Hotel, find Tower 1 and look for the Lavo Italian Restaurant and Rooftop Bar on the 57th floor. As you exit the lift, walk past the restaurant entrance to the viewing platform. The views are spectacular. I’ll leave it up to you whether to spend the minimum $30 in the restaurant or walk straight back to the lift and continue your day.

Final money-saving tip.
If you want a photo with what looks like a Singapore Sling at the Raffles Long Bar but don’t want to pay £25, opt for the non-alcoholic version at roughly half the price.