Singapore

Singapore's amazing tale tells of a once sleepy fishing village that defied the odds to transform itself into a first-world metropolis. While many think of Singapore as a small city-state in Southeast Asia, the destination is full of surprises and unknown experiences waiting to be uncovered! From street food to fine dining, from natural reserves to futuristic Supertrees, from tourist hotspots to hidden gems, Singapore invites you for novel and unique experiences.

Despite its soaring skyscrapers and bustling cityscape, Singapore is more than just a concrete jungle. Known as a city in a garden, the city’s natural landscape intertwines seamlessly with its modern spaces and futuristic architecture.Beautiful parks, secluded island sanctuaries and thriving mangroves are just some of natural splendor you’ll find in Singapore. Make your way to Pulau Ubin to admire Singapore’s wildlife, consider hopping on board a yacht to discover the Southern islands, or enjoy a break at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, a vast mangrove forest filled with fascinating fauna! Located in the heart of Singapore, the iconic Gardens by the Bay is a sanctuary for nature lovers: it is home to 2000 exotic species. 

Made in Singapore

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) unveiled Made in Singapore, its global campaign to inspire travellers to choose Singapore as their next travel destination. The campaign puts a fresh spin on the Passion Made Possible destination brand. It spotlights quintessentially Singapore experiences, from iconic attractions to hidden gems, and how ordinary moments are turned into extraordinary experiences in Singapore.

Free Singapore Tour for transfer and transit passengers

In 2023, Changi Airport Group (CAG), Singapore Airlines (SIA) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) re-launched the Free Singapore Tour. Three of the existing tours available - the City Sights Tour, Heritage Tour, and Jewel Tour – have been refreshed to include new points of interest. A brand-new Changi Precinct tour will introduce travellers to the interesting sights and sounds of the eastern region surrounding Singapore Changi Airport. Each tour lasts 2.5 hours and will be available daily, with plans to progressively increase to nine tours a day. Advance booking is available on Changi Airport’s website. Transit and transfer passengers who wish to join the Free Singapore Tour must have a layover period of at least 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours. Participants will need to have a valid entry visa for Singapore to take part in the tours. 

Peranakan Museum

Peranakan heritage is a tale of adaptation. The term ‘Peranakan’ means ‘locally born’ in Malay and refers to the descendants of foreign traders who married local women in Southeast Asia centuries ago. Singapore’s Peranakan community is mostly Peranakan Chinese, descendants of Chinese traders who settled in the busy ports of Penang and Singapore in the 19^th century. The Peranakan Museum explores the culture of Peranakan communities in Southeast Asia and possesses one of the finest and most comprehensive public collections of Peranakan objects. The museum reopened its doors after years of renovation work.

Sentosa

Over in Sentosa, The Palawan @ Sentosa by Shangri-La Group is redefining beach-side lifestyle and entertainment offerings with the region’s first indoor gamified electric go-karts, Singapore’s first floating aqua park, an 18-hole mini-golf course, two unique beach clubs and 10 iconic food trucks. Aside from The Palawan, visitors will also soon be able to enjoy a unique island walk through Sentosa Sensoryscape, a day-to-night multi-sensorial experience featuring biophilic gardens that awaken one’s senses; and indulge in a wellness retreat at Singapore’s first villa-only hotel, Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa. 

 
Taste it all

Like Singapore herself, its local cuisine is a tantalising mix of flavours from various racial backgrounds, including food with Chinese, Malay, Eurasian, Peranakan and Indian origins.  The city’s incredibly diverse range of dining options will cater to food lovers from all walks of life. If you appreciate a good meal, there’s a cuisine for every taste and budget. Its local street fare is a delicious melting pot of Singapore’s diverse cultures, while the country’s vibrant fine dining scene has emerged as one of the world’s most exciting, featuring many celebrity chef restaurants. 

Michelin Guide Singapore 2024

The Michelin Guide Singapore 2024 selections were announced. A total of 51 restaurants received Michelin stars. This consists of 3 establishments receiving 3 stars, 6 establishments receiving 2 stars and 42 establishments receiving 1 star. One street food stall retains its star, Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle. Furthermore, 81 received Bib Gourmand recommendations in the Michelin Guide Singapore 2024. 

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024

Asia’s 50 Best Bars (A50BB) 2024 successfully took place in Hong Kong. Singapore had an impressive showing with 11 Singapore bars on the list and this was led by Jigger and Pony (No.3), which maintained its reign as Singapore’s best bar. The other 10 Singapore bars include: Nutmeg & Clove (No.6), Sago House (No.15), Night Hawk (No.16), Offtrack (No.25), Native (No.31), Origin Bar (No.32), Analogue Initiative (No.35), Employees Only (No.38), Fura (No.42) and Atlas (No.49).

City in Nature

As a city-state with a population of millions on a small island, one could expect Singapore to prioritise buildings and infrastructure over its green cover. But as a matter of fact, the Lion City has held greenery as a top priority since independence, with several national plans. Today, City in Nature aims at enhancing greenery and biodiversity on the island, while providing its 5 million residents with quick access to parks and forests, with over 50% of the country already covered in lush trees and green foliage. City in Nature is Singapore’s collective effort to build a resilient green city of the future, where technology, architecture and green areas come together in new ways to provide a better quality of life for residents and tourists alike.

Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve

The newly opened Bird Paradise, one of Asia’s largest bird parks, is home to 3,500 birds from 400 species. The bird park at Mandai Wildlife Reserve welcomes visitors into ten themed zones including eight large walk-through aviaries where visitors can immerse in naturalistic mixed-species habitats reflecting the different biomes of the world. Visitors will be spoilt for choice at Mandai Wildlife West, the ungated public node next to Bird Paradise where they can enjoy a variety of F&B offerings. Pop by local gelato boutique Birds of Paradise to enjoy botanical-inspired desserts and bites or hop over to a flagship multi-concept store where Luke’s Lobster, Leckerbaer and Mr. Holmes Bakehouse are housed together. 

Heartland Tours

Travellers can join the Zero to Hero Food Sustainability Tour (Tribe Tours) where they will explore wet markets in the heartlands and hunt for green ‘waste’ and transform them into useful compost. Those looking to explore hidden gems can embark on Hush: Night Food Tour through Geylang (Indie Singapore Tours) where they can enjoy mouthwatering delights at the tastiest supper places, and uncover the secrets and stories behind the district’s intriguing history and culture. 

Festivals and Celebrations

Whether it’s the festive celebration of Chinese New Year or the roar of Formula 1 cars, there’s always a party going on somewhere on the island. Check out top festivals and events in Singapore from January to December.

1. Mid-Autumn Festival 

You should not miss the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinatown in September that celebrates the end of the autumn harvest with family gatherings, lanterns, and mooncakes. Furthermore, with bright colours, non-stop revelry and sheer exuberance, Chinese New Year is undoubtedly the most important event in the Chinese calendar!

2. Deepavali 

During Deepavali (in Autumn), the annual Hindu celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, bright colours, tantalising aromas and the light of a thousand oil lamps fill the streets of Little India! 

3. Hari Raya 

Make sure you include the celebrations of Hari Raya in your itinerary! Making the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan is Hari Raya, a joyful celebration of forgiveness, fellowship and food!

4. Singapore Food Festival

At summertime, Singapore Food Festival is a festival where all Foodies come together to celebrate the rich food culture of Singapore and honour the creativity of all our culinary talents. Your clients can embark on tours of popular food districts and discover hidden gems like urban farms and popular markets. 

5. Singapore Cocktail Festival

An annual event on Asia's cocktail and nightlife calendar, Singapore Cocktail Festival (SGCF) is a social and experiential gathering of drink makers and lovers from around the world. Since the first debut in 2017, over 35,000 visitors have shared unforgettable cocktail moments.

6. Singapore Wellness Festival

Launched in 2022, the Wellness Festival transforms the island into wellness retreat.  Meditate, exercise and explore new ways of wellness through multi-sensory installations and engaging masterclasses.