The ultimate 48-hour Singapore stopover: Where to eat, stay and play

Singapore has long been a destination for Australian travellers, strategically positioned as the gateway to Asia and the perfect stopover location on the long-haul route to Europe, the Middle East and Northern Africa.

Only 7.5 hours on a direct flight from Melbourne, and just slightly more from Sydney, and you’ll land at Singapore’s Changi International Airport. Long flagged as one of the best airports in the world and renowned for its unrivalled passenger experiences, Changi has recently ranked second in the SkyTrax World Airport Awards.

You can easily while away the layover hours here (I particularly love the airport swimming pool and the butterfly garden) but taking a little extra time and leaving the airport for an overnight stopover in Singapore is not only a great way to break up a long trip while making it a trip in itself.

Here’s how you can spend 48 hours in Singapore, be it for a stopover or a stand-alone trip.

Day 1

6pm – Arrive in Singapore

Direct flights can be secured from most Australian capital cities arriving at varying times. This itinerary sees the flight arrive in the evening, and the quickest way to get to the city is a taxi to the CBD for less than $50 Singapore dollars. This is the best option for multiple people who want to get door to door quickly. There is also the option of public bus, train and ride-share at varying prices.

7pm – Head to Gardens by the Bay

Leave your luggage at the hotel and make your way to Gardens by the Bay. This complex of three waterfront gardens was built in 2012 and is ranked as one of the top attractions in Singapore. The complex is open until 9pm daily and has a range of free and ticketed experiences available.

Explore the Cloud Forest, a tropical indoor garden boasting one of the tallest indoor waterfalls in the world, at 35 metres high. Follow this up with the free option of the Supertree Grove and experience the light and sound show which runs at 7.45pm and 8.45pm daily for approximately 10 -15 minutes.

9pm – Check into hotel

Head back to your hotel to properly check in – Amara Singapore offers stylish and comfortable guest rooms. The hotel has 389 recently redesigned rooms that have thoughtful inclusions to suit the modern traveller such as an in-room filtered water tap, Nespresso coffee machine, workstation, lounge, bathrobes and slippers, minibar, universal charging ports and free Wi-Fi.

As you enter the room you can sense the quality of the fit out, from the crisp bed linen and pillows to the natural fibres of the furnishings and the understated yet contemporary design features, such as the lamp shades and porcelain shower tiles. The guest rooms here are a minimalist, classy design with styling that doesn’t overlook the necessary and practical inclusions for a quality stay at a leading hotel.

Sustainability initiatives are embedded throughout the hotel, which has obtained Global Sustainability Tourism Certification. Single-use plastics are not supported at the property and rooms come with an energy-efficient air conditioning system and motion sensor lighting, plus a dedicated recycling bin, low-flow taps and shower heads, and refillable amenities.

After checking in, consider grabbing a night cap at the communal lobby bar which has been designed for meaningful conversations and has a warm aesthetic in the heart of the hotel. The wine list is masterfully curated to please every palate and is a great way to close out the day.

Day 2

7.30am – Take a swim or hit the gym

Start the morning with a refreshing swim in the beautiful hotel pool. This quiet retreat is outdoors and is a decent sized pool for a few casual morning laps or just some general floating about.

Lounges are available for those guests wanting to linger longer and cool off during the day and as the temperature rises. Alternatively, visit the well-equipped gym for a morning sweat session.

9am – Head to breakfast

After your early morning activities, make your next stop at the hotel’s Element restaurant where guests can indulge in an extensive breakfast buffet.

You can request custom-made omelettes from the egg chef, enjoy tropical fruit, noodle dishes, various breads, cereals, pancakes and everything in between. Tea, coffee and juice is bottomless to get you hydrated for a busy day ahead.

10am – Take a local walking tour

Meet the warm and welcoming tour guide in the lobby to take you on a local walking tour, Tanjong Pagar: A Walk Through Time. The tour is guided by ex-gang member and convicted felon Alvin, whose life journey is nothing short of amazing. His mission to reintegrate and give back to society is inspiring.

The two-hour walk meanders through the back streets and main thoroughfares of Tanjong Pagar and the Chinatown district, as Alvin shares history and provides insights into the cultural and historic past and shines a light on the lesser-known criminal underbelly of Singapore.

12.30pm – Stop for lunch

After the tour, enjoy lunch at Maxwell Food Centre, a squeaky-clean hawker market, where you can get your tastebuds dancing with traditional local dishes such as the famous Singapore chilli crab or Singapore noodles. There are choices to suit every taste and most dietary requirements are catered for.

The centre is well known for its Hainanese chicken rice. The cheap foods here come in reasonable serving sizes so you can sample a few items. The fresh juices are especially good value – for just a few Singapore dollars you can get a tropical combination juice of your choice or select from the extensive menu.

2.30pm – Sentosa Island

Take a trip to Sentosa Island and experience some of the many family-friendly activities. Transport options include cable car, walking, a cycling trail, train, taxi or private vehicle. If you are driving yourself note there is an entry fee charged for cars and taxis. The cable car can be boarded at Mount Faber, and the train and walking and cycling trail can be picked up at Vivo City.

4pm – Try a flight experience

Consider a flight experience at i-fly Singapore where you can experience what it’s like to fly through the air. Once you complete a simple training session, you’re taken to the flight deck to get suited up. The flight suit is an all-in-one jumpsuit, plus accessories including goggles and a helmet.

Dress accordingly for this experience – skirts and dresses are difficult to manage with the flight suit and solid footwear is preferable (sneakers are fine) or can be supplied. The experience is very cool as you feel the weightlessness of flight and find your balance in the wind tunnel. Images can be taken from outside the tunnel by friends and family or professional photo packs are available to purchase.

6.30pm – Visit Sensoryscape

As the sun goes down, visitors to Sentosa Island can walk the Sensoryscape, a 350-metre walk with six sensory gardens that include light, sound, colour, texture and movement. Download the free ImagiNite app which allows vibrant light shows and video mapping to come alive. You’ll see swimming marine animals and wandering butterflies through augmented reality.

8pm – Have dinner on the mainland

Head back to the mainland for dinner in the streets of Chinatown – choose your own fish or crab from the tank and have it prepared especially for you, or select from a multitude of dishes at the many restaurants featuring Asian specialities. The buzzing vibe of the Chinatown district sees locals and visitors enjoying a meal in the bustling streets.

9.30pm – Enjoy a night cap

With a full belly, walk back to the hotel and enjoy a night cap at Jigger and Pony – it ranked fifth in the 50 best bars in the world and is conveniently located in the Amara hotel lobby. The menu showcases some classic cocktails and also gives a twist on some of them, bringing them into the modern era.

Due to its popularity, there is often a line. Make a booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

Day 3

8am – Start with breakfast

Enjoy the substantial breakfast buffet at Element for your final day or opt for a lighter snack in the lobby lounge and a fresh espresso made to order. Then check out of the hotel before heading out.

10am – Go shopping

If you have time, leave your luggage in storage at the hotel and consider a spot of shopping – an activity that Singapore has long been known for.

For luxury items and brands, head to Marina Bay Sands and the various centres along the famous Orchard Rd, or hunt out a bargain or two at the Bugis St markets and IMM Outlet centre.

Depending on your flight time, depart to the airport and continue your journey on to your next adventure.

Disclaimer: The writer was a guest of Amara Singapore and ifly Sentosa.