FRIDAY 

Photo: Andaz Singapore

Check into Andaz Singapore by Hyatt: The towering honeycomb façade ushers you into this André Fu-designed urban oasis nestled in the heart of the Little India-Bugis district, minutes away from the most vibrant pockets of Singapore. Feel instantly at home in the spacious room decked in walnut timber and a warm elegance. Plop yourself on the lush king-sized bed from where you can admire views of the Singapore Flyer right through the full-height windows—but don’t drift off just yet; there’s lots to explore.  

Photo: Visit Singapore

Wander around the Kampong Glam area: A brisk walk takes you to this characterful enclave also known as the Malay-Muslim quarter, surrounded by landmarks like Haji Lane, Arab Street and Sultan Mosque (the city’s largest) as well as hole-in-the-wall cafes, stores selling local artisanal goods and beautiful street art. There, pop in for an afternoon bite at HJH Maimunah, a family-owned Malay-Indonesian restaurant serving up some of the city’s best beef rendang. The queue moves fast and the wait’s well worth it. 

Stay at Lau Pa Sat | Photo: @laupasat.sg

Dinner at Lau Pa Sat: Is a visit to Singapore really complete without a smoky, sweaty feast of freshly grilled satays at hawker centre Lau Pa Sat? Sure, its al fresco Satay Street, open nightly in the city’s central business district, gets flooded with tourists and local crowds alike, but with good reason—there’s nothing like being flanked by aromatic barbeque stalls on one side and skyscrapers on the other as you sample arrays of skewered meats and seafood like the sambal stingray (scoop up every last drop of that sweet, nutty dipping sauce, too) under the stars—all to be washed down with some local beers.    

Rum Old Fashioned featuring the Dictador Capitulo UNO Port Cask 1998 | Photo: @sugarhallsg

Night cap at Sugarhall: Singapore’s bar scene is seeing an upsurge of cool concepts and mixologists-to-watch, and leading the pack is rum-centric Sugarhall, newly returning from a four-year hiatus to its current home above sister restaurant (of Jigger & Pony group) Rosemead. Curated by bar manager Davide Boncimino, keep the night going with reimagined daiquiris, rum old fashioneds as well as curated rums-of-the-month from around the world. We can vouch for the non-rum concoctions, too, like the Forest Negroni, which is fantastic. 

SATURDAY

Good morning with a TreeTop Walk: Rise and shine—the blazing Singapore sun certainly will. Arrive at Windsor Nature Park (before 8am to beat the crowds), your starting point of a two-hour hike through Singapore’s most Instagram-worthy trail. On your way to the iconic 250-metre suspension bridge hanging above lush forest canopies, look out for rare plant species like white bat lilies and African tulips, distant views of the Upper Peirce Reservoir, and even say hello to a few long-tailed macaques along the way. 

Mochi Fried Doughnuts | Photo: @cafenatsu.sg

Brunch at Café Natsu: You’ve earned yourself a scrumptious brunch at chic new Japanese-inspired Café Natsu, the brainchild of Sommer chef Lewis Barker and latest addition to Joo Chiat’s burgeoning lineup of hip cafes and eateries. Indulge in some jiggly souffle pancakes, devilish mochi fried doughnuts and eggs Florentine glazed with miso hollandaise. 

Photo: Visit Singapore

Peranakan charm in Joo Chiat: Still got room? When in Singapore, the answer is always yes. You’re on the doorsteps of East Coast Road, the birthplace of the famous Katong laksa that originated from the Straits Chinese who lived in the precinct. Go for a bowl of creamy, coconutty goodness bursting with umami at 328 Katong Laksa or The Original Katong Laksa.  

Afterwards, walk it all off with a leisurely stroll through nearby Koon Seng Road and Joo Chiat Road dotted with colourful pre-war shophouses, museums, wall murals and vintage shops, as each corner unveils a new tale of Peranakan culture. 

SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark 2 | Photo: @singaporeartmuseum

Artsy afternoon at Singapore Art Museum: While redevelopment on its original location won’t be complete until 2026, Singapore’s first art museum is delighting cultural connoisseurs with a newly opened outpost along Tanjong Pagar Distripark, the area’s trading and shipping past serving as inspiration to current multimedia exhibit Lonely Vectors. A smaller museum of only two main galleries, you’ll likely wrap up your visit in under two hours, but Epigram Coffee Bookshop situated on the far end, with its treasure trove of books written exclusively by Singaporean authors, will surely lure you in for another two.  

Mr Stork | Photo: Andaz Singapore

Sunset hour at Mr Stork: Make your way back to the hotel’s 39th floor just in time for golden hour at one of our favourite rooftop bars in town. With 360-degree views and a wraparound garden, the vibe here is distinctly sophisticated and romantic, perfect for cosying up in one of their teepee-style day beds with a few friends or loved one. Let their mixologist craft you a bespoke cocktail as you watch the skyline transform into a melange of dreamy rosy hues. 

The Cellar | Photo: Andaz Singapore

Steak and wine at The Cellar: Sunset-dazed, hop down to The Cellar on the 38th floor, a newly unveiled extension (also designed by Fu) of the hotel’s famed steakhouse 665°F. Helmed by young new chef de cuisine Poh Boon Beo—undoubtedly one to watch in the region’s culinary scene—expect a feast for the senses as you dig into prime cuts and seasonal, sustainable seafood under turquoise arched ceilings flanked by walls of rare bottles. We can’t rave enough about the beef wellington (remember to reserve in advance), with its gorgeously flaky exterior blanketed around an equally buttery beef tenderloin and truffle jus; save room, too, for the Spanish octopus glazed with a dash of laksa oil, almost-sinful mac and cheese, and zesty mango pavlova.    

SUNDAY

Photo: Andaz Singapore

Get your tan on: What better way to kick off your final morning than with a dip in the rooftop infinity pool and feeling the city waking up under your feet? Then, fuel up with a buffet breakfast spread at Alley on 25 – you’ll need it for the retail therapy that follows.  

Design Orchard | Photo: @shopdesignorchard

Shop away at Design Orchard: A quick ride takes you to the bustling Orchard shopping strip. Yet for those craving to bring home a little something special, make a beeline for Design Orchard, a retail hub stocked with the latest from rising Singaporean brands and local designers such as Thomas Wee, Artisan of Sense and Jill Lowe, where you will discover a revolving roster of one-of-a-kind artisanal clothing, skincare, home goods, accessories and more.  

Photo: Violet Oon Singapore at Jewel Changi

Last bite at Violet Oon: Before you bid the Lion City farewell, spend the last couple hours of your trip savouring an array of authentic Nyonya classics at Violet Oon’s beautifully outfitted Jewel Changi outpost, from kuay pie tee to nasi goreng and prawn chilli padi lemak that packs quite a punch. Let the rich, decadent flavours entice you into planning your return from up in the air.