I have been to Singapore three times, and each time it pleasantly surprises me with something new.

For starters, Changi airport is my favourite airport in the world. Hands down. I enjoy airports at the best of times but there is something about Changi. It has large open spaces filled with lush greenery and is always clean. Also, it smells great (big plus). Importantly, it constantly innovates the travel experience – the new indoor wonderland ‘Jewel’ that showcases the largest indoor waterfall in the world, is a prime example.

The pleasant ride from Changi to the city highlights Singapore’s extensive beautification efforts. Everywhere you look, the green and well-manicured boulevards are a gorgeous introduction to the city-state that was once underwater. It is clear that land reclamation in Singapore is on par with Dubai and underscores its thirst for living space for its 5.6 million inhabitants. 

Chinatown is a must see and has been evolving in Singapore since circa 1820. It’s a visual and culinary destination with a maze of alleyways that smell of Hainanese rice amid splashes of colourful European styled architecture. The lean fascinating streets are a delight to explore and the first place made a beeline to after landing was the world’s cheapest Michelin Star restaurant, Hawker Chan⭐️ 🥢🥡 https://www.instagram.com/liaofanhawkerchan/

It is quickly apparent that Singapore has made a tremendous investment in preparing the city for climate change, taking a leading role in preserving the environment and providing education to the thousands of travellers that fly from all over the world. Gardens by the Bay is Singapore’s futuristic greenspace and a beacon of the government’s plan to both educate and beautify the city by providing an interactive experience that immerses you in lush greenery inside jaw-dropping biospheres. It helps that the gardens provide a refreshing refuge from the stifling heat outside, at least 20🌡 cooler and tranquil. 

The supertree structures offer an impressive skywalk over the gobsmacking gardens below, and at night, the spectacular light show is not to be missed. The profound impact of creating a popular tourist attraction linked with preserving the environment is remarkable. The Cloud Forest in the biospheres of Singapore has to be seen to be believed.

When I think of 🇸🇬 Singapore, my first thought is always @raffleshotelsingapore and the British imperial influence on this Island state. Built in 1887, Raffles is a rare holdout of 19th-century tradition and luxury at the far reaches of the old British empire. I love immersing myself in the opulence of Raffles and experiencing the well-preserved traditions of a bygone era in the beating heart of the city. Amid checkered titles drowned in peanut shells find a table at the Long Bar, home of the traditional Singapore Sling, and marvel at the prohibition-style design in an oriental setting. Day or night, Raffles is spellbinding. Walk its pristine grounds of gorgeous white pillars and polished marble floors, then relax on the balconies kissed by the pulsating greenery of an encroaching jungle. 

During the Second world war, Singapore was a strategic harbour for the British fleet and an important headquarters for the British Army behind Hong Kong. The influence Singapore projected for the British Empire in Asia is also why the Japanese wanted to take it so badly and also because it opened the way to India and also Australiasia. The city-state is littered with wartime sites for history buffs and it’s well worth taking a tour. For Australians, Changi is particularly noteworthy. It was the site of a brutal Japanese prison of war camp for Australian soldiers. Also, for foot explorers: by Orchid Lane there is a hidden bunker under a tall park, only recently discovered when the park went under renovation. It was the headquarters of the British Army and then the Japanese Secret Police. It is called the battle box and tours here are very interesting.

I love Singapore and can’t wait to go back.

Signing off.