Singapore is a standout destination – for its identity based on a melting pot of traditions and cultures, coupled with a future-forward vision.
Our curated two-day itinerary, crated with the travel experts from Westpac Concierge, for one of the world’s pre-eminent 21st-century cities invites you to explore Singapore’s juxtaposing charms, from dazzling skyscrapers to colourful heritage shophouses. This is also your chance to indulge in mouthwatering street food, offering a delightful contrast to the city’s reputation for expense.
Westpac travel experts are on hand to help with your travel bookings, recommend Singapore hotels where to stay, where to dine as well as things to do in Singapore. And if you’re a Westpac cardholder, you might already be eligible this service.
Day 1 in Singapore
Heritage strolls and street food galore
Begin your day early, as there’s much to explore – but don’t do it on an empty stomach. In Chinatown, you’ll find Maxwell Food Centre, a renowned 24/7 hawker centre. Treat yourself to a classic Singaporean breakfast of kaya toast – coconut jam spread on toasted bread – and a cup of kopi, sweetened coffee with condensed milk. If you’re concerned about your sugar intake, try roti prata, a crispy flatbread served with curry for dipping.
Wander around the bustling area with its souvenir stalls and the Hokkien-style Thian Hock Keng temple welcoming visitors from 7.30am. From there, the colonial heritage buildings of the Civic District are just a 15-minute walk away.
At the DBS Singapore Gallery inside the National Gallery Singapore, you’ll be captivated by the evolution of local art – from early 19th-century representations of the city as a tropical paradise to the 1950s Nanyang art movement and the contemporary scene.
Walk or drive along Beach Road to admire the legendary Raffles Singapore hotel before reaching Kampong Glam, the Muslim Quarter. Arab Street is lined with Middle Eastern and Malay eateries, where nasi padang (rice with chilli paste and various meats and vegetables) is a must if breakfast is a distant memory. Don’t miss the eclectic independent boutiques of the colourful Haji Lane en route to Sultan Mosque and its film-worthy golden domes.
On your way to Little India, stop at Abdul Gafoor Mosque – an architectural gem, blending Saracenic elements with neoclassical features. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the vibrant neighbourhood filled with shops offering Indian garments, spices, jewellery, and handicrafts. For dinner, indulge in the flavoursome offerings of the Indian food stalls at Tekka Centre, or consider a taxi or MRT ride to the aptly named Satay Street in the CBD.
Day 2 in Singapore
Taste and feel the future
While your arrival at Changi Airport offered a glimpse of Singapore’s global reputation as a cutting-edge metropolis, Marina Bay takes it to new heights. Beat the crowds with a 9am start at the adjacent Gardens by the Bay nature park, and explore the futuristic supertrees – towering vertical gardens that fascinate the eye. Embedded with sustainable technologies, such as solar-powered photovoltaic cells, the supertrees both serve an ecological purpose and create a surreal ambience. Don’t miss the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories, where exotic plants thrive, completing the ultra-modern experience.
Head to the SkyPark Observation Deck atop the iconic Marina Bay Sands resort for vertigo inducing city views from the 56th floor, and admire the bold contemporary architecture of the Marina Bay Financial Centre. Finally, finish the futuristic second day at Marina Bay’s lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum, and pedestrian Helix Bridge, with its DNA-inspired spiral structure symbolising Singapore’s progress in science and technology.
Keen for more Singapore tips? Checkout our list of 5 hawker centre dishes you must try on a trip to the Lion City.
Planning a bucket-list trip soon? Our travel and dining experts at Westpac Concierge can help make it happen with exclusive benefits, preferential pricing, and more – you’d be remiss to not take advantage of. You may even be eligible for the service already.
