Singapore and I go way back. I’d visited twice before with family, following the same safe routines - nostalgic, but never really my adventure. This time was different. I arrived ready to experience the city with fresh eyes!
Tucked away in the heart of Orchard Road, Singapore’s shopping mecca, YOTEL Singapore feels like a hidden gem in the retail paradise. The first YOTEL in Asia, it’s been welcoming guests since 2017. Despite being surrounded by luxury boutiques and malls, the hotel has a sleek, futuristic vibe focused on modern efficiency and smart design. The compact rooms are geared toward getting you out exploring quickly. But don’t let the size fool you! Wireless charging (wish I’d known; could’ve saved luggage space), high-quality "Urban Jungle" skincare products, and all the essentials make life easier, especially for solo travellers.
My favourite feature? The reclining bed - perfect for phone scrolling and great for the neck. The rain shower was a game changer after a long flight. Jet lag? YOTEL has you covered with their FlyKitt Rescue, designed to boost energy and improve sleep, so you can feel like yourself again. Just add it to your booking. YOTEL’s mission to make travel recovery easier shows in the self-service kiosks too, it’s quick, simple, and hassle-free.
Need a break? Head to Komyuniti, the hotel’s bar and restaurant, for a mix of local and familiar dishes like Nasi Goreng and seriously good sliders. I had repeated orders for the delicious Mellon Down cocktail, a Japanese melon milk-washed whiskey, wine cordial and dill. There’s a small outdoor pool for a quick dip and a 24-hour gym with all the essentials. If you're in chill mode, the in-room TV has Netflix, so you won’t miss your shows. And don’t forget the quirky robots, Yolanda and Yoshi, who deliver extra towels or water straight to your room, or maybe a surprise for your significant other. Such a fun touch!
First thing's first: grab a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited MRT and bus rides. A 3-day pass costs $34 SGD, including a $10 SGD refundable deposit. If you return the pass, it’s just $24 SGD. Navigating the MRT is surprisingly easy, and great news that CityMapper works in Singapore too. Next, book a bike tour, hands down the best way to get a quick overview of the city and plan your itinerary. You can mentally tick off must-visit spots and save time on things that don’t interest you. Whether in small or large groups, Let’s Go Tours runs like a well-oiled machine, the tour guides mixing humor with insider tips at every cultural stop. The tour costs $80 SGD per person and is worth every penny.
Worked up an appetite? Head to Lau Pa Sat for a multi-country food crawl through Singapore’s iconic hawker culture. With 80 stalls offering local favorites, 6 Michelin-mentioned brands, and a range of international dishes, it can get overwhelming. I recommend a guided night food tour (starting at $98 SGD per person) to help you find the must-try dishes; chicken rice, laksa and chili crab to name a few. With prices ranging from $5 to $10 SGD per dish, there’s no shame in going back for seconds. Pro tip: don’t miss Satay Stall 19!
For more culture and food, the vibrant streets of Little India were a highlight. The Culture and Food Experiential Tour was fascinating, offering authentic henna hand tattoos and colorful Indian sweets all for $50 SGD per person. When the heat gets too much, cool down in the National Museum, a great escape for $15 SGD per person, offering insight into Singapore’s young but rich history. Alternatively, head to Marina Bay Sands for Future World: Where Art Meets Science, a playful, interactive exhibition by renowned teamLab at the ArtScience Museum. At $30 SGD, you can feel like a kid again!
Not into museums? Yes, Singapore does have a beach! For around $30 SGD by taxi, head to Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island for some sun and sea. When evening falls, LeVel33 is perfect for cocktails with a view. As the world’s highest urban microbrewery, it offers stunning views of Marina Bay Sands, ask the staff for the cocktail of the month, otherwise try the minty and refreshing Samurai’s Julep before diving into Singapore’s vibrant nightlife. Pro tip: go before 5 pm for happy hour!
For your last night, hit the iconic spots for the all-important Instagram content: Spectra Light Show at Marina Bay Sands, Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay, the Botanic Gardens, or the HSBC Rain Vortex light show in Jewel. The best part? They’re all free!
As the saying goes, Singapore is a “fine” city—literally! Regulations keep things running smoothly, but some quirks might surprise you. Forget to return your tray at the food court? That’s a fine. Walk on the wrong side of the escalator? Expect stern looks. Littering, smoking outside designated areas, or jaywalking can also get you in trouble. But that’s why it stays pristine and efficient. Just know the dos and don’ts beforehand. For drama-free travel, take the MRT from Changi Airport to Orchard Station. If you prefer comfort, Grab (Asia’s version of Uber) is the way to go.
The verdict? I loved this trip. My ultimate test: Would I move here? This time, the answer is yes. Singapore checks all the boxes - great food, rich culture, and top-tier safety. If that’s your vibe too, add Singapore to your list!
Premium queen rooms start from around £133 per person.
