Relaxing in Singapore: A 3-Day Itinerary

1. Civic District

Morning

Start your trip right in the heart of the heritage-rich Civic District by staying in luxury and style at Raffles Hotel. First established in 1887, the hotel has long been synonymous with a blend of luxury and history. It’s also home to Raffles Long Bar, birthplace of the iconic Singapore Sling. Culture vultures can take a short walk to nearby museums such as the Asian Civilisations Museum (where you can check out historical artefacts from the region) and the National Gallery Singapore (one of the world's largest public collections of modern Southeast Asian artworks). Be sure to look out for the guided tours in both museums too. 

*The Raffles Hotel is temporarily closed for renovations and will reopen in Q2 of 2018.

2. Duxton Hill

Afternoon

For a hearty, local meal infused with elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine (think red date muffins), head to Herbal Oasis on Neil Road. Cap off your meal with herbal teas that are ‘complexion enhancing’ or ‘nourishing and calming’. You can also explore the rest of the charming Duxton Hill area for dessert, drinks or even more dining options. We recommend Lucha Loco for a romantic atmosphere in their garden bar, Latteria Mozzarella Bar for al-fresco dining, and Supulae for authentic Korean food.

3. Marina Bay

Evening

There’s plenty to do at Marina Bay, one of Singapore’s most iconic districts—get a dose of retail therapy at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands^®, indulge in the oasis of nature that is Gardens by the Bay, or simply take a relaxing stroll by the water.

4. Yunomori Singapore

Morning

After you’ve spent your first day in Singapore exploring, take a moment to get refreshed with a trip to Yunomori Onsen & Spa. Soak in the mineral-rich, warm waters of their onsen (hot spring) baths, which are said to have detoxifying and healing qualities. Once you’re done with your Yunomori bath, you can also relieve those sore muscles and knots with a Thai or aroma massage. Couple that with a herbal compress to relax the nerves and nourish the skin. 

5. HortPark

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon in serenity when you dine at Vineyard at HortPark, a French-Italian restaurant nestled in the midst of the lush verdure that is the 9-hectare park and agricultural hub, HortPark. The restaurant’s decked out with aged-wood tables, rustic fixtures and a whimsical garden veranda, making it the place to be for a charming, sunny afternoon. You can also head out for a green tour or gardening workshop in HortPark after your meal. 

6. Singapore River

Evening

Watch the Singapore sunset while cruising along the Singapore River on a heritage bumboat when you sign up for a river cruise. Then, tuck into a tantalising traditional Chinese meal at Tunglok Signatures at The Central (just a few steps from the Singapore River), or choose from a 5 or 7-course chef’s menu at Michelin-starred The Kitchen at Bacchanalia at Hong Kong Street, just a stone’s throw away from the river. Be sure to spend some time soaking in the hubbub of the Clarke Quay and Boat Quay district’s nightlife as well.

7. Singapore Flyer

Morning

Start the morning awe-struck when you go for a spin at the Singapore Flyer, where you’ll have a brilliant vantage point of the city. Then, head to the Singapore Flyer’s Tourist Hub and hop on a FunVee Open Top Bus for a quick and convenient way to see the best of Singapore. The FunVee tours will bring you to some of the most iconic landmarks of the city, such as the Merlion Park, the temples at Chinatown, the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Orchard Road.

8. Orchard Central

Evening

Alight from your FunVee tour at Orchard and refuel (your stomachs, that is) at Joie by Dozo at Orchard Central, a rooftop restaurant that showcases Japanese and European culinary methods and presentation, serving up innovative dishes using unconventional ingredients. This thread of creativity extends to their dish names as well, such as ‘transparency of pear’ and ‘hot roselle rhythm’.

9. Orchard Road

What’s a trip to Singapore without sauntering down Orchard Road? Make the most of your last evening in the city by meandering through the crowds at the country’s most popular shopping district, and maybe even do some souvenir shopping of your own. Stop by NAIISE at Orchard Gateway, a local design chain that carries quirky Singaporean products, from plush toy Merlions to Singlish tote bags. For a dash of elegance, head to RISIS at Takashimaya Shopping Centre and pick up a RISIS gold and palladium-plated orchid. Variety is the operative word when it comes to shopping at Orchard Road—you’ll find several mega malls and flagship outlets along the 2.2-kilometre-long shopping street—check out this handy guide on where to best get your fix of retail therapy.