1. Sentosa Island

In the morning

A former fishing village turned military base, Sentosa Island is now transformed to an island resort filled with adventure and fun. One can discover their passion for the outdoors and exploration through many ways like zipping through one of the steepest ziplines in Asia, enjoying a bird’s eye view of the island at the Megazip Adventure Park. One can also glide and maneuver through the nooks and crannies of the island with the Sentosa Segway Tour. Adventurers looking for some cool beach experiences can head to Siloso Beach to surf and try out thrilling water activities.

Another must-try for adrenaline junkies is indoor skydiving at iFly, the world’s largest indoor skydiving facility, where one can experience true free-fall conditions and push their own boundaries– just like a real skydive. It’s like falling through the air from 12,000 to 3,000 feet without having to jump off a plane, giving action seekers the adrenaline dose they need!

2. Orchard Road

In the afternoon

For shoppers looking for a place to shop ‘til they drop, Orchard Road is the place to be. In the past, this iconic road was named after the numerous nutmeg and pepper farms, spice gardens, and fruit orchards that covered the area. Development of the area started from 1850, until it was transformed into a magnet for residents, tourists, and workers alike.

For anyone who is keen to discover more Singapore designers and curate their own collection of unique finds, stepping into K+ is a must! Local brands have carefully created beautiful displays that feature one-of-a-kind items such as the minimalist table lamp from Pomelo, or the signature porcelain crockery from local award winning designer SuperMama.

Those with a flair for fashion, like Mikael, will be excited to discover shops like Benjamin Barker for creatively tailored shirts and Pedder on Scotts for a carefully curated selection of luxury footwear. The quirky Singaporean-themed souvenirs at Naiise and the dangerously addictive salted egg chips at IRVINS Salted Egg are the best pasalubongs to buy for your family and friends back home.

3. Gardens by the Bay

For adventurers wanting to relax around nature, they can spend the rest of the afternoon at Gardens by the Bay—a living testimony of how Singapore reinvented itself as a City in a Garden. It is a place of inspiration that ignites one’s passion for discovery and for those looking to explore and appreciate nature.

The sprawling garden presents the plant kingdom in a whole new way. These can be seen in attractions such as the Flower Dome, which replicates foreign climate to allow perpetual spring that let flora and species which normally wouldn’t survive in the tropical weather to thrive.

As night falls, they can marvel at the stunning music and light display of the Garden Rhapsody and the environmentally sustainable Supertrees. These trees are designed with large canopies that provide shade in the day, but come alive at night with the exhilarating display of light and sound, that makes the place so iconic.

4. Lau Pa Sat

For dinner, hungry tummies can visit Lau Pa Sat to experience the city like a local. One of the country’s landmarks, this iconic market boasts of a striking architecture that has been around since the 19^th century. This establishment merges history, architecture, and local delights all into one experience. Here, foodies can fully savor Singapore by trying out different dishes with many diverging flavors without even having to go around the city-state! They can try out the roti prata (grilled flat bread, served with a vegetable or meat-based curry), while enjoying the charming ambiance.

5. Smoke & Mirrors

For the party goers wanting to check out the city’s vibrant night life, Smoke & Mirrors offers one of the most spectacular rooftop views of Singapore’s cityscape which makes it the ideal spot to cap off the day with some after-dinner drinks. Singapore is, after all, the drinking capital of Asia.

This bar is perched on one of Singapore’s most historical and culturally significant landmark - the iconic National Gallery Singapore.

Yugnes Susela, one of Singapore’s top 25 bartenders, creates one of a kind concoctions such as the “Duck’s Fat Hope” which is made of duck fat dripped into a rum based cocktail. His passion for bartending lets him conceptualize plenty of inimitable cocktails that many enjoy.

And of course, you’ve not really traveled to Singapore if you have not tried his innovative alcoholic concoctions and have a taste of their delicious bar bites.

6. Heap Seng Leong

The second day can be spent looking beyond the country’s famous tourist attractions and getting to know the heart of Singapore by immersing in its culture with the country’s hidden gems, local favorites, and historical places.

Travel back in time to a simple neighbourhood coffee shop, Heap Seng Leong. Totally untouched by modern-day trends, this intimate café is reminiscent of Singapore in the 70s. Mikael enjoyed the shop’s kopi gu you, a cup of hot coffee that surprises the taste buds of many people. It has a slab of butter that melts when the hot coffee is poured in. Not the typical coffee Filipinos are used to but you may end up looking for this, long after you’re back in the Philippines. The unique bestseller can be paired with some Kaya toast, a snack prepared with coconut jam (kaya), topped with sugar, coconut milk, eggs, pandan, and sometimes butter.

7. Pulau Ubin

An unspoilt treasure waiting to be discovered, Pulau Ubin is just a ten-minute boat ride from the Changi Ferry Terminal. You can be transported to another world once you step in Pulau Ubin as it takes you back in time to how Singapore was like 40 years ago. Scattered in the island are traditional villages called kampongs with their simple architecture. Nature lovers can hike and bike around the island sanctuary to enjoy its lush greenery. The nearby Chek Jawa Wetlands is a diverse, wildlife wonder with six contrasting marine ecosystems that showcase never-before-seen nature landscapes. Here, you will find wildlife in the fruit orchards, hornbills in the villages, and grey herons in its quarries.  

8. Kampong Glam

For those who love more than a little retail therapy, Singapore offers a lot of choices, from high-end brands at Orchard Road, to the line of shophouses along Haji Lane at Kampong Glam.

Haji Lane’s facade is decorated with bright colors and street art. One can explore the nooks and crannies and discover murals and little shops selling interesting knick-knacks, bars, and designers. One can also explore the mosques around the area and find plenty of authentic Malay cuisine such as the Hajah Maimunah (recipient of a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2016) and the traditional Arabic perfumes and aromatics.

Chinese, Malay and Indian influences make for the country’s colorful cultural landscape. Most of these diverse ethnic districts are lined with charming boutiques that offer a glimpse into cultures through interesting souvenirs, such as Indian herbs and spices and Chinese silk robes. While walking around, one can also see a contrast of mosques and Chinese temples and taste different traditional cuisines.

As a keepsake of a wonderful Singapore trip, visitors with a passion for collecting and shopping can find unique memorabilia and local finds.

9. Fishball Story

Singapore is packed with restaurants that serve mouth-watering dishes, like Artichoke and ice cream shop, Neh Neh Pop – both by Singapore celebrity chef Bjorn Shen. Known for his gutsy personality, the food expert brought Mikael on an equally-bold gastronomic adventure to Singapore restaurants during the actor’s recent trip and introduced him to meet new age Singapore hawkers and food personalities like the owner of The Fishball Story, Douglas Ng. Mikael discovered how his passion fuelled him to keep the old Singapore culture alive and how he improved on it.

Much of a foodie himself, Mikael excitedly tried out all the dishes the chef recommended, to discovered some new-found favorites such as the fishball noodles that are made with 100% yellowtail fish.

10. Potato Head

After a day of exploration, have another blast-from-the-past experience by grabbing a hearty meal at Potato Head. This iconic heritage building has been transformed from a private house to a haven for different bars and restaurants. One can explore and find a burger joint, intimate bar, kitchen, and private studio all in one place.

History meets artistic and modern design as this old neighborhood has buildings, houses, and restaurants of all kinds anyone with a passion for food and for life is sure to enjoy this place.

One can try out the Three Buns restaurant – the menu includes homemade mouthwatering burgers, sides, sodas, and cocktails, or visit Studio 1939’s intimate bar and chill out at the rooftop garden.