Tropical Tranquillity: Get Away to Singapore

By Diana Fletcher, International Banker

Singapore, Southeast Asia’s dynamic island city-state, is where futuristic skylines rise beside centuries-old traditions. Affectionately known as the Lion City, it is sleek, efficient and remarkably safe, welcoming millions of visitors each year to explore an urban marvel that feels both global and distinctly local. English is widely spoken, the public transport system is effortless to navigate, and the entire city-state—just 744 square kilometres—packs an astonishing variety of experiences into a compact space. From world-class dining to vibrant shopping and cultural districts, alongside a stunning waterfront on the South China Sea, Singapore delivers big adventures in a small yet brilliantly organised package.

Comprising 64 islands, with Pulau Ujong chief amongst them, Singapore is renowned as one of the safest countries in the world due to its low crime rate. Tourism significantly contributes to its economy, attracting more international visitors annually than its resident population.

Visiting Singapore in late summer or early fall reveals an energetic atmosphere within a tropical rainforest climate. The period features major events and festivals such as the Singapore Food Festival and Singapore Design Week. The lanterns and mooncakes of the Mid-Autumn Festival light up neighbourhoods such as Chinatown, while the Singapore Grand Prix transforms the Marina Bay area into a stunning venue for Formula One racing and musical entertainment.

Most international flights arrive at Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport, a popular tourist destination featuring the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, lush gardens and a wide selection of shops and restaurants.

Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore

Marina Bay Sands, covering nearly 20 hectares, is both a top-class accommodation and a premier attraction. The 5-star hotel’s 1,850 luxurious rooms and suites are divided into two sterling collections. The complex encompasses the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, the Shoppes shopping mall, theatres, the ArtScience Museum and a casino. The Sands SkyPark, a 1.2-hectare skyway with landscaped gardens and an outdoor infinity pool, connects the three 57-story towers. Spacious suites showcase floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms and curated artwork. The hotel offers world-class restaurants owned by famed celebrity chefs such as Wolfgang Puck and Gordon Ramsay. Guests can unwind at the sumptuous Banyan Tree Spa.

Merlion Park, with its riveting half-fish, half-lion statue, is a short walk away. From inside air-conditioned capsules on the Singapore Flyer’s giant observation wheel, visitors can enjoy panoramic views. Gardens by the Bay, an urban park consisting of three waterfront gardens, mesmerises guests with displays such as its illuminated, musical Supertree Grove. Orchard Road is a premier destination for fashion lovers, while Singapore’s diverse cultural tapestry is reflected in neighbourhoods such as Chinatown. Art and natural-history buffs will appreciate museums such as the National Gallery Singapore and the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. The Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites visitors to explore its 82 hectares of tropical gardens. The Mandai Wildlife Reserve comprises popular attractions including the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise and Rainforest Wild ASIA. Singapore’s highest natural point lies in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

Mandarin Oriental Resort, Persiaran Damai, Desaru Coast, Bandar Penawar, Johor Darul Ta’zim, 81930, Malaysia

Situated on the pristine shores of Malaysia’s Desaru Coast, just a 90-minute drive from Singapore, the Mandarin Oriental Resort, an upscale, 5-star beachfront retreat with 44 suites and a private villa, replicates a traditional Malay village. Nestled in a flourishing tropical rainforest on the South China Sea, the resort boasts a private beach and Beach Club that are ideal for relaxation or water sports. The expansive windows of the spacious, elegantly appointed suites fill their interiors with natural light. Menu options include Mediterranean cuisine and Malaysian dishes. Guests can relax in the spa or pool, work out in the fitness centre or explore the local beachfront area on foot or by bike. A short distance to the northwest, the Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast offers one of the world’s largest wave pools.

The Johor-Singapore Causeway and the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link connect Johor Bahru (located an hour’s drive west of the resort) with Singapore. While in Johor Bahru, visitors will want to stop at Legoland Malaysia, which is ideal for family outings. Kota Tinggi Firefly Park wows visitors of all ages. Istana Besar, the Sultan of Johor’s royal palace, is renowned for its distinctive Anglo-Malay architecture. The Chinese Heritage Museum celebrates the city’s Chinese community, while the Figure Museum explores Johor’s local history and prominent figures. The Johor Zoo exhibits a diverse range of animals. The Skyscape at Menara Jland offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline.

Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore

Situated on Sentosa Island, just minutes south of Singapore, the 5-star Capella Singapore combines contemporary luxury with 30 acres of verdant rainforest and gardens bordered by the sea. The resort is built around two restored colonial bungalows dating back to the 1880s, with its 113 rooms, suites and villas—some with private pools, spacious terraces and dedicated butlers—boasting open layouts, modern furnishings and tasteful art pieces. For culinary enthusiasts, Capella Singapore offers refined Cantonese cuisine at Cassia and Italian-inspired dishes at Fiamma. For relaxation, the Auriga Spa provides a comprehensive wellness experience.

Capella Singapore is ideally situated for easy access to some of Sentosa Island’s top attractions. Resorts World Sentosa, a large integrated complex, features major attractions that visitors won’t want to miss, including Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark and the Singapore Oceanarium. Tourists can explore Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and the Trick Eye Museum, while adventurers will want to experience the Cable Car Skypass and the Skyline Luge and Skyride.

The Sanchaya, Jalan Gurindam Duabelas, Plot 5, Lagoi Bay, Bintan, Riau Islands, Indonesia

On the northern shores of Indonesia’s Bintan Island, just an hour by ferry from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, The Sanchaya encompasses 29 villas and suites along with a private residence spread across 9.6 hectares of beachfront. Staying at this 5-star resort feels more like residing in a luxurious tropical colonial-inspired home than in a hotel. The suites and villas resemble private residences, with verandas overlooking the sea or lush gardens. The resort’s Tasanee Thai Grill and The Dining Room blend Southeast Asian and European cuisine, complemented by an extensive wine cellar. The Sanchaya Spa features indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, while the outdoor pool and private beach offer limitless swimming opportunities. Its proximity to the award-winning Ria Bintan Golf Club, with its 18-hole and 9-hole championship courses, will please golf enthusiasts.

Adventure seekers can enjoy water activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking and fishing. Guided tours are available to explore the island’s mangrove forests, teeming with birds and wildlife, and include cruises along the Sebong River. The Tanjungpinang City Tour introduces tourists to the city’s many temples and the bustling local market. Penyengat Island, accessible by pompong boat, boasts historic landmarks. The Senggarang Chinese Fishing Village and Panglong Tourism Village unveil the area’s traditional customs and lifestyles. The Marine Life Discovery Park and Safari Lagoi & Eco Farm are particularly popular with families.

Singapore and nearby Malaysian and Indonesian islands invite travellers to explore, experience and relax, offering a mix of vibrant city life and peaceful coastal escapes. It’s a destination that warmly embraces visitors and leaves them with impressions guaranteed to last.

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