OUR Spotlight On Column shines a light on both the little known and the much loved holiday destinations.
This week we’re talking Singapore, including some hidden gems and new hotels.
Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited.
She explained: “I didn’t expect to love the city as much as I did, but I loved how safe and clean it felt compared to other major cities.
“It’s the kind of place where you’ll never struggle to find amazing food, no matter what your budget it.
“Make sure to look up too – most buildings have living walls or rooftop gardens as strict rules mean any new structures must replace greenery it builds on.”
Here are some of our other top tips if you fancy a trip to the stopover city.
MUST SEE/DO:
The most fun way to get around the city is with a Singapore Sidecar (sideways.sg) where you are driven around by experienced riders.
With options of different tours, one of the best takes you everywhere from the finance district to the huge murals of Yip Yew Chong, who depicts scenes of traditional Singapore.
The tours include numerous photo stops, and the guides know all the answers to any questions you might have too.
Wait for night to fall and then hop over to Garden by The Bay to watch the light show of the famous trees.
HIDDEN GEM
The neighbourhood of Joo Chiat is no longer a hidden gem, after being named one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods.
But tourists often skip over Tin Yeang Restaurant, despite it being a great place to mingle with the locals.
It’s loud, its busy, but you can learn a lot about the culture while enjoying prata (crispy pancakes) with fish curry for just a few pounds.
It’s right by the multicoloured Peranakan houses too, so you can explore the mix of Chinese and Malay heritages afterwards.
BEST VIEW
When it comes to gardens, Singapore goes up by putting them on top of skyscrapers.
And the best free view is found at Henderson Wave Bridge, the highest footbridge in the city,
Join the other joggers and dog walkers to get views of both the city and nature, without paying a penny.
RATED RESTAURANT
Keng Eng Kee is an institution of a restaurant.
Family-run for more than 50 years, sibling Paul, Wayne and Jia Min are joined by the rest of their relatives when it gets busy.
Plastic bibs are supplied (and needed) for the most popular dishes, the chilli crab, a well as the marmite chicken. Unusual, but salty and delicious.
Make sure to book, as they can easily serve up to 800 tables a weekend.
On a budget? Don’t forget Hawker Chan, an indoor market food hall where you can get Michelin meals for less than a fiver.
BEST BAR
If you only go to one bar, it has to be Jigger + Pony, often named one of the best in the world.
Think speakeasy interiors and pretend magazines that disguise the menu, peppered with articles of the bar’s history.
The Clover Club is a must but staff are also on hand if nothing takes your fancy, to mix something up for you.
You’ll find yourself spending hours there, with fantastic music and service encouraging you to stay late into the night.
HOTEL PICK
Mama Shelter‘s first hotel in Asia, the new opening last year is bringing French flair to Singapore.
The 115 rooms include an unusual two-person bunk option, the perfect option if staying with friends.
Mama’s restaurant is just as fun with eclectic interiors and live music. Try the Szechuan Crispy Chicken and a Ms Violet cocktail (followed by a hungover coffee at Mama Kiss cafe).
Rooms cost from £120 per night. See mamashelter.com.