Got visitors? Here’s our essential round-up of what to do in Singapore to keep guests entertained, from museums and art galleries, to rooftop bars and spas. Enjoy!
It’s all too easy to get caught up in the rat race and forget to lift your head and take in the vibrant city we live in. So when friends and family come to visit, it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in all of those activities you never get round to at the weekend. But when you’re stuck in that vicious work, eat, sleep, repeat cycle, it can be tricky to come up with an itinerary that does our little Red Dot justice. So, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to round up what we consider to be some of the essential to-dos next time you’ve got visitors and need to play tour guide in Singapore. Pssst…. if you’ve got a HSBC Advance Visa Platinum credit card, you’ll also nab some stellar bargains along the way.
The eats
A trip to Singapore wouldn’t be complete without exploring the lively foodie scene. From hawker to high end, and everything in between, the choices are endless and the food divine. Take a sneak peek at our handy hawker guide for inspo on where to bag the best street food, and be sure to track down the recently announced hawker stalls awarded the sought after Michelin Bib Gourmand award. Get your gourmet fix at these fine dining eateries and if you’ve got a HSBC Advance Visa Platinum credit card, you’re in luck! There’re tonnes of restaurants where you can bag extra discounts, and you’ll even score an additional 10X reward points on dining spends. Other foodie highlights include feasting on chilli crab, going all out on an extravagant free-flow brunch, or going local by exploring one of the bustling wet markets.
The drinks
Booze might cost a small fortune in Singapore however the stunning rooftop settings and crackin’ cocktail scene totally make up for it. What’s more, your Advance Visa Platinum credit card will secure you 10X Reward points at numerous entertainment venues including clubs, pubs, bars, and family KTVs.
It also goes without saying that sampling a Singapore Sling is essential for tourists, and there’s only one place to go for this heady, fruity concoction: Long Bar at Raffles, birthplace of this iconic tipple. While there, stay for dinner and you’ll bag a 15% discount off your a la carte bill when paying with your Advance Visa Platinum credit card.
The culture
From the kooky streets of Little India and Kampong Glam, to the authentic shophouses of Joo Chiat and Chinatown, newbies to Singapore won’t be disappointed with the rich diversity of Singapore’s heritage.
We recommend taking a walking tour ‘round the stunning colonial black and white houses for a taste of the old-school, or strolling around Marina Bay to view the shiny, contemporary side of the city. To sate your inner culture vulture, check out the plethora of museums and galleries dotted around the island. Our perfect morning? A mooch around The National Gallery Singapore followed by a pit stop at Aura; whip out that Advance Visa Platinum credit card to bag a 15% discount on your bill to boot. If you miss this offer, click here to discover more dining offers.
The chill
Catch some zen with a break in one of Singapore’s many green spaces. Our top picks? The Botanic Gardens – recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status – and Gardens by the Bay for stunning blooms and a peaceful stroll. Or head to MacRitchie Reservoir for an energetic outing. If you’re lucky you’ll spot monkeys and monitor lizards roaming freely, and be sure to cross the canopy treetop walk for one of the most stunning views in Singapore. Escape the hustly-bustly city with a trip to the verdant greenery of Mount Faber Peak, or catch a bumboat to Pulau Ubin for a taste of the ‘real’ Singapore; it ain’t called the last kampung for nothing. Finally, East Coast Park is the perfect venue for a blissful bike ride by the sea.
The shopping
Credit cards at the ready! From the bright lights and designer stores of Orchard Road and Marina Bay, to the hectic markets of Bugis and hipster streets of Tiong Bahru; Singapore’s shopping game is seriously strong. And if you’ve got a Advance Visa Platinum credit card, you’ll bag extra discounts at certain malls and stores. Check here to see which promotions are currently running.
The spas
Exhausted from exploring? Treat your guests to some R&R at one of these luxurious tranquil havens. Alternatively, take advantage of the too-good-to-be-true deals courtesy of your Advance Visa Platinum credit card; enjoy a 60-minute facial treatment (U.P $250) or a 60-minute body massage (U.P $210) for a mere $39* a pop at Amarin Spa at Marina Mandarin Singapore, or get a gelish mani-pedi at Nail Hues for $45 (U.P $133). Can you say bargain? For the full list of spa steals, check here.
The travel
We know your guests are here to visit Singapore, but as we’re so close to the rest of Southeast Asia, why not try and squeeze in a weekend vacay somewhere exotic? Book that last minute trip through Agoda or Expedia and you’ll save up to 12% with your Advance Visa Platinum credit card, and go on a cruise with Royal Caribbean to score premium rates to numerous locations. What’s more, if you’re booking online you’ll also bag 10X reward points. While you’re at it, let HSBC take care of your travel insurance to boot. Don’t mind if we do…
Receive 10X reward points on online transactions, dining, and entertainment transactions with a HSBC Advance Visa Platinum credit card. The card is the privilege of being an HSBC Advance customer.
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This article is sponsored by HSBC