There’s no time like the present to start planning your getaways for the rest of the year. Whether you’re a solo traveller looking for fantastic eats or have the little ones in tow, you’ll be sure to make great memories in sunny Singapore, with these seven exciting things to check out on your next visit:
1. A vibrant bar scene that continues to surprise
The local bar scene has been booming, what with a bumper crop of newcomers eager to make their mark. Opened last June, Cat Bite Club is a stylish modern agave and rice spirit-focused bar located in the trendy Duxton Road area. For an introduction to their craft, try the signature Cat Bite Margarita that’s made with a mix of white tequila and mezcal. Other new kids on the block to watch include White Shades and Paelet a stone’s throw away, as well as Tess Bar & Kitchen and Puffy Bois in the neighbouring Bugis district.
Prefer your tipples with eclectic beats and stunning city views? High House made its debut late last year and offers intriguing cocktails like the Tobacco & Grain, along with a lively nightly music programme.
Singapore’s bar scene is already world-renowned, with an impressive 11 Singaporean bars making it into Asia’s 50 Best Bars’ 2023 list. With these exciting new additions, you’ll be more spoiled for choice than ever.
2. Uniquely Singaporean shophouse stays
Singapore’s popularity with tourists has made it a prime spot for globally renowned luxury hotel groups, but if you prefer a stay with a little more local flavour, try a boutique hotel set within one of Singapore’s ubiquitous heritage shophouses.
21 Carpenter is the latest addition to this class of hotels, joining others like Duxton Reserve, The Sultan and KēSa House. The design-forward luxury hotel is set within a former remittance house along Carpenter Street, within easy distance of the CBD and Chinatown. Its interiors, while modern, preserves the building’s original elements like floorboards made from native Chengal wood and sculptural handrails.
See also: 10 stunning new Singapore hotels to look out for in 2024
3. Savour bold flavours from beyond our shores
Singapore’s vibrant dining scene is the nation’s pride, with its local hawker food and high-end dining both recognised globally. In addition to this, you’ll also get to discover fantastic cuisine from across the world.
Try Restaurant Khiri, a brand-new contemporary Thai restaurant set within a shophouse along eclectic Jalan Besar. For traditional Ceylonese dishes such as curry leaf coconut rice with dry jackfruit curry, book a table at the charming Colonial-style Kunthaville in Little India.
Or if you’re in an experimental mood, hit up KUN in Tanjong Pagar. This omakase-style Sichuanese restaurant has been kicking up a buzz, thanks to hits such as cypress wood-smoked marinated beef and mapo tofu with Sichuan Hanyuan pepper and bean paste gravy.
Restaurant Khiri features a stylish dining room with bar counter seating. Photo: Restaurant Khiri
4. Fresh additions to Singapore’s favourite island escape
In 2024, there are even more reasons to visit Sentosa, the famed island getaway that’s just a short taxi ride from the city centre.
Luxuriate poolside in private cabanas, cocktail in hand, at the newly opened WET Deck along the shores of swanky Sentosa Cove. Operated by W Singapore, this pool club operates on a day-pass system which affords guests access to all facilities for the day even if you’re not a hotel guest. Another newcomer to the island is the Tipsy Unicorn Beach Club. This dazzling, neon-drenched spot is located along Siloso Beach and features a pool, live music and an extensive food and drink menu.
Elsewhere on the island, Potterheads can experience a magical nighttime Forbidden Forest trail that’s inspired by the world of Harry Potter from Feb 3 onwards. More a fan of the adorable yellow creatures from the Despicable Me movie franchise? Keep your eye out for the brand new Minion Land attraction at Universal Studios Singapore, set to open sometime in 2024.
5. A mix of music for every concert-goer
Singapore recently played host to legendary musical acts like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay, but if you didn’t manage to get tickets, there are plenty of other acts to catch. Korean songstress IU will be playing at the Singapore Indoor Stadium for two nights in April, while wacky female J-pop group ATARASHII GAKKO! will be coming to The Theatre at Mediacorp end June. Global sensation Bruno Mars’s sold-out show at the Singapore National Stadium prompted organisers to add an additional performance date on 3 April, and Fly By Midnight, a Los Angeles-based pop duo, will kick off their Anemoia 24 Asia tour in Singapore at the Esplanade Annexe Studio on 26 October.
6. Fun and educational activities for the young
Looking for an afternoon of educational fun for your little ones? Pay a visit to the all-new KidzWorld at Singapore Zoo. This family-friendly zone in the zoo includes a petting zoo with goats, falabellas (an Argentine breed of small horse) and chickens, regular animal shows, interactive games and even a playground with a wet play zone.
For the older and more outdoorsy, head to Trifecta to check out board sports. Located in the heart of Orchard Road, Trifecta offers a simulator slope for skiing and snowboarding, a freestyle park, a surf pool and a board shop. Kids aged six and above can participate in classes or book free-and-easy sessions to perfect their techniques.
7. A revamped Terminal 2 at the World’s Best Airport
Though airports are more of a gateway than a destination, Singapore’s award-winning Changi Airport has grown to be a landmark that travellers and locals alike love, given its gorgeous design and extensive retail and dining options. Guests flying into the airport in 2024 will have something new to look forward to – a newly revamped Terminal 2.
After being closed for three and a half years, the terminal reopened in November 2023 with an expansive biophilic design that includes a lush indoor garden and a fish pond, along with a host of new retail experiences.
Doing a little pre-flight shopping? Check out new local retailers like Baker’s Well and Lynk Fragrances. There is also a wealth of dining options including Chutney Mary, Peach Garden as well as Jones The Grocer, a premium supermarket.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Singapore, visit the official website.
