Do
Cash: Ultimate Drive Singapore
The spendiest way to see Singapore is from behind the wheel of an exotic sports car. Hop into one of Ultimate Drive Singapore’s luxury vehicles, like a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder or a Porsche 911 Cabriolet ($960/hr), and cruise the coastline. If you prefer the view from the passenger’s seat, book a Singapore Explorer package which includes a driver that’ll take you on a custom tour.
Crunch: Central Catchment Nature Reserve
Head just an hour out of the city centre to find a pristine swath of nature that’s home to diverse animal and plant life. Explore over 20 kilometres of trails and boardwalks that wind along lowland forests and freshwater swamps. You could easily spend a day here communing with nature, but be sure to save time for the TreeTop Walk – a hanging suspension bridge – for a bird’s-eye view of the forest canopy. Admission is free and the reserve is accessible by public transit.
Stay
Cash: Sentosa Beach Villas
In the resort area of Sentosa, the swishest spot to kick up your feet is at the Beach Villas ($700 a night). Each boasts a rain shower, a freeform tub and a private sundeck. Or grab some friends and upgrade to the four-bedroom Palace with its own lap pool, private sauna room and entertainment room equipped with a karaoke system.
Crunch: V Hotel Bencoolen
If you’re the type of traveller who’d happily trade space for convenience, the V Hotel Bencoolen ($106) is calling your name. Rooms start at 150 square feet, which is just enough for a queen bed and a slim desk. Located right by the Bencoolen MRT, both the airport and city centre are easy to access. Views are impressive above the 10th floor.
Eat
Cash: Odette
Food meets art at Odette, one of two restaurants in Singapore to receive three Michelin stars in 2019. The modern French eatery, located in the National Gallery of Singapore, is inspired by chef Julien Royer’s grandmother. They serve colourful dishes that merge the traditional with the modern through multi-course set menus (starting at $180) of bay scallops with horseradish cream, ‘beak-to-tail’ pigeon and uni toast.
Crunch: Chinatown Complex
Singapore’s iconic dining experience is, thankfully, its most wallet-friendly. Hawker stalls in food-court like centres serve cuisines that reflect the city’s multicultural fabric – Malay, Chinese and Indian eats among them. Must-haves include laksa (noodles in a spicy fish broth), roti and satay skewers. The Chinatown Complex has over 260 stalls – one with a Michelin star – with most dishes from $3-$5.
