13 reasons why Singapore is the holiday you didn't know you needed

They do things differently in Singapore, which is why our near neighbour is such a great getaway. Discover the city's most memorable experiences, from canopy-level hiking trails to learning the secret rules of the food court. 

1. Savour your morning kopi

Get your caffeine hit with kopi, Robusta beans roasted in margarine and sugar. It is usually served with condensed milk, or you can ask for Kopi O (black with sugar), Kopi O Kosong (black no sugar) or Kopi C Kosong (evaporated milk, no sugar).

2. Explore some under-the-radar 'hoods 

Pastel-painted shophouses, vibrant murals and the colourful Peranakan culture — the twin neighbourhoods of Katong-Joo Chiat are packed with delights. The food is also great: try the Peranakan fare at Rumah Bebe or Kim Choo Kueh Chang.

3. Slide into a speakeasy

Look for the traditional Chinese medicine shopfront at Suntec City to find the hidden entry to one of Singapore's best bars, Synthesis, where both the food and drinks celebrate local flavours. 

4. Take a hike

It's the best-kept secret in town: the many walking trails showing off Singapore's green spaces. Try Henderson Waves at Telok Blangah Hill Park, an undulating canopy-level pedestrian walkway.

5. Snaffle the perfect souvenir

Traditional crafts and contemporary design collide at Supermama, a one-stop shop packed with playful products by local designers — from socks to porcelain plates.

6. Master hawker centre etiquette

They produce some of the city's best food, but hawker centres such as Lau Pa Sat and Chinatown Complex also have their own rules. Reserve your seat at a shared table by leaving a tissue packet there while you order (one packet per person).

7. Discover the 10 courts of hell

Many locals fondly remember childhood visits to Haw Par Villa, an outdoor park centred around Chinese mythology. It's wild and colourful and yes, the gates of hell are pretty scary.

8. Go for a spin

It's the most scenic bike path in town: the 10km route that unfurls along East Coast Park, with ocean views the whole way along. There are multiple places to rent a bike nearby.

9. Cool off with a rose milk

One of Singapore's favourite beverages is also its prettiest: bandung, which blends evaporated milk, rose syrup and water, served over lots of ice. Tastes as good as it looks!

10. Take a floating tour

Swap the coach for a bumboat on a different type of sightseeing tour. Once used for transporting goods around town, these sturdy vessels now offer scenic river tours.

11. Visit the forest in the sky

You might not expect to find a forest hundreds of metres in the sky but 1-Arden's Food Forest is a high-rise marvel, growing more than 150 different herbs, fruits and vegetables used in 1-Arden's restaurants.

12. Get your art fix

Housed in two national monuments — City Hall and the former Supreme Court — the beautifully restored historical landmarks that make up National Gallery Singapore are as much of an attraction as the art itself, boasting the world's largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art.

13. Eat local

Zi char is the comfort food locals crave — quick home-style meals served in small eateries. Most are found in the suburbs but Kok Sen on Keong Saik Road is a centrally located choice.

One easy way to experience all 13 reasons is to book your trip to Singapore now with Flight Centre.