Must See Singapore

This was another brief stopover in Singapore where we hit up the highlights and acclimated to the time change. Surprisingly, JAL upgraded us to business from Narita. The United business flight was nice, but JAL business class steps it up even further with a mattress insert and multi-course sushi. I guess status on United can actually get you free international business upgrades, despite what they tell you.

Like most itineraries, we arrived in Singapore very early in the morning, making the business flights all the more valuable. The number of late night/early morning food offerings has really expanded at the airport in Singapore, so killing time there before the metro opens is a much more palatable option these days. Now, if you’re planning a short stay in Singapore and your budget allows, there’s only one option for accommodations: The Marina Bay Sands. Staying anywhere else in the city-state, however nice, feels like you’re on the outside looking in. Apologies if that sounds like a sales pitch. Also on the agenda were visits to Gardens By the Bay, Little India & Chinatown, Hawker stalls, and shopping in Sentosa.

An interesting part this time was visiting Sri Mariamman Temple in time for afternoon pujas. Similarly, shopping in Little India proved to be a different and fun experience with someone accompanying you to provide proper context and explanations for a lot of things.

Singapore has been an easy stop to add with United because often flights there with a connection in Tokyo will be cheaper. Making a two-stop trip with Singapore can be done with minimal cost added. Singapore is also a hub for a few remote island destinations that will be on the radar in the coming years.