When work and life’s routines get the better of us, and when vacation time becomes such an elusive luxury, planning for quality rest and relaxation (R&R) in ideal travel destinations such as Singapore can sometimes be a pain, especially because there are just so many things to do and see. But, there’s no reason to fret or panic because we’ve got your quick Singapore getaway plan covered.
Experience Singapore in 3 days – explore the city’s elegant cosmopolitan vibe, its rich cultural heritage attractions, and the greener side of life. Here’s a 3-day Singapore guide for rest and relaxation…
3-day Travel Itinerary for Rest and Relaxation in Singapore
Day 1:
- Check in at the Raffles Hotel and take a morning stroll at the Civic District
Singapore is well-known for its multicultural roots and colours, and what better way to experience Singaporean heritage and culture than by heading right over to the Civic District where the luxurious Raffles Hotel can be located. Aside from its choice location, the 180-year old hotel will make for an ideal stay as it brims with rich history and decadence. It is also home to the Raffles Long Bar where the Raffles Sling, considered as the national drink of Singapore, was conceived. The hotel is also a stone throw’s away from astounding museums such as the National Gallery Singapore, which houses the largest art collection in Southeast Asia, and the Asian Civilizations Musem, where a large collection of historical artefacts from the region can be found.
- Treat yourself with a rejuvenating meal at Duxton Hill
Try some traditional Chinese delicacies such as red date muffins infused with herbs and health ingredients to energize the body at the Herbal Oasis just along Neil Road on Duxton Hill. Don’t forget to pair your snack with a soothing cup of herbal tea that has a ‘calming,’ ‘nourishing’ and ‘detoxifying’ effect on the body. Check out more dining options in the area such as authentic Korean food place, Supulae; the Latteria Mozarella Bar, a popular al-fresco dining spot; and Lucha Loco, a romantic, casual-dining Mexican garden bar and restaurant.
- Go for a stroll at the Marina Bay at night
Anyone travelling to Singapore should never pass the chance to drop by Marina Bay as it is considered one of the country’s most happening and exciting places to visit to shop, dine and unwind. Plenty of choice retail boutiques line up the vast wings of The Shoppes at Marina Bay. If shopping isn’t really your thing, then you can head over to the Gardens by the Bay to catch a breath of fresh air and to indulge in nature.
Day 2:
- Get on board the Singapore Flyer
Start your day by taking in a fresh bird’s eye view of the city at a height of 165 metres and then check out the Singapore Flyer’s Tourist Hub to get on the FunVee Open Top Bus tour for a convenient way to get around the city and explore some of Singapore’s most well-loved tourist attractions such as the Singapore Botanic Garden, the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Merlion Park, and the beautiful Buddhist temples in Chinatown.
- Stop by the Vineyard at HortPark for a bite
Commune with nature and grab a satisfying meal inside a 9-hectare agricultural green park at the Vineyard at HortPark. The French-Italian deli is adorned with rustic and classic design furniture including antique counters and table tops, and an impressive collection of choice wines. The place also has a charming garden veranda where you can share a hearty meal or a drink with close friends and family on a warm, sunny day. Afterwards, you can explore the rest of HortPark by going on a green tour or by joining the gardening workshop, which are available on location.
- Take some time to heal your mind and body at Yunomori Singapore
Drop by Yunomori Onsen & Spa for a warm, rejuvenating soak in their mineral-rich onsen (hot spring bath) which are said to have natural healing and detoxifying properties. After you’ve warmed and relaxed your body at the Yunomori bath, it’s time to loosen those tense and sore muscles with either an aroma or Thai massage that perfectly goes with an herbal pack to calm and refresh your nerves as well as to promote skin health. It’s the perfect way to end the night and to get ready and refreshed for another day of fun travel in Singapore.
Day 3:
- Go for an art trail walk around Orchard Road
After you’ve picked up your breakfast (because it is the most important meal of the day!), go for a little stroll around Orchard Road (consider this as your exercise after) and feast your eyes at the many art attractions within the area. You’ll be surprised to find brilliant art pieces situated in front of popular hotels and shopping malls such as the Harmony Fountain just in front of the Regent Singapore Hotel, and Nutmeg & Mace (2009) by Kumari Nahappan by the ION Orchard’s main entrance. To make your little exploration more fulfilling, don’t forget to bring your phone or camera to take a couple of memorable snapshots of your surprise finds.
Once you’ve had your visual fix of these city attractions, you can just head over to nearby shopping centres (which is A LOT in Orchard Road) to cool down a bit or go for a quick meal before you go shopping.
- Go (a little) crazy shopping at Orchard Road
While Orchard Road is most astonishing at night, we advise that you get your shopping fix a little earlier so you have more time to look around for priced items and souvenir pieces from your Singapore trip. You can check out some souvenir items in NAIISE, a local design shop at Orchard Gateway which offers quirky and original Singaporean merchandises such as Merlion plush toys and tote bags with fun Singlish designs. From quirky and casual to trendy and high-end, the 2.2 kilometre shopping road certainly has something for everyone what with all the mega malls and boutique shops that line up for several blocks down the extension. So, hopefully, the “early shopping” tip makes sense by now.
- Check out the happenings by the Singapore River at night.
Once you’ve already packed your bags, don’t miss out the chance to experience watching the Singapore sunset on a traditional bumboat when you go on board a river cruise across the Singapore River.
Afterwards, grab some comforting traditional Chinese food at Tunglok Signatures at The Central, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the river, or either choose from a 5 or 7-course chef’s set menu at The Kitchen at Bacchanalia, a Michelin-starred restaurant along Hong Kong Street, which is also a just short walk from the river. And while you’re at it (or as time permits), you can also check out the bustling night scene at Clark Quay.
Making the most of a planned vacation trip is one of the most fulfilling experiences any traveller could have, not to mention the precious sights and memories from the trip itself. There is still much to see and experience in Singapore, depending on your travel circumstances. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, there’s so much to look forward to on your visit to Singapore.