7 Reasons to Visit Singapore in 2024

We don’t know about you, but we’re desperate for flavoursome cuisine. Think tantalising chilli crab, juicy Hainanese chicken rice and mouth-watering satays. Indeed, thanks to its multicultural heritage (more on that later), you can sample myriad food styles here, from Chinese fare to Peranakan cuisine. Head for foodie hubs like Little India, Chinatown and Joo Chiat/Katong for some real flavour. And let’s not overlook the drink options either – this is the birthplace of the much-loved Singapore Sling after all. Be sure to visit Raffles Singapore, where this fruity cocktail was first conceived, or visit one of many rooftop and speakeasy bars, such as 1-Altitude or Native bar.

Singapore is a heady collection of cultures, perfect for all ages and travel types. You only need look at its vibrant festival calendar to feel it – visit in May for Hari Raya Puasa, August for Singapore National Day and October/November for Diwali. And that barely scratches the surface. As well as the four ethnic precincts showcasing each of the diverse cultures of Singapore, there’s also a plethora of stunning religious buildings. No visit here is complete without seeing the towering Sri Mariamman Temple, stepping inside the bright red stupa of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, worshipping Chinese sea goddess Mazu at Thian Hock Keng, and venturing through the gates of Little India’s Abdul Gafoor Mosque.

Like us, you may be looking to improve the environmental footprint of the way you travel in post-pandemic. Well, you’re in luck, because Singapore is BIG on sustainability. According to The Environmental Performance Index, it ranked second in Asia-Pacific for its environmentally-friendly practices. Indeed, the city-state has its own Green Mark scheme to encourage greener buildings, offers a range of planet-conscious food options, and is planning several reliable and green energy solutions, including the world’s largest floating solar panel bed, located to the north of the island.

It’s also heavily involved in sustainable water initiatives and boasts its own ‘Hydro-Hub’ to help collect, reuse and desalinate every drop of water. And let’s not forget Singapore’s abundant green spaces too – from the towering Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay and the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens, to more hidden retreats such as the rustic, tranquil island of Pulau Ubin where you can explore the diverse ecosystem by bike. You can even go trekking through MacRitchie Reservoir Park in search of long-tailed macaque monkeys. There aren’t many places where you can be in the heart of the city and hear the sounds of cars and the gruff squawks of hornbills at the same time.

We had a pretty good summer in the UK last year – remember when it got to 30 degrees? Bliss. But in Singapore it’s warm all. the. time. Blissful humidity, sun and plenty of pools to cool off in (Marina Bay Sands we’re looking at you). December to June is the best time to visit, with February-April being the city-state’s main dry season but, honestly, we’d be happy with the weather here anytime.

Thanks to social distancing (or should it be no thanks?), making human connections is now more important than ever. Thankfully the people in Singapore are exceptionally friendly. Indeed, when you’re exploring you’ll experience authentic hospitality, light-heartedness and kindness across hotels, restaurants and attractions alike.

A big part of Singapore’s successful approach to coronavirus was its SG Clean certification programme. This initiative is all about encouraging a clean culture – from regular hand washing to a slew of other important hygiene habits, not to mention protocols for public places, such as hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. So, whether you’re exploring Singapore Zoo or venturing through Gardens by the Bay, you can rest assured that all the high-touch areas are good to go.

Want Singa-more? Chat with an Expert about adding a Singapore stopover to your holiday.