All tagged Singapore
Could your idea of a dream Asian holiday be a three-week bar hop visiting some of the best cocktail bars in Asia? If so, here’s an itinerary that you can combine with visits to some of the most exciting cities in Asia, enjoying their cultural and culinary delights during the day, and dressing up for a relaxing evening to sample exquisite cocktails created by Asia’s best mixologists using local ingredients blended with traditional spirits.
Are you a first-time or infrequent traveller to Asia and wondering which countries are the safest to visit? No country is 100 percent safe, but this guide will tell you which are the safest to start with and what to look out for in those countries. The guide is based both on institutional rankings and the personal experience of a long-time traveller who has visited them all.
Asia is home to many superstitions and beliefs, some of which date back centuries. Whilst many Westerners may scoff at the rituals that supposedly bring health, wealth and happiness, millions of people continue to follow traditions to bring luck that have been handed down through generations. We take a look at some of the rituals you’ll likely come across in the coming months.
Booking train, bus and ferry tickets in Asia can be difficult if you are not familiar with the routes and transport operators, but online booking apps and websites can make the task much easier. But with hundreds of such online ticketing platforms vying for your business, how can you tell which are the best ones to use. We take a look at reviews of these sites to determine which are the most reliable.
The Thailand tourism authorities have come in for a lot of criticism in recent months for not being able to handle the volume of Thailand Pass applications that were made once destinations were opened to international tourists under their ‘Test & Go’ and ‘Sandbox’ schemes for vaccinated travellers. But now there’s evidence that the backlog has been cleared and travellers are receiving their Thailand Passes within the seven days promised.
Southeast Asia has many colonial hotels with rich and varied histories. There are some that once hosted well known literary figures, stars of stage and screen, and were instrumental in the lives of foreign correspondents whilst covering wars in Southeast Asia. Those travellers who love literature and reminiscences of bygone eras will find these hotels worth a visit.
In a recent awards list of the top 100 sustainable tourist destinations in the world, 22 in Asia were recognised for their efforts in providing tourism experiences that had a positive impact on the local environment or culture. Many of these will appeal to older travellers seeking destinations that are off-the-beaten-track and travel experiences that are supporting local communities.
Singapore has always shone, especially as a shopping mecca. However, this small island nation has much more than streets and malls of bright, shiny branded shops vying for our attention. Abounding in colourful culture, exotic foods, rich history, exciting animals, tropical gardens and golden beaches, Singapore has something for everyone.
Asia offers some of the best luxury train experiences in the world with Japan and India leading the field. Travelling by train provides the opportunity to enjoy scenery and sights at a leisurely pace with onboard fine dining and entertainment. Many multi-day journeys offer tours at stopovers to interact with locals and visit places of historic and cultural interest.
Asian airports have always ranked well in the annual Skytrax awards, but this year Singapore’s Changi has been knocked from its top perch by two others in the region. Here’s a rundown of where the top Asian airports have ranked in the 2021 awards, so if you have to spend time at any of these Asian airports, at least you know you’ll be staying amongst the world’s best.
Singapore’s Sentosa Island is widely promoted as a destination for young people and families, but the island also has a lot to offer older travellers. There is an interesting fort and heritage buildings to explore, walking trails, boardwalks and cycling paths offering scenic views of the city and harbour, clean beaches, award-winning golf courses and plenty of eating places from fine dining to street food.
Travelling solo in Asia may not be for everyone – especially for older females – but for those who enjoy time on their own, it can be liberating and rewarding. It enables you to travel at your own pace, do what you want to do, when you want, and change your schedule whenever you feel like it. With a few sensible safety precautions, solo travel in Asia can be a safe and enjoyable experience for anyone.
Singapore’s Little India is a vibrant district full of colour, culture, atmosphere and vitality. It’s best explored on foot and there’s a lot for older travellers to enjoy from temples, mosques, art exhibitions, historical places, great shopping and of course a wide variety of food from many regions of India.
Singapore’s popular Night Safari has reopened after a four-month closure caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. With international tourism yet to resume, it will be a while before foreign travellers can again visit this attraction. But people planning a trip to Singapore at some time in the future may want to add it to their list of things to see. It’s been operating for more than 25 years and remains one of the country’s most popular attractions. It’s a user-friendly experience for older travellers.
If you have an overnight stopover in Singapore on a journey through Asia, and you are looking for somewhere quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then why not try Changi Village. It’s close to the airport and offers some easy habourside walks for exercise, or if you have half a day to spare, a 15 mins boat ride takes you to Pulau Ubin, a tranquil island sanctuary where you can cycle or just relax and enjoy nature.
With some countries opening up in Asia, but no way to get there because many airlines have grounded their international flights, small group travel on private jets offers a way around the restrictions for those who can afford it. We take a look at what one Singapore charter operator is doing to help travellers get around the region.
