Singapore ticks a lot of travel boxes for me – it’s a relatively short flight, with great food and beautiful hotels, and is relaxing, yet with plenty to do. I see it as a destination, rather than simply a ‘stopover’ on the way to Europe, and I’d love to see more Australians do the same.

My most recent trip was in February 2020, just before the world went into lockdown, with my partner Kristy, her parents and my mum, visiting from Israel.

Singapore is relatively small, so it’s easy to see a lot in a short time. I don’t usually like hop-on hop-off buses, but they let us explore many diverse pockets last time.

For food lovers, Singapore chilli crab is a must, especially with a cold Tiger Beer. Use the provided plastic bibs, as the crab is best eaten with your hands. Try Jumbo Seafood, which has a few outlets. Hainanese chicken rice – succulent poached chicken with fragrant rice – is an ideal light lunch while out in the Singaporean heat.

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Hawker markets are inexpensive and make you feel like a local. Satay Street (Boon Tat Street) next to Lau Pa Sat hawker market is a fun night out. Grab a table then order – but don’t forget which vendor has your order, there are so many!

The recently renovated Raffles serves a wonderful afternoon tea in the Grand Lobby. It features intricate sweet and savoury bites and tea, of course, but I like to add a glass of Champagne.

Violet Oon restaurant specialises in Peranakan cuisine, with delicious traditional-yet-modern food. After dinner at Violet Oon at Clarke Quay, you can wander down to the waterside.

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Odette at the National Gallery Singapore won the country’s best restaurant three years in a row in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. From the moment you walk in, you know you’re in for a treat.

The Andaz hotel rooftop bar, Mr Stork, is a great place for cocktails. And be sure to have an Indian meal in Little India.

For a compact city, Singapore offers so much to do! The SkyPark Observation Deck on the 57th floor of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel offers 360-degree city views.

The Gardens by the Bay light show is incredible. Go early and lie on the grass to watch the show unfold. I recommend the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, too.

Singaporeans are friendly, it’s safe and easy to get around and the steamy weather only makes you appreciate the beer and air conditioning more. Most of all, I love the food!

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