Do you miss travelling more now that the March holidays are coming up? We totally get that feeling.
According to the regional marketing director of online travel agency Klook Mr Marcus Yong, the top three Asian destinations for the Singapore travellers are Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea. It’s time to put Singapore and its multicultural diversity to the test – we hunted, found these immersive travel and dining places, and ventured outside Asia. Expect to see the Orient Express and even an all-around-the-world experience!
1. Japan
Maybe you miss the iconic Japanese temples in Kyoto. The pure white stones, serene surround sound, faraway birds chirping…
One pocket of peace lies within the Japanese Gardens near Chinese Garden MRT.
Once your soul has been satiated, perhaps your stomach is calling. One of the most famous Japanese restaurants with the ~vibes~ is Koma Singapore at Marina Bay Sands, complete with orange torii gates and a footbridge over a reflective pool. Plus, an incredible menu.
Doesn’t the food look absolutely appetising?
2. Hong Kong
There’s a famous stretch of pavements along Pearl Harbour Bay in Hong Kong known as the Avenue of Stars. While there are no celebrity cement handprints to be found in the pavements of Singapore, the Esplanade at an angle looks kind of Hong Kong-ish.
If you’re thinking of the night Hong Kong view, we have that too – at Jurong Point.
Don’t miss out on Hong Kong’s dim sum either, plus Instagrammable delights that will liven up your feed.
3. Taiwan
The hype for Shilin Night Market may have died down, but we haven’t forgotten it. The pandemic has been especially hard on the tourism and F&B industry, so we look to Shilin Night Market which has pulled back their sleeves and moved their market online.
From food to apparel to miniatures and to accessories, www.shilin.sg has adapted creatively in making their night market accessible.
If even the digital night market brings food that looks this good… well, what’s stopping you?
4. Bali
Yes to the Island of the Gods. Many escape to Bali for its volcanic beauty and rich rice fields.
Its famous Gates of Heaven can be found in Singapore with a liberal dash of imagination in the Sang Nila Utama Garden.
We think we’ve just been transported to another world.
5. Europe
Why stick to Asia when you can fly beyond?
With Singapore being a melting pot of cultures, don’t be surprised that you can get the European travel experience right here, right home.
The famous Orient Express train has made a stop in Singapore with the “Once Upon A Time on The Orient Express” pop-up exhibition. Sip on fine English tea in the cafe or soak in the historical atmosphere from the carefully preserved 300 artifacts and documents. If an adventure is to your taste, roleplay as the famous detective Hercule Poirot in Agatha Christie’s mystery Murder on the Orient Express to solve the escape room!
You can check out more details at https://www.orientexpressexhibition.com/
To complete the immersive travel experience with the sophisticated, classy European fine dining vibes, Odette is your dream come true. It earned three Michelin stars in 2019 and was Asia’s best restaurant in 2020.
This fine dining experience will transport you away to a different world of flavours.
These pictures are leaving us hungry for more. Why not check out Odette’s site to make a reservation if you want to surprise a special someone with an unforgettable meal?
6. Go around the world
There’s also the option of being productive: travel and eat from around the world in one dining experience.
AndSoForth, better known as the “Around The World in 80 Days” immersive dining experience, brings you five delectable meals: donburi, dim sum, French stew, airy desserts, as well as a variety of wine and spirits. Their Instagram page on @AndSoForth makes our travel senses tingle.
Dive into this seafood-themed cuisine from ‘The Count of Lazarus Island’:
Besides entertaining your tastebuds, the 2.5-hour adventure includes a visit to seven themed rooms for about 20 minutes each. Go from the heights of a hot air balloon to the jungles of Calcutta, and time-travel to the 1800s Victorian England.
Look forward to travelling to other countries even while in Singapore
There are so many places to discover, even in Singapore.
Did any of these places tickle your travel bug? Why not snap some photos and trick your friends into believing that you’re overseas!
