While sleepless Singapore hums 24/7, neighbouring Bintan sets the scene for a dreamy beach escape. These two islands seem worlds apart. But with a fast ferry link between them, you can bundle both of them up into one short break. Our Travel Advisors have assembled this long-weekend itinerary combining the best sights and boutique hotels in Singapore and Bintan.
Although based on a small island, Singapore has spread outwards and upwards – with every year adding more eclectic sights and experiences to the intoxicating mix. From Changi Airport, you’ll be in the city centre in 30 minutes, ready to relax at your Singapore luxury hotel or strike out and explore.
Take in the temples of Chinatown, the spice stalls of Little India and the Islamic stores of Kampong Glam, which was home to the sultan during the colonial era. After this heady cocktail of culture, seek refuge in one of the city’s serene green spaces. The Botanic Gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the lungs of Singapore. Spread out over 74 hectares, this natural wonderland feels a world away from the city around it.
While many parts of Singapore are steeped in tradition, its innovation in landscape design is other-worldly. Walk across the OCBC Skyway that connects two futuristic Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay. If you’re visiting between 7 and 9pm, you might even catch a glimpse of the dazzling Garden Rhapsody Show.
Prepare to be dazzled at The Scarlet Singapore. Blending colonial heritage with bold colours and lavish décor, this historic hotel has an über-hip feel. Set in a heritage Chinatown building, it’s also close to the Central Business District. Or for clean lines and sleek designs, check in at Naumi, a cosmopolitan haven close to Kampong Glam, with a rooftop infinity pool and panoramic vistas.
Suggested stay 2 nights.
A far cry from the fast-paced hubbub of Singapore, Bintan provides a peaceful counterbalance to a few days in the city. Indeed, if you’re heading over at a weekend, you’ll be among plenty of Singaporeans seeking a few calm days at the beach. After a short ferry crossing, you step onto an island which pairs sensitively developed luxury resorts with authentic Indonesian culture.
Head back into the main island town, Tanjung Pinang, for a taste of local life – whether that’s just soaking up the atmosphere, or trying authentic grilled, spiced grouper fish from a food stall. Dart over to Senggarang to visit a Chinese village set above the water on stilts. Or immerse yourself in the landscape on a guided wildlife watching tour. In the midst of lush, green rainforest with monkeys calling overhead, the concrete jungle of Singapore will feel far away.
Suggested stay 3 nights.
Grab a taxi from Changi Airport into central Singapore for your first glimpse of city life. For getting to different neighbourhoods, there’s also the super-slick MRT system. The ferry to Bintan leaves from Tanah Merah Terminal, and takes around an hour – bear in mind, the crossing can get choppy during monsoon season. As always, ask our Voice Reservation Team for details about transfers or transport provided by individual hotels.
To book the hotels on this independent itinerary, get in touch with our Voice Reservation Team on 0800 0482 314 (UK) & 1-877-234-7033 (US). You can find a full list of our dedicated toll-free numbers here. We’re ready and waiting to plan luxury adventures 24 hours and day, seven days a week. So whenever inspiration strikes, just get in touch.
