{"id":13509,"date":"2012-09-06T10:15:48","date_gmt":"2012-09-06T00:15:48","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=13509"},"modified":"2015-03-19T10:28:58","modified_gmt":"2015-03-19T00:28:58","slug":"stopover-blues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/stopover-blues\/","title":{"rendered":"Stopover blues"},"content":{"rendered":"

lastminute lovely Angela gives her top tips for busting stopover boredom in the sparkling city of Singapore.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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You\u2019re on your way to somewhere wonderful, or you\u2019re heading home after a much needed getaway, but there\u2019s that pesky stopover and hours of airport boredom before you can get to your destination.
\nNever fear! A stopover can be just what the doctor ordered, to stretch out your legs and do a little exploring. Singapore is a major stopover destination with flights to and from Oz; here is my guide to busting airport boredom and making the most out of Singapore in a day.
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All aboard <\/strong> \u2013 To get around the city for the day buy a Singapore Tourist pass, it costs roughly SGD$20 and can be bought from the airport MRT station. This pass will let you zip around the city in air conditioning<\/em> with unlimited rides on the MRT, LRT and basic bus services.
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The MRT is great for zipping around the city<\/p><\/div>\n

Botanic Gardens<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 If you are in the city early, then head to the gardens. Open from 5am to midnight daily, admission is free and its a great way to start the day before heading into the hustle and bustle of the city.<\/p>\n

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Bandstand in the Botanic Gardens<\/p><\/div>\n

The Artscience Museum<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Located on the beautiful Marina Bay waterfront, the museum is one of the most iconic buildings in Singapore. Currently exhibiting are Andy Warhol 15 minutes Eternal<\/em> and Harry Potter The Exhibition<\/em>.
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Being Andy Warhol!<\/p><\/div>\n

Nearby is the Ritz-Carlton Millenia<\/a><\/strong> – Feast your eyes on one of the best hotel art collections, possibly in the world. The hotel has over 4,200 pieces in its collection, and you can do a free iPod guided tour.<\/p>\n

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Portraits by Rainer Gross<\/p><\/div>\n

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Lithograph\/screen prints by David Hockney<\/p><\/div>\n

Sentosa Island<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Known as Asia\u2019s playground and home to Singapore\u2019s Merlion. Sentosa is great if you\u2019re travelling with small children or if you have more time on your hands than just one day.<\/p>\n

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Singapore’s Merlion at Sentosa<\/p><\/div>\n

Fancy yourself a high roller?<\/strong> Head to the Marina Bay Sands Casino<\/a> for a spin on the roulette wheel or a slap on the pokies. If your luck comes up then cash in your winnings and shop!
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The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 A shopping centre sure to surprise, it has some of the most luxurious and high-end stores including Bally, Fendi, Herm\u00e8s, Cartier and Tiffany & Co, just to name a few.
\nYou can also take a sampan ride along the canal on the ground floor, or go for a skate on the 600-square meter rink (just by the food court).
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After more local wares?<\/strong> Go to Bugis Street market for accessories, Chinatown night market for a cheap souvenir, Haji Lane for vintage clothing and jewellery and of course don\u2019t forget about the Great Singapore Sale<\/a> on every year around June.
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Something to eat<\/strong> \u2013 A visit to Little India is a must, your senses will be scintillated by the colours, smells and sights around you. For desert pick up a potong ice cream (ice cream sandwich) from one of the street carts dotted around Singapore.
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Take in all the extrodinary architecture<\/strong> \u2013 Not only are the sckyscraper of Singapore are marvel in themselves, there is also the public art and dotted around the cbd that makes this city so interesting. Let yourself wonder and you will find some interesting pieces along the way.
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Having a rest<\/p><\/div>\n

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Fan trees to keep you cool<\/p><\/div>\n

For the best view of the city<\/strong> head up to level 57 of the Skypark at Marina Bay Sands<\/a>, and treat yourself to a cocktail at Ku D\u00e9 Ta<\/a>. The almost 360\u00b0 view from the bar at sunset is absolutely stunning, but make sure you\u2019re wearing your glad rags as a dress code does apply.
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Explore the airport<\/a><\/strong> – There is free internet, a butterfly garden, free massage stations, cinema, rooftop pool and more, all in the airport terminal! If you don\u2019t want to venture out on your own there is even a free 2 hour guided tour of Singapore run by the airport.<\/p>\n

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The Rainforest lounge at Changi Airport<\/p><\/div>\n

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Changi Airport Singapore<\/p><\/div>\n

Want to stay longer in Singapore, or are dreaming of the Great Singapore Sale:<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n
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