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Good Service with Guru Again.

This is the second time that I have used Guru Travel following a recommendation from a friend. Paul has always responded swiftly to my initial email enquiry and provided good options and service. Paul and Emily have then answered any further questions after booking a holiday promptly and ensured that I am aware of any travel requirements for the holiday destination. I am highly likely to use them again in the future.

Date of experience : April 15, 2023

Excellent team to deal with!

We booked with Guru for Singapore and the Maldives for our honeymoon. We found the service and all information provided to be excellent. The planning and booking process was seamless. We hadn’t used Guru before but will be again. There was an issue with airport transfers but they are working hard to resolve this, after the event, which was not in their control. A good example of after-sales care. The whole trip was wonderful and Paul sent lots of options for us to choose from. Our stay at Varu by Atmosphere in the Maldives was paradise. Highly recommend.

Date of experience : January 01, 2023

Nothing is too much trouble. You are their most important person.

We have been booking our holidays with Guru Travel Group for the last 7 years. They are Award Winning Sandals Resort specialists in the Caribbean. Their knowledge, experience and service is exceptional. Nothing is too much trouble for them. They will ensure your holiday is perfect from start to finish. We have booked holidays to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, the Indian Ocean resorts and also numerous cruises. We have visited many of Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean. We often bump into other Guru Travel clients when we are at Sandals!! Everyone we have met have always spoken very highly of them. We are off to Orlando, Florida shortly on a 4 week luxury break. Their knowledge of the best hotels is excellent particularly if you want something special like my wife’s birthday. Thank you Emily and Paul at Guru Travel.

Date of experience : October 27, 2022

Guru Travel - Fab!

Guru Travel are a great company to deal with. We have just completed our second holiday that was booked with them and will definitely be using them again in the future. We had a lot of troubles with our first booking which was moved several times due to Covid but Emily & Paul were great, nothing was too much trouble.

Date of experience : March 15, 2023

West Coat America Road Trip

A massive THANK YOU to Guru Travel, Paul & Emily for putting together such an amazing trip for us. All hotels were lovely, great advise and amazing customer service. Guru Travel, made our trip so easy. I would hightly recommend.

Date of experience : October 12, 2023

First Class Service ⭐️

We have been booking with Guru since 2016 and always had excellent service. We have visited much of the Indian Ocean, and many of the Sandals resorts in the Caribbean. We had a holiday to Turks and Caicos booked for March 2020 at the start of the pandemic, Paul and Emily put us at complete ease in all the madness, kept in regular contact and smoothly reorganised for us. I have no hesitation at all in recommending Guru travel and would always book with them. A big THANK YOU for all the wonderful holidays and look forward to many more.

Date of experience : January 30, 2023

The company are excellent-they are…

The company are excellent-they are polite, and they can do enough for you. Nothing is too much trouble, and they always take the time to respond to even the smallest question. Have used before, and would thoroughly recommend them.

Date of experience : August 08, 2023

Can we give 6 stars for Guru ⭐️

We have used Paul and Emily for over 7years and totally recommend them. Not only organising our many sandals trips, but also the states adventure including all internal and international flights. Total pleasure to deal with and have recommended them to many of our friends to use

Date of experience : February 09, 2023

5 star service all the way from guru…

5 star service all the way from guru travel. From the best price around to the effortless booking process, taking care of all aspects of the booking. Their turnaround times and communication is excellent. They are extremely knowledgeable about their holidays and trust this travel agent with all my future bookings.

Date of experience : February 17, 2023

Brilliant trip to Maldives and Dubai

Brilliant trip to Maldives and Dubai, all done through guru travel, they were brilliant throughout and always available for any questions. Highly recommend booking through them.

Date of experience : September 19, 2023

5 star service will use again and again!

I could not recommend this company enough!! We had the most amazing honeymoon was perfect from start to finish! This company couldn’t do enough for us when booking up and they were so patient with trying to get us the best available options which checking different things for us which I can only imagine was time consuming! The communication was spot on and they were always there to answer questions/give us an insight into where we were staying due to having stayed there before so that was good! We will definitely be using this company again for future bookings and I can’t wait!! Thanks again so much for your service and thank you for our lovely message in our honeymoon suite!

Date of experience : April 27, 2023

Paul and his team have once again…

Paul and his team have once again helped make our trip to Grenada a great one .It is very important to me that there is someone I can pick up the phone to discuss any problems or get advice and know they will be sorted out seamlessly Looking forward to our next trip to Grenada in September

Date of experience : June 13, 2023

Recently booked a holiday to sandals…

Recently booked a holiday to sandals Barbados through guru travel. It was so easy and hassle free to book and all the information is sent over to you. We had extra special upgrades included on our holiday and after meeting and speaking to other guests on our holiday no one could believe what a good deal we got compared to what they had paid. I will definitely be using for all my future bookings and will recommend to all my family and friends.

Date of experience : January 18, 2023

Guru Travel - absolutely awesome

If I could give Guru travel 10 stars, I would. I cannot fault the service at all and highly recommend everyone to use them. Paul and Emily provide a truly personal service, and will not be beaten on price. I would not book another holiday with anybody else apart from them. We have booked numerous Sandals holidays with them, we’ve been to Australia, Fiji, and the Maldives, and have never had a bad trip. The fact the Paul and Emily are so well traveled, and have such a great reputation with Sandals, means that you get a really brilliant holiday and if you don’t, you just need to let them know whilst you’re still on site and they will contact the resort for you. That’s service!

Excellent Service

Paul and Emily have arranged three holidays for us so far. One was booked before lockdown and had to be amended a few times. The service they gave was excellent and always replied to my queries quickly. My last holiday was in the Maldives in November 2022. Again, superb service.

Date of experience : November 18, 2022

Excellent Travel Company

We always use Guru to arrange our Caribbean holidays. They are extremely helpful and very knowledgable. They will help with any request and are quick to deal with all queries. Would definitely recommend.

Date of experience : February 10, 2023

Guru Travel were exceptional

Guru Travel were exceptional! Every question answered quickly and superb advice given. I would definitely be using you in the future ! Thank you again. Liana and family.

Date of experience : August 21, 2023

Exceptional customer service

We have booked our upcoming May holiday to the Caribbean with Guru travel. The service we have received from enquiring through to the booking has been exceptional. Emily & Paul clearly put the customer experience first. Would highly recommend.

Date of experience : February 18, 2023

Better than a 5 star service

Having decided we wanted a tailor made trip to Thailand I knew there was only one travel company that I would trust and Guru Travel did not disappoint. Having used them before for many Caribbean holidays this was the first time we had ventured East. Paul was so knowledgable and gave us loads of ideas. Once we had settled on our plans he provided us with accommodation choices and then organised all our flights and private transfers. Any time I had a question, the team responded quickly and were so helpful. They pride themselves on their customer service and quite rightly so. Nothing was too much trouble. I can’t praise Paul and Emily enough. Thank you again for helping us have such a fantastic time.

Date of experience : March 02, 2023

We have used Guru Travel multiple times…

We have used Guru Travel multiple times to book our Sandals holidays. As they’re certified Sandals experts they’re always able to get us the best deal and price! And Paul is always so kind and helpful! Highly recommend!

Date of experience : November 09, 2022

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Asia & South Pacific Vacations

EXPLORE THE EASTERN HORIZONS WITH GURU TRAVEL – YOUR ASIA AND SOUTH PACIFIC TRAVEL EXPERTS At Guru Travel, we create more than just vacations – we weave experiences that resonate with your preferences. Whether you are a history enthusiast eager to navigate through the wonders of Cambodia and Vietnam, a couple planning a romantic retreat to the idyllic islands of Fiji and Tahiti, or an adventurist, eager to conquer the dynamic landscapes of Japan and Thailand, we are here to make your travel dreams come alive.

EMBRACE THE DIVERSITY OF ASIA AND SOUTH PACIFIC Travel is about cherishing experiences that mark the soul. Imagine stepping back in time in the historical landscapes of Vietnam and Cambodia, soaking in the contemporary charm of Japan, embracing the idyllic island life in Fiji and Tahiti, or immersing in the rich culture and scenic beauty of Thailand. With Guru Travel, every moment of your journey is tailored to highlight the distinct allure of these captivating destinations.

EXPERIENCE THE EASTERN CHARM WITH GURU TRAVEL From the vibrant streets of Japan to the tranquil beaches of Fiji and Tahiti, our detailed planning ensures a meaningful journey blending seamlessly with your pace and style. Experience the bustling energy of Thailand, the historic grandeur of Vietnam and Cambodia, and the serene beauty of South Pacific islands in a truly exceptional way. Your personal Asia and South Pacific adventure with Guru Travel awaits!

At Guru Travel, we believe in a world full of possibilities – let’s explore it together!

Crafted for You

THAILAND, VIETNAM, CAMBODIA, JAPAN, FIJI, AND TAHITI– YOUR DREAM, OUR PASSION

At Guru Travel, we bring to the table our expertise in designing travel experiences that cater to your unique interests and comfort levels. Be it a luxurious retreat in the lush landscapes of Thailand, a historical tour in Vietnam, diving deep into the cultural treasures of Cambodia, experiencing modern wonders in Japan, or relaxing under the tropical palms in Fiji and Tahiti, we craft it all aligning with your preferences.

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The ULTIMATE Singapore Travel Guide

A vibrant, bustling city, Singapore combines all the charm of South-East Asia with the wonder of the modern world. One minute you’re wandering past high-end storefronts on Orchard Road and the next, you’re tucking into the island’s very best food, elbow to elbow with locals at a Hawker Centre. From unique cultural experiences and a fascinating history to unbelievably good food and modern-day fun, there’s a lot to see, do and eat in Singapore . A popular transit hub, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself transiting through this eclectic country at one point or another. Whether it’s a stopover or a longer stay, Singapore has a lot to offer travellers. To help you #TravelWell here’s our ultimate guide to Singapore!

Planning your trip? ••• Hotels, we use Agoda Rentals: Discover Cars Transfers: Welcome Pickups Insurance: Cover-More SIM Cards: Simify

Where possible, I register as an affiliate for anything I use and recommend. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click these links and make a purchase I may earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and in some cases, these links may even unlock savings or give you additional bonuses I’ve negotiated. You can find out more about this  here  and  here .

You might also like to read:

• The BEST guide to visiting Jewel at Changi Airport in Singapore
• The best (and worst) places to stay in Singapore…
• Where to stay in Singapore: Swissôtel The Stamford

Where is Singapore?

You’ll find Singapore located just off the tip of the Malay Peninsula , about one degree north of the equator. It is comprised of one main island with a number of smaller islets and islands forming part of the country too. Established as a trading post of the British Empire in 1819, Singapore has long been a port for travellers and that unique history continues today as more than 65.6 million passengers pass through Changi Airport each year.

How to get to Singapore

To get there we fly direct from Australia to Singapore with Singapore Airlines with a flight time of around 8 hours. Owing to its central location there are many airlines with flights to Singapore but, for us, Singapore Airlines is always our first choice. We’ve experienced Singapore Airlines economy, premium economy and business class and have found, no matter where you sit on the plane, the service is always the same! There’s a consistent approach to customer service that makes you feel like your needs matter. The staff are always so welcoming, friendly, patient, kind and attentive. There’s genuine pride in working for the airline, which flows through into the customer service we, as guests, receive.

In addition, we find the seats are very comfortable, there’s always a great selection of entertainment (featuring tv shows and movies you actually want to watch!) and the food is delicious too. They offer a great range of meals for dietary requirements (note: if you love Indian cuisine you should try the Indian vegetarian meals, they’re fantastic). A full-service airline, our luggage and seat selection are included in our fare, which makes the experience all the more stress-free. If you’re planning a trip and looking for an airline recommendation we highly recommend Singapore Airlines and fly with them every chance we get.

Read: 

• Is Premium Economy worth it?
• 6 Thoughts I had flying Business Class

Is Singapore a safe destination for travellers?

Singapore is renowned for being a safe destination for residents and travellers alike. As someone who has lived in Singapore and travelled there repeatedly, I have never had an experience that has made me feel unsafe in any way. When we’re in Singapore we have no hesitations about withdrawing cash from an ATM late at night or wandering around with our cameras out. With that said, it’s always important to be mindful wherever you travel in the world so we follow the same basic safety principles as always. We’re mindful to keep our belongings where we can see them at all times and use our hotel room safe to store valuable items.

Is Singapore a budget-friendly destination?

If I had never lived in Singapore I would have been of the opinion it is an expensive destination. This is due to the cost of accommodation, alcohol, some experiences and restaurants as well as Singapore’s famous high-end shopping scene. But there are many layers to Singapore and, in my opinion, some of the best experiences are the least expensive. Instead of eating at restaurants for every meal try eating at Hawker Centres dotted across the island. Here, you can feast like a King for under SG$10!

The best food on the island is found in Hawker Centres so not only will you save money, you’ll be trying authentic local cuisine. The alcohol tax means booze prices are high so try taking advantage of your hotel’s club lounge benefits as they usually include two or three-hour-long happy hours where drinks are free! In place of catching taxis or ride-shares around the island, get yourself an EZ-Link Card and catch the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) instead. The train system in Singapore is incredibly easy to figure out and use. It’s also very safe, clean and affordable.

10 Must-know tips for visiting Singapore

Here are a few things you really need to know before you travel to Singapore:

• The local currency is the Singapore Dollar (SG$) and no other currency is accepted (i.e. US Dollars). Downloading a free currency conversion app that works offline, like  XE Currency , will come in very useful!
• Singapore has four official languages; English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil but there’s a fifth unofficial language; Singlish! This unique hybrid of English and local dialect influences is a beloved part of Singapore. When talking to locals the speed at which they talk may make it seem as though they aren’t speaking English but listen closely and your ears will adapt. Before you know it, you’ll be adding ‘lah’ and ‘ah/uh’ to your sentences, calling people Aunty and Uncle and clipping your sentences (it kinda reminds me of that episode of The Office where Kevin starts cutting out unnecessary words!).
• While Singapore’s laws are very strict, I often hear people express worry they’ll be arrested for things like accidentally dropping a food wrapper. Don’t worry, it’s not like that! If you do litter, just pick it up and put it in the trash.
• The heat and humidity in Singapore can be very intense, especially if you aren’t used to it or are coming from a cold climate. Trust me, you don’t want to underestimate it. To avoid heatstroke and exhaustion you may want to plan to do your sightseeing in the mornings and afternoon/evenings, outside of the hottest parts of the day. Use sun protective gear (I always carry an umbrella to shade me), rest often, and drink lots of water.
• While cards are widely accepted, you’ll want to make sure you have cash on you if you’re visiting Hawker Centres as it’s unlikely they’ll take your card for payment.

• There’s a large expat community in Singapore, which makes it even more multicultural than it already was to begin with! As a result, you’ll find a broad range of restaurants and bars catering to just about every nationality you could think of. It also means it’s a great place to meet people from all over the world and make new friends.
• With so many expats living in Singapore and many business deals going down over drinks, Singapore’s nightlife scene is kind of epic! So, if you do love to party, you’re in for a real treat.
• While Singapore is renowned for it’s super safe, squeaky-clean image, there is a ‘red-light district,’ in Geylang. Honestly, there are some pretty great restaurants there and I’ve never had a problem when I’ve visited! But, if you are keen to see Singapore’s ‘other side,’ head there after dark.
• You can easily visit Malaysia by catching the bus, walking or driving a car across the border. We used to do this a lot when I was living there, heading over to Johor Bahru for a day of shopping and great Malaysian food. Just beware, while the border control staff in Singapore are all above board, we have had situations where staff on the Malay side of the border sought bribes to allow us to enter or leave.
• Tipping isn’t required in Singapore, though you’re welcome to if you would like to, of course
• Read our full guide to 11 things to know before you go to Singapore here .

The best time to visit Singapore

Singapore is a great destination year-round. I often read articles talking about the different seasons and, yes, there are technically different seasons but there’s not really going to be a time to visit that will allow you to escape the heat altogether. Remember, earlier, when you read that bit about it being one degree north of the equator?! Yeah, that ain’t changing which means the heat ain’t changing either. With that in mind, planning a visit around January to March will see you coinciding with some of the island’s festivals like Chinese New Year and Holi. Singapore also comes alive from November to December with Deepavali (the festival of lights) and some absolutely epic Christmas and New Year celebrations!

How to get around in Singapore

In Australia, taxis are so expensive we rarely use them. In Singapore, they’re really well-priced which makes catching taxis around the island a viable transport option. Also, you’re very unlikely to get ripped off in a tourist scam as Singaporean taxi drivers run a fare meter. Make sure when you get in, the meter is started, just as a precaution. It’s also important to bear in mind that torrential afternoon downpours are common in the rainy months, coinciding perfectly with peak hours. This creates a huge demand for taxis which can make it virtually impossible to get one so, if this happens, public transport is a better option.

While Uber has been outlawed, you can use ‘Grab’ which is essentially the same thing. Just make sure you download the app and register an account before you leave home as you’ll need to verify your mobile number and, if you don’t’ have an international sim, won’t be able to do it once you arrive. The easiest and most affordable way to get around Singapore as a tourist has to be by public transport. Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is incredibly well organised, very clean, reliable, and easy to navigate. Catch the bus or train around the island paying for tickets as you go or pick up an EZ-Link card which can be topped up with credit to make it even easier!

Where to stay in Singapore

Given the size of the island and how easy it is to get around, you can’t really go wrong when choosing an accommodation spot. While it may be tempting to book a hotel right on Orchard Road, I would only recommend that location if you’re really into shopping. Otherwise, I’d recommend spots around the Downtown area. Ideally, you want to find a place right above or very close to an MRT station. Look for spots near City Hall, Esplanade, Raffles Place, Telok Ayer and Downtown MRT stations. Find great Singapore hotels here!

Swissôtel The Stamford

This hotel truly has it all and is our favourite place to stay in Singapore! Swissôtel The Stamford is perfectly located in-between two MRT stations, with one being directly below the hotel. There’s plenty of great food options close by, within easy walking distance and you could also do a lot of our exploring on foot, owing to its great location. Our favourite things about the hotel have to be the incredible views over the city, out to the water and beyond as well as the incredibly luxurious, modern rooms. Find Swissôtel The Stamford here and read my full review of it here.

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport 

We often find ourselves transiting through Singapore, with one or two days layover. In those instances, we love staying at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport. It only takes a few minutes to walk from baggage collection to the hotel reception and, before you know it, you’ve had a shower and are all cosied up in bed, relaxing. The rooms here are very spacious and well fitted out, with everything you could possibly need to have a great stay. Best of all, it’s located a short walk from Jewel at Changi Airport, has an awesome pool and an epic club lounge! We love visiting time and time again to reconnect with Raymond, the amazing Club Lounge manager who never forgets us. Find Crowne Plaza Changi Airport here.

If you love boutique hotel experiences you should definitely check out Amoy Hotel. Located in Singapore’s Central Business District, the Telok Ayer MRT is right outside the hotel’s unique temple entry-way. Inside the decor throws back to Singapore’s spice trade routes, with dark wood, vintage pieces, exposed brick, warm lighting and split-level rooms. With plenty of great food closeby, a distinct heritage feel and a convenient, central location, Amoy is a great base for your Singapore adventures. Find Amoy Hotel here.

Here are 8 more awesome places to stay in Singapore: 

• Marina Bay Sands
• The Fullerton Bay Hotel
• Rendezvous Hotel 
• Holiday Inn Express Orchard Road 
• Oasia Hotel Novena
• Shangri-La Hotel
• Village Hotel Katong
• Mandarin Oriental

15 Foods you must try in Singapore

Eating is pretty much a national pastime in Singapore! Honestly, I have to recommend that you eat as much food as possible, sampling from the broad range of cuisines on offer across the island. If you went to Singapore and didn’t stuff yourself… did you really do it right? I think not. Here are my tips on must-try food in Singapore. It’s important to note the very best food goes down at Hawker Centres so nearly all of these recommendations can be found at one of the many great Hawker Centres across the island, making them very budget-friendly.

• Start your day the traditional way with Kaya Toast , made from a sweet, coconut jam, and delicious silk-stocking tea or coffee
• Dive mouth-first into delicious dumplings either from a Hawker Centre or spots like Din Tai Fung , Mouth or 126 Eating House
• If you love noodles, be sure to sample Char Kway Teow , a delicious combination of flat rice noodles, dark soy sauce, egg, seafood/sausage and more
• You absolutely must try fried carrot cake , one of my favourite Singaporean dishes! Interestingly, it is not  a cake and does  not  contain any carrot!
• The perfect mix between fresh, spicy and sweet, Rojak is a tropical fruit and vegetable salad perfect for something light or as a vegetarian option

• You cannot visit Singapore without trying Hainanese Chicken Rice at least once! It’s pretty much the national dish and they love it so much they made a whole Romeo and Juliet inspired movie about it.
• One of my all-time favourite things to eat in Singapore (and the world) is Masala Dosa . In my opinion, the very best one is from Komala Villas in Little India .
• Speaking of Little India, if you love curry be sure to head to the Banana Leaf Apolo for truly delicious curry and Indian fare.
• Another of my all-time favourite things to eat in life is Roti Prata , a crispy, delicious flatbread cooked over a grill and served with dipping curry.
• If you love chicken wings keep your eyes peeled for crispy, golden BBQ chicken wings or ‘teddy-bear wings’ found at Hawker Centres. The chilli they serve them with will blow your mind!

• Vegetarians and vegans will love sampling clay hotpot, which includes a mouth-wateringly good veggie gravy and loads of yummy veg and tofu too! They also have meat options, of course, for the carnivores.
• Head to Lau Pa Sat after dark and eat your way through the iconic ‘Satay Street’ where you can sample some of the islands very best satay, accompanied perfectly by gooey peanut satay sauce. Y-E-S!
• Singapore is famous for its incredible Chilli Crab. You’ll definitely get covered in crab juice but it’s worth it to sample the BBQ’d perfection and spices!
• If you’re feeling adventurous, BBQ Stingray is a local delight that will expand your horizons and it tastes absolutely amazing.
• It’s so hot in Singapore that ice creams and rich desserts don’t usually sit too well. Instead, try ice kachang! It’s essentially shaved ice topped with syrup, condensed milk, jelly, fruits and some pretty unique toppings like red kidney beans and even corn. Don’t knock it till you try it!
• Read our full guide on must-try food in Singapore here. 

8 of the best things to do in Singapore

There’s no shortage of wonderful things to do in Singapore! Here are a few to get you started:

• Soak in the very best views of the island from above by visiting rooftop spots like Pinnacle @ Duxton and 1-Altitude
• Visit the iconic Gardens by the Bay ; exploring the Cloud Forest , Flower Dome and spectacular Supertree Grove
• See a different side of Singapore by heading out to the East Coast Parkway to ride bikes and sit on the beach
• Make your way to Chinatown , visiting the incredible Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Maxwell Food Centre

• Spend a day exploring the vibrant streets and temples of Little India , making sure to check out the Tekka Centre and wet market
• Have an amazing day at the Singapore Zoo or a unique evening experience at the epic Night Safari
• Step back in time to the 1920s as you wander the gorgeous streets of Tiong Bahru , making a visit to the iconic Tiong Bahru Bakery
• Head over to Sentosa Island to visit Singapore’s beautiful beaches and visit Universal Studios for a fun-filled day
• Read our full guide to 16 Things you absolutely must do in Singapore here. 

What to pack for a trip to Singapore

Here’s what you need to pack for a trip to Singapore:

• Overall, you’ll want to pack clothing that is breathable. For Matt, this is usually shorts and a sweat-wicking t-shirt. For me, it’s usually summer dresses, cotton skirts and linen tops. It’s going to be hot and humid so make sure your clothing is going to allow your skin to breathe and keep you as cool as possible.
• I always recommend wearing high SPF sunscreen and a hat if you’re out exploring during the day
• In terms of footwear, I find we’re on our feet a lot in Singapore so we prefer to wear comfortable sneakers or breathable sandals
• Make sure you pack your swimmers so you can take advantage of the hotel pool!
• If you’re planning on dining out at nice restaurants, you’ll want to bring a few special outfits with you. Singapore is very fashion-forward so don’t be afraid to get all glammed up for a special dinner
• You will absolutely need a good quality, strong deodorant, especially if you typically sweat a lot as-is
• Surprisingly, I always recommend packing a really warm jumper or jacket . You see, to compensate for the heat, shopping malls, hotels etc. will have the air conditioning set to ‘freeze’ and you can quickly become very cold.
• Read our full guide on what to pack for a trip to Singapore here.

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Some of the experiences included in this guide were generously hosted by the brand/provider or Singapore Tourism Board. This guide was not paid for and all opinions, as always, are authentically our own. This post contains affiliate links. 

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Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is a southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, 137 kilometres (85 mi) north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia’s Riau Islands by the Singapore Strait to its south. The country is highly urbanised with very little primary rainforest remaining, although more land is being created for development through land reclamation.

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Singapore orders all employers to consider workers’ flexi-time requests

PUBLISHED : 22 Apr 2024 at 09:38

WRITER: Bloomberg

Workers in Singapore can now ask for four-day work weeks, more work-from-home days and staggered work timings starting from Dec 1, underscoring the global trend of governments and companies relaxing office arrangements in order to retain talent.

Employees will also be entitled to ask for other arrangements such as flexible work locations come the end of this year, according to the Ministry of Manpower’s website.

“Access to flexible work arrangements is often the main consideration for caregivers, women workers and senior workers when it comes to deciding to stay or return to the workforce,” said Yeo Wan Ling, co-chair of the Tripartite Workgroup.

While the guideline isn’t enforceable by law, it does require all firms in Singapore to set up a process for employees to submit a formal flexible-working arrangement request. Employers can reject the request on the grounds it would result in a significant worsening of productivity, a significant increase in cost or because it’s not feasible given the nature of the work.

Companies couldn’t however reject a request on the basis that it runs counter to a firm’s traditions or management simply doesn’t believe in such flexible work styles.

Singapore’s move is in line with other countries including Ireland and the United Kingdom, where governments require businesses to consider flexi-work requests.

While working from home became a mainstay during the pandemic, the practice has been on the decline as the world recovers from Covid and employers, mindful of expensive real estate sitting empty, demand staff get back to the office. But retaining more flexible arrangements may be good for business, with those giving employees freedom to choose how and where they work proven to attract talent at a faster rate and generate more revenue.

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New things to do in Singapore in 2024

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New things to do in Singapore in 2024. Photo / Singapore Tourism Board

Singapore has long had a reputation for being a stopover city, lacking in excitement, but times have changed and it’s anything but a sterile snooze these days, writes Katie Lockhart.

Thanks to a swath of shiny new hotels, attractions and finger-licking good food (and we don’t just mean chilli crab), Asia’s financial hub has never been more captivating. These latest additions to the Lion City aim to make Singapore not just a layover but a destination.

Try these new (and family-friendly) activities

From watching the light and sound show at Gardens By The Bay to sipping a Singapore Sling at The Raffles’ Long Bar, there are plenty of activities to fill your days and nights in Singapore. The city always has a burgeoning concert (*ahem*, Taylor) and event scene, but there’s also a handful of new attractions to add to your itinerary.

READ MORE: What it’s like to fly Singapore Airlines business class, from Auckland to Singapore

Spend a day at the beach

At first thought, sand and Singapore don’t seem to go together, but head to Sentosa and you’ll quickly change your mind. Opened in 2022, Central Beach Bazaar brings the carnival to the beach with retro games, a boutique and international food trucks . You’ll also catch Singaporeans bringing their kids to the Sentosa Musical Fountain, a beloved water show from the 1980s.

Soar over Sentosa in style

The Singapore Cable Car is celebrating 50 years with brand new SkyOrb Cabins. Hop in one of seven of the “world’s first chrome-finished spherical cable car cabins” and marvel at the emerald waters from its glass bottom. Anyone afraid of heights may want to stay behind.

Get your chocolate fix

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets Asia at Mr Bucket Chocolaterie , which opened on Dempsey Road a few years ago. This bean-to-bar chocolate factory prides itself on sourcing its cacao from sustainable farms throughout Asia. Sweet-toothed travellers can come here for souvenirs, daily tours or to make chocolate slabs with toppings like potato chips and popping candy.

Bird watching but not as you know it

Singapore has loads of green space; in fact, it’s one of the world’s greenest cities. Bird Paradise, which opened in Mandai Wildlife Reserve last year, is home to more than 3500 vibrant birds such as the Papuan hornbill and king penguins. Animal lovers can walk through eight different aviaries, marvelling at 400 rare and unique species from across the globe.

The latest and greatest places to stay

Home to nearly every major hotel brand on Earth, Singapore has no shortage of iconic places to stay, from The Raffles to the newly updated Mandarin Oriental. With a focus on “going green”, many of the latest arrivals are helping the country achieve its lofty goals of net-zero hotel emissions by 2050.

Pan Pacific Orchard

One of the city’s most sustainable hotels, the Pan Pacific Orchard takes the green ethos to another level. From the cascading plants to the shade of the staff’s suits to the marble lining the floors, everything here is green. Opened last year, its 206 rooms reflect Singapore’s four environments: forest, beach, garden and cloud. Its massive open-air lobby and 14,000 square metres of foliage and water features make you feel far removed from any kind of concrete jungle.

21 Carpenter

The city’s latest edition is arguably its coolest. Converted from a 1930s remittance house, this boutique hotel has just 48 impeccably styled rooms. Blending old and new, the rooms feature heritage touches with sleek custom-made furniture. The hotel’s lush, open garden terrace is the perfect place to relax with a book, and its rooftop infinity pool has unobstructed views of Marina Bay Sands.

Mondrian Singapore Duxton

Arguably the most exciting opening of 2023 , the 302-room Mondrian hired a unique group of individuals, from a former inmate to a former Olympian, to work inside this quirky art-filled hotel. While the design and spacious shophouse-style suites are eye-catching, the big draw is the hotel’s rooftop pool with skyscraper views.

The Singapore EDITION

The EDITION brand’s first foray into Southeast Asia is situated on shopaholic-friendly Orchard Road . Its 204 rooms are light and bright, with light timber flooring and a white colour scheme, giving each a relaxed, clean feel. Book a table at its signature restaurant Fysh, where Australian celeb chef Josh Niland works magic with seafood.

Singapore’s best food and drink venues for 2024

Singapore is a foodie city through and through. From its 100-plus Unesco-listed hawker centres to its reputation as the cocktail bar capital of Asia, it’s impossible to go hungry or thirsty in this munching metropolis.

Martin’s Kitchen

Much like Singapore, Martin’s Kitchen is a melting pot. Blending European, Mexican and Hakka (Singapore’s fourth-largest Chinese dialect group) flavours, this new hotspot creates a unique menu filled with comfort food. Try the Hakka ravioli, filled with pork and fish, served with a spicy Szechuan sauce, or the kong ba pao tacos with coriander mayo.

The Backdrop

Singapore’s newest speakeasy is inside the voco Orchard Singapore and requires a special key to enter. Once you do, the bar’s burlesque-glam interiors take you back to the 1920s, where the speciality is cocktail guru Dario Knox’s groundbreaking Percolated Cocktails.

Bali-based dessert king WIll Goldfarb and former Noma chef Matthew Orlando have created a 3700-square-metre farm-to-table concept. But more than just an eco-conscious Southeast Asian restaurant, the team here holds sustainable workshops, ferments food and cultivates produce for each dish.

Bar Spectre

While a bar about wellness may sound like an oxymoron, this new vintage-themed cocktail bar has a thoughtful non-alcoholic menu and boozy drinks made with traditional Chinese medicine. Spectre’s bar bites also lean towards healthy, with locally sourced items like silken tofu and avocado hummus.

After strolling through the orchid garden, stop at this new restaurant inside the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The kitchen creates an exceptional multi-course tasting menu using ingredients from the gardens mixed with French techniques. Served inside a stunningly restored 1910s black-and-white home, it’s a quintessential Singapore experience.

Pael.et Bar

The perfect Friday night hangout, Pael.et (pronounced palette) is a welcome new arrival to Singapore’s glorious bar scene. Fun cocktails like the Itsumi Martini, made with pasta water, and the Espress Yourself, made with pandan and salted egg, are must-tries, as are the moreish bar bites. With a focus on community arts (hence the name,) the walls here are lined with work from local artists.

Getting around in Singapore

While locals may lament Singapore’s small size, the compact cityscape is perfect for exploring on foot. Easy to navigate, with plenty of colour to see between major attractions, walking around Singapore is highly recommended. The only caveat is that the city’s sweltering heat and sky-high humidity may leave you drenched in sweat, just like its afternoon rain showers.

Download Grab on your phone if you’re looking for an air-conditioned way to explore. This rideshare app allows you to book an affordable taxi or car to anywhere in the city.

Singapore’s public transport, including buses and the MRT, is an efficient and cost-saving option, especially with its Singapore Tourist Pass. Travellers can buy an unlimited travel pass for one, two or three days to check off all the iconic sites and new activities on their list.

Singapore Airlines is one of the world’s best carriers and recently announced an extension of its partnership with Air New Zealand. Through till 2029, the airline will increase the number of flights, reportedly offering four daily services between Auckland and Singapore by 2025. Luckily for Kiwis, experiencing the latest and greatest in Singapore will be easier than ever.

For more things to do in Singapore, see visitsingapore.com

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Top court orders Indian yoga guru and tycoon to issue public apology for false ads

KOCHI - Yoga guru and ayurvedic products tycoon Baba Ramdev is in the cross hairs of India’s top court over false medical advertisements claiming his products can cure dozens of diseases.

The Supreme Court initiated contempt of court proceedings against Mr Ramdev on Feb 27 after he failed to keep to a promise made in 2023 that the ads would stop. 

The Supreme Court has been hearing a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), which represents doctors in the country, since November 2023.

The IMA alleges that Mr Ramdev’s billion-dollar company Patanjali Ayurved engaged in a smear campaign against modern medicine and claimed to cure ailments.

Such advertising is banned under Indian law.

The IMA petition refers to at least 30 misleading advertisements published by Patanjali.  

One such advertisement in the spotlight is for Patanjali’s product Coronil, promoted as a cure for Covid-19 at the height of the pandemic. In the advertisement, Mr Ramdev is featured without a mask.

A Supreme Court bench of two judges reprimanded the company’s founders, Mr Balkrishna Acharya and Mr Ramdev, for making “dangerous” false claims, and promoting products that were under scrutiny even as the case was ongoing. 

The bearded, bare-chested and saffron dhoti-clad Ramdev is a popular yoga teacher who runs his own TV channel.

In 2006, he founded Patanjali, a multinational company that makes food, cosmetics, home care and herbal products in Haridwar, in the northern state of Uttarakhand. 

The company makes everything from honey and medicines to soap and flour. It now has 47,000 stores all over India, and also sells in the US, UK, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and Canada.

“Ramdev has gone beyond being a yoga guru, and is now often referred as to what he actually is – an industrialist,” wrote Mr Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, journalist and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s biographer, in a 2016 article published in news website DailyO.

Mr Mukhopadhyay described how he “was sucked into” Patanjali’s brand appeal of “faith and purity” for years even though he saw no change to his chronic back pain and diabetes. 

Patanjali’s advertising suggests that the company espouses traditional Indian values and promotes ancient recipes over modern medicines.

Mr Ramdev appears in these ads, saying that buying from Patanjali is a vote for the “financial independence” of India from China and the West.

He is also a strong backer of Mr Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party.

Many of Patanjali’s retail and pharmaceutical products claim to be “desi” (of Indian origin), and are described as having health benefits, with wide-ranging curative powers.

The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1954 explicitly bars promoting drugs intended for the treatment and cure of 54 specific medical conditions, which include cancer, diabetes, menstrual or nervous disorders, obesity, heart disease and high or low blood pressure. 

“These prohibitions have been more flouted than respected” by all medical disciplines, and state governments often ignore hundreds of complaints sent by the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturotherapy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (Ayush), wrote India’s former health secretary Shailaja Chandra in The Indian Express newspaper.

Full-page advertisements claiming miracle cures can be commonly found in Indian newspapers, and on radio and TV programmes. 

Ms Chandra wrote that the Patanjali case “highlights the vulnerability of the consumer”, who counts on regulatory bodies to ensure that “nothing unsafe, hazardous or ineffective is sold as medicine”.

There is greater danger in the case of promoting traditional healing practices like Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani, she added, because “the consumer assumes all products are natural and consequently safe”.

In November 2023, the Supreme Court received an undertaking from Mr Ramdev and Mr Balkrishna that they would not make any statements in the print or electronic media about the efficacy of their medicinal products or indulge in any disparaging statements about other disciplines of medicine.

However, the very next day, Mr Ramdev issued a press statement claiming that Patanjali had conducted pre-clinical and clinical trials on more than 10 million people to test the efficacy of its products.

From then on, the court has been tearing into the self-styled guru for not only laxity in adhering to public health standards, but also treating the court “with disdain”. 

Mr Ramdev and Mr Balkrishna have previously issued two apologies to the court, but it had rejected both.

India’s top court said that Patanjali’s objectionable and misleading advertisements promising cures for ailments ranging from blood pressure issues and diabetes to obesity and liver dysfunction, and even Covid-19 during the pandemic, were “deliberate and wilful violations” of the law.

During a hearing on April 16, media reports quoted Mr Ramdev as having said: “We didn’t mean to violate the Supreme Court orders. We did over 5,000 researches (sic) and experiments.” 

Insisting that Patanjali was “not off the hook”, the court gave the company a week to issue a public statement and redeem itself. The next hearing is on April 23. 

Patanjali officials did not respond to queries from The Straits Times. 

The judges also asked why the Uttarakhand government, where Patanjali is based, had been in “a deep slumber” and not acted against the company.

Mr Ramdev is among the few private individuals to have Z category security that the federal government gives people under high risk, “taking into account his vulnerability to attacks from opponents”, said the home ministry in 2014.

The petitioners claimed that his perceived closeness to power has perhaps shielded him from punitive action despite years of complaints. India’s health and transport ministers had even attended the launch of Patanjali’s “Covid cure” Coronil, which was seen as a seal of approval. 

But the complaints against Patanjali are now catching up with it.

Some of the complaints in the Supreme Court petition come from Dr K.V. Babu, an ophthalmologist in Kannur, Kerala. Since 2021, he has flagged dozens of “false cure” advertisements by different companies with state drug controllers.

His campaign began after one of his patients who had glaucoma – a condition of increased pressure within the eyeball causing gradual loss of sight – quit treatment and switched to a brand of eye drops (not Patanjali’s) widely advertised in Kerala.

“When she returned to me after a year and a half in 2019, she was almost blind,” Dr Babu said. 

In 2021, Dr Babu saw an advertisement on X (formerly Twitter) for Drishti drops by Patanjali that claimed it would cure cataract, glaucoma and night blindness.

Within days, he said that he saw another advertisement for Patanjali’s Lipido that claimed to reduce cholesterol and regulate blood pressure in one week. 

“Such ads are not just false, but dangerous, and can have dire consequences,” Dr Babu said. 

He began to file complaints with the Drug Controller of India. 

The issue came to a head nationwide in 2022, when Patanjali’s advertisement for “an integrated treatment” called “basti therapy” said it could “completely cure” Type 1 diabetes, mostly seen in children.

The ad said: “Save yourself and the country from the misconceptions spread by pharma and the medical industry. Let’s make India disease-free.”

It sparked a Twitter storm as endocrinologists and other doctors advised people against stopping any prescribed intake of insulin, as it could prove fatal. 

“People are being misled every day by various companies. A proper penalty to a repeat violator like Patanjali will act as a deterrent to all companies, whether ayurvedic or allopathic,” said Dr Babu.

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