9 Ways Of Mixing Business With Pleasure In Singapore

Going on a business trip to Singapore? Have you booked your flights to Singapore and found somewhere to stay, but have no plans for your time off? While you are there, you might as well take advantage of being in a destination that offers plenty to see and do during your down time. You may have to work for some of your trip, but you definitely deserve a break.

Singapore is a fascinating multicultural city with an eclectic mix of different cultures. There’s plenty of things you can fill your free time with, from lazing on the beach on Sentosa Island to wandering through stunning gardens and shopping until you drop. Here’s nine ways you and your colleagues can mix business with pleasure in Singapore.

1. Hang out at Raffles hotel

If you are in Singapore for a few days, you have to make some time to visit the famous Raffles Hotel and sample the popular Singapore Sling. If you feel like something more low key, you can grab a comforting afternoon tea at the hotel during your lunch break.

2. Unwind in a spa

There are plenty of wellness centres and spas in Singapore where you can indulge in some much needed TLC time. Some of the spas are in stunning settings with tranquil surroundings that will make you feel instantly refreshed after a long day’s work. Here’s a list of some of the top spas in the city.

3. Sample the multinational cuisine

The cuisine in Singapore is influenced by many cultures. Whilst on your business trip, make some time to visit a few different restaurants and try international cuisine including Chinese, Indian, Malay and Thai. One of Singapore’s most famous dishes is the mouth-watering Chilli crab which can be enjoyed in the Chinatown.

If you don’t have time for a sit down meal, make your way to one of the hawker centres for cheap but delicious local delicacies including chicken rice, spicy curries and noodle dishes. Before a business meeting, stop by a cafe and begin your day with some kopi and some Kaya toast topped with coconut jam and lots of butter.

4. Have a cocktail at the top of Marina Bay Sands

The Marina Bay Sands is a striking modern building located on Bayfront Avenue, and it has an observation deck with the most breath-taking views of the city. Hotel guests can enjoy an infinity pool 57 stories up. It’s also the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail after work and watch the sunset.

5. Take time out at the Gardens by the Bay

Ranked number one on Trip Advisor for things to do in Singapore, the Gardens by the Bay are certainly worth a visit and are perfect for some much needed post-work down time. They are part of Singapore’s ambition to be a ‘city in a garden’. Here you can enjoy 101 hectares of gardens including three waterfront gardens. There’s also plenty of things to keep you busy including a flower dome, cloud forest and skyway.

6. Appreciate the beauty of the National Orchid Garden

Wandering around the Orchid Gardens is a great way to counteract working in a busy city. Head over to the Orchid Gardens on your break and surround yourself with colourful orchids; they have over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, with about 600 species and hybrids on display.

7. Try Wave House Sentosa

If you are feeling adventurous and want to do something active during your business trip then head to Sentosa to test your skills on the wave machine. It’s sort of a cross between surfing, skateboarding and wakeboarding, and it’s definitely not as easy as it looks. If you haven’t tried it before and aren’t a surfing pro, expect a few face plants.

8. Admire the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

If you fancy a spot of culture, make time for a visit to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. It’s a Tang-styled Chinese Buddhist temple in Chinatown which also has a museum, rooftop gardens and ornate rooms.

9. Enjoy some retail therapy

Singapore certainly has a lot to offer when it comes to shopping. There’s the huge Orchard Road shopping centre which has 22 malls and 6 big departments stores. Here you can browse through over 5,000 different brands including designer stores and high street shops.