Singapore Sojourn

Jump off a tall tower on a sandy shore, peek into the Malay culture’s royal past, hear the growl of a bear in the dark and indulge in some retail therapy at high-end stores. Explore Singapore with Kaira Grover, a vivacious corporate high-flyer who loves luxury vacations.

As I wait for my luggage to arrive at the slick Changi Airport, I remember how much I need this trip. Singapore had begun to lure me with its attractions weeks ago when I sat in my office cubicle, daydreaming about my next holiday. I slide out my suitcase and trot past the gleaming stores at one of the largest airports in the world, making a mental note to shop before my return flight.

Day one in Singapore is full of birdsongs and animal calls. I’m at the Singapore Zoo, feeling like a kid in a candy store. After having a memorable breakfast with the orangutans, I then join the crowd for the Elephant Show. Watching these mammals play with water in a rainforest setting, I’m reminded of my own love for water. I forget that I’m 35 and join the little children cheering in the crowd. Later this afternoon, I encounter adorable sea lions at the Splash Safari and at the end of the show, one of these slippery superstars gives me a wet kiss on my cheek! The fishy smell stays with me until I wash up before heading to the Night Safari to sight some pangolins, bears and wildcats.

My second day on the island is reserved for leisurely strolls, admiring the country’s modern architectural marvels. At Gardens by the Bay, I am dwarfed by the supertrees that mimic real plants and have ferns intertwined throughout their structures. I take the Skyway to get a bird’s eye view of this nature park. Singapore’s skyline looks splendid, especially from SkyPark at the top of Marina Bay Sands. I stand mesmerized by the sun setting over the glittering skyscrapers. Later at night, I stop by CinCin for a fruity cocktail, and the discount I get for using my Mastercard makes the drink so much sweeter [1].

It is the third day of my solo vacation, and today I check into the Japanese-inspired Onsen Suite, complete with hot tub in an alfresco patio of Le Méridien Singapore, which I had conveniently pre-booked using my Mastercard as I was getting a lucrative deal [2] for the room.

I make it a point to browse through the Mastercard website for exciting offers, so I can get the most out of my card while I travel. Next, I hop on to a cable car in Sentosa [3]. My heart threatens to burst out of my chest as I gear up for the bungee jumping experience at AJ Hackett. I survive the fall.

I then head out for some more adventure at Universal Studios Singapore™, ensuring my Mastercard is safe in my pocket to get some exciting discounts [4]. My adrenalin levels are at an all-time high as I scream through the high-speed rollercoaster rides. After an exhausting day in Sentosa, I’m tempted to jump into my flawless plush bed, but first, I soak in the traditional Japanese onsen. The hot bath relaxes my tense muscles, and a rejuvenated Kaira Grover calls it a day.

Today is another day of exploring Sentosa. I walk through the glass tunnel of the S.E.A Aquarium™ [5] to be awed by countless species of marine life swimming above and around me. I spare a couple of hours for the Maritime Experiential Museum and the Typhoon Theatre, then move on to Dolphin Island to see what tricks the playful dolphins have up their sleeve. I begin to miss the dolphins as I return to mainland Singapore.

I may be a corporate slave for the most part of my life but I relish long walks in green parks. Following the easy trail on Fort Canning Hill seems like the ideal way to spend my sixth day in Singapore. Fort Canning Park has several instances of Gothic architecture and a smattering of ancient gates and cannons that tie into the oft-forgotten Malay and British history of this nation.

By now, I have worked up a good appetite, and it’s time for me to dine at Fat Cow. I tuck into a bowl of their signature donburi. This Japanese steakhouse sure knows how to perfectly cook wagyu and serve that with foie gras and caviar! When I’m done, I set aside the chopsticks to pay for my dinner with a flick of my contactless card [1]. This has become a magic wand to me.

I’ve saved the final day of my vacation to fill my bags with retail treasures. I browse through high-end fashion brands at the malls on Orchard Road. This lane is truly inviting for anyone who enjoys splurging, thanks to the shopping festivals that are frequently held here. Later at night, I reach the airport and pick up some last-minute souvenirs from the Duty Free as I safely ‘tap & go’ with my Mastercard [6]. I still have a few hours before I can board, so I rest at The Haven, which I’ve reserved through my card [7]. I scroll through all the photos from the past few days as I laze in this lounge until it’s finally time for me to leave. It’s going to be a long flight back home, full of memories of my wonderful sojourn.

Terms and Conditions

[1] Enjoy 15% off with Mastercard across all 13 brands of Refinery Concepts. Participating brands include: Bedrock Bar & Grill, Fat Cow, The Pelican, Kinki Restaurant + Bar, The Marmalade Pantry, Oriole Coffee + Bar, CinCin, Dean & Deluca, Katong Kitchen, Saltwater, Straits Café, ColdStone Creamery and Kitchen Language Catering.

• Valid till 30 June 2019.
• Valid for all Mastercards issued globally.

[2] Get exclusive discounts for Sentosa hotels when you pay with your Mastercard card! 20% off Le Meridien Singapore’s “Best Available Rates” for accommodation.

• Offer is not applicable with other promotions, offers and discounts.
• Prior reservation is required and offer is subject to availablity. For reservations, please call +65 6818 3333 or email reservations.singaporesentosa@lemeridien.com
• Offer is bookable only online via: http://lemerid.ie/2CrrDxo
• Prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes.
• Valid till 31 December 2019.
• Valid for all Mastercards issued in Asia Pacific.
• More details on www.sentosa.com.sg/state-specials/mastercard-promotions

[3] 10% savings on Cable Car passes and Sentosa attractions tickets.

• Valid till 31 March 2019.
• Valid for all Mastercards issued globally.
• More details on http://1fabergroup.com/Mastercard

[4] Universal Studios SingaporeTM Adult One-Day Ticket + SGD5 Meal Voucher at SGD79.

• Promotion is valid for purchase and park visits from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. Extension of validity is not permitted.
• Promotion is valid for purchase of dated One-Day Adult Tickets only, subject to availability.
• Promotion is valid at any onsite ticketing booth.
• Payment must be made via a Mastercard card.
• Promotion is valid for purchase of up to 6 packages per transaction.
• Promotion is not valid with any other discounts and promotions.
• Resorts World Sentosa reserves the right to amend or add to the Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. Other general Terms & Conditions apply.

[5] S.E.A. Aquarium + Maritime Experiential Museum Adult One Day Ticket + $5 S.E.A. Aquarium Meal Voucher at SGD40.

• Promotion is valid for purchase and park visits from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. Extension of validity is not permitted.
• Promotion is valid for purchase of dated One-Day Adult Tickets only, subject to availability.
• Promotion is valid at any onsite ticketing booth.
• Payment must be made via a Mastercard card.
• Promotion is valid for purchase of up to 6 packages per transaction.
• Promotion is not valid with any other discounts and promotions.
• Resorts World Sentosa reserves the right to amend or add to the Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. Other general Terms & Conditions apply.

[6] Enjoy up to 20% savings at participating outlets in Changi Airport Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 (transit and public areas) when you use your Mastercard all year round.

• Valid till 31 December 2019.
• Ask for the offer before the bill is generated. For offer details of each participating merchant and location visit http://www.changiairport.com/mastercard
• Valid for all Mastercards issued in Asia Pacific.

[7] Discounted Access Program for various JetQuay services. The Haven by JetQuay Privileges: 1-for-1 on all lounge services, excluding the Nap rooms.

• Valid for all Mastercards issued in Asia Pacific.
• For more information on Jetquay Privileges, please visit https://www.mastercard.com.sg/en-sg/consumers/offers-promotions/mastercard-privileges/jetquay-discounts.html
• For more information on The Haven Privileges, please visit https://www.mastercard.com.sg/en-sg/consumers/offers-promotions/mastercard-privileges/1-1-lounge-services-at-the-haven.html