Our slow travel journey around the world began in style — with one of the world’s longest and most iconic flights.
✈️ The Journey Begins: SQ23 from New York to Singapore
We kicked things off with Singapore Airlines Flight SQ23, the longest nonstop commercial flight in the world. This 17.5-hour journey from New York (JFK) to Singapore (SIN) was surprisingly smooth and genuinely enjoyable. Singapore Airlines lived up to its world-class reputation — the flight attendants were warm, attentive, and professional throughout, making the experience truly exceptional.
We flew business class using points earned from our Chase Sapphire Preferred card, and we’d fully recommend this flight to anyone considering a long-haul trip. The comfort, service, and quality of the experience made the long hours feel far more manageable.
🏨 Where We Stayed: Intercontinental Singapore
Our home for the next four days was the elegant Intercontinental Hotel, Singapore, conveniently located near Bugis. We booked our stay using IHG points from our Chase IHG Rewards card, and it was the perfect base for exploring the city.
The hotel combines colonial charm with modern luxury, and its proximity to markets, food centers, and MRT stations made getting around a breeze.
🌆 What We Did in 4 Days
We packed our days with a mix of iconic sights and local experiences — and did plenty of walking (in the heat!) along the way.
🏙️ Marina Bay Sands & Gardens by the Bay
Singapore’s skyline is instantly recognizable, and seeing Marina Bay Sands in person was a highlight. We wandered through the Gardens by the Bay, marveled at the futuristic Supertrees, and took in the light show as the sun set over the bay.
🎨 ArtScience Museum
One of the most fun and interactive experiences was the ArtScience Museum. Its combination of technology, art, and creativity had us feeling like kids again. If you visit, don’t miss the Future World exhibit!
🕌 Cultural Neighborhoods
We explored the Arab Quarter, Chinatown, and Little India — each with its own vibrant character. Whether it was colorful shophouses, peaceful mosques, or the scent of fresh spices, these areas gave us a real taste of Singapore’s cultural diversity.
🍜 Hawker Centers & Food
The food deserves its own post, but let’s just say we ate very well. From chicken rice and laksa to roti prata and satay, Singapore’s hawker centers are a dream for food lovers. Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell Food Centre were among our favorites.
☀️ The Weather
It was hot and humid every day — classic Southeast Asia weather. We walked a lot, drank gallons of water, and took plenty of breaks in air-conditioned cafes and museums. If you’re visiting, pack light and breathable clothes!
✈️ Next Stop: Kuala Lumpur
After four amazing days, we flew to Kuala Lumpur on Singapore Airlines, ready for the next chapter of our slow travel adventure. Singapore was the perfect starting point — clean, safe, vibrant, and full of life.
🧳 Final Thoughts
This first stop reminded us why we chose this lifestyle: meaningful travel, slower pace, and a deeper connection to the places we visit. Thanks to points and miles, we were able to enjoy comfort and luxury while keeping costs low — and that made all the difference.
Stay tuned for our upcoming adventures in Malaysia!
