Table of Contents
- ✈️ The Journey Begins: SQ23 from New York to Singapore
- 🏨 Where We Stayed: InterContinental Singapore
- 🌆 What We Did in 4 Days
- ✅ Practical Tips for Visiting Singapore
- ✈️ Next Stop: Kuala Lumpur
- 🧳 Final Thoughts
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.
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 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 blends colonial charm with modern luxury, and its proximity to markets, food centers, and MRT stations made getting around a breeze.
If you’re planning a stay here, the Chase IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is worth considering — you’ll earn points faster and get automatic Platinum Elite status, which comes with perks like room upgrades and late checkout.
Apply here(affiliate link — at no extra cost to you).
🌆 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
Seeing Marina Bay Sands in person was a highlight. We wandered through Gardens by the Bay, marveled at the futuristic Supertrees, and took in the light show as the sun set over the bay.
Practical Tip:
The best times to visit Gardens by the Bay are early morning (8–10am) for cooler weather and fewer crowds, or late afternoon to evening (5:30–8pm) for golden-hour photos and the Garden Rhapsody light show.
Best months: November–January for festive displays, or February–April for drier, more comfortable weather.
🎨 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 Centres & 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 centres are a dream for food lovers. Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell Food Centre were among our favourites.
☀️ 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!
✅ Practical Tips for Visiting Singapore
- Tropical climate: temperatures range from 25–35°C with high humidity (60–90%).
- Pack light, breathable clothing and always carry an umbrella — rain showers can be sudden.
- Air-conditioning indoors can be chilly, so bring a light jacket or scarf.
- Hawker centres (like Maxwell Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat) are the best way to enjoy affordable, authentic local dishes.
- Alcohol is heavily taxed — look for happy hour deals if you plan to drink.
- Plan 3–4 days to see the highlights; even a long layover (5–6 hours) can fit in a quick tour.
✈️ 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, a 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!