Singapore, Singapore (2024)

Singapore became one of my favorite locations on the planet thanks to a work trip for about two weeks. I warn whomever may travel to Singapore: you won’t look at your home country the same way after. I get oddly frustrated in the US when I see litter or forgotten properties when I compare to the upkeep of Singapore…hell, chewing gum is made illegal in Singapore.

As many of you are aware, I collect gay bars as others might try to hunt for Pokemon. While not huge, there are escapes for the LGBT community in Singapore to congregate and relax. Tantric, Dorothy, Backstage, and Bar NKD were all friendly places for a good Gin and Tonic and conversation.

If you need suggestions, watching Crazy Rich Asians is a good start. Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling, Gardens by the Bay, the food hawkers (such as Newton Food Centre), Clarke Quay, and hitting the MBS pool are just to name a few.

Hotel Accommodations:

• Marina Bay Sands – Overrated. The rooms were clean and nice, but could appear similar to any Vegas hotel. It makes sense, the owner of the Sands in Vegas invested in the property. Recommendation: stay there one or two nights solely to obtain access the stunning pool rooftop and have an amazing view of the city. Well worth it solely for this purpose. The shopping below is great…so swing by anyways.
• Ritz Carlton – Millenia – Best I encountered. The rooms, the staff, everything I encountered was exceptional. Location is near MBS, Metro, easy Grab App rideshare access, and the brunch cannot be missed. Best brunch I’ve ever had…
• Crowne Plaza Changi – Underrated. I scoffed when a friend recommended the hotel. I thought it wouldn’t be special. However, a great place to relax. Jewell Mall / Changi Airport can be directly accessed to the hotel. The rooms were fantastic, the pool was relaxing, and the lounge was a great way to start the day, and the staff were delightful. I’d go again.

Rugby

A coworker arranged for a couple of friendlies with a local rugby team, the Singapore Wanderers. (https://www.singaporewanderers.com). They were properly great to interact with, even though they kicked our asses the first match, it was the U21 team that we finally won. They arranged one of the more interested third halves I’ve enjoyed in about ten years of playing the sport. Video below:

Places to See:

• MBS Pool: Well worth the view, but is open to hotel guests only when I was there.
• Newton Food Centre: A Crazy Rich Asians recommendation but worth it. Even though some of the hawker stands are Michelin Star Rated, the overall vibe was great. Eat family style and try everything. For adventurous foodies.
• While closed in 2025, I hope the Bar Smoke & Mirrors returns. It was located on top of the Singapore National Museum… had pricy but craft cocktails. I felt as though it was a private club as you had to transit through unmarked areas of a museum via a side door to go to the bar. I hope it comes back.
• Gardens by the Bay: Well worth it, even though it is very man made. The gardens were lush and a nice escape from a very commercial city. The Cloud Forest was lovely.
• Clarke Quay: A little overrated but is still a meeting spot far cooler at night. Many different restaurants and breweries present in this area.
• A few others: spending far too much money shopping (loading up at Pull and Bear too), going to a completely dark restaurant staffed by those without sight (NOX), and overeating anywhere there was a Hawker.

Conclusion: Singapore was right up my alley. A true melting pot of cultures (tons of foreigners), plus I like hot climates (younger me would kick myself for saying that but I’m over snow).