Why Singapore is the ultimate stopover for long-haul travel

With its tantalising food scene, futuristic architecture and wildlife-brimming reserves, the ‘City in Nature,’ otherwise known as Singapore, begs to be explored. Fly here with the award-winning Singapore Airlines and, not only will you have a luxurious – and seamless – experience, but you’ll also be amazed by the nature-imbued attractions that wait for you both within the world-class Changi Airport, and across the city state itself. Whether you’re stopping for a day or two or have longer to explore, you’ll love the rich culture and adventure-filled attractions that Singapore has to offer.

The award-winning Singapore Airlines offers one of the finest ways to reach Singapore. It offers direct routes to the city state from London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. And its extensive network of connecting flights from Changi Airport across Oceania and the Asian continent further bolsters the carrier’s acclaim.

Following a stopover in Singapore, you could fly to North Island or South Island in New Zealand, discovering its wealth of natural wonders. Or you could head to the Land Down Under, choosing one of seven gateways into the country: from the dazzling city of Sydney to world-class Melbourne and Perth.

Once you’re onboard the luxurious cabins of a Singapore Airlines flight, you’ll see why it’s picked up so many accolades. UK passengers have the choice of four cabin classes: Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class and Suites/First Class. And from the thoughtfully designed Economy Class cabins which maximise personal space – even if the seat in front of you is reclined – to the built-in footrests and personal stowage areas offered in Premium Economy, each cabin delivers the best possible travel experience.

Gastronomes are right at home, too, thanks to an International Culinary Panel – a team of five world-renowned chefs – who help mastermind some of the airline’s delicious meals. Celebrated chef Monica Galletti has designed the inflight menus for Spring/Summer 2025, so only the very best taste-makers and exquisite flavours make the cut. Passengers in Premium Economy Class can preview inflight menus up to eight days before they fly. The airline’s team of Wine Experts also sample around 1,000 wines each year – all under cabin pressure – to ensure the sky dining experience is elevated with the best-matched wines. These many details, as well as complimentary WiFi, along with a warm and impeccable service, make the flight as memorable as the destination.

Singapore Changi Airport has been lauded by travellers and industry leaders the world over. When you experience its slick departure and arrivals experience, alongside its world-class amenities offered across four terminals, you’ll see why it’s gained so many awards.

Thanks to its masterful design, you’ll notice a range of electronic self-service check-in kiosks and automated bag-drop machines that make the departures experience feel seamless. Automated gates make for hassle-free immigration clearance, and you’ll find luxury lounges, spa and wellness facilities, plus an excellent range of public transport and transfer options. If you’re spending at least 5.5 hours in the city state, you can enjoy a free Singapore Tour while you wait for your next flight. If you’re keen to know how such a sophisticated transport hub is run, you can join regular behind-the-scenes airport tours, too.

Whichever terminal you’re in – whether it’s T3, with its 900 skylights, or T1 which harnesses a ‘Tropical City’ design – you’ll find that nature plays a starring role. Besides an array of international and Singaporean restaurants, the airport plays host to an abundance of ethereal gardens where senses are ignited through unique scents and sounds.

In T1, stretch your legs or enjoy a drink at the bar while marvelling at the 100-plus cacti and arid plants that fill its rooftop garden. In T3, meanwhile, you can immerse yourself in the tech-imbued Dreamscape which combines 20,000 different plants with a symphony of 100 unique creatures. T3’s tropical Butterfly Garden is another eye-opener with its 1,000 tropical butterflies. And we think you’ll agree that the highlight is the foliage-filled Jewel entertainment complex, which places this airport in a league of its own with its Jewel Rain Vortex (the world’s tallest indoor waterfall) and hikeable Shisheido Forest Valley.

It would be a missed opportunity not to delve into the cultural and natural riches of Singapore during a stop-over to Asia or beyond. As one of the Earth’s most verdant metropolises – where primary rainforest thrives right on its doorstep and where its urban landscape blends harmoniously with nature – you’ll see why it was nicknamed ‘The Garden City’ in the 60s, and, why it’s set to adopt its new ‘City in Nature’ title by 2030.

It’s a joy to explore, too, thanks to its compact size and easily accessible attractions which span cultural institutions like the ArtScience Museum and vibrant, safe-to-explore neighbourhoods. Alongside its head-turning architecture – which includes the pool-topped Marina Bay Sands and the panorama-serving Henderson Waves Bridge – discover bucolic pockets like the heritage-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens and outer islands dotted with untamed forest and soft sands. There are five precious wetlands here, too, one of which is home to rare mangroves and migratory birds.

An essential stop for first-time visitors is the world-famous Gardens by the Bay, a forested oasis that amazes visitors with its gravity-defying Super Trees, aerial walkways and outstanding floral displays. Singapore spoils foodies with its culinary scene, too. Once you’ve sipped the perfect Singapore Sling cocktail, dig deep into one of its UNESCO-recognised hawker centres where tantalising dishes echo the city’s mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian heritage. Look up, too: many of the best eats are found in the highest locations. At the 1-Arden farm-to-table restaurant, for example, 51 storeys up, chefs pluck their ingredients from the onsite Arden Food Forest, the world’s highest urban food forest and a testament to this city’s impressive eco-conscious credentials.