Singapore has long topped lists of the world’s most important destinations for business travellers, with recent reports indicating that it’s set to retain this status for some time. In fact, according to BCD Travel’s latest Cities & Trends report, Singapore is the most popular corporate travelling location of the year within the Asia-Pacific.
This is largely thanks to the city-state’s strong economy, strategic location, visa-free policies, and what is widely regarded as one of the world’s most pro-business environments. But that’s not all that it has to offer; Singapore also has beautiful attractions for the everyday tourist, making it a popular trip destination for travellers of all walks of life.
If you’re headed to Singapore on a business trip, don’t let the opportunity to see these attractions pass you by! You can still enjoy what the city-state has to offer even with a tight schedule. Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your upcoming business trip:
1) Choose the Right Accommodations
Your hotel’s location is especially critical if you’re working with a tight itinerary. Look for hotels near Singapore airport to avoid long commutes and maximise your free time after landing. It’s also a good idea to take note of where your business meetings or conferences will take place to make sure that the accommodations you book are nearby and accessible.
You should also consider hotels with business amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, dedicated workspaces, power outlets for charging your devices, and 24-hour room service for those all-nighters. Check out the breakfast service schedule to see if it aligns with your itinerary, and look for laundry services in case you’re planning an extended trip.
2) Book Flights Wisely
If you want to make the most out of your first and last days in Singapore, then you need to book the right flights. Landing in Singapore during the afternoon leaves you with half the day gone, so you might not have enough time to explore after taking care of your work responsibilities. Likewise, leaving the country too early is a missed opportunity to make even more memories.
The solution? Aim for a morning arrival, and an evening flight going home. This extends the usable hours of your stay and allows you to explore more of the Lion City’s various attractions and sites.
3) Prepare Work Essentials Beforehand
Make sure you are fully prepared for your work responsibilities before boarding your flight. Double-check your meeting arrangements, secure a local SIM card for easier communication, and prepare all of your necessary documents for the business meeting or event, including any business cards and critical presentation decks. Taking care of these details during the trip will eat up your free time, making it that much harder to make the most out of your trip.
4) Turn Meals into Tourist Experiences
Meals are a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Singaporean culture, even if it’s just for an hour or two. Steer clear from familiar international fast food joints and instead look for restaurants or hawker stalls that serve delicious local delicacies, such as Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, chilli crab, satay, bak kut teh, or roti prata.
Singapore cuisine’s unique blend of Malay, Indian, Chinese, and Western influences means you’ll surely find something new that you’ll adore, turning a simple meal into a fun memory during your business trip. You can either enjoy a peaceful meal alone, or invite any willing colleagues or clients to further build your connections.
5) Visit Attractions at Night
Work responsibilities like meetings or corporate events will most likely take place during the day. But don’t worry—a lot of attractions don’t close until late at night. The Botanic Gardens are a lovely place to unwind after a long work day, with attractions such as the Natural Orchid Garden or the SBG Heritage Museum & CDL Gallery. Other attractions are more fun to visit during the evenings, such as Gardens by the Bay with its gorgeous light show. You could also visit the Night Safari, which is open only at night and showcases various nocturnal animals.
6) Understand Singapore’s Transport System
There are various ways you can make your way around Singapore during your trip, all of which have their pros and cons. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) trains are extensive, fast, reliable, and inexpensive. However, the train can get crowded and uncomfortable during peak hours. Taking the bus is ideal if you want to enjoy some sights as you travel, but it can be slow due to traffic. Lastly, ride-hailing apps and taxi services are expensive, but they’re your best bet if the location is far from the MRT or bus networks.
Traffic can take up much of your limited time if you’re not careful. If possible, you can avoid the everyday rush hour by scheduling your meetings during off-peak hours for a quicker commute. Otherwise, you can take the MRT to avoid the traffic entirely. You can also take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app, then ask the driver to look for faster alternative routes.
Business may be what brings you to Singapore, but that doesn’t mean it has to be all work and no play. The right planning will help you find plenty of space in your packed itinerary for discovery, great food, and cultural experiences that make your trip personally rewarding. Start reading up on Singapore’s many attractions and see which ones you’d like to squeeze in on your upcoming trip.
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