Travel for the sake of travel - last hurrah before baby

[billmurray]

Back in Jan 2026 - I booked an extremely short solo furlough for May 2026 to burn through my near 1m VFF points with the imminent arrival of baby #2 in July . We have done well with our first kid, clocking in 8 international business class flights. Now he's 2 years old, any future family trips in J will be near impossible.

I wished to experience QA J and in Jan I was able to book SYD - SIN, SIN - DOH then DOH - SYD, all in J. My SIN - DOH flight was cancelled nearly 4-6 weeks ago when the M.E war kicked off (only notified of this fact through Flighty, no formal email from VA or QA), so was on the hunt since then to save my trip.


I found a SIN - SYD in PE, which i booked as a backup, but this was an unacceptable way to travel. Weeks went by, checking daily, exhausting all routes & options to fly home in J but with no luck. Running concurrently, to continue my love affair with Japan, I had an alerts saved for direct flights, when yesterday morning a HND – SYD become available which I booked immediately. Spent all day yesterday trying to leapfrog to Japan, only option I could work out was SIN - HAN - HND flight with SQ – and was going to book it the next day after thinking it over.

However, fortune struck late last night - i was checking one last time before going to bed and i spotted the elusive F rewards seat. It was SIN - SYD, BA via QA. 75k AVIOS points & $450 in taxes. Although the older 787 product, and an overnight flight, i booked it because why not, i believe I also have access to the Qantas F lounge?

Accommodation booked with Accor, using the free night stay via Amex Platinum. So for now, I’m fully committed to 3 full days in Singapore (unless a SYD - HND flight becomes available in the interim).

Plan to bring nothing but a backpack and a camera. Leaving on Thursday 7th 3pm and come back Monday 11th 6am. Just need some ideas of things to do in Singapore now (Except for the standard touristy things).

 

[OZDUCK]

Some suggestions for Singapore :-

- a visit to the island of Pulau Ubin. One of the last bits of jungle and kampong style living in Singapore. You have to catch a bumboat from Changi Pointe to get there. As an extra treat Changi Village Hawkers Centre is also probably one of the last 'traditional' hawker centres with very traditional food at great prices.

Pulau Ubin Website

Situated just off the northeastern corner of mainland Singapore, the boomerang-shaped Pulau Ubin is home to one of Singapore’s last...

pulau-ubin.nparks.gov.sg

- if you are a bit of a nature lover visit the Sungei Buloh Wetlands. Mangroves mud flats and the chance of seeing crocodiles and otters.

https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=a6fb17f3-c113-4a02-8908-6f36f95c75e4

- walk the southern ridges trail. Great views plenty of interesting vegetation and animals to see

A Walk along the Southern Ridges from Mount Faber to Kent Ridge Park

Singapore is not just a concrete jungle, it has rich biodiversity & truly lives up to its name as a Garden City. Have you walked the Southern Ridges yet?

www.springtomorrow.com

- 'climb' Bukit Timah Hill

Guide To Bukit Timah Nature Reserve & Hindhede Nature Park 2026

Get up close to some of the island's greenest hiking trails, mountain-biking paths, a fun playground and Singapore’s highest “peak” at Bukit Timah Nature

www.sassymamasg.com

 

[Flyfrequently]

Love the title of your TR @billmurray
No doubt you have room in your backpack for gifts for your +1 and offspring

 

[billmurray]

Some suggestions for Singapore :-

- a visit to the island of Pulau Ubin. One of the last bits of jungle and kampong style living in Singapore. You have to catch a bumboat from Changi Pointe to get there. As an extra treat Changi Village Hawkers Centre is also probably one of the last 'traditional' hawker centres with very traditional food at great prices.

Pulau Ubin Website

Situated just off the northeastern corner of mainland Singapore, the boomerang-shaped Pulau Ubin is home to one of Singapore’s last...

pulau-ubin.nparks.gov.sg

- if you are a bit of a nature lover visit the Sungei Buloh Wetlands. Mangroves mud flats and the chance of seeing crocodiles and otters.

https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=a6fb17f3-c113-4a02-8908-6f36f95c75e4

- walk the southern ridges trail. Great views plenty of interesting vegetation and animals to see

A Walk along the Southern Ridges from Mount Faber to Kent Ridge Park

Singapore is not just a concrete jungle, it has rich biodiversity & truly lives up to its name as a Garden City. Have you walked the Southern Ridges yet?

www.springtomorrow.com

- 'climb' Bukit Timah Hill

Guide To Bukit Timah Nature Reserve & Hindhede Nature Park 2026

Get up close to some of the island's greenest hiking trails, mountain-biking paths, a fun playground and Singapore’s highest “peak” at Bukit Timah Nature

www.sassymamasg.com

Brilliant thanks for these will check them out

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Yes, you have access to the QF F lounge.

 

[billmurray]

And so it begins…not to sure how ill go at this trip reporting thing, as Singapore isn’t exactly exotic or unique to anyone on the AFF forums.

First off, failed to only live out of backpack. Camera gear & a few books blew this out. 1x carry on and suitcase it is then. Self-drove P7 parking, not a single car entering the carpark, ominously quiet.

Check-in, no one in the queue, quick smart with no luggage to check in. The new smart gates - again on one. From check-in to airside took < 5mins.

No SYD INT airport trip would be complete without the obligatory stop at Maccas - for the sole reason to watch your order wind its way down on the unique conveyer belt – love this thing. The meal, as to be expect, average beyond best. The new Sticky Korean BBQ burger in all its beige glory.




Before arriving at the airport, my newly minted Flighty subscription noted the departure gate will be #10…odd. I’ve only ever flown out of gate #57. Knowing this is the complete opposite end of the airport & lounges, thought I’d check out the ol’girl before heading to the lounge. What a beast she is, always impressed at the size of the a380s, her wingspan (and how thick they are), and those large RR Trent engines. [Tony Grieg voice] GORGEOUS





Walking to SQ lounge, i spotted the union jack, lurking back towards the M5. Thank god for iPhone & their 8x optical zoom as I was able to snag the rego number. I caught a glimpse of the future – because this will be the plane that will carry me home in 3 days time (did I tell you im riding shotgun in First?!)



Anyway, time to keep a tally on how many drinks – lets get the party started with a Tiger. Now off to the Air NZ lounge & get the steps up before the flight.

 

[billmurray]

Air NZ lounge was deserted, a quick cheeky beer and salted snack and I was off.




Did several laps of the terminal, a packet of red frogs secured, I then wandered over to the priority pass lounge, The Plaza. This was out of spite towards AMEX for their recent Platinum charge card devaluation, so I want hit their back pocket and charge them for my visit. One G&T please and another photo of my chariot, looks like a group is getting a selfie too!



The toilet wasn’t working in The Plaza – so I was directed to use the rear lift to go to L1 instead. This takes you to SKYTEAM lounge. Im not sure who gets access or how…but if you need a sneaky back entry into this lounge, then this is the way it seems. I also remembered, this was the OLD Amex lounge?



Someone else said on AFF, flying SQ J is like coming home. This has been my main form of business travel for the last 10 years. Though I have amateur numbers compared to other people on AFF, I’ve flown SQ J close to 18 times now. It really is like coming home and slipping on a pair of comfy pyjamas.



The cabin staff are always lovey, courteous and the right amount of attentiveness. And the female hostesses are always beautiful and stunning. The seat, familiar and large, the angled lay flat bed, god I love laying down at that 35-degree angle.


Slight delay in departure. Highlighting the class that SQ ooze, the captain came on and apologised twice for the delay at the gate, and again for the short 5min hold at the runway while waiting for traffic, noting we had 4 aircraft ahead of us on their final approach.



Did I mention I loved the A380? This thing, when 4x RR Trent engines running at 70/80% capacity for take off, was DEAD SILENT. You wouldn’t know this beast is shifting and moving 575,000kg. The only tell was the bump, bump, bump of the centreline lights.

SIlverKris coughtail, first drink of the flight. In my opinion this is superior to the famous Singapore Sling (I’m debating going to Raffles and paying $48AUD for the OG Sling…should I?) The lady in front of me was personally welcomed by no less than 3 separate hostesses. Special thanks was given for her loyalty, personalised welcome drink and first-class amenity kit. Kudos to her and for SQ recognising (presumably) her status.



Love a day-flight as I get the destroy Satay! I always tell the hostesses to bring any spares over, so as I sit here posting this, waiting for turbulence to end and food service to resume, I’m hoping to devour another 1-2 plates of Satay. Also any left over garlic bread? Send it to Seat 92K.





On a side note, its been approx. 1 - 1.5 years since I last flew SQ – they have a new safety video! And no more Penhaligon’s in the bathrooms! AND, they now serve red onion instead of white with the satay?!

 

[billmurray]

Taxi from the airport and arrived at the Mondrian Duxton Hill around 10pm. I had two separate bookings (first made through FINE HOTELS AMEX) for first 2 nights and another booking for the last night straight with Accor. Merged them at the desk. As a Fine Hotel members get free breakfast for the first 2 nights and $130SGD food credit. Slight upgrade to L12 corner room.



Only being in the room for 5mins, the phone rang and noted they over-charged me for my second room booking and refunded me, had to pop down the then re-pay for the now cheaper rate. While I’m down in the lobby I may as well go for a quick lap outside.


A lot of Korean BBQ joints near the hotel, clearly this is Little Korea. I stumbled upon a Agave & Rice spirits joint, I only took a photo of the coaster…no drinks for some reason. Had 2 expensive coughtails, albeit very tasty. Spoke to the owners who were from buddies since 4 years old and moved from California to start this bar.



Getting hungry I wandered around again to find somewhere to have a late dinner, but the only thing open was 1 or 2 Korean BBQ joints, and I wasn’t in the mood for cooking that myself. So what do you when hungry and tired – drink more.


Found a Japanese coughtail record bar, RPM. I made the mistake of asking the bartender to just bring out a surprise coughtail, whatever is popular. The owner walked over displeased and said I had to choose one ‘Japanese people are not good a guessing or surprises’ . He was quite clearly offended in their subtle Japanese way. Anyway, dropping a few phrases here and there in Japanese and were now on good terms.



After 2 more drinks, dinner would have to be a beef jerky bar and packet of Pringles. Off to bed.

 

[billmurray]

Buffet breakfast to start the day – will have to remember to take photos next time, but its your standard hotel buffet affair, see one, seen a million. It was raining heavily in morning during breakfast and cleared up slightly by the time I departed around 830am. No agenda today, just to wander aimlessly. Found myself ending up at the Fullerton, diving underground every so often to follow the train station or underground shops.


Ended up at Circular Rd & Boat Quay by the river…this strip of restaurants (and a lot of upstairs massage spas) look like absolute cr*p. Who is the target market here? It was near 11:30am now and was ready for lunch. Taxi back to Maxwell hawker centre. The food was just okay. Slightly disappointed and covered in a thick layer of sweat from head to toe, time to reset – to the hotel pool & bar!



Original plan for the night was to go to Lau Pa Sat for satay dinner then head out after that, but by the time it opened and my planned night activities, I was cutting it fine (it end up been a disaster). So while at the pool I looked at other satay recommendations and at 3pm I headed to Chinatown.



The multi-storey open air building this satay store was in was crazy, old world vibes and kinda cool. The satay amazing as expected and scratched that itch I had for satay. 20 sticks later, a cold Tsingtao…and other 10 stick I was absolutely stuffed.





Then randomly, a blast from the past, I walked past a store selling honey bread. I had Hong Kong mate from high school who used to give me some of this stuff. I haven’t had this stuff for >25 years, I had not thought about it at all since then but as soon as I saw it out of the corner of my eye I knew what it was…I had to get some.



Walked back to the hotel for a bit of admin, was in the room for a couple of hours when I noticed it seemed very dark outside. I opened my blinds and it was near pitch black from an incoming storm. HELL YEAH, who doesn’t love a good storm watchin’. I grabbed my book and raced upstairs to the rooftop pool. Wind had picked up, and staff packing up the outdoor items. And coming in from the south, a massive dark green band of clouds. If these dark tinted clouds were back home, we’d be in for a hailstorm.



Content with the fresh breeze & cold coughtail, I sat outside reading my book until the wind driven rain forced me inside.



Checking the time, I only had 45mins to get ready and leave before my planned (soon to be failed) nights activities. The idea was simple, go to a comedy show or live music. The only viable comedy venue was called The Lemon Stand, 15mins away from my hotel and it started at 8pm. I arrived there approx. 745pm and looked through the windows…there were only 7 people inside. Im all for supporting small business but I don’t want to pay an entry fee to sit in an empty, sad room, so this idea was bust. I loitered another 15mins but made no difference. Backup plan; what live music or jazz is around?


There were approx. 3 viable options nearby, and one was 200m away – Simply Live by Tin Box. With a skip and jump I walked over and up the stairs to the PACKED venue, now this is more like it! Went to go in but there was an issue…I was wearing shorts and they have a NO SHORTS dress code. Okay…what next?


Cool Cats, 10min down the road in the rain. Let’s do it. Ducking and diving in-between building as my hotel ran out of umbrellas, I came upon a familiar sight, Raffles Hotel. Last time I was here with, I tried to get into the Long Bar but there was a 1hr wait to get in. I didn’t have much hope as it was 8pm on a Friday, surely the line would be equally as big as it’s peak time. I tried my luck anyway and went up the stairs and to my surprise the bar wasn’t busy.







Coming here, I knew that a Singapore Sling cost nearly $50AUD, so out of principal I didn’t buy one, got a couple of whatever these were called. And ill hand it to them, these were damn good. I also know throwing the peanut shells on the floor is tradition, but I just couldn’t do it, just didn’t seem right. The mainlanders sitting next to me made it a point to almost throw the shells as far away as possible, was a bit rude.

$70AUD lighter, continued down to Cool Cats – but I didn’t know how formal a venue it was. It was inside the JW Marriot, and the lady informed me only bar seating as available. It was a cubo-latin themed event starting in 5 minutes - $45AUD for tickets. I asked to look inside, and it was super formal, intimate venue, lots of couples sipping drinks, hand in hand. It just felt very stiff and lofty, but I wanted raw, loud and grungy. To quote Dennis Denuto…”it’s the vibe” .

Time to admit defeat, back to the hotel, but first a late night snack was needed. Near my hotel there Is a coughtail and pizza joint, Puffy Bois, which a few people had recommended to me before.. Place was packed, cool lil setup. Got speaking to the owner who was from Melbourne, good bloke. 3 slices & 2 drinks I finished up and wandered up the hill for bed.



Photo of pizza from someone else as i forgot to take one.