With overseas travel at some of the lowest levels ever (compared to the past 30 years) because of the pandemic, the island-state of Singapore has been harder hit than most countries when it comes to offering its residents some degree of variety when it comes to domestic tourism. With much of the country’s natural landscape having being razed down to make way for housing and other developments, the idea of land scarcity extends to all aspects of life, all the way down to the availability of free spaces for hiking, picnicking and other leisure activities. The strict global travel restrictions of 2020 prompted the Singapore Tourism Board to launch a campaign to “Rediscover Singapore” for its 5.8 million restless residents. Even then, many of those who live and work here have been spoiled by constant overseas travel in the past, and have found the offerings within the island limited, and somewhat pedestrian.
With strict travel restrictions in place for the foreseeable future, staycations have become the primary means of holidaying for most Singaporeans and a lifeline for the island’s 400 plus hotels who have traditionally depended heavily on overseas tourists. The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is one of the most prominent landmarks in Singapore. With an iconic silhouette of three towers with a boat-like structure — the Skypark — right at the very top, it has become an architectural symbol of Singapore. A pop culture reference and shorthand for instant geographical identification, it has been featured in everything from movies to manga.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Look At Us
As public memorials face a public reckoning, there’s still too little thought paid to how women are represented — as bodies and as selves.
Two New Jewellery Collections Find Their Inspiration In The Human Anatomy
Two new jewellery collections find their inspiration in the human anatomy.
She For She
We speak to three women in Singapore who are trying to improve the lives of women — and all other gender identities — through their work.
Over The Rainbow
How the bright colours and lively prints created by illustrator Donald Robertson brought the latest Weekend Max Mara Flutterflies capsule collection to life.
What Is Love?
The artist Hank Willis Thomas discusses his partnership with the Japanese fashion label Sacai and the idea of fashion in the context of the art world.
The Luxury Hotel For New Mums
Singapore’s first luxury confinement facility, Kai Suites, aims to provide much more than plush beds and 24-hour infant care: It wants to help mothers with their mental and emotional wellbeing as well.
Who Gets To Eat?
As recent food movements have focused on buying local or organic, a deeper and different conversation is happening among America’s food activists: one that demands not just better meals for everyone but a dismantling of the structures that have failed to nourish us all along.
Reimagining The Future Of Fashion
What do women want from their clothes and accessories, and does luxury still have a place in this post-pandemic era? The iconic designer Alber Elbaz thinks he has the answers with his new label, AZ Factory.
A Holiday At Home
Once seen as the less exciting alternative to an exotic destination holiday, the staycation takes on new importance.
All Dressed Up, Nowhere To Go
Chinese supermodel He Sui talks about the unseen pressures of being an international star, being a trailblazer for East Asian models in the fashion world, and why, at the end of the day, she is content with being known as just a regular girl from Wenzhou.