Making The Most Of A Layover In Singapore

Breakfast In Singapore’s Sky On 57 (CLOSED).

The ten-hour layover in Singapore between two in the morning and twelve in the afternoon on my way from Hong Kong to Phuket, Thailand wasn’t ideal. However, instead of subjecting myself to a restless night of sleep on an airport bench or the hassles of checking into a hotel, I chose the exciting option and decided to see the sites of Singapore. A taxi from the airport took me straight to the Marina Bay Sands.

As an architecture enthusiast, my main goal in Singapore was to see the famous Marina Bay Sands with its three towers and massive Skydeck spanning the distance between the buildings. I headed straight for the Skydeck on the fifty-seventh floor, and got views from both sides of the glittering lights below. The majority of the Skydeck contains the massive infinity edge pool, which is only open to hotel guests. But, I noticed that the restaurant, Sky on 57, was open for breakfast. I decided to return in a few hours to wind up my day.

I spent the next few hours wandering through the Marina Bay Sands Mall with its designer stores and indoor canals. Then I walked along the promenade bordering the marina, enjoying the sites of the ultra-modern Singapore ArtScience Museum, Louis Vuitton Store, Helix Bridge, and Hong Kong Flyer. While the walking and lack of sleep were causing my energy to fade, the rising sun indicated that it would soon be time to return to the Marina Bay Sands for breakfast.

My table at Sky on 57 was situated directly against the railing at the edge of the Skydeck. The waiter took my order for an entree and pointed me towards the decadent buffet of fruit, breakfast meats, pastries, and juices that was perfect for hungry travelers. With a menu created by Chef Justin Quek, personal chef of the French Embassy and an inaugural recipient of the Chef of the Year award from World Gourmet Summit Awards of Excellence, it was not surprising that the food was excellent.

The menu offered a mix of traditional Singaporean dishes and Western fare. The French Toast with Marinated Wild Berries and Vanilla Whipped Cream was one of the best plates of French toast I have ever had – light and sweet. While the food was good, the star of the show was the view over the city. The early morning view that I got to enjoy was gorgeous. I returned to the airport for my flight to Thailand with a full stomach and memories of one of the best flight layovers I have ever had.

Anton Walker

Born in Aarau, Switzerland and grew up in San Diego, Anton always goes for a run in a new city - it's the best way to explore and see areas that sight-seeing routes won’t cross. As a huge car person, he always tries to pick up car magazines in different countries that he visits as souvenirs.