With the plethora of white shark sightings at Bondi, plus a flat, rainy winter forecast, what better time to skip town, chase some warmth and change the scenery?
Today we’re in Singapore – or Singapura, meaning “Lion City” in Malay. Constant 33°C heat and 31°C water make for a pretty nice escape from a Bondi winter.
We’re bunkered down at the brand-new METT Singapore, freshly renovated inside a beautiful heritage building dating back to 1926. Surrounded by the lush tropical gardens of Fort Canning Park, it’s hard to believe you’re right in the middle of one of the world’s busiest cities.
Around six million people call Singapore home, all squeezed onto just 735km² — roughly one-third the size of metropolitan Sydney. It’s one of the world’s most densely populated countries, yet somehow feels remarkably green. More than 100,000 Australians now call Singapore home (many have Aquabumps hanging on their walls).
This little island also punches well above its weight. Much of Australia’s fuel passes through Singapore, where crude oil from the Middle East is refined before continuing south to our shores. It’s one of the world’s busiest ports, with giant container ships and oil tankers permanently lining the horizon.
For surfers, Singapore is less a destination than a gateway. The Mentawais, Nias and countless other world-class Indonesian reef breaks are only a short flight away. So close… yet just far enough to remind you why you’re here for the food, culture and tropical warmth instead of the waves.
Our June 30 EOFY complimentary size-up promotion wraps up tomorrow. If you’ve been thinking about adding a new piece to the wall, now’s the time.
:: uge
