Singapore

For a day in Sydney, the trip to Manly Beach on the ferry is a relaxing option. Lunch watching the locals surfing, then head back and stroll around the Botanic Gardens before catching a ferry round to Darling Harbour for an evening meal.

NfkDumpling - DD was told that many Singapore families spend their Sundays at the airport as there is so much to do.

Lovely safe place to go, so enjoy your stopover. Public transport is well run and can take you to most places on the tourist trail. When you visit, Raffles is a must just to say you've been but I agree, just have a Singapore Sling as I think Afternoon Tea will be a rip off, expensive. I had Singapore Sling in the old Raffles 40 years ago because you have too!

I lived in Singapore or ‘singers’ as we used to call it back in the 1960’s. There have been tremendous changes since we left. All my siblings have been there for stopovers and holidays in recent times and all thoroughly enjoyed their visits.
The climate is very humid - that’s the only thing I didn’t enjoy but I expect just about everywhere will have aircon by now.
For some interesting shopping head to CK Tang, it has beautiful things from all over the world.
Enjoy,

C.KTangs is in Orchard Road. You could buy a second hand guide book from an Amazon 3rd party sellers which will have all the places to visit in Singapore in the limited time you have there. Oh,just go the shops!,

I too lived in Singapore for three years in the late 60s/early 70s. DH and I met there so have some very fond memories. We have been back - three or four times - but it has changed beyond all recognition.
The Botanical Gardens were always lovely, but I understand the Gardens by the Bay are amazing.
Take a boat trip and view the sights from the water.
Street food is wonderful.
Go shopping in C K Tang.
Get some made to measure clothes, choosing your own fabric and style - they will be ready in 24 hours.
When we lived there Raffles was quite run down, so didn't bother with it, but went for lunch on one of our return trips, and had a Singapore sling in the Long Bar.
Go to Mount Faber and view the fantastic seascape from the top, then take the cable car to Sentosa island, or cross by ferry.
Enjoy the colonial style of the government buildings, court buildings etc.
I am thinking of visiting late DH's cousins in Australia at some time so will probably have another stopover, but sadly this time on my own, but hope to have happy memories.

Golly! Is C.K. Tang still in business? What a treasure house that was! I still have some beautiful rose wood carved animals from there.

I too lived there and in Malaysia in the late 60’s and early 70’s.
I married there in 1970.

I loved it, the climate, the friendly people, some I’m still in touch with.

A friend has just returned and he was amazed by Changi airport:
'Quite amazed by the new Jewel Shopping and eating area at Changi Airport. Allegedly the largest indoor waterfall in the world (with more Sons & Lumiéres shows!)'
He found the humidity quite daunting, v glad for air-con, also went to the Gardens by the Bay, very impressed there too; found Raffles rather expensive £24 for a Singapore sling!
Have a lovely time whatever you decide to do.

We visited this park a few times:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_Balm_Garden
There are many sort of primitive set pieces and other models depicting Chinese history. A bit gruesome at times, so tru to life.

DS has recommended Lonely Planet app which is free to download. Then you can add city guides of which Singapore is one. All free and the maps are available off line so no need to use your data. Also if 3 is your phone provider you can use your normal plan in Singapore. Called Feel at Home I think. It’s useful but arbitrary. I will be able to use it in Singapore but not Kuala Lumpur. Similarly I could use it in USA but not Canada. Great when you can use it though.

Thank you all who have taken the trouble to reply. It’s so helpful to have all the suggestions in my notebook. We have booked for the afternoon tea as Raffles has apparently been renovated recently. I’m getting excited now!