More than a stopover: Why you should extend your layover in Singapore

If you are planning a trip overseas from Australia, there's a good chance you'll pass through Singapore, a major international gateway connecting travellers to destinations across Asia, Europe, the UK, and the United States.I recently had the pleasure of flying on Jetstar's direct route from Perth to Singapore. I'm excited to share my experience on what this extraordinary city has to offer.While it's tempting to explore one of the world's best airports, Changi Airport (more on that later), I'm going to try to convince you why you should consider extending your layover for a few days. READ MORE: Three things you need for the perfect Sydney staycationTop things to do: Gardens by the BayNo visit to Singapore is complete without exploring Gardens by the Bay, a futuristic nature-based spectacle offering unique experiences both day and night.At night, the iconic Supertrees, doubling as vertical gardens, light up in a wonderful display of colour. Watch them really come to life during the free Garden Rhapsody show, a wonderful blend of music and lights that plays twice every evening at 7:45pm and 8:45pm.READ MORE: Surprising packing trick Virgin Australia flight attendant swears byIf you can time it right, try and catch the show from the OCBC Skyway, which connects the trees and offers amazing views of both the show and Singapore's famous Marina Bay Sands. Be mindful of the long wait lines however, your best bet will to be hang around for the 8:45pm show as the younger crowds dissipate after the first show.The Cloud Forest genuinely made me feel like I was in a movie. It is best described as a futuristic misty tropical forest with an indoor waterfall filled with exotic orchids and greenery. READ MORE: Traveller shows off the inside of $30k first class suiteFor a quieter and more atmospheric experience, visit early in the morning. Weather dependent, the morning sun will also cast a unique glow on the biodome.Best food and drinks: From Singapore Sling to Chilli CrabSingapore's most iconic drink - a Singapore Sling from Long Bar at Raffles Hotel. The cocktail itself is deliciously refreshing after a long day out of the humidity. Just a heads-up for anyone with a peanut allergy, you might want to steer clear. I wasn't expecting the endless supply of peanuts where you can crack them open, eat the peanuts and then throw the shells on the floor.For seafood lovers, JUMBO seafood is a must, more specifically their award-winning chilli crab which has a cult following across Asia. I recommend the franchise's flagship East Coast restaurant.For an authentic local dining experience, head to a hawker centre which are conveniently scattered across the city. I went to the Newton Food Centre which offers a wide range of affordable Singaporean food vendors.Controlled chaos would be best to describe it, I opted for the Michelin food guide-rated charcoal-grilled chicken wings with satay sauce, both crisp and juicy, among the best I've had.Hidden gems: Exploring Little India and Dempsey HillSingapore is well known for its cultural diversity, a testament to this was a visit to Little India. The streets teeming with people, markets selling fresh produce, grocery stalls, electronics, gold jewelry, knick-knacks, flower arrangements and authentic Indian street food. While I've yet to explore India, the bustling streets here were exactly the sort of vibrant scenes I had always imagined.Dempsey Hill is a history-rich former British army barracks that uniquely makes you forget you are in Singapore. The colonial-styled buildings now offer various gourmet grocers, art galleries, antique shops and dining venues.Food offerings range from Peruvian, French, Greek, Asian, and American cuisines. During this trip, I dined at Canchita a Peruvian restaurant located in Dempsey Hill. Having never tried Peruvian food before, I was pleasantly surprised.From starters to dessert, every dish that arrived was packed with fresh ingredients and flavour. I highly recommend trying their Ceviche Clasico and the deliciously tender Grilled Octopus.Changi Airport Yes, everything you have seen and read online is true. Singapore's Changi Airport and Jewel is not just an airport, it's a destination in its own right.With Jewel's early check-in facility, I was able to drop my bags and unleash my inner child at Canopy Park, a 14,000-square-foot wonderland of mazes, nets, slides and bridges. The perfect way to tire myself out before my 8+ hour Jetstar flight back to Australia.Be sure to also check out the iconic indoor Rain Vortex, lush gardens and countless shopping and dining spots in the area. Just keep an eye on the time and allow ample time to get to your gate.Best time to visit SingaporeSingapore offers an incredible array of experiences, from futuristic vertical gardens to vibrant cultural enclaves and world-class food.Whether you are a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor, Singapore deserves more than a quick layover.The best time to visit Singapore is from March to August, although it is a year-round destination. You will experience the least amount of rainfall, low humidity and pleasant temperatures.The writer travelled as a guest of Jetstar. Jetstar operates direct flights from Perth to Singapore up to six times per week.