Let’s get one thing straight: Singapore isn’t just a glossy postcard of Marina Bay Sands and chili crab. This city-state hides a wild sustainability game beneath its skyscrapers—think rooftop farms, Michelin-starred hawkers ditching plastic, and hotels that turn waste into wine (yes, really). Here’s how to explore the Lion City without leaving a carbon paw print.
Why Singapore is a Sustainability Sleeper Hit
- ♻️ Zero Waste Masterplan: Aims to send 30% less to landfills by 2030. Your hawker center char kway teow comes in reusable containers now.
- 🌿 47% Green Cover: More trees than Instagram influencers.
- 🏙️ Vertical Gardens: Oasia Hotel Downtown’s red-algae facade isn’t just artsy—it cools the building naturally.
Green Flags for Eco-Conscious Travelers
1. Stay: Hotels That Walk the Talk
- PARKROYAL on Pickering: A “hotel-in-a-garden” with 15,000m² of sky gardens, solar power, and rainwater harvesting. Poolside cocktails taste better with 0% greenwashing.
- The Warehouse Hotel: Upcycled 1895 riverside godown. Ask for the zero-plastic bathroom kit.
- Lloyd’s Inn: Minimalist zen with smart AC that only runs when you’re in the room.
2. Eat: Hawker Centers, But Make It Zero Waste
- Lau Pa Sat: Bring your own container for satay skewers. Pro tip: Vendors give discounts for reusables.
- Tekka Centre: Vegan roti prata stalls (yes, it exists) + bulk spice stalls.
- Sustainabili-Tea: Open Farm Community grows herbs on-site for your $14 cold brew. Worth it.
3. Do: Wellness Beyond Spa Coupons
- Gardens by the Bay’s Forest Therapy: Free guided walks where you hug 500-year-old olive trees (metaphorically).
- Pulau Ubin Bike Trails: Rustic island stuck in 1960s Singapore—no cars, just mangroves and saltwater jacuzzies.
- Biohack at COMO Shambhala: Cryotherapy and compostable yoga mats.
The “Avoid Like Durian Breath” List
🚫 Single-Use Souvenirs: Merlion keychains made in China? Hard pass. Opt for upcycled batik art from Supermama.
🚫 Sentosa’s Dolphin Island: Captive dolphins aren’t wellness. Swim with wild ones at Sisters’ Islands instead.
🚫 Plastic-Bagged Drinks: Hawker stalls still do this. Say “sǐa, no plastic bag” (Hokkien for “thanks, no bag”) like a local.
Your 3-Day Sustainable Itinerary
Day 1: Urban Jungle
- AM: Breakfast at Common Man Coffee Roasters (compostable cups).
- PM: Bike Marina Bay with Hello, Bicycle! (carbon-neutral rentals).
- Night: Sundowners at 1-Altitude—highest rooftop bar using rescued ingredients.
Day 2: Wild(ish) Side
- AM: MacRitchie Reservoir treetop walk. Watch monkeys, don’t feed them.
- PM: Lunch at The Social Kitchen (food waste-powered kitchen).
- Night: Stargaze at Lower Peirce Reservoir (light pollution? Barely.).
Day 3: Slow & Local
- AM: Kampong Glam heritage tour with Betel Box (profits fund local youth).
- PM: DIY perfume workshop at Scent by SIX (zero-waste essential oils).
- Night: Farm-to-table dinner at Po (rooftop ingredients picked at 5pm).
Singapore’s Dirty Little Secret (Shhh)
The MRT (subway) is faster than taxis, air-conditioned, and costs $2. Use it. Also, tap water is drinkable—refill that S’well bottle at 7-11.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Singapore proves cities can be sustainable. Skip the plastic orchids, dive into its green underbelly, and let Marina Bay Sands fund your carbon offsets.
Your Turn: Found a hidden eco-gem in Singapore? Spill below—we promise not to tag the location. 😪