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Running from the 75th to the 114th floor of the Merdeka 118 building, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur offers jaw-dropping views of the city and some of its most plush accommodations. It is ideally situated for guests to explore the sights and sounds of Chinatown or downtown KL, while main shopping areas and attractions are a quick MRT or Grab ride away. Be sure to check out their 99th-floor spa designed to align the body’s natural circadian rhythms with sunrise and sunset.
In this evocative, first-person column exploring a singular place, writer Andy Hill journeys through Bali’s capital of Denpasar giving readers a taste of the sights, sounds and vibes of its less well-known areas.
I set out to walk Bali’s capital of Denpasar without a plan. No fixed goal, no dry itinerary, just the mildly romantic notion that walking is the best way to understand how a city actually functions. Denpasar, unlike some other more touristy spots in this part of the world, won’t bend over backwards for visitors. You move with it, or you fall out of step.
My day starts at Lapangan Puputan Badung, a broad green square that feels like the city’s shared front lawn. Joggers loop the field, while students cut diagonally across, fixated on their phones. A chessboard has been set up near the pavement, and two men lean over an opening gambit, squabbling amiably as the traffic surges in formation behind them. It’s tempting to linger, but a temple catches my eye, and I push on.
Pasar Badung offers a multitude of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to fashion. Photo: Shutterstock.com
I leave the park and cross the road. This small temple is tucked behind a low wall and a simple gate. Inside, sandals shuffle over stone as worshippers move through the courtyard with baskets of flowers and rice. Incense spirals upwards. A bell rings once and then again. Outside, a vendor lines up bottled drinks on a folding table, serving passing trade on motorcycles, refilling his cool box as horns blare inches away.
The smell of frying oil and the chatter of bargaining pull me towards the river. Pasar Badung rises ahead, a stacked hive of stalls and voices. The pavement out front is a shifting obstacle course of motorbikes, sacks of chillies and delivery carts. Inside, the air thickens with fish, spice and, somehow, exhaust. Fresh produce and seafood below, flowers, fabrics and household goods above, with escalators carrying shoppers between floors. A stallholder presses a sliver of unfamiliar fruit into my hand, watching intently to see what I make of it.
Jalan Gajah Mada offers a mix of traditional stores and local eats. Photo: Shutterstock.com
Back on Jalan Gajah Mada, hardware shops spill brooms, buckets and coils of rope onto the pavement. Fabric stores hang long stripes of batik and lace in the shade. Between them, tiny warung kitchens push out steam and smoke from spaces no wider than a doorway: broth, charcoal, something sweet and fried. Every few storefronts, a small shrine hosts a fresh floral offering. These appear all over Denpasar, placed daily at thresholds and street corners, part of a routine rather than a display. A delivery rider waits while a short prayer finishes, helmet still on, engine idling. When it’s done, he pulls away, and traffic closes the gap.
At the river, I pause under a bridge on the walkway. Benches line the bank. Teenagers sit shoulder to shoulder over phone screens, thumbs swiping in sync. Couples share snacks from paper bags. Children test the reach of a nearby fountain, squealing when the droplets catch them. The water churns slowly below, breaking the surface into fragments of reflection. I buy a satay skewer from a stall and eat it leaning on the rail, watching scooters thread through the heat on the road above.
The afternoon presses down. At some corners the pavement vanishes and I pick my way between parked scooters before it returns. Shopfronts darken for short closures, then reopen. Fresh offerings appear where earlier ones have been flattened underfoot or swept into neat piles at the edge of the pavement.
The busy-ness of Denpasar is still pepper with traditional Balinese architecture. Photo: Shutterstock.com
By late afternoon, my route drifts back towards Puputan. The park is still there, but the cast has changed. Where keep-fit mums stretched in the morning, a football game now gathers pace, boys chasing a scruffy ball across the grass. Children clamber up the edges of a statue base. Couples lean together on benches, heads close. Traffic still rings the perimeter, but the light has softened and the heat has loosened its grip.
I haven’t “done” Denpasar in any official sense. I haven’t collected sights or chased photo opportunities. I’ve walked, eaten, paused and allowed myself to experience life as it’s lived, letting the city set the pace. No doubt that chessboard is still around somewhere, the game moved on.
Written by: Andy Hill
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Sydney, visit singaporeair.com.
Driven by a desire to build an iconic dining destination in the city that shaped his career, chef André Chiang describes his latest venture, 1887 by André, as a “love letter” to Singapore. The fine dining establishment which opened in March this year at Raffles Hotel marks the celebrated chef’s longawaited return to Singapore.
He had shuttered his two-Michelin-starred Restaurant André in 2018 and brought his acclaimed Taipei-based RAW to a close in 2014, on its 10th anniversary. Now Chiang’s reappearance on the local circuit feels like a full-circle moment.
The opening of 1887 by Andre is a full-circle moment for the chef. Photo: 1887 by Andre
“Returning to Singapore feels deeply personal; it is where I grew as a chef, found my community and forged my philosophy.
It is a city defined by its multicultural influences, openness to the world and deep respect for craft – qualities that continue to inspire how I cook today,” says Chiang. Despite the many closures in the local food and beverage industry, Chiang remains optimistic that the time is right.
He says, “Diners are no longer looking for spectacle; they are looking for meaning, clarity and continuity. I believe the timing is right to introduce something timeless yet exciting and closely connected to our evolving lifestyles and expectations.”
Le Vert Verdant Forest. Photo: 1887 by Andre
1887 by André is set to be Raffles Hotel’s most ambitious culinary endeavour, drawing inspiration from the hotel’s 139-year history. Guests can expect dishes crafted from locally sourced and cultivated ingredients, while the dining service evokes Victorian-era rituals – most notably through the use of an original, hundred year-old silver beef wagon and antique silverware.
The restaurant’s interior has been transformed into an elegant formal dining room, featuring marble and wood, alongside palm trees and punkahs (cloth fans) that reflect the region’s tropical climate.
“By drawing inspiration from Raffles Hotel Singapore’s storied past and the city’s multicultural roots, the restaurant transforms cuisine into thoughtful storytelling, by valuing clarity, craftsmanship and lasting impact over fleeting novelty,” says Chiang
For more information on Singapore Airlines’ flights to Singapore, visit singaporeair.com.
From beautifully curated hampers to timeless jewellery and indulgent haircare, these thoughtful picks are designed to delight, pamper and be cherished long after Mother’s Day. Whether you are celebrating together or from afar, each gift brings a touch of care, meaning and everyday luxury to the occasion.
1. Everyday self-care for mums and dads
Give mum the gift of healthier, stronger hair with elihe laboratories’ Bioscience Duo, a refined two-step system developed in Singapore. Pairing a gentle shampoo with a lightweight regenerative ampoule, it supports scalp health as the foundation for fuller-looking hair.
Powered by advanced bioactive ingredients, it helps protect against daily stressors such as pollution and ageing, taking a preventative, drug-free approach to long-term hair wellness. Simple and effective, it fits effortlessly into busy routines, making it a thoughtful gift for mums and dads alike, just in time for Father’s Day.
elihe laboratories’ Bioscience Duo supports healthier, fuller-looking hair with ease
2. A thoughtful Mother’s Day hamper
Elevate Mother’s Day gifting with a beautifully curated hamper from Singapore-based The Hamper Story. Each hamper is thoughtfully assembled with international gourmet delicacies, premium wines and artisanal treats, designed to delight before it is even opened.
More than just a gift, these elegant hampers are crafted to celebrate meaningful moments and heartfelt connections, making them a thoughtful way to show mum just how much she means.
A beautifully curated hamper from The Hamper Story, crafted for meaningful gifting
3. A gift she’ll treasure forever
Celebrate mum with a piece from POH HENG, a heritage Singapore jewellery brand founded in 1948. Known for its craftsmanship and timeless design, each piece is thoughtfully created to mark both life’s milestones and everyday moments. Blending traditional artistry with contemporary elegance, POHHENG’s jewellery is designed to be worn, loved and cherished across generations, making it a meaningful gift she will treasure for years to come.
Named after the pioneering aviator who became the youngest Australian woman to obtain a pilot’s license in the 1930s, the Western Sydney International Airport is set to become Australia’s first smart airport. Travellers can expect cutting-edge technology—a remote, digital air-control system—and sustainability features, including solar power and rainwater harvesting. The airport also boasts a world-class, human-centred design by Cox Architecture, Zaha Hadid Architects, Multiplex and Woods Bagot. Best of all, WSI will operate 24/7, which will significantly boost Sydney’s ability to handle air travel beyond its existing airport.
Situated between Badgerys Creek and Luddenham, WSI is roughly 45km west of Sydney’s central business district. The distance can be covered in 45–90 minutes—traffic depending, naturally—though the planned M12 Motorway and Sydney Metro rail link should cut that time to 30 minutes.
But it’s also worth considering the exploration potential of the Western Sydney area. Here are a few of the region’s attractions that are worth checking out right as you land or before taking off.
1. Blue Mountains
For those seeking respite in nature after the bustle of the city, a quick 30-minute drive from Western Sydney International Airport brings you to the border of the Blue Mountains region. Hidden amid the wilderness of sandstone ridges and native bushland is an experience for every traveller.
The view of Echo Point Blue Mountains and the famed “three sisters.” Photo: Shutterstock.com
Adventure-lovers will get a rush from the over 140km of walking tracks and mountain biking trails that loop through valleys, while culture vultures will enjoy admiring ancient Aboriginal art, or visiting the antique shops, museums and cafés of mountain towns like Katoomba, Leura, and Blackheath. There’s also plenty for the foodies: from high tea at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel to craft brews at Mountain Culture Beer Co, housed in a former newspaper office.
2. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
In the heart of Western Sydney, just 30 minutes from the new airport, Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park is one of Australia’s most intimate and peaceful wildlife encounters—despite being spread across seven acres of bushland.
Meet cute critters and learn more about Australia’s diverse wildlife at this park. Photo: Destination NSW
Stroll along carefully designed pathways through six wildlife habitats, enjoying close-up experiences with the 1,700 animals from over 280 species, including emus, crocodiles, bilbies, penguins and wombats. Along the way, stop for informative talks by zookeepers, hand-feed kangaroos, pet koalas, and photograph wallabies.
3. Luddenham Raceway
A quick 10-minute drive from the new airport is Luddenham Raceway, an attraction that’s perfect for adrenaline junkies. Sydney’s only motorsports complex delivers high-octane fun in a relaxed setting, allowing everyone from first-time drivers to competitive racers to zoom along the track.
Enjoy a day of go-karting at Luddenham Raceway. Photo: Destination NSW
Whether you’re hitting the challenging 600m outdoor go-kart track for some friendly competition or taking on the 1.4km pro circuit—with its elevation changes and technical corners—for some serious car, bike, or drift racing, this is the ultimate taste of local automotive culture and speed.
4. Penrith Regional Gallery
In the mid-20th century, Australian artists Gerald and Margo Lewers helped usher the modernism movement into the local art scene. Now, their former home, a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, is Western Sydney’s leading contemporary art destination.
Nestled along the Nepean River, the gallery presents a dynamic programme of exhibitions featuring Australian and international artists, set alongside heritage interiors, tranquil sculpture gardens and a scenic café. Less than 30 minutes from the Western Sydney International Airport, this is a great spot for a quick cultural hit.
5. Western Sydney International Airport Experience Centre
If you’ve got some time to kill before or after your flight, this dedicated centre – located a stone’s throw from the Western Sydney International Airport – offers engaging insight into one of Australia’s biggest infrastructure projects.
Learn more about the smart features at Western Sydney International Airport here. Photo:
Visitors can learn about the development of the country’s first smart airport through interactive displays, models, and multimedia presentations, exploring the project’s impact on the region and its people. While it’s free to enter, the centre is only open Tuesdays to Fridays, so plan accordingly.
6. Hawkesbury Regional Museum
Set in historic Windsor—one of Australia’s oldest settlements, after Sydney and Parramatta—this museum precinct is an immersive look into the early days of colonial life. Drive just over 45 minutes to the museum and delve into the social history of the Hawkesbury Region through semi-permanent displays and curated exhibitions. Immerse yourself in the culture of the land, river, and people through objects from the Hawkesbury Historical Society.
A popular highlight is Howe House, an elegant Georgian home built in 1820, still furnished with nostalgic, period details. Visitors can also embark on self-guided audio walks along the Dyarubbin, the Hawkesbury River, learning stories of the native Dharug people, colonial settlement, farming and development.
7. Macquarie Arms Hotel
Dating back to 1815, this watering hole on Windsor’s Thompson Square holds the distinction of being Australia’s oldest surviving inn structure. Created by emancipist Richard Fitzgerald at the behest of Governor Lachlan Macquarie, the heritage-listed building still boasts its classic Georgian façade and historic interiors that evoke early colonial Australia.
Over the years, it housed garrisoned soldiers and even functioned as a private home. Today, it offers a traditionally Australian pub experience with local beers on tap and a menu of bar fare that includes burgers, steaks, pies, and parmigianas, all less than an hour from the new airport.
8. Georges River National Park
About halfway between Western Sydney International Airport and the Sydney CBD (about an hour’s drive from the new airport), this verdant national park is an idyllic spot for a few hours of family-friendly fun. The eponymous river that winds through the park offers opportunities for fishing, jet-skiing, kayaking and canoeing, for the adventure seekers.
Couple enjoying the views across the scenic Georges River at Fitzpatrick Park, Georges River National Park in Picnic Point.
But visitors can also enjoy picnics at Burrawang Reach, Fitzpatrick Park and Cattle Duffers Flat, and gentle strolls along the Teramba Lagoon track for some birdspotting. See if you can spot pink robins or grey fantails, out of the 100 species of birds that make their home here.
Starting 23 November 2026, Singapore Airlines will operate daily non-stop flights between Singapore and Western Sydney International Airport. For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Sydney, visit singaporeair.com.
