Friday, 30 August 2024

Here’s how to get free Wi-Fi on your next SIA flight

Staying connected while you’re soaring at 30,000 feet is easy with Singapore Airlines (SIA). Whether you’re flying Economy, Premium Economy or any other cabin class, you can now enjoy free in-flight Wi-Fi on most SIA flights*. But before you start browsing, here’s what you need to know.

Get free Wi-Fi as a KrisFlyer member

First things first – if you’re a KrisFlyer member, you’re all set for unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi. Just make sure you do one of the following:

  1. Add your membership number when making a flight booking
  2. Update your membership number on the “Manage Booking” page
  3. Mention your membership number to the staff at check-in

Not yet a member of SIA’s frequent flyer programme? Not a problem. You can sign up for free here before your flight or even on board. It’s super easy.

Connect to in-flight Wi-Fi

Once cruising altitude is reached, getting online is simple. Check out the details below on how to do so, as well as some tips on how to get connected easily.

Surf the web (and more!)

Now that you’re connected, feel free to message, email, surf the web (here are some ideas for you) and check your social feeds. Keep in mind, in-flight Wi-Fi doesn’t support streaming, voice/video calls, VPN, software updates or cloud services. Also, don’t be surprised if the speed isn’t quite what you’re used to on the ground – factors like satellite coverage, regulatory restrictions, weather conditions and the number of concurrent users can all play a part.

*Please note: in-flight Wi-Fi is available on most SIA flights. Flights departing from or arriving in Europe or India may experience intermittent Wi-Fi connectivity due to limited satellite coverage over certain air spaces. It’s also not available on the Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft.

Tips for a smooth in-flight Wi-Fi experience

To make the most of your in-flight connection, switch on low data or low power mode, turn off automatic updates and media downloads, close any apps you’re not using and avoid data-heavy activities like gaming or file transfers.

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Friday, 16 August 2024

Canlis

Canlis was the first fine dining restaurant in Seattle, and the third-generation family-run institution is still hitting every note 75 years later with artful service and flawless Pacific Northwest flavours. Filipina Chef Aisha Ibrahim offers a choose-your-own-adventure style tasting menu, where diners select an appetiser, main course and dessert with plenty of delicious surprises sprinkled in along the way. 

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Savour the journey with Chef Søren Selin of Restaurant AOC (Denmark)

Savouring the journey is as important as reaching the destination, and Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) Suites, First and Business Class customers can now look forward to enjoying bespoke dishes from some of the best chefs in the world even before they land at their destination.

For a limited period, on top of the exquisite menu created by the airline’s International Culinary Panel, Suites, First and Business Class customers flying from selected cities can also enjoy a taste of an array of notable chefs’ creations at 30,000 feet.

Chef Søren Selin of the acclaimed two-Michelin-starred Restaurant, AOC, in Copenhagen joins as one of the guest chefs, offering his specially designed menu for Business Class customers flying from Copenhagen. Chef Søren’s menu is a celebration of Danish gastronomy, carefully crafted to bring the flavours of Denmark to the skies.

Chef Søren Selin guest chef at Singapore Airlines 2024
At Restaurant AOC, Chef Søren uses a lot of herb and wildflowers because he is heavily inspired by the nature and the changing of the seasons. SIA customers can look forward to the same touches.

The appetiser is a visual feast where slow-poached lobster with piquillo yuzu kosho (Japanese citrus chilli paste) mayonnaise, complemented by pickled butter squash, rose hip, micro herbs and semi-dried cherry tomatoes.

For the main course, customers can enjoy a comforting, creamy medley of roasted and glazed monkfish served with mussel beurre blanc (French butter sauce), local potato puree, roasted potato, fried potato chips, smoked oil and trout roe.

“I wanted to find some ingredients that were really in peak season and also something that’s Danish and local, bringing the terroir of Denmark to Singapore Airlines,” says Chef Søren.

All customers will still enjoy a full three-course meal, with dessert included as part of the offering, though it will not be part of Chef Søren’s menu.

This blend of exceptional service, comfort and gourmet dining continues to define Singapore Airlines’ commitment to creating memorable journeys for their customers.

If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, here are five more reasons to get excited about SIA’s exclusive partnership with Chef Søren:

Chef Søren’s glittering résumé will impress you

Even before joining AOC as its executive chef, Chef Søren (who is now its co-owner) made a name for himself with stints at several acclaimed establishments around Europe.

Chef Søren cut his teeth at the then-two-Michelin-starred Le Relais Louis XIII and then-one-starred Le Jules Verne in Paris, before becoming the executive head chef at the iconic Alberto K, which used to be located at the top of the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Copenhagen.

Since Chef Søren’s arrival at AOC in 2013, he has made his mark by accentuating the playfulness in Nordic cuisine – resulting in the restaurant acquiring and maintaining a second Michelin star since 2015.

You won’t need to book a table to savour AOC’s dishes 

Dining at AOC is a wonderful way to enjoy both the historic and contemporary aspects of local culture. The restaurant is nestled in the wine cellar of a 17th century mansion in the heart of Copenhagen, and its culinary philosophy is centred on working with fresh Nordic produce.

With a capacity of only 40 seats in the main dining area – and an additional private room that accommodates up to 14 guests – it’s a bespoke experience indeed. Bookings are hard to secure, but with the exclusive partnership with SIA, you can now sample Chef Søren’s dishes without the stress of reservations.

This is a rare chance to get the AOC experience in-flight

To cook up the dishes in a fully-equipped kitchen is one thing – to do so in the sky is another. But that’s a challenge that Chef Søren relishes.

“Of course we had to modify [the dishes] because they don’t have a lot of space in the aircraft to do the things we do at AOC,” he shares. “That’s part of the challenge, and that’s also part of what makes it fun.”

To ensure the utmost quality and freshness, most of the food is prepared in a kitchen on the ground, with only minor final touches completed on board. This thoughtful adaptation guarantees that guests enjoy a dining experience that mirrors the excellence of AOC – even at 30,000 feet.

Chef Søren Selin guest chef for Singapore Airlines 2024
Chef Søren says one hurdle for recreating Restaurant AOC’s dishes in-flight was the absence of a fully equipped kitchen. “That’s part of the challenge, and that’s also part of what makes it fun,” he says.

The ‘thoughtful’ chef is inspired by nature and the changing of the seasons

Chef Søren’s main inspiration comes from nature and the changing of the seasons, and his creations are a celebration of taste, smell and colour.

“In AOC, we have 20 [dishes] so I have to spread out all the ingredients so we don’t repeat the same [ones],” he says. “For example, we use a lot of herbs and wildflowers.” 

Describing himself as a “thoughtful” chef, Chef Søren maintains that “the expression that I try to create in AOC is something where I can see myself in the dishes.” 

This chef seeks inspiring culinary journeys

While Chef Søren champions Danish ingredients, he also seeks inspiration from his travels. In fact, one of his most cherished memories is when he tried gazpacho (a cold vegetable soup) for the first time, aged 10, while holidaying with his family in Andalusia. “It blew my mind!” he recalls.

As a chef now, Chef Søren still enjoys visiting different cities around the world and sampling authentic local dishes and flavours, which he subtly incorporates into his unique cooking style.

When asked about his essentials for traveling, Chef Søren reveals, “I always bring my noise-cancelling headphones so I can watch a good movie or listen to a podcast.” He also shares what he looks forward to most when flying with SIA: “I look forward to the hospitality, the comfort, and of course, the dining experience.”

Chef Søren Selin’s menu is available to Business Class customers on Singapore Airlines’ flights from Copenhagen from now until 30 September 2024.

Chef Søren Selin’s menu is now available to Business Class customers on Singapore Airlines’ flights from Copenhagen, for a limited time only.

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Tuesday, 13 August 2024

Beyond the cabin: Surf, sand and Sri Lanka

This article is part of Singapore Airlines’ Beyond the Cabin Season 2 video series, in which cabin crew unveil experiences in their favourite destinations.

Many people visit Sri Lanka for its lush plantations, which produce a wide array of fine teas. But did you know that the tropical island is also home to some of the best beaches in the world? 

“Sri Lanka is nicknamed the Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, and for good reason – it’s a beautiful island surrounded by crystal clear waters. Visitors can enjoy beach activities such as surfing, snorkelling, sunbathing and so much more,” says Andy Chong, a cabin crew member with Singapore Airlines. 

Dive into Sri Lanka’s beach scene with Andy and discover the best things to do on – and along – the water.

Try your hand at water sports

If you’re hoping to carve some waves, Andy recommends heading to Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s east coast. Surf aficionados relish its warm waters and mellow right-hand point breaks, which are a joy to ride. Visit between April and October for the most consistent swells.

If scuba diving or snorkelling is more your thing, Andy suggests checking out Unawatuna Bay in southern Sri Lanka. “Here, you’ll find colourful coral reefs and a wide variety of marine creatures, including sting rays and moray eels,” he says. Experienced divers can explore several shipwrecks including the SS Rangoon, an Australia-bound steamer that sank in 1871 after setting sail from Galle Harbour.

Go on a river safari

Around a 90-minute drive from Colombo lies the coastal town of Bentota, which is known for its marine reserves. Here, you can embark on a leisurely cruise along the Bentota River, which will take you through verdant mangrove forests that provide an important habitat for thousands of animal species. Keep your eyes peeled for monitor lizards, fruit bats, herons, kingfishers and more. “It’s the perfect activity for nature lovers hoping to spot a range of wildlife,” Andy says.

Enjoy a seafood feast

As an island with long stretches of coastline, Sri Lanka is, quite naturally, famous for its delicious seafood. In Mount Lavinia, a suburb south of Colombo, you can tuck into deep-fried prawns and steamed garoupa at popular beachfront eatery Barracuda. “The restaurant offers a range of seafood dishes prepared in various ways. Opt for an outdoor table for great sunset views,” Andy says.

Over in Colombo, Upali’s by Nawaloka is beloved for its hearty, homely fare. Signature dishes include the maalu oluwa (fish head cooked in a light, coconut-based curry) and the yapane kakuluwo (crab curry marinated with spices from the northern city of Jaffna). Round off your meal with some wiskothu pudima, a baked biscuit pudding layered with chocolate sauce and topped with vanilla ice cream. “It’s truly a local culinary experience,” Andy enthuses.

Live it up at a beach bar

Lined with bars, pubs and nightclubs, Hikkaduwa Beach along Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast is a veritable nightlife hotspot. Andy’s pick is Sea Salt Society, a trendy bar and restaurant with a laid-back vibe and excellent live music. “The food is great, as is the service. In fact, one of my favourite things about Sri Lanka is its warm hospitality. It makes visitors feel right at home,” Andy says.

Andy also enjoys hanging out at Locale in the southern town of Weligama. “Overlooking the crashing waves, it’s a great place to unwind after a surfing session. The cocktails pay homage to Sri Lankan culinary culture and often feature local ingredients,” Andy shares. Try the Island Dodum Iced Tea, a mix of Old Arrack (a distilled alcoholic drink), ginger, local oranges, kithul palm syrup and orange bitters – a refreshing tipple that encapsulates the spirit of Sri Lanka.

At Singapore Airlines, we’re all about taking you places – whether that’s 30,000 feet in the air or 3,000+ attractions across the globe. Check out our travel experiences platform Pelago and lifestyle rewards app Kris+, and discover how you can get the most out of your next trip.

Singapore Airlines flies to Colombo daily.

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Tuesday, 6 August 2024

Discover 8 hidden gems loved by Seattle locals

Seattle has its fair share of attractions, but if you want to experience this US city not as a tourist but as a resident, here are a few favourite spots that locals love. From great dining with secret menu tips and blissful natural escapes to a hidden skincare sanctuary and making your own glass art masterpiece, this is an insider’s guide to Seattle that you wouldn’t uncover on your own.

1. Be blown away by glass art, and then try your hand at it

After visiting the jaw-dropping, larger-than-life sculptures at Chihuly Garden and Glass head to the Seattle Glassblowing Studio just a few blocks away in Belltown and browse glass objets d’arts by dozens of local and international artists. If you’re overcome with a burst of artistic inspiration, you can even make your own glass, bowl, ornament or paperweight to take home in less than an hour. Private lessons are available for individuals, couples and small groups and the talented staff makes classes fun without an ounce of pretension as you colour and shape your piece with a helping hand. They’ll effortlessly salvage your piece if you falter so you’re guaranteed a spiffy one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Pick up a souvenir, or try your hand at this art form. Photo: Seattle Glassblowing Studio

2. Give yourself a glow up with Seattle’s most talented aesthetician

For the best facial massage of your life, find Seattle Facialist tucked in an unexpected location within Shred 415’s high intensity workout studio conveniently located downtown by the I-5 Express. Esthetician Patty Huang previously worked at Lotte Seattle but now she’s working for herself. Rest assured she will help you get your glow back after a long flight with her soft deft hands and cold-pressed botanical skincare from Parisian skincare brand Vie De Mer. Every facial is precisely tailored for each guest, and Huang’s unique “fassage” facial massage technique feels like a natural facelift.

3. Discover exceptional coffee and chocolate away from the Starbucks crowd   

There’s always an hour-long line outside the original Starbucks at Pike Place Market, but you’re better off heading down the steps to indi chocolate’s café for far better coffee and drinking chocolate. The bean-to-bar chocolate maker serves a variety of espresso and cold brew drinks, along with tea, chocolates and fresh baked pastries. The mole caramel latte is savoury and sweet and their single-origin mochas are to die for, showcasing the impact of terroir on cacao’s flavour. Pair your coffee with the best chocolate chip cookie in Seattle, studded with roasted cacao nibs and flaky sea salt and buy a few bars to take home as gifts.

Tickle your tastebuds with a spicy mocha. Photo: indi chocolate

4. Meditate in nature

On the East side of Seattle by Lake Washington, Washington Park Arboretum recently launched Outdoor Wellness Fridays, where a certified forest therapy guide and yoga instructor leads guests through breath meditation and gentle yoga suitable for all abilities, followed by a restorative sound bath in nature with a gong and crystal singing bowls. It’s an ideal break from urban hustle and bustle and a chance to meet likeminded nature lovers as you literally stop to smell the roses.

5. Shop a local favourite farmers’ market

While Pike Place Market is definitely worth visiting, locals don’t often shop here because of the congestion and higher prices. The Sunday Ballard Farmers Market is Seattle’s favourite neighbourhood farmers’ market with everything coming exclusively from Washington State farmers. Enjoy live music, loads of samples and stock up on fruit and vegetables from SpringRain Farm & Orchard, cheese from Fantello Farmstead Creamery, sockeye salmon from Eva’s Wild, bread from The French Guys and roasted hazelnuts from Holmquist. Take your treats to go and enjoy a picnic at nearby Discovery Park or Golden Gardens Beach. There are plenty of prepared food vendors too, for crêpes, pastries, popsicles, grilled quesadillas and hot tamales.

Soak in the colours and flavours of a local farmers’ market. Photo: Ballard Farmers Market

6. Imbibe at an under-the-radar wine bar

Wine lovers, head to Le Caviste in downtown Seattle for the city’s best selection of French wines by the glass on a chalkboard menu. There are wine cases stacked in the simple bare bones space, but friendly owners and staff create a convivial atmosphere. They also have cheese, charcuterie and steak tartare, perfect for a light dinner. If you prefer Italian wines, Neb Wine Bar just a few blocks away is your best bet.

7. Dine at Seattle’s fanciest restaurant for less

Canlis in Queen Anne Hill is well-known as Seattle’s fine dining icon. You may try their multi-course dining experience, but locals know there is also an à la carte bar menu if you want to listen to the live music and enjoy the views but aren’t in the mood for a lengthy tasting menu. The cocktails are excellent and you can also order from the full wine list. Pair your drinks with approachable comfort food like the Canlis twist on McDonald’s filet-o-fish sandwich, burgers and a classic ice cream sundae. Walk-ins are welcome, so you’re free to indulge your spontaneous culinary cravings.

Canlis’ asparagus with romesco, spring onion and rye bread crisps. Photo: Amber Gibson

8. Explore a charming island getaway

Take a day trip to Bainbridge Island for a low-key city escape and quintessential Seattle experience. The scenic 35-minute ferry ride is convenient and costs US$9.85 (S$13) for adults or around US$17.50-$22.50 (S$23.50-30) for a passenger and vehicle combination. Consider renting a car and driving onto the ferry since rideshares like Uber and Lyft are not available on the island. Once you arrive on Bainbridge there are plenty of beautiful hikes of varying difficulty, along with the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, cute shops and dining.

Photo: Shutterstock

For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Seattle, visit the official website.

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