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This article is part of Singapore Airlines’ “Beyond the Cabin” video series, in which cabin crew explore their favourite cities and share how their hobbies enrich their service delivery.
Gan Pin’s memories of South Korea are closely tied to dance. She first visited the country back in 2013, when she represented Singapore as a dancesport (competitive ballroom dancing) athlete at the Asian Indoor Games in Incheon. Today, as a cabin crew member of 7.5 years with Singapore Airlines, she often attends dance classes during her layovers in Seoul – an enduring hobby that has helped her grow both personally and professionally.
During her most recent trip to the South Korean capital, Pin tried her hand at K-Pop dance (a blend of dance forms choreographed to Korean pop music) andbuchaechum(a traditional Korean fan dance) – two vastly different genres that highlight the diversity of the Korean dance culture.
Pin tries her hand at K-Pop dance and buchaechum in Seoul
“Buchaechum is definitely more elegant and regal. It reminds me of ballet, where the dancers look so effortless. But it was actually hard work trying to look poised while holding up the heavy fans, and doing my best not to trip on the full-length dress!” she recalls. “In comparison, K-Pop dance is more lively and energetic, and the artist’s individuality is expressed through the dance and song. It’s a whole artistic presentation on its own.”
Similar to how dancers spend hours perfecting their moves, every cabin crew works hard on each flight to deliver an exceptional customer experience
It was a hugely memorable experience for Pin, who has dabbled in various dance forms – from ballet and Latin ballroom dancing to street dance – ever since she was five. “I don’t like being defined by a single movement style. Each genre I’ve crossed paths with has taught me something unique and made me the dancer that I am today,” she reflects. “I want to be able to move with the strengths I’ve picked up from each style.”
From K-Pop to traditional culture
Dance is just one of the many things Pin adores about Seoul. “I love South Korea for its colourful culture, food, language and people. If you dig deeper into the Korean culture, you’ll be able to unearth a lot of interesting things about it,” she says.
For starters, there are the friendly locals, who often go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. “I was feeling quite anxious at Wave Monster Dance Studio as I wanted to do well while representing myself as a dancer and as a cabin crew. It turns out that I had nothing to worry about because Zizi, Jimin, Jessie and Jae Hyun made me feel right at home with their warm and bubbly personalities,” Pin recalls. “We promised to keep in contact and I will be returning to the studio to learn from them during my next trip to Seoul.”
Pin also enjoys sampling Seoul’s diverse culinary scene. “The locals are very serious about their food, so one couldn’t be more wrong to say that all Korean food tastes the same,” she shares.
This extends to the city’s booming café culture, which is renowned for its variety and creativity. “There are really good cafés on almost every street corner in Seoul,” Pin says. “For example, Lovin’ Her Café in Mapo-gu has a very pretty exterior adorned with flowers, which makes it a great photo spot. And if you’re a K-Pop fan, check out the cafés that celebrate different K-Pop idols’ birthdays by putting up posters and photos. These are ideal places for meeting like-minded fans.”
Of course, there’s also no shortage of fascinating places to visit in the capital. “For instance, the Hongdae area is full of youthful energy. It has the vibes of ‘you can do anything here and nobody will judge you for it’ and that feels so liberating. People are there to have a good time, and it shows!” Pin says. “There are so many shops and restaurants to choose from – you could spend a day there and not feel bored.”
Pin loves exploring the colourful streets and arcades of Hongdae
Learning life skills through dance
Just like how dancers give it their all when it comes to their craft, so do Singapore Airlines’ cabin crew. “My favourite quote from a famous dancer is ‘hard work never betrays’, and it couldn’t be more true if one wants to excel in dance – or anything in life, really,” Pin muses. “Similar to how dancers spend hours on end perfecting their moves, every cabin crew works hard on each flight to deliver an exceptional customer experience, no matter how challenging the circumstances are.”
Indeed, Pin’s lifelong love for dance has enriched her service delivery. “The audience knows when the dancer is performing at anything less than 100 percent. As such, dance has taught me to always pour 200 percent into whatever I do, and I strive to bring that mindset onto each flight,” Pin says. “After all, customers can feel it when the crew on board are happy and delivering service at their best.”
On the occasion of World Oceans Day, take a look at seven marine-minded stays that not only embark on their own sustainability practices, but also offer guests a chance to get involved. Whether you’re a diver keen to protect the world’s coral reefs or a geek who wants a peek into how tech is harnessed to clean up the world’s coastlines, there is an option for every curious traveller.
Keen to learn more about coral but don’t know your calices from your columellas? Consider visiting the private island paradise of Bawah Reserve in the Anambas, one of Indonesia’s northernmost border archipelagos. This luxurious resort has partnered with the Anambas Foundation – which aims to improve the overall local ecosystem – to provide opportunities for its guests to get involved with programmes such as coral restoration and survey. Guests undertake a masterclass in assessing coral health before a hands-on session in conducting their very own survey on a nearby reef section.
How to get there: Take the 50-minute ferry journey from Singapore to the island of Batam, before hopping on a seaplane to the Bawah Reserve
Surrounded by clear warm waters, the islands of Okinawa house Japan’s underrated coral reefs. Enter Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort, a beachfront retreat which has embarked on a comprehensive coral conservation plan to protect these fragile reefs since 2005. Aside from transplanting coral fragments, the resort also offers guests the chance to plant coral seedlings and participate in coral aquaculture farm tours. And the efforts are paying off – 300 of the world’s 800 coral species now thrive here.
How to get there: Singapore Airlines connects you to Okinawa via codeshare, with a transit in Haneda or Osaka. You can also fly to Fukuoka and continue your journey via ferry.
Not only is The Racha just minutes away from some of the island’s best dive sites, this five-star resort has been joining forces with nonprofit organisation the Reef Ball Foundation to submerge 250 pH-neutral concrete Reef Balls since 2004. These coral colonies have since become vital habitats for Juvenile Clownfish and other marine critters, which guests can visit on their underwater excursions. Keep an eye out for rare glassy tiger butterflies too – the resort’s swathes of Rak Talay trees were planted because of their popularity with these rare winged beauties.
How to get there: Fly on Singapore Airlines to Phuket and continue your journey to the resort via a 35-minute speedboat ride
One of the country’s largest resort lagoons, there are plenty of reasons to stay at the Fairmont Maldives. Eco-minded travellers can add the resort’s Sustainability Lab to the list – lay your hands on specialty machines which transform waste plastic into pellets that can be used to make everythingfrom jewellery to furniture. While there, don’t forget to check out the beautiful Coralarium, theworld’s first and only coral regeneration project in the form of an underwater art installation, which guests can visit on a guided snorkelling excursion.
How to get there: Fly on Singapore Airlines to Male and continue your journey to the resort via a 30-minute seaplane ride
Giving waste plastics a second life. Photo: Fairmont Maldives
Scooping discarded soft drink cans off a beach is one thing, but scientists are increasingly placing a growing emphasis on the collection of data relating to waste collection. At Queensland’s Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, their collaboration with not-for-profit organisation Tangaroa Blue Foundation doesn’t just provide guests with the chance to remove litter from nearby beaches. Guests who join the resort’s regular beach clean-ups – led by the foundation’s experts – will also help to input information relating to the debris they collect into the Australia Marine Debris Initiative database, thereby being a part of long term efforts to create change on a larger scale.
How to get there: Fly on Singapore Airlines to Cairns and take a one-hour drive to Port Douglas
This Maldivian resort has a number of conservation projects which guests can get involved with, but our favourite is the drone project. Led by British scientist Melissa Schiele, this programme utilises drones to collect data relating to marine plastic aggregation, or how marine trash such as ghost nets and discarded polystyrene are carried by currents. Guests can join researchers on drone-flying excursions and test their drone-flying skills on the resort’s simulators.
How to get there: Fly on Singapore Airlines to Male and continue your journey to the resort via a 50-minute speedboat ride
The old fort town of Galle is known for its colonial heritage and windswept beaches, but few might know that this idyllic resort also houses a haven for nesting sea turtles in its purpose-built hatchery. Guests are invited to help release the turtles and learn more about the species during masterclasses with the property’s turtle ranger. While there, be sure to check out the sprawling organic garden – the vegetables and herbs grown here aren’t just used in the restaurants, but in the spa’s Ayurvedic treatments, too.
How to get there: Fly to Singapore Airlines to Colombo and take a two-hour drive to Galle
Photo: The Fortress Galle
To learn more about Singapore Airlines flights to the abovementioned destinations, visit the official website.
One of the best parts about summer is the longer daylight hours, which means getting to spend more fun in the sun. It’s no wonder this is the season of festivals – from arts and music to food and wellness, there’s something for every taste and inclination. If you’re planning a trip to any of these cities this summer, be sure to make a stop at these hot summer festivals.
In a nutshell: Touting itself as Singapore’s largest craft beer festival, the inaugural edition of Brewnanza is brought to you by local craft brewery, Brewlander. Round up your beer-loving pals and head down for four days of heady brews, delicious grub, energetic live music and a whole lot of fun.
Don’t miss: An extensive selection of over 100 unique beers from local and international craft breweries, with many labels making their appearance for the first time in the Little Red Dot, alongside new brews crafted specially for the festival. There will also be a mouthwatering selection of food from restaurants such as The Kongsee, Shake Shack and Jaguarita’s, as well as live performances and masterclasses.
Dates: 3 to 6 August 2023
Brewnanza is Singapore’s largest craft beer festival. Photo: Brewlander
In a nutshell:What to do with a world-class racing track in the off-season? Throw an outdoor music festival, of course. Good Vibes Festival, held annually at the Sepang International Circuit, about an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, is celebrating its 10th anniversary by going all out for three days, for the first time ever.
Don’t miss:British pop rock band The 1975 headline day one, which is when you can also catch Malaysian rapper Aliff Aolani aka Airliftz, and American singer Sabrina Carpenter. Australian teen rap sensation The Kid Laroi banners the second day of the festival, and day three finishes strong with The Strokes and R&B artist Giveon.
In a nutshell:One of Japan’s biggest music festivals, it debuted in 1997 at the base of Mount Fuji (hence the name) with an absolutely legendary lineup that included Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day and Beck on the main stage, along with scores of local and international acts. Since 1999, this annual rockfest has been held at the Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa-cho, Niigata Prefecture, along Honshu’s western coast, approximately 90 minutes by bullet train from Tokyo.
Don’t miss:American rap phenomenon Lizzo! Other unmissable acts on the still-growing lineup include Foo Fighters, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Slowdive. This year’s festival is also unveiling a new feature – for an additional fee, Fuji Rock Plus gives you fast-lane access to food and beverage stalls and shuttle rides, among other perks.
When:28 to 30 July 2023
Fuji Rock 2018, in Naeba, Niigata, Japan. Photo: Shutterstock
In a nutshell: The annual music festival founded in 2000 is held simultaneously in both Tokyo (Chiba) and Osaka. In Tokyo, the festival will unfold at the ZOZO Marine Stadium, home field of the Chiba Lotte Marines baseball team (fun fact: Madonna’s iconic Blond Ambition Tour in 1990 christened this venue), as well as at the futuristic Makuhari Messe, one of the country’s largest convention centers. Both venues are within walking distance of the Kaihin-Makuhari train station. Meanwhile in Osaka, the fun takes place at Maishima SONIC Park (also known as Maishima Sports Island), just across the bridge from Universal Studios.
Don’t miss: This year’s kilometric lineup includes Blur, ex-One Direction member Niall Horan, Kendrick Lamar, Liam Gallagher and Japanese act Sumika. While most performers play both cities, some only do one venue. If you’re a fan of Kpop sensation NewJeans, or English rock duo Nova Twins, keep in mind you can only catch them at Chiba. Make sure to check the website for the updated lineup of acts in either venue.
In a nutshell:One of the city’s biggest summer celebrations, this festival draws thousands of the world’s best jazz, funk, Latin and fusion artists who will perform a multitude of concerts across venues city-wide. Featuring both free and ticketed events, proceeds from the festival benefit the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, which is committed to strengthening the local arts community.
Don’t miss: The headliners this year include Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, and Shahzad Ismaily; the Bad Plus; Chris Botti with Michael Kaeshammer; and the William Chernoff Trio. Festival-goers are also invited to take part in the workshops with respected jazz artistes such as Sona Jobarteh, Farida Amadou, Zoh Amba and Pulitzer Prize-winning interdisciplinary artist Raven Chacon.
When: 23June to 2 July 2023
William Chernoff Trio is one of the bands performing at this year’s Vancouver Jazz Festival. Photo: Vincent Lim
In a nutshell:One of the Bay Area’s biggest annual bonanzas, Outside Lands rocks Golden Gate Park with dozens of bands, pop-up restaurants and other one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate San Francisco’s eclectic culture. Tickets range from the accessible general admission to the top-tier Golden Gate Club, which includes access to dedicated front-of-stage viewing areas, complimentary all-day food from Bay Area chefs and transportation in the Stage Golf Cart Fleet.
Don’t miss:This year, headlining acts include Lana del Rey, Megan Thee Stallion and Odeza. Beyond the main stage, get a taste of the Bay Area from 95 local restaurants, from chicken and waffles by Hard Knox Café to Cuban sandwiches by Media Noche. Don’t forget to imbibe at the Wine and Beer Lands and groove to non-stop house music at the SOMA tent.
In a nutshell:The sunniest months draw people out to the streets for the action-packed Summer on the Hudson arts and culture festival. Enjoy summer-long free events at Riverside Park South and West Harlem Piers Park, including concerts, dance performances, outdoor movies and wellness activities.
Don’t miss:Special events such as a kite festival, West Side County Fair, forest bathing and silent discos. If you’re looking to practise some self-care, you’ll love the weekly tai chi and yoga sessions, not to mention Pilates in the Park and Movement meditation. There’s also abundant kid-centric programming as well, including puppet shows, comedy performances and children’s yoga sessions.
When:Ongoing till 30 September 2023
Summer on the Hudson is a months-long bonanza in the Big Apple. Photo: Summer on the Hudson
In a nutshell:Denmark’s capital looms large on the bucket list of foodies everywhere, and this 10-day street party brings together the city’s finest restaurants and eateries, along with food producers and industry insiders. Explore the many flavours and faces of Nordic cuisine across long table dinners, communal parties, farmers’ markets, pop-up kitchens and street food showcases. Best of all, entrance to the main festival site of Torvehallerne is free!
Don’t miss:Stay peeled to their social channels for the official lineup. As a taster, last year’s featured long-table dinners by new-Nordic restaurants Bjørnekælderen, Anarki and Falsters Kyst; a coffee-tasting workshop, a riverside street-food festival, as well as a food-and-Jazz dinner.
When:18 to 27 August 2023
Enjoy good food and sparkling conversation at the Copenhagen Cooking Festival. Photo: Alec Andreev
In a nutshell:Since launching in 2001, Barcelona’s Primavera Sound has become continental Europe’s standard bearer for live music festivals, always attracting the biggest names. Rap? Electronic? Indie? Throwback? You’ll find the biggest headliners in every genre. What’s more, the festival has expanded to encompass two more locations, Madrid and Porto. This festival isn’t located in a muddy out-of-town field, either, meaning you can rock out by the Med with the comfort of your central Barcelona hotel to return to each night.
Don’t miss:FKA twigs, Blur, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, New Order, Rosalía, Halsey, Skrillex, Måneskin, St. Vincent, The Moldy Peaches, Calvin Harris, Le Tigre… the hard part’s figuring out which youcanmiss.
When:29 May to 4 June (Barcelona), 8 to 10 June (Madrid), 7 to 10 June (Porto) 2023
Primavera is Spain’s biggest and most exciting summer music festival. Photo: Kimmika
In a nutshell:The celebrated comic, social commentator and wellness champion Russell Brand brings his three-day festival of good living and spirituality back to the riverside fields of rural Wales, about a four-hour drive from Manchester. Pitch up your own tent or book one of the full glamping experiences for three days of yoga, Brazilian jiu jitsu, musical performances, meditation, massage, canoe trips on the river and conversations on wellness.
Don’t miss:The ‘Iceman’ Wim Hof’s sessions on cold immersion therapy and how to endure it, physicist and activist Dr. Vandana Shiva’s conversations on the environment, as well as expert martial artist Ryron Gracie’s jiu jitsu workshops.
In a nutshell:The largest city in Turkey’s largest city will once again be opening its parks to top talents from the local and international jazz circuit for a series of free concerts under the Istanbul Jazz Festival’s “Jazz in the Park” series. This year’s events will take place at Işli Habitat Park as well as two of the largest green spaces in the city, the Beylikdüzü Valley of Life and Küçükçekmece Lakeside Amphitheatre.
Istanbul Jazz Festival is a gathering of the best of jazz, funk, world music, blues and rock artistes. Photo: Salih Ustundag
Don’t miss:On 16 July, the Jazz Boat will raise anchor from Kabataş Pier for a host of live performances on the Bosphorus. In addition to the series of outdoor free events, concerts will be taking place at live music venues throughout the city, including headliners Morcheeba and The Lumineers.
When:7 to 18 July 2023
To learn more about Singapore Airlines flights to the abovementioned destinations, visit the official website.
PUTIEN’s rise from a coffee shop at its flagship Kitchener Road outlet in 2000to a beloved restaurant chain with 80 outlets across the region is nothing short of impressive.Their secret?Ateam of culinary wizardswho use thefinest coastal and mountainous ingredients to recreateFujian province’s most beloved flavours.PUTIEN’s many accoladesinclude a place in the Michelin Guide Singapore every year since 2016,and the Bib Gourmand in Hong Kong,cementing its reputation as a culinary powerhouse. Try the delicately prepared 100-second stewed yellow croaker or the Fujian red mushroom seafood lor mee served in a pink broth with a surprisingly earthy flavour – two of the many signature dishes here.
This article is part of Singapore Airlines’“Beyond the Cabin”video series, in which cabin crew explore their favourite cities and share how their hobbies enrich their service delivery.
Paris is renowned for its headline attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, but it’s also a treasure trove of hidden finds. Just ask Leading Steward Moon, who can more often than not be found exploring the city’s second-hand stores and flea markets for vintage collectibles.
“I’m fascinated by vintage objects,” declares Moon, who has been flying with Singapore Airlines for 13 years. “In a society where novelty is sought after, I believe in finding potential in pre-loved pieces. Giving worn-out objects a new lease on life also satisfies my creative needs.” Today, Moon’s vintage collection spans a wide array of eclectic items – from a decades-old necktie his father wore in his wedding photo, to a prized triptych barber mirror from Paris.
This article is part of Singapore Airlines’ “Beyond the Cabin” video series, in which cabin crew explore their favourite cities and share how their hobbies enrich their service delivery.
