Ash Barty's top 5 travel experiences in Singapore, including its best coffee

Explore the Asian hotspot like a local with this champion's guide.

Ash Barty in Singapore. Picture by David Ross

By Akash Arora

July 11, 2026

Long before Ash Barty became an ambassador for Singapore Tourism, she fell in love with the Lion City's humidity, its clean streets and its welcoming people. "I went there for the first time in 2017 for the WTA finals," the former professional tennis player remembers. "It was incredible and spectacular ... particularly at night. I was staying at Marina Bay Sands, so it was pretty iconic." Her fondest memory of that trip is walking through Gardens by the Bay after dark with her then-partner, now-husband, golfer Garry Kissick. "I'd never seen a structure that attracts so many people in one place in a really beautiful organic sort of way." While Gardens by the Bay remains one of her favourite spots, Ash has discovered a number of hidden gems on her recent visits. Here are five of them.

1. Mandai Wildlife Reserve: "It's the most incredible zoo - you can spend a week here. I saw so many animals there, but I was most excited to see meerkats. I signed up for their Zookeeper for a Day program that allows you to feed them, learn more about them. I also got to help set up for a show, and then clean up afterwards. It was just a beautiful day." mandai.com

2. Kopi Khoo: "This is a hole-in-the-wall coffee place, located in a side street with colourful murals. It's run by a beautiful older lady who gives you her blessings along with the coffee. It's one of the best coffees I have had in Singapore. If I lived in the area, it would be my local." instagram.com/kopikhoosg

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3. Katong-Joo Chiat: "I love this Peranakan neighbourhood. It's got the most beautiful pastel-coloured buildings and tea houses that date back to the 1920s. Walking down the colourful alleyways is a lovely experience, but you can also do a needling class here if you want to learn more about the local culture." visitsingapore.com

Ash Barty at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Picture by David Ross

4. Cat Socrates: "It's one of my favourite shops in Singapore. It's got books, vintage pieces, stationary, homewares, and quirky little bits and bobs ... all of it heavily focussed around cats. So if you're cat-lover, it's a very cool place to go to. It's very popular. When we went it there, there was barely standing room only."cat-socrates.myshopify.com

5. Sentosa Golf Club: "This is one of the most iconic golf courses in the world. I play golf and go there for my fix. But even if you don't play golf, you can soak up amazing Singapore views from here, and enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurants." sentosagolf.com

Words byAkash Arora

Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.

My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.

Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.

My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.