Borrowed by Hotel Indigo programme
If you believe that cities are best explored on foot, then you probably give paramount importance to your hotel’s location when travelling. For many of us, the convenience of having eateries, attractions, and activities within walking distance makes planning an itinerary much easier. Plus, it saves a tonne of commuting time and money. Enter Hotel Indigo properties.
Situated in culturally rich neighbourhoods, these hotels around Southeast Asia allow one to stay right in the heart of the hustle and bustle. Set foot outside and you’ve got plenty of opportunities to mingle with the locals, try regional delicacies, and explore historic landmarks. And to support your journey, you can borrow items from the hotels for free for a limited time.
Things to do near Hotel Indigo properties in Southeast Asia
This is all part of the newly-introduced Borrowed by Hotel Indigo programme. The initiative is a simple way to encourage you to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover fun things to do in each of these cities.
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
While most tourists would have heard about the colourful houses as one of the photo spots in Joo Chiat, not many actually stay in this neighbourhood. Truth be told, there’s so much to see in this neighbourhood that it warrants an overnight stay.
Rumah Bebe is a Peranankan heritage boutique just a 3-minute walk from the hotel.
From Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, you can easily walk to the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, visit The Intan Peranakan Museum, and pick up souvenirs from Cat Socrates.
Image adapted from: IHG Hotels & Resorts
The hotel will provide you with a tote bag, umbrella, and woven fan to keep you cool in the hot weather and to use as props for pretty pictures. You can also get a tiffin from the hotel to dabao food such as Nonya dumplings from Kim Choo Kueh Chang, hawker delights from Marine Parade Central Market, and the famous 328 Katong Laksa.
Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road
Image credit: Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road Facebook
Those heading to the land of smiles can consider staying at Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road. Based on the type of traveller you are, they’ve got 3 sets of items you can borrow – the Picnic Set, Photographer Set, or Explorer Set.
The last one – known as “Teaw Talod” – equips guests with Thai-style sandals, an herbal inhaler, and a neighbourhood map. You’ll also get items to help you beat the Bangkok heat like a palm leaf hand fan, Thai fabric that can be used as a headband, and prickly heat spray.
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.
Within a 15-minute walking radius from the hotel, you can check out Lumpini Park where locals often jog and cycle while tourists rent boats to enjoy the scenery from the lake. Don’t miss out on visiting the Erawan Shrine either where you may be able to catch Thai dance performances.
Slightly further away, about 15 minutes by car, lies the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre consisting of art galleries, bookshops, and craft shops. The centre also occasionally hosts exhibitions and live performances.
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach
Double Six Beach is within walking distance of the hotel.
Frequent Bali goers will know that Seminyak is one of the most happening parts of the island thanks to the buzzing Bali beach clubs and shopping boutiques. It’s also the perfect spot to catch beachside sunsets, unwind with cocktails by the sea, and engage in water activities.
Image adapted from: IHG Hotels & Resorts
In fact, Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach offers guided surfing lessons, and you can also borrow rash guards from the hotel to protect yourself from UV rays and abrasion from the sand. In addition, the hotel provides a Balinese fabric known as endek so you can dress like a local in a ceremonial dress, as well as a mountain bike to explore the neighbourhood on 2 wheels.
Image credit: Eatbook
If you’re wondering what else there is to do around the hotel, you can head to Warung Big Boss for authentic Indonesian food; or join a beach party at La Plancha Bali.
A 15-minute car ride away, you can also indulge in games like mini golf and axe throwing at The Shooters. Close to that is an IG-famous pink cafe Kynd Community that serves plant-based dishes.
Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong
Image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts
Apart from Bali, another popular beach destination for Singaporeans is Phuket. And a stay at Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong means you’ll be within walking distance of the ocean and the town’s vibrant nightlife scene. The highlight of the property is its gorgeous rooftop pool from which you can also witness the famous sunsets of Patong Beach.
Image adapted from: IHG Hotels & Resorts
At this property, one can borrow a wooden games set to try their hand at local games, a yoga mat for early morning workouts by the sea, and Muay Thai boxing gloves. You don’t even have to go far to try those out as the hotel has its own Muay Thai boxing ring.
If you’re really into the sport, make your way down to the Bangla Boxing Stadium to catch a live fight. Otherwise, stroll along the Bangla walking street where pubs, restaurants, and Thai discos are open till late.
Stay at Hotel Indigo properties in SEA & borrow items for free
Image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts
It’s always a treat to uncover hidden gems in a city that you may have travelled to several times, but never got a chance to explore like a local. When all the touristy spots have been checked off the list, enhance your travel experience by rediscovering such neighbourhoods through the lens of the natives.
And what better way to do that than to ask the locals themselves? When you stay at any of the Hotel Indigo properties, make it a point to check in with the staff and ask for recommendations on where to go and what to do in their neighbourhood. Lastly, remember to ask for free items you can borrow to accompany you on your adventures.
Find out more about Hotel Indigo properties
This post was brought to you by IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Cover image adapted from: IHG Hotels & Resorts