From Bukit Brown Cemetery to qigong and tea-tasting: Drew Barrymore's unique Singapore itinerary
Jan Lee
The Straits Times
October 2, 2024
Hollywood actress and talk-show host Drew Barrymore had an activity-packed trip when she was in Singapore in August.
The 49-year-old American star surprised local netizens when she shared a clip of the private family vacation on Oct 1 via TikTok, which showed her at Maxwell Food Centre eating what looks to be popiah with her hands. There is stir-fried kangkong on the table as well.
But food was not the only thing on Barrymore's itinerary.
On Oct 3, Blue Sky Escapes, a travel and lifestyle company based in Singapore, told The Straits Times that it curated various experiences for Barrymore and her family over the four days they were in Singapore and staying at the Marina Bay Sands hotel.
The company also uploaded a reel of the group's time in the city, which included a private tea-tasting session with a tea master, a qigong and meditation practice as well as a walkabout with a historian at Bukit Brown Cemetery to learn about Singapore's pioneers.
The clip also showed Barrymore - who is divorced and has two daughters aged 12 and 10 - and her family members receiving upcycled silk kimonos delivered to their suite, which they wore to explore Singapore.
They also went to famed traditional Cantonese pastry shop Tong Heng in South Bridge Road, where Barrymore met its fourth-generation owner Ana Fong and got an insider look at how its signature diamond-shaped egg tarts are made.
Drew Barrymore with fourth-generation owner Ana Fong of local traditional Cantonese pastry shop Tong Heng during her visit to Singapore. PHOTO: BLUESKY.ESCAPES/INSTAGRAM
In the post, Blue Sky Escapes said it was "a true joy and pleasure" hosting Barrymore, adding: "Thank you for letting us show you around our little island and for sharing your bright, beautiful energy with us. Until next time."
On Aug 9, Australia-based online publication Travel Weekly uploaded an interview with Ms Pei Shyuan Yeo, the Singaporean founder of local tour company Everyday Tour Company, which offers bespoke tailored tours showcasing food, art and architecture in Singapore.
She shared that Barrymore joined a food tour she offered in August, which included the Maxwell Food Centre jaunt.
Ms Yeo added: "Over the course of a few days, the family explored several Singapore sights. Some of her favourite activities included shopping for vintage and bohemian chic (items) in Haji Lane and having her first henna tattoo in Little India.
"Given her down-to-earth attitude and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, the food tour at a local hawker (centre) was also another highlight for her."
Born to a renowned family of actors, Barrymore began her career as a child actress, famously appearing in the science-fiction movie E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982). Her biggest film hits include Charlie's Angels (2000) and its 2003 sequel, and romantic comedies such as The Wedding Singer (1998) and 50 First Dates (2004).
More recently, she has pivoted to become a daytime talk-show host with The Drew Barrymore Show (2020 to present), drawing fans with her warm and intimate interviews with notable guests such as US presidential candidate and current Vice-President Kamala Harris and Barrymore's Charlie's Angels co-stars Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu.
The show garnered nominations for outstanding talk series and outstanding talk series host at the Daytime Emmy Awards in 2023, but did not win.
