Front row at the Eras Tour: My 17-hour journey to see Taylor Swift in Singapore

When tickets initially went on sale, I didn’t imagine in my wildest dreams that I’d go to the Eras Tour. Demand was sky-high and scalpers resold tickets at astronomical prices.

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has become a cultural phenomenon. While tickets for U.S. shows have been overpriced and difficult to get, some of the cheapest Eras Tour tickets were available in Europe and Asia.

Wen I found front-row seats to the Eras Tour Singapore show for less than the cost of nosebleed seats in the U.S., I bought them and decided to invite my sister, nieces and nephew along.

The 17-hour flight in economy class was daunting, but this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Taylor Swift from the best seats in the house. I simply had to go.

It ended up being one of the most incredible experiences of my life and we saved money doing it. Here’s a look at how I booked the trip on points and highlights from sitting front row at the Eras Tour in Singapore.

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Why I traveled to Singapore for the Eras tour

When tickets went on sale for the Toronto shows, I managed to get six seats. At the time, we were absolutely thrilled, but the idea of waiting a full year to attend the show was not appealing. Another problem? We had 10th-row floor seats, which are not ideal for kids (or someone on the shorter side, like me). My sister began to dread the Toronto cold.

So I started searching for tickets to a different show. Unfortunately, most U.S. dates were way overpriced. Floor seats cost at least $2,500 each and even lower bowl seats were going for $1,800 and up.

I went on Stubhub to compare ticket prices abroad, figuring there had to be a cheaper/better option. I came to a full stop when I saw a pair of front-row floor seats to the Singapore show for $2,500 each. They were more expensive than your average concert tickets, but significantly cheaper than U.S. shows.

My Girl-Math calculator told me buying them made sense if I could redeem points for travel and sell the Toronto tickets. We’d have better seats and get a vacation out of it.

With some nudging from my niece, I bought the tickets. My sister bought three lower-bowl seats for even cheaper, putting the wheels in motion for a trip to Singapore. She arranged two weeks of independent study so the kids could take off without falling behind.

How I booked it with points

Despite the number of people flying to Singapore for the Eras Tour, I found plenty of award flights. Hotels were pretty expensive, but I managed to cover the cost with points as well. Singapore is a pretty affordable destination otherwise: Transportation, food and entertainment aren’t outrageously priced either.

We spent six nights in Singapore, before continuing to Phuket for five days and then three nights in Seoul. We again used LifeMiles to fly from Seoul (ICN) to San Francisco (SFO).

Using LifeMiles for flights to Singapore

Since the five of us were traveling during off-peak season, I had no problem finding award flights. ANA Mileage Club would have been the cheapest option, especially pre-devaluation. Unfortunately, my sister didn’t have any Membership Rewards points for the transfer, so we had to explore other options.

I decided to redeem a mix of United and Avianca LifeMiles. A direct 17-hour flight cost 40,000 miles per person and was surprisingly pleasant.

I have loved to have flown in business class instead. But with five travelers booking last-minute, I was just happy we made it work. Paid fares with a stop cost $1,200. I preferred the non-stop United flight and also liked the flexibility of booking one-way. We still didn’t know where we’d end up after Singapore, so using miles was the best option.

The seats were comfortable and we slept most of the way there. I also made Taylor Swift-themed amenity kits for everyone they had essentials on hand to make the long flight more pleasant.

Hilton points for the Conrad Singapore Centennial

When researching hotels in Singapore, the Conrad Centennial was the clear winner. The hotel was located steps from the Promenade metro train station, which offered direct service to Singapore National Stadium.

We were able to avoid traffic to the concert by hopping on a train (which was filled with Swifties). The ride was just 15 minutes and was by far the best transit option.

The hotel itself offered beautiful rooms, a nice club lounge, and friendly staff. However, rates were astronomical at $700 per night. The last time I stayed in Singapore was at the Grand Hyatt Orchard Road, where rooms cost around $250 per night. That hotel was under construction.

Luckily, I had some Hilton points and a free night award to cover one room.

The second room would have cost 280,000 Hilton points but my sister had none. Hilton had a point sale and I purchased the required points for $1,200. This brought the nightly rate down to $300, which was much more reasonable.

It was well worth it, considering the stay included a large room, complimentary breakfast, lounge access, and an excellent location. Few hotels were available at that price point, so we were thrilled to get that rate.

Grab rideshare discount for Swifties

Upon landing at Changi Airport, we were greeted with a large sign advertising a $0.13 Grab bundle providing 15% discounts. Swifties know that 13 is Taylor’s favorite number, hence the $0.13 price tag We immediately used this discount on our ride from the airport to the hotel, which was around 15 minutes.

Singapore has great public transportation, but with three kids in tow, rideshares were much more convenient. The Grab app deal ended up being incredibly useful for those times when we didn’t want to walk outside in the sweltering heat.

Pre-concert festivities

Since Singapore’s government made a deal to be the only stop on the Eras Tour in Asia, it pulled out all the stops to make Taylor and her fans feel welcome. Swifties who flew in from neighboring countries were not only treated to a spectacular concert, but numerous pre-concert festivities.

The Marina Bay Sands Hotel was the official presenter of the Eras Tour in Singapore. As such, it hosted several pre-concert events where Swifties could gather and celebrate. Singapore really got into the spirit of things and made everything sparkly and pink for the entire week we were there.

Here’s a look at some of the pre-concert events and activities we participated in for the Eras Tour Singapore:

Making the friendship bracelets

One of the most fun aspects of attending an Eras Tour concert is making and trading friendship bracelets. My nieces had been making these since we also saw the Eras Tour movie back in October 2023. We ramped up our bracelet production before the concert until we each had an armful.

There were also bracelet-making stations set up outside of Singapore National Stadium.

Eras Tour themed-attractions

Singapore had gone all out to welcome Swifties who were flying in for the show. Seemingly, everything was Eras Tour-themed: The Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer lit up in purple and pink every night.

The adjacent mall had an “Eras Tour Trail” consisting of Taylor Swift-themed exhibits. The mall also featured a special Swift pop-up store, which, unfortunately, we couldn’t get tickets to.

The 14-minute Spectra show at the Event Plaza was a fun experience, with a water and lights playing to the sound of Taylor’s biggest hits. Swifties swarmed the place, taking in the festivities. Personally, I thought it fell short of the light shows I’ve seen in Vegas and elsewhere.

Even historic Arab Street in historic Kampong Glam was lined with Eras Tour merchandise, photo booths and Taylor Swift music playing on unseen speakers.

Highlights from the concert

Attending the Eras Tour in Singapore was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’ll treasure forever. Trying to pick a favorite moment from the show is nearly impossible, so I’ll give you the highlights:

The festive environment

We got off the escalators from the train station, immersed in the fandom. The environment was festive and electric. The song “Question…?” from Midnights was playing as Swifties took photos, lined up for merchandise and traded friendship bracelets.

There was even a dedicated friendship bracelet station, where fans could string together unique designs before making their way to the show.

Interestingly, when the music switched to earlier discography, it wasn’t “Taylor’s Version.” A DJ was outside, engaging with fans and helping with crowd control both before and after the show. It made the entire shuffle to and from the stadium more bearable.

Picking up our VIP Boxes

Our VIP tickets entitled us to a pair of Eras Tour VIP boxes filled with swag. The box included an Eras Tour tote bag, a VIP lanyard, commemorative ticket and posters. The line for VIP merch was short and we were in and out in a matter of minutes.

The following day, I spent two hours in line to buy merchandise for my nieces, which was not pleasant in the sweltering Singapore heat. I picked up some sweaters that we put to good use in chilly Seoul the following week.

Taylor’s merchandise quality is notoriously shoddy, and the sweatshirts were shedding all over our hotel rooms. But the VIP merchandise was nice. You can actually buy a VIP box on eBay for around $50.

View from the front row

The fact that we got to attend an Eras Tour concert in Singapore was one thing. But being able to watch the show from the very first row? I had to pinch myself over and over again.

My 12-year-old niece and I had seats 21 and 22 in section PD2, next to “the diamond.” At times, Taylor was less than three feet away from us. It was the most surreal experience when she looked right at us during numerous parts of the show and sang our favorite songs.

I was in a daze until the lights turned off, the dancers emerged in pink regalia and Taylor rose up in her sparkly leotard, greeting the crowd with a small wave and an understated “Oh, hi!”

Taylor performed most of the show in the “diamond” but often came over to our side. Being so close to the stage while she performed “Style” was mind-blowing.

Near the end of the show, she looked at us while singing “Bejeweled.” My niece blew her a kiss and Taylor winked back at her – something I’m sure she’ll never forget. The tickets may have been expensive, but having Taylor Swift sing to us? Priceless.

Unveiling the new album cover

During the second night of the Eras Tour Singapore, Taylor surprised fans by unveiling her new album cover for “The Tortured Poet’s Department.” The album had not yet been released, so it was a real treat when she shared the cover featuring the song “The Black Dog.”

Incidentally, “The Black Dog” became my favorite TTPD song when the album was released a month later.

The surprise songs

Taylor performs a surprise song medley at each show. These songs are usually from her previous albums and play into the nostalgia theme of the entire show. During Night 2 of the Eras Tour concert in Singapore, she performed a mash-up of “Clean” and “Evermore.”

Clean is one of my favorite songs from 1989, so I thoroughly enjoyed that performance.

My favorite performances from the Eras Tour Singapore

How do I even pick my favorite performance? It’s impossible between songs that have long been my favorites, to ones that became my favorites after she performed them right in front of me. But I’ll narrow it down by era:

• Lover: “Cruel summer,” “Lover and” “The Archer”
• Fearless: “Fearless” and “You belong with me”
• Evermore: “Champagne Problems”
• Reputation: “Ready for It” and “Don’t Blame Me”
• Speak Now: “Enchanted”
• Red: All the songs
• Folklore: “Cardigan”
• 1989: “Style” and “Blank Space”
• Midnights: Anti-hero + Bejeweled + Karma

Lover

Taylor opened the show with “Cruel Summer,” which is one of my favorite songs. The audience lost it when she prefaced the epic bridge with, “Does anyone here happen to know the lyrics?… PROVE IT.”

Afterwards Taylor welcomed the audience, before resuming the show with “Lover.” Taylor performed this set on a raised stage platform in her gorgeous blue, silver, and gold sequined leotard and matching boots while her dancers slow-danced around her. It was lovely and everyone sang along.

I was never a fan of “The Archer”, but it was the first song during which she walked past our section and looked right at us as she sang. She absolutely glowed and looked like a hologram, as she pointed at my niece and sang, “Help me hold onto you.”

Fearless

I loved Fearless—it was such a fun song, and you could tell Taylor enjoyed performing it. The crowd went absolutely wild at the infamous “twirl.”

When she jumped into “You Belong With Me” right after, the stadium’s roof practically blew off.

Evermore

Taylor formed Champagne Problems on the piano, and hearing the crowd sing, “She would’ve made such a lovely bride. What a shame she’s f****d in the head” was the best part.

Reputation

The impressive stage set-up, lighting, and her powerful vocals amplified “Ready for It” and “Don’t Blame Me.” Just watch the Eras Tour Movie on Disney+ and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Speak Now

“Enchanted” was the only Speak Now song Taylor performed, but the pomp and circumstance made up for it. She wore a beautiful floor-length gown and the stage lights created a magical feel. Her dancers pirouetting around her made it a stunning performance.

Red

The Red era may have been my favorite because all of the songs were upbeat and fun. Her performances of 22, We Are Never Getting Back Together, and All Too Well (the 10-minute version) were stunning.

When paper autumn leaves began falling down “like pieces into place” in “All Too Well,” the crowd felt it.

Folklore

Cardigan is a gorgeous song and she performed it beautifully from the stunning Folklore cabin. I loved her dress and the whole vibe, even if she was far from the stage during the song.

1989

I take back what I said about Red – 1989 was by far my favorite era because she performed most of the set in front of us. When Taylor jumped into “Style”, the entire arena lit up with flashing bracelets and everyone danced and sang their heart out.

“Blank Space” was a fun song, and I loved how the rising stage featured an image of a Porsche that the dancers proceeded to eviscerate with golf clubs.

Midnights

“Anti-hero,” “Bejeweled” and “Karma” were my favorite Midnights songs. The fact that she performed the last two right in front of us made it even more memorable.

Taylor giving away the “22” hat

At every Eras Tour show, Taylor chooses one fan to receive the black fedora hat she wears while performing “22.” The fan is chosen by her team (usually her mom), based on how enthusiastic they are during the show.

During the second night of the Singapore show, a young boy was chosen and he was clearly overjoyed. When Taylor reached down to hug him, the entire stadium cheered for him. That’s the nice thing about Swifties: They all wanted the “22” hat, but were equally thrilled that someone else got it. It was a beautiful moment.

The stage dive

One of the coolest things about the Eras Tour are all the stage effects. One of them is the infamous “stage dive.” After performing her acoustic set, the entire stage turns into a rippling lake. Taylor turns around as a gap opens up in the stage and dives right in.

The stage (and screen) projects her “swimming” down the length of the stage until everything fades to black. It’s a stunning transition to watch in person.

Who is Taylor Sheesh anyway?

As we were leaving the stadium after the show, we noticed a group clustering and girls screeching excitedly. “Oh my God, that’s Taylor Sheesh!” Who is Taylor Sheesh? I had no idea either until that moment.

It turns out she’s a social media personality from the Philippines who performed the entire Eras Tour setlist in full costume at various venues in her home country. Since the Eras Tour didn’t stop in the Philippines (and traveling to Singapore isn’t something everyone can afford), Taylor Sheesh became a surrogate—the next best thing for Swifties in the Philippines who couldn’t see their idol perform live.

My niece took a photo with her and seemed delighted at meeting her. I honestly still don’t get it, but I’m glad she enjoyed it.

Was the Eras Tour Singapore worth it?

I flew 17 hours in economy class to watch Taylor Swift perform in Singapore. We got drenched on the walk into the stadium, ruining my carefully done hair and makeup. It took two hours to leave the arena because everyone was attempting to hail the same Ubers and train back to their hotels. But was the Eras Tour Singapore worth it? Absolutely.

Hearing Taylor sing some of my favorite songs live was truly spectacular and unforgettable. Being front row at the Eras Tour was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Yes, I paid a ridiculous amount for those seats and flying 17 hours in economy class wasn’t fun but I used points and the hotel was free (at least one room).

I’m not out buying designer handbags or avocado toast. I live pretty frugally but I value experiences above everything else. More importantly, I got to share the experience with my niece. We had havd an absolute blast and made memories for a lifetime. To me, it was worth it.

Even when I’m 90 and senile, I’ll remember this experience…all too well (sorry, I had to).