Singapore is an incredible country, of course there are the iconic city images and
the futuristic gardens are the famous highlights, but there is a lot more to
discover in Singapore: from the beaches to the gastronomy, from
the high rises to the heritage. It's a city that's worth so much more
than a stopover.
The architecture in Singapore is iconic for so many reasons. You have the high
rises of the city dominated by Marina Bay Sands the iconic
boat shaped hotel with that famous swimming pool.
Sadly you need to be a guest staying in the hotel to swim in the pool but
visitors can pop up to the bar and just enjoy a drink looking out over the
incredible views. But at night the awesome light and sound show comes
out of Marina Bay Sands so your best place to be is on the other side of the
river to watch the magic unfold.
The Marina Bay area is home to some amazing shopping including an awesome
food court on the lower floor. It's also here you'll find the Merlion statue the
iconic symbol of Singapore.
Behind the hotel is Gardens by the Bay where the Supertree Grove is.
These iconic artificial trees in the garden which illuminate by night.
There's a tree walk amongst them high up and you can even nestle down for a cozy
drink at the top of one of these trees.
Here you'll also find the incredible glass domed gardens which have an inside
waterfall and awesome tropical plants but don't confuse these with the unesco
list of botanic gardens Singapore also boasts.
Around central Singapore there is plenty of architecture to admire
from the modern to the colonial which is especially concentrated around
Fort Canning Park. Here you can actually check into the old
fort which is where i stayed on my first visit to Singapore
and also explore the museums and galleries housed in these historic
buildings around the neighbourhood. If you're looking for shopping however
then head to the busy Orchard Road.
In Singapore you're absolutely spoiled by the food and of course is the most
famous and iconic dishes like Singapore Chili Crab
and the Chicken Fried Rice but you'll also find plenty of cool modern quirky
restaurants as well and Clarke Quay is one of the most popular
places to go for a night out or sample the signature Singapore
Sling cocktails at the famous Raffles Hotel.
Sentosa Island is known as the fun island of Singapore and here you'll find
various theme parks and resort activities to enjoy as well as
incredible beaches including Palawan Beach which i love.
Be sure to take the cable car over to Sentosa to get the best views
and if you want a really beautiful resort stay in check into the Sofitel Hotel
where a peacock woke me up every day or my second visit to the city.
'But like that's a pretty personal service'
What a lot of visitors to Singapore miss out on is the nature side of the city
but the best place i think to find it in my opinion is Pulau Ubin
which is a short boat ride away from Changi Cove which is just behind the
airport. While for many it's the futuristic and
modern they love the most in Singapore for me it's the neighbourhoods and all of
the different cultures that go into making this country
such an amazing place.
Chinatown is undoubtedly home some of the best food in the city with great
Hawker Markets and dining areas alongside colourful temples and popular
shops. The most famous of which being the
New Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
Just behind it is Keong Saik Road which is one of the coolest areas in in South East Asia I think for a night out
you've got some great fusion restaurants cool bars there and it's especially
popular to go in the evening. Chinatown is also where you'll find some
great value accommodation and it's where I always recommend backpackers or those
on more of a budget to go and stay. The Adler Boutique Hostel is the place I
always stay when i'm on a budget in Singapore.
Kampong Gelam is another must-visit neihgbourhood and the oldest urban
quarter of the city. Take a walk along Arab Street for
colorful stores, learn more at the Malay Heritage Centre
or snap some awesome photos in the bright and colourful Haji Lane,
and be sure to visit the gold dome Sultan Mosque.
Lastly don't miss Little India where you'll find some of the best food in the
city at incredible prices. The market here is really good value and
super popular with locals so you'll know you'll get a much more authentic
experience. There's also plenty of little shops here
to pick up souvenirs, really cool cafe scene,
and the main Hindu temple of Singapore is right here.
Singapore to me is this amazing city and when i first went Ii had five days there
and i had no idea how to fill it, but now i've been back so many times
i've realised it's the kind of destination that's perfect for everyone.
In fact on my last visit my parents were there and they really loved it and it
really can be suited to any type of traveler,
on any budget and it's one of those places
the further you dig the more you're gonna fall in love with it. So I hope you
enjoy Singapore just as much as I did. Enjoy and save travels!