Singapore is an island city state composed of the main island, 62 islets, and sprawling reclaimed lands. Its strategic location makes it an important and vibrant trade hub for centuries.
Singapore is the very definition of a cultural melting pot. There are four official languages in Singapore, which goes to show what a diverse nation this is. Malay, English, Mandarin and Tamil are all widely spoken. There is a strong Chinese community here, as well as a seemingly ever-expanding expat community. Did you know that Singapore is a country, a city, and an island too? All rolled into one!
How to get there
Singapore is a major regional hub, and well-managed Changi airport is regulary voted the best airport in the world. The airport is located 20 km northeast of the city of Singapore.
The best way to get there from Europe is flying from London or Paris (flight time – 13 hours) and from US – New York (flight time 21 hours, including stopover).
Where to stay
You should choose where to stay in Singapore based on which attractions, landmarks, and types of food you want to base yourself around.
If you´re looking for affordable accomodation in Singapore, I would suggest to stay in hotels around the Little India or Geylang area, where hotels tend to be slightly cheaper. We stayed in Fragrance Hotel – Emerald for about 35 eur per night and it was great hotel.
If you´re looking for more central location, I would suggest to stay along the waterfront at one of Singapore’s riverside Quays, from Boat Quay to Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay, there is something different to discover at every one.
What to do & see
• Visit Gardens by the Bay. It is a modern green space that occupies 101 hectares in central Singapore. At 7.45 pm and 8.45pm each day, the Supertrees twinkle and glow for the spectacular Garden Rhapsody show. Don´t miss this spectacle.
• Pass a day in Singapore Zoo. Set in a rainforest environment, Singapore Zoo’s world-famous “Open Concept” offers the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature.
• Have a city view from the top of Marina Bay Sand Skypark. The observation deck offers a spectacular 360-degree view of Singapore with guided tours conducted daily on a first come.
• Spend a day in Sentosa island. The State of Fun, is Asia’s leading leisure destination and Singapore’s premier island getaway, housing an exciting array of attractions, golden sandy beaches and beautiful nature. The island is man made themed park. There are 3 beaches: Palawan, Siloso, Tanjong with plenty bars, restaurants and beach clubs.
• Soak up chinese culture in Chinatown. It is a gold mine of Chinese heritage and culture with its old temples, historic shophouses, and traditional wet markets.
• Enjoy orchid at National Orchid Garden located within Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Some useful tips:
- use public transport (MRT or bus). The system is fast and efficient, and you can get to any point in the city (ticket for single trip aprox. 1.5 Eur or purchase EZ Link Card to save even more);
- eat in local food markets (food halls). There´s plenty of typical dishes with cost about 5 Eur per person;
- drink tap water. Unlike other countries in Asia, the tap water in Singapore is safe t drink and you´ll save extra 2 Eur 😉
- don´t drink or smoke. Cigarettes and alcohol is quite expensive even bu U.S of European standards;
- stay in hotel around Little India or Geylang area, where hotels tend to be slightly cheaper (we stayed in Fragrance Hotel – Emerald for about 35 eur per night);
Hope you will find this itinerary useful 😉
For more Asia travel inspiration check my posts here: https://travelwithanny.com/category/destinations/asia/
Yours sincerely,
Anny