Singapore: a country, a city, an island, a utopia. Situated at the bottom of Malaysia, Singapore brings together the best of Indian, Chinese, & Arabic culture while putting you in the middle of a big city. Singapore is known for being a modern dreamworld. The small country is contemporary, beautiful, & clean; & the architecture makes you think you took a trip 300 years into the future.
Infamous for it’s many laws that may seem absurd to some (like no chewing gum on public transport), these laws actually helped create the “perfect” country that is Singapore. This is one place you don’t have to worry about safety or cultural barriers. As long as your pocketbook is full, Singapore is here to impress.
Where To Go
Well this one is easy, considering Singapore is a country & a city at the same time. From Chinatown to Little India to the Arab Quarter, Singapore is small enough that you can visit all of the major attractions in one trip yet developing fast enough that you’ll have to come back again because they will build something new. The most popular (current) attractions are the Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum, Gardens by the Bay, & Merlion Park.
Food & Drink
Because Singapore was influenced by so many Asian cultures, you are sure to get your pick of any Asian food you want in one place! The streets of Chinatown are bustling with outdoor markets & food galore. You truly feel like you’re walking the streets of China itself. In Little India, the many shops give you the yummiest food for the cheapest price. In the Arab Quarter, you can have delicious Middle Eastern food in beautifully decorated buildings. Try them all & you basically travelled half of the world in just 277 square miles.
Transportation
Getting Into Singapore – You have many options of how to get into Singapore. The airport is one of the largest & most austere in the world. I would definitely recommend going there at least one-way just to say you experienced the airport. Other options are to take a bus from neighboring Malaysia or a cruise ship from any of the nearby Southeast Asian countries.
Getting Across Singapore – Singapore, being one city, means that getting across involves the same amenities you can find in most other major world cities. The MRT train is fast, clean, & get you district to district in record time. Another option is to take the bus, which is just as clean (but shows you more sites because you’re above ground) as the train.
Within Districts – Once you get to the area you’re going, my recommendation is to walk around & let yourself get lost. Singapore has a lot of personality & a lot goes on on the streets. Don’t miss it by taking cabs to your exact destination. Walk & enjoy the views (just be sure not to jaywalk).
Average Cost
Helpful Tips
- Follow the rules. Singapore is very strict about law enforcement. Be mindful of the laws Singapore has in place & follow them. They didn’t create this modern utopia by letting people get away with things. They’re serious about their laws & it’s in your best interest to follow them instead of trying to start some social liberal movement & defy them.
- Visit Singapore. Nothing irritates me more than other blogs (especially backpacking blogs) writing, “You can just skip Singapore while in Southeast Asia.” Yes, it’s not crazy cheap like its neighboring countries, but there’s a reason for that! It’s not like its neighbors. Singapore is technologically advanced, has people running around in thousand-dollar suits, and has authentic designer purse stores every block. Other countries thrive to reach Singapore’s standards. Truly no where else I have been is like Singapore. People of all cultures & nations live side-by-side in peace alongside some of the most advanced technologies (even the Chinatown outdoor restaurant is modernized with 3 buttons to press from your table – order, water, & pay – so your waiter doesn’t waste any time). Singapore will impress you just like it did me. You feel like you stepped into the future & the future is awesome!
Weeknd Wanderer 