Singapore, an island city-state off southern Malaysia. Singapore is a bustling hub of culture, food, and all around good vibes. It’s the most modern city in Southeast Asia and it’s vibrant, energetic, and it left me fascinated! The city is located just 80 miles north of the equator so the temperature is always VERY hot and humid!
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What to do in Singapore City
Just walk around the city and you will find unexpected treasures everywhere. I am talking about incredibly modern architecture, shopping malls with boat tours running through them, surprisingly cheap street markets, beautiful botanic gardens surrounding the city, food markets on every block and much more. The transportation is great! It’s very easy to get around, the metro is clean as a whistle and will take you all around the city. You will find English displayed everywhere which helps a lot. Singapore is a wealthy country and is VERY expensive! Just keep that in mind.
I love how diverse Singapore is. The population varies a lot – Chinese, Indian, mixture of local Singaporeans and other ethnicities! One thing that stood out most about Singapore is the extreme cleanliness. Seriously! The streets are cleaner than my washing machine. As you walk the streets you see people cleaning the floors everywhere. Everything from the metros, malls, restaurants and residential buildings are so clean that you can eat off the floor! Singapore has some of the strictest laws in the world. There are street signs all around the city reminding everyone not to litter, smoke, chew gum, run, spit, etc. If you don’t follow the rules, then you must pay a very large fine. But nearly everyone obeys the rules, which is why Singapore is so safe!
Weather Tips
With the extreme weather conditions, it’s tough to walk around for long. Thankfully air conditioning is blasting everywhere you go. I would often stop in at the Marina Bay Sands mall just to cool off. It’s a cool fancy mall. If you’re into shopping, that’s the place for you! I recommend you check out the Super Heroes Café, it is awesome! If you’re waking around the city, make sure you bring enough water to stay hydrated. You will sweat it out faster than you can put it in. You get to the point where you become content being wet, it sounds crazy but it’s no joke! It’s really that intense. It’s truly worth it though, Singapore is one of my favorite cities!
TIP: Buy Lonely Planet’s travel guide to Singapore and you’ll always have all the information you need right at hand! Maps, sights, public transport, restaurants, hotels etc. It’s a comprehensive guide and a great travel companion.
Gardens by the Bay
Singapore has a typically tropical climate. Due to the equatorial sun, the high humidity and frequent rain, it’s best to be wary of planning outdoor activities involving a lot of unprotected walking. For this reason, Gardens by the Bay is the perfect spot for an active day of exploring. If the weather permits, you can also walk the outdoor gardens.
The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, don’t miss out on them! These giant greenhouse structures showcase Singapore’s ability to turn a potentially inhospitable environment into an accessible, beautiful, educational experience for the entire family. The flower dome features seasonal displays of flowers from around the world. I visited Singapore close to Christmas and the flower dome was beautiful with Christmas decorations. It is simply stunning. My favorite part was the cloud forest with its indoor waterfall and treetop walkways, so different. Almost Jurassic type, mist, waterfalls, ponds, and unusual plant life. It’s a photographer’s dream and interesting for every age. As everywhere in Singapore, restaurants and gift shops are never too far away. Singapore is famous for all the high buildings. If you’re searching for some nature between all the buildings, this is the place!
Supertree Grove
So unique, they are a must see. Best part is that they are free! Yes, these trees are free to see for your eyes, it is the entry to the domes that is charged. So if you are on a very tight budget, you have no excuse to miss this place. Behind the Marina Bay Sands, these giant super trees are bound to catch your eye. They are an architecture marvel and can be stared at for hours. They have a light and sound show that happens everyday at 7.45 and 8.45 again FREE, can you believe it! You will see a crowd starting to gather about 15 minutes before, that’s your cue. Grab a good spot.
TIP: Lay down on the grass to get the best views and to ensure you don’t miss any of the 10 minute show!
There is a sky-walk between the trees. That is charged at $8. Totally worth it. An amazing view of the Marina and the Singapore skyline. Make sure you view the show from the bottom and not from the sky-walk. There is even a roof top restaurant at the top of one of the Supertrees called ‘IndoChine’. Where you can enjoy your meal with a view of the gardens as well as the skyline of Singapore.
Marina Bay Sands
A stunning piece of architecture, but it feels a bit too much like tourist central. They charge you $20 per person to go up to the rooftop bar but you can put it towards a drink (a SINGLE drink- a bit ridiculous if you ask me). It’s worth it though for the amazing views especially at sunset. It also means you don’t have to stay at the hotel.
Note: You can’t access the pool area unless you’re a guest at the hotel. You will however get a good view of it from the bar.
Clarke Quay
This place is very happening, if you visit it in the night. Bursting with restaurants and pubs with great live music bands playing in the entrance. Combined with the view of a river, this place certainly has good nightlife. Walk the entire area to see the place and dine at a restaurant you like. Really loved all the colorful building!
Spectra Light Show Singapore
A bold, beautiful, and power packed performance! Another great free show that is a must do in Singapore – The wonderful light and water show. The show is a choreography between singing fountains and projections on the splashes. The show goes on everyday 8pm and 9pm– don’t miss it!
Merlion Statue
This half lion-half fish statue spouts water into the river and is one of Singapore’s iconic symbols.This is a really great place to take photos of the city. It is crowded but definitely worth the visit. You will see lots of smiling faces along with visitors taking silly photo. Of course I had to join in on the fun!
Youth Olympic Park
Right in the center of it all you will find this beautiful floating soccer field, the worlds largest floating platform! I would play soccer everyday just to practice on this field and to have that amazing view. This field sits right on the river, its spectacular!
Food Recommendations
While Singapore is a big city filled with great restaurants, markets and food courts, a few places really stood out. For breakfast I wholeheartedly recommend Tolido’s Espresso Nook! It’s located a bit out of the city center, but if you’re staying in the area it’s most definitely worth a visit.The smoked salmon is the bomb diggity!
If you’re looking for an old-school authentic Singapore experience, The Boat Quay offers just that. The restaurants are lined up side by side in these historic buildings with a great view of the city. For a more modern version, Clarke Quay is your choice. Both offers a lot of variety, music, happy hour, lights etc.
TIP: Buy Lonely Planet’s travel guide to Singapore and you’ll always have all the information you need right at hand! Maps, sights, public transport, restaurants, hotels etc. It’s a comprehensive guide and a great travel companion.
Useful Links to Singapore
Budget Travel Guide: Singapore – The Poor Traveler
Singapore: Insider Tips from a Local – Travel on Toast
Singapore Travel Guide 2018 – The Pinay Solo Backpacker
13 Best Things to do in Singapore – Miss Tourist
Singapore Trip + Itinerary Guide for First-Timers – Detourista
The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for Singapore – Polkadot Passport
How to Spend a few Days in Singapore – Indie Traveller
Things to do in Singapore in 3 Days – Make my Trip
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