Singapore is more than a stopover. This hive of culture, cuisine and curiosity is definitely worth being a tourist destination all of its own. Recently, my husband and I took an extremely rare, yet much-needed, 10-day holiday together. We both love food and beautiful scenery, however, he loves being active while I prefer to observe at a slower pace. A location that would meet all our vacation wants was easily found in this golden gateway of Asia.
Many pass through this well-known country on their way to further afar locations but those in the know speak very highly of this bustling metropolis. We decided to spend five full days absorbing and experiencing all that we could of this Asian delight. There are a multitude of reasons to visit Singapore but I’ve listed just a few that tipped the scales for us in choosing it as our go-to location.
Comforts of home yet far from it
Singapore is probably the most “Western” of Asian countries, so for the more timid traveller it’s a great location to test the waters. More exotic Asian countries can be a little daunting if you don’t speak the language, struggle with unusual toilet facilities, or find haphazard driving a terrifying thought. In Singapore almost everyone speaks English, most of the signage is in English, and the cuisine is an international fusion so there is always something for a Western palate. Plus, it’s just so easy to get around.
Safe and easy to explore
Singapore is known for its cleanliness and safety, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking a hassle-free holiday. The city-state has strict laws and regulations in place to maintain its pristine environment, like it being illegal to sell chewing gum as well as to litter and graffiti. This made us feel apprehensive about going but it also made us feel very safe when out and about. Since most of Singapore doesn’t really get going until about 10am, they dine, socialise and live well into the evening which means you’re commuting around at night. We felt super safe walking the streets after dark which is a huge plus.
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train system is clean, efficient and gets you to where you’re going pretty easily. You can even tap on and off with just your chip-enabled credit card. The bus system is similarly clean and quick but slightly more challenging to navigate for novices. Being mostly flat, walking is always a great option, if not leaving you a little hot and sweaty sometimes due to the humid climate.
If the heat gets too much you can grab one of the many taxis or order a Grab (like Uber) by using the App. As the MRT system is predominately underground, often walking (or even cycling) is the best way to see all the wonderful architecture and activities on offer.
City sights and activities
Singapore's skyline is a testament to its progressive nature and modernity. The cityscape is dominated by towering skyscrapers, cutting-edge architectural marvels, and beautifully designed urban spaces. The amount of greenery throughout the buildings, or even on the buildings themselves, means you don’t feel like you’re walking a concrete jungle. It really is beautiful. Much of the greenery was pre-thought to include natural trees and foliage in amongst the urban construction. Exploring the city's modern architecture is a treat for the eyes and offers countless opportunities for stunning photographs.
Many of the well-known activities are within or around these magnificent buildings; Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer, Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, ArtScience Museum, Supertree Grove and more. Other well-known attractions are the Zoo, Botanic Gardens, Universal Studios, Cable Car, shopping on Orchard Road, and Raffles Hotel. Mix enough for hubby and I and our incompatible activity levels!
On our first day we took part in a guided food tour which was a fabulous way to get ourselves orientated to the area, to gain valuable knowledge on the best ways to get around, and what to see during the remainder of our trip.
Culinary delights and cultures
Our food tour took us through areas of Little India, Chinatown and the Arab Quarter. We weaved through hawker food stalls and markets, stopping to taste the mouth-watering local favourite meals. It didn’t feel touristy as we were a small group, and our proud Singaporean guide took us through where the locals shop and eat. He also explained the history and cultural significance of each place.
Singapore is a combination of many cultural influences over a short modern history. With no farming land they import almost all of what they eat, so being on good terms with their international neighbours is crucial. So many influences make it a dynamic and fascinating place to visit and dine. There is a full range of international cuisines and great food is never hard to find. As our guide, Gerry, said, “with so much on offer, you won’t last if your food’s not good.” Satay and chili crab are top recommendations for tasting.
There is just so much to see, taste and experience in Singapore even our jam-packed five days wasn’t enough. We could have easily stayed twice as long to even get close to exploring the country in depth. The people are welcoming and the environment bountiful to the senses. Singapore absolutely deserves more time on any itinerary and should be considered as more than just a stopover location.
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Images by Adrian Wilson
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