Last Updated on August 1, 2019
Although ranked as one of the most expensive places in South East Asia, it is inexpensive to get to Singapore. It’s easy to schedule a trip because there are daily flights from Canada, United States, Europe, and Australia. Once you get there, you can either decide to spend a little more than you’re accustomed for simple luxuries (like a Singapore Sling) since it’s only for a short vacation, or, alternatively, you can look for travel deals and budget offers for hotels, food, drinks, and entertainment (check Groupon, for example).
The Sports Scene
Singaporeans love their sports, and there is an abundance of recreational and competitive sports to choose from. Some of the most popular sports are football, basketball, rugby, badminton, and cricket. Cycling and swimming are also gaining in popularity. If you love golf, then you should visit the Sentosa golf course in Singapore because it is a world-class golf course and open to all. As the small island continues to develop, many golf courses have been swallowed up by expanding business districts, and today only the best remain. Singapore’s golf courses represent a quiet haven in a bustling city.
View towards Sentosa Island from the Singapore Cable Car
A Cultural Kaleidoscope
Singapore is a blend of different cultures. Singaporeans enjoy a diversity of religions, ethnic groups, languages, and cuisines. Consequently, the city is a blend of the modern world and ancient traditions. You’ll find temples adorned with statues of Indian deities in one part of the city with modern commercial buildings not too far away.
Singapore’s ethnic cuisine is something that you must try. If you like Chinese food, try the Char Kway Teow at Hill Street Char Kway Teow. If you like seafood, try the Chilli Crab at Jumbo Restaurant, located on East Coast Road. If you’re a vegetarian, you won’t be disappointed by the Xinghua vegetarian noodles and crispy Tofu balls available at Xing Hua Restaurant, located on Race Course Road.
Many excellent meals can also be purchased from street food vendors. American travel writer Anthony Bourdain, famous for his dining tips, once commented, “Nobody in Singapore drinks Singapore Slings. It’s one of the first things you find out there. What you do in Singapore is eat. It’s a really food-crazy culture, where all of this great food is available in a kind of hawker-stand environment.”
Getting around Singapore
There are numerous transport options around Singapore. The main bus services are TRANSIT, SBS, and SMRT, and fares range from $1 to $3 for local stops. Then there is the Mass Transit Railway (MRT) which is fast and economical, runs from 5.30 am to midnight, and covers about 90 stations. It’s one of the fastest ways to get into Singapore once you land at Changi Airport. Then there are taxis, which are a more expensive option than bus or rail, but still affordable. Finally, there are trishaws, which are pedaled transport vehicles. These are the most expensive. Tourists frequently use them for sightseeing purposes. Prices range around $20 for a short ride and can go up to $50 for an hour.
What to See and Do in Singapore
Here are some ideas on sights to see and things to do:
Sights
Singapore has many wonderful places for sightseeing, including Jurong Bird Park, Merlion Park, and Sentosa Island.
- Jurong Bird Park is the largest walk-in aviary in the world, has a huge collection of all kinds of birds and also boasts one of the largest man-made waterfalls on earth.
- Merlion Park is built around a 28 foot Merlion statue, which has a lion’s head with a fish body. It represents how the city once started as a fishing village.
- Marina Bay has been transformed into a spectacular part of the city, a large complex with science museums, casinos, shops, diners, and nightclubs.
- Chinatown is one of the most intriguing neighborhoods in Singapore. Check out the herbal medicine shops selling all sorts of remedies – including dried lizards! – to cure just about any ailment.
Activities
There is always plenty to do in this city, like getting on The Singapore Flyer, visiting the Gardens by the Bay, taking The Singapore Night Safari trip, or boating aboard The Singapore River Cruise.
- The Singapore Flyer is an observation wheel that provides a panoramic view of attractions along Singapore River.
- The Singapore Night Safari is a 40-minute trip through a wildlife night park, where you can see all sorts of animals from Asia and Africa, like Asian tigers and African lions.
- The Singapore River Cruise gives you chance to appreciate old-fashioned quays as well as skyscrapers.
- The Gardens By The Bay are probably the most awe-inspiring gardens in the entire world!
A visit to Singapore is a unique experience. It’s a charming blend of cultures, as well as a juxtaposition between the ancient and the modern.
PIN IT!
