Singapore
travel guide
Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures, some which include Chinese, Malay, Indian, & Western. The official languages are English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. This country is known for its strict laws, clean streets, its love of food, shopping, and entertainment. They really have it all! Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819 and later gained its independence in 1965. Its become a wealthy & highly multicultural city-state. The tropical climate is year-round with high temps and high humidity. It can experience some serious rain, especially during the monsoon season from November to January. Pack clothes that breathe, SPF, an umbrella, & comfortable walking shoes because you can definitely cover the entire place in a couple days.
MUST see
Flying into Changi Airport is a world class experience as it is the most awarded airport in the world. This place is GORGEOUS! It features a butterfly garden, lounges, shower facilities, duty-free shopping, dining, an outdoor pool and movie theatre! I mean what other airport offers all that? Its newest addition called the Jewel is an architectural wonder that beautifully blends with nature & offers a unique shopping experience. Overall, Changi Airport is a world-class airport that provides a comfortable and convenient travel experience. Its range of facilities & services, efficient transit process, and easy transportation options make it a top choice for visiting Singapore.
Visit the Raffles Hotel & sip on a Singapore Sling here- where it was originally conceived in 1915! It’s like a tropical version of a Long Island Iced tea. They also host a really elegant high tea experience in their hotel lobby. The hotel architecture is clean, pristine and surrounded by lush greenery.
Marina Bay Sands is one of the most standout luxury hotels located in the downtown area, complete with an entertainment complex and a rooftop infinity pool & casino. This is the hotel that looks like it has a cruise ship sitting on top of three high rise towers. There is a viewing deck open to the public and the infinity pool is only open to the guests staying in the hotel. The shopping here is unfathomable.
Gardens by the Bay is a stunning nature park with giant super-trees, a flower dome, and a cloud forest. It’s just steps away from Marina Bay Sands and offers stunningly lush views.
Eat at the local hawkers, this is something Singapore is famous for- the amazing food! At these hawkers you can find all kinds of local pan asian dishes without breaking the bank.
Eat dumplings at Din tai Fung, you can find various locations all over the city without waiting in long lines! I had their Xiao long Bao soup dumplings multiple times a week!
Chijmes was formerly a an all girls school turned to an enclave of shops and modern dining. This historical landmark is worth walking through for entertainment and eating.
Haji Lane is known for its colorful and eclectic vibe, with brightly painted shophouses, murals, and street art lining the narrow pedestrian-only roads. It's a fun area filled with trendy cafes, boutique shops, and quirky stores selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewelry. It’s a foodie’s paradise and really comes alive at night with lots of live music. Check out the Blu Jazz Cafe, the Sultan Mosque, and the rainbow cake at the ‘I am’ Cafe.
Orchard Road has all the upscale and bougie shopping. Think big designers and also up and coming designers from all over the world. Singapore offers A LOT of shopping and those same department stores offer reprieve from the tropical heat this city hosts.
Explore Little India, a colorful neighborhood with markets, temples, and authentic Indian food.
Party in Clark Quay, a riverside entertainment district lined with bars, restaurants, and Vegas style nightlife. Be warned, drinking alcohol is expensive in Singapore because it’s all imported. It’s not fun spending $100+ on a small bucket of Coronas at a bar.
Day trip to Pulau Ubin or Sentosa Island, both these places offer different experiences and both really fun. Sentosa has several theme park excursions and you can ferry to Pulau Ubin for a safe jungle exploration on foot or bike.