Ultimate Travel Guide To Singapore – A country with a rich history and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet, Singapore is home to a diverse set of cultures, religions, and beliefs. This melting pot of a city has drawn in travellers from all around the world, making it one of the most popular urban Asian destinations today. Everything from Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, and of course local Singaporean influences can be found in this city. From the food, to the neighbourhoods, there is so much beautiful variety to find on the streets of Singapore.
One thing that makes this city stand out amongst the rest is the mind-blowing green spaces. Whether you visit the Gardens by the Bay, the Cloud Forest, or the Flower dome, this city is known for its cleanliness and eco-friendly places. The metro is one of the cleanest we have ever encountered and the tap water everywhere is filtered/drinkable. Additionally, it is relatively compact and easy to navigate. Using their local mode of transportation, the MRT, you can easily get around and see all the popular sights in just a few days.
Ultimate Travel Guide To Singapore
Things To Do
Gardens By the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is one of the most beautiful sites to see in Singapore, located underneath/next to the towering Marina Bay Sands. An organic architectural display of steel and concrete, you will find your self staring up in awe. With winding paths and enchanting light displays played every evening at (7:45pm and 8:45pm), Gardens by the Bay is great both during the day and at night.
Cloud Forest
A large contemporary green house, home to tropical plants and a 35 meter tall waterfall. Here you will find a variety of flora, beautiful hidden gems perfect for that orchid Instagram shot. The cloud forrest is a must if you are in Singapore, not only to escape the heat, but to bask impressive vegetation of what mother nature has to offer.
Flower Dome
Similar to the Cloud Forrest, the Flower Dome is a large greenhouse home to a variety of species of plants. Located from all four corners of the world, you will be treated with with flowers from the Mediterranean, Americas, Africa and more.
Light Shows
Every night at 7:45pm and 8:45pm there is a free light show at the Gardens by the Bay. The garden lights up to a musical and it is quite spectacular to see at night. After you finish that light show, head over to the water out front of Marina Bay Sands. They also have another free light show at 9:45pm, but this one is a water light show. Both are free and great ways to see the city skyline at night.
Marina Bay Sands
The iconic building when you think of Singapore. Doubles as a hotel and a Casio with plenty of shopping attached.
Art & Science Museum
We actually didn’t visit the museum this time around, however we wanted to add it on the list of things to do because it is a popular place to visit. They generally always have amazing art exhibits featured and if you have the extra time, we would recommend having a visit.
Little India
Colourful streets lined with some pretty amazing authentic Indian food! You can’t go wrong.
Haji Lane
A quaint little street with colourful murals and vintage shops. It also has super yummy ice cream.
Boat Quay
A popular place to go out in the evenings to grab a drink and dance. Lined with many different bars and restaurants, boat quay was a fun place to meet up with old friends and see the city at night.
Ultimate Travel Guide To Singapore
FAVORITE DAY
Our favourite day in Singapore left us in the hands with our local Peranakan friend, Jane. For those of you who don’t know what Peranakan is, don’t worry…we didn’t either. Essentially, Peranakan’s are of half Malay and half Chinese decent. She completely took us under her wing for the day and showed us an authentic experience. Moments like these reminds us of why we love to travel so much. Having the opportunity to make lifelong friends and learn about the history and way of life of those around us makes it all worth while.
Jane first took us to her childhood neighbourhood, Tiong Bahru. We stopped at her favourite bakery called Galicier Pastry where we ate “kueh” (different types of cakes). They were so tasty and different, but each thoughtfully hand made! Next we worked our way to Tiong Bahru market where we had the infamous Chicken Rice! It was so yummy, George practically inhaled it. For a drink and a cool off, we had Ice Kachang, Hawthorn drink, and Sour Soup! This was super sweet and refreshing especially on such a hot day. We ended our meal with one last popular local dish known as Jian Bo Shui Kueh. It was essentially a dough ball with radish, chilli and grilled onion…mouth watering.
During our lunch, Jane shared the history of Singapore, along with her family history with us. Through her experiences, we gathered that Singapore is an ever-changing city, attempting to adapt and change with the times. However, this change was in many ways bitter sweet for the locals. Pleased that there is growth, yet saddened by the ever changing landscape of the city they had grown up in. She told us about shops and local businesses that she had grown up going to, closing due to the skyrocketing rent and ever changing pressure to appeal to tourism. It made us really take a step back and realise our impacts as tourists in someone else’s very precious home.
Ultimate Travel Guide To Singapore
Where We Ate
Hawkers
For a foodie, the best thing you will find in Singapore and in Malaysia are Hawkers. A food court experience, Hawkers hold some of the best food around. Most importantly, for those of you out there trying to save buck or two, these are the cheapest places to eat. With meals ranging from $1-$2 each!!!!
Ultimate Travel Guide To Singapore
Where We Stayed
Adler Hostel: For our stay in Singapore, we stay at a boutique capsule hostel called Adler Hostel. A great little place to call home, with comfy beds and fast Wifi. This hostel also had a phenomenal coffee bar downstairs. Located next to Chinatown, we highly recommend staying here if you are looking for a place to stay! Book your stay here.
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