Singapore is worldly known as a tiny country that coming out like a dot on the map when being placed with other countries. Singapore covers only 721.5 km sq ranked 19th smallest in the world. Impressively, this country rises up as a powerful country and become globe’s financial center. One more brilliant point that I do love of this country is its air pollution index is very low. See my Singapore travel blog and find out how interesting Singapore is.
About Singapore
Singapore is also a multicultural country. There is a blend of Malay, Indian, English, Chinese and Arab cultures. Each community have it own corners offering the visitors with thrilling sightseeing and cultural experiences as well as gastronomy tasting chances of diverse dishes.
With its modernity, Singapore is featured with high-end hotels, uniquely designed buildings and scrumptious cuisine. Beside, there are affordable price accommodations for those plan a small budget for the trip. On average, the prices are slightly higher than other southeast asian countries and its neighbor Malaysia.
Singapore appears like a commercial giant and have not much to explore but the artificial recreational centers and places. This assumption is half correct; and my mind had reserved totally when traveled in this country in May 2019. Getting around Singapore is so pleasant and enjoyable for whatever interests you have: entertaining, discovering, relaxing, nature, etc.
Singapore History
The ancient Singapore
The ancient Singapore date back to 14th century with the stops over of many trade missionaries and ruling intentions. But they didn’t have chance to bring the country to higher level of developing. During this period, this country was named Singapura, means Lion City, by a prince of Sumatra who said to see a lion when landed on this island. Being ruined, Singapore was gradually turned into a swamp for centuries till the arrival of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, a Lieutenant Governor, seek for the establishment of a new trading port for Great Britain for commercials while the Portuguese and then Dutch took over most of the ports in the region. With its ideal convenient location, Singapore then became a trading hub and also had the immigrants from China, India, Malay and more. This made this country population rise up to 100,000 by 1871 over 1,000 when Raffles first arrived.
Merging with Malaysia
During WWII, Singapore was taken by Japanese; but not so far then back to be the crown colony of British. The Chief Minister of Singapore David Marshall negotiated with British in 1965 for their own self-rule but rejected due to the fear of communist influence and labour strikes would affect to Singapore’s economic stability. There was the showing of ineffectivenes of government during the previous strikes happened. Till the new Chief Minister Lim Yew Hock showed his strong against communist, British granted them self-rule on the new round of talk in 1957.
Expel from Malaysia
Believing by countries’ leaders that the merge of Malaysia and Singapore would benefit both, they decided to bond their tie in 1963. Due to benefit affections and racial tension, Singapore was expelled and own ruled in 1965. This made the country bear many difficulties at the time like the lack of natural resources, freshwater, unemployment, education underdevelopment and the threatens of being invaded.
With the lead of Lee Kuan Yew and secret aid on military advising, the country gradually gain its economic success and other reinforcements till the admirable developments like today.
Transportations in Singapore
You would never be disappointed by the transportation in Singapore. The public traffic means like bus and MRT are super convenient and reasonable to get around city. The Grab just moved its headquarter to Singapore in Jan, 2019. Well, even excluding this fact, the grab is still very good for our usage to get roundabout. A note to consider that the grab cost increase highly during some specific rush hour which you can use bus or MRT; but offer good price during normal rate and you can travel by private transfer with grab driver.
Things To do in Singapore
You would never get bored when staying in Singapore. I’d love to put the must to do thing in Singapore in my own favorable order as below:
Gardens by the Bay
The Flower Dome of Garden by the Bay
Garden by the Bay is a large park up to 101 hectares including Central, East and South Gardens with different playground and visiting area. It takes roughly 3 hour to half day to explore the place. I visited 3 main spots first that took much energy to walk around already: The Flower Dome, Cloud Forest and the OCBC Skyway. Spending time in those glass greenhouse and admiring the nature were so pleasant and inspiring. The opening hour is from 5am to 2am daily then I would spend more time if have more days in Singapore.
The Flower Dome is the largest greenhouse in the world. It replicates the Mediterranean climate and displays diverse garden like Australian Garden, South-Africa Garden, Mediterranean Garden, flower field, etc. The walking around sounds a bit sprawling at first, but be assured that you then will find the way.
The Cloud Forest in Garden by the bay
The Cloud Forest with waterfall and higher moisture for a tropical gardens of fern, orchids and many other categories. Like its name, the garden is designed in a spinning route with gradual walk up to high level. People with walking difficulties and prioritized subjects like the elderly and pregnant can use the lift to go straight up and enjoy the view from above. Yay, they made us feel like we were at a forest on the cloud. So wonderful!!!
OCBC Skyway in Garden by the bay
OCBC Skyway with aerial walkway liking giant trees. I was very happy when we walked on this skyway late afternoon to see the place during both day time and then at night when it was lit up with colorful lights. Out of any arrangement, I felt more special when we enjoyed the Garden Rhapsody on air while strolling on the walkway. Most of the guests were asked to go down but we were among the very last one to come down and took advantage to linger on the bridge as much as we could. The feeling was just blowing and memorable. By the way, the Garden Rhapsody takes place daily from 7:45pm – 8:45pm.
Other corners for your exploration if you have time and interests: Children’s garden, Horticultural Themed gardens, Bayfront Plaza and Floral Fantasy
Singapore National Museum
Singapore National Museum is a beautiful complex of sophisticated and glorious buildings. It spreads two national monuments the City Hall and the former Supreme Court. So what visitors would find here are everything about Singapore from history, economy, modernity, culture, education, etc. and an impressive digital present of the Forest Story. It worths every pennies when visiting this museum. I love the ambience, the museum architecture and all 8,000 artifacts making the largest collections in south-east Asia.
Singapore Botanical Garden
Singapore Botanical Garden is a huge area of different gardens. This place provides very different experiences to the Garden by the Bay. The walking is more outdoor and in comprised of tropical gardens and nice settings. My suggestion is to study the garden map carefully in advance and base on your time spent for this garden to decide which parts of the garden to walk through. We had a shortage of time; that visited only the core area with Orchid Garden, Keppel Discovery Wetland and Bambusetum. Observing local people run, walk, picnic, singing, dancing and couple proposing in the area was so nice.
What we missed was the other half of the garden. There are 2 main gates to enter this garden and our friendly grab female drive took us to the main gate closer to the Orchid Garden. The other gate Tanglin will show you the SPH Walk of Giants featuring some of the tallest trees in South-East Asia. Because of time shortage and and not so well prepare, we missed this walk. But I’ll save it for my return. Promise!!! The CNTravelers advise this is a can’t-miss place; then put it in your pocket list. May be just walk around the core area and get straight here to save time.
China Town of Singapore
Right after getting off the plane, we boarded the MRT and travel to this town as we chose this corner for overnight. Interestingly, the MRT station is a few feet to the China Town Heritage Center. Like any China town in the worlds, this area is vibrant with eating and shopping experiences. China Town in Singapore is my most favourable one. The first night walking around was interesting and memorable, of course. The streets and houses are in Chinese styles but more organized and colorful. We ate at local hawker stalls, the Micheline one star chicken rice, visit the attractive Tang Dynasty temple The Buddha Tooth Relic, wandered around just to see the streets and the city life.
The surroundings of China Town offers many choices of eating for tourists and locals. Enter the China Town Heritage Center to learn more of the past of Chinese migrant’s journey in 1950s. The entrance fee is USD 20/person and opening hours is 9am – 8pm daily. Its address is No 48, Pagoda St.
Another interesting activity is visiting a Chinese Opera House to enjoy the special Chinese brewed tea, snacks and dessert at the cost of USD 25/person. To have tea and then dinner, the cost is USD 40/person. On Friday and Saturday, the Chinese Opera is available for your enjoyment.
China Town is not for culture buffs only. There are dozens of bars in China Town for nightlife with a cocktails at Bitter & Love, a craft beer at Freehouse, Japanese Sake at Kabuke, etc.
Merlion Park
The next one to introduce in my Singapore travel blog is Marina Bay. This is a nice area with open space, big lake overlooking the Marina Bay, Singapore Flyer, the ArtScience Museum, the Esplanade theater on the bay and especially the Merlion of lion head and fish body. The iconic image of the Merlion represents the origin of Singapura country as a lion city and the fishing village.
One of the best restaurant for special Chilli Crab in Singapore is No Signboard. After lunch of delicious crab, fried rice and stirred noodle there, we took the stroll to the park. Luckily, it was a sunny day with blue sky and breeze.
Marina Bay Sands
This luxury hotel is one of iconic spot of Singapore with 3 connected skyscrapers and infinitive pool on top. We couldn’t afford the room at this hotel of 2,500 rooms and suites; then chose to buy ticket of USD 26/person to the observatory located of 57th floor to the the panoramic view of beautiful graceful Singapore and strong wind. Or else, you can choose to go to a bar there for a drink.
Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam is a Muslim corner in comprised of some interconnected streets in Singapore where the Muslims come to the Mosque for praying daily. Apart from the situating of a big and beautiful mosque, Kampong Glam is colorful with Arabian products, halal food restaurants, cafés, and shops. The most outstanding street in this area is Haji Lane. Beside the religious followers, Haji Lane Street and Kampong Glam attract many young and hipsters. It was fun for me taking photos around and enjoy the Singapore bubble tea while strolling roundabout.
Orchard Road
Orchard Road is a 2,2 km street with upscale shopping opportunities. You will find dozens of international brands outlets and department stores, coffee shops, supermarkets, etc. Waking along the street, getting involved with local flow is fun. This street is definite a must for shopping buffs. There are variable restaurants for dining as well as entertaining too.
Clarke Quay
In the past, Clarke Quay was the place of warehouses storing the trading goods. These days, the houses are painted colorful like rainbow and becomes club and restaurant center with top club of Singapore. Spending a night here sound great. There is also a choice for river cruise to sail around and admire Singapore from river. Cruise ticket cost USD 25/ person.
Clarke Quay is more quiet and sleepy during day time when we were visiting around; but promises to wake up and be atmospheric by night.
Little India
Little India in Singapore is the corner for Indian communities living in Singapore with religious temples, restaurants, market and shopping malls in the premise. We just strolled around the interconnected streets freely and observe the local life and tried some local snacks. Indian food lovers might have Indian meal at a local Indian restaurant.
Sri Mariamman Temple
Sri Mariamman Temple is located in China Town of Singapore is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Visitors can enter the temple at specific time from 5.30am to noon and 6pm to 9pm. There is no entrance fee but who want to take photos and film the temple would be asked to pay a few bucks.
Other things to do in Singapore that I didn’t prioritize for my first trip here, but might consider to try on my second trip. Also put in an order of interest 🙂 And further photos will be uploaded then.
The Southern Ridges of Singapore
This 5.6 mile ridge sounds interesting when it connects 5 parks in the south of Singapore. The highest deck is the timber bridge Henderson Waves for wonderful chances of photo taking. In case 5.6 miles is too much taking around 3 – 5 hours, we can pick some to do like Henderson Waves, the Canopy Walk.
Both bus (number 197) and MRT are available to reach these Ridges from the center. Its opening hour is from 7am to 11:59pm and free of charge.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
This Nature Reserve is a place of mudflat, ponds, forest and biodiversity. There are chances of observing the wildlife, flora and fauna. Entrance fee isn’t required; plus, this area can be reached by public transportation.
Beside spending time at Buloh Tidal Ponds to see wildlife habitats, there is a chance to go up Aerie Tower for birdwatch. As bird watching is seasonal, the best time to come here is Sep to Mar.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, around 12km from the center of Singapore, is situated in the equatorial belt. This is the tallest hill in Singapore with the richest ecosystem of Singapore. This rain forest surely will bring us closer to the nature. The way to its peak is paved that doesn’t require hard trek.
Esplanade – The theater on the Bay
This is a notable theater with indoor and outdoor theater. Its architecture is noticeable with durian spikes and sophisticated that Esplanade hosts many concerts, theater performances and biggest touring shows. The terrace on its roof & futuristic visual arts space should be in the list to see too.
There is an exploration tour around the Esplanade theater at the cost of USD 20/person with chances to learn of the architecture, history, etc. It’s sounds wonderful and worth spending USD 20 bucks here. The tour happens in around 2 hours; and an optional choice for dinner is available.
This is also a family spot with play boxes, stamping workshops and learn of visual art for kids.
Night Safari
This Night Safari of Singapore homes around 2,500 animals and being opened from 7pm till midnight. A tour around takes in 40 minutes. There are choices of either go with a tramp ride or on foot. A wildlife lover and family can’t miss it.
Gillman Barracks: Contemporary Arts Cluster
ArtScience Museum
This place was a military barrack. It’s free of charge and is a nice place to explore the contemporary Arts of Singapore.
This white lotus-shape building designed by an Israeli architecture is a part of the Marina Sand Bay Hotel. This museum is renown for its touring of the blockbuster exhibitions. The other exhibition is “Future World” created by Japanese art collective team lab. The opening hour is from 10am to 7pm daily. The entrance fee for this museum is USD 30/ person.
Sentosa Island
This is an island resort housing the Universal Studio Singapore, the SEA Aquarium, Tiger Sky Tower. Local people and tourists can come here for recreational activities, relax on the beach, play golf, do shopping and eating. Well, it might take a full day to play on this island.
East Coast Road
East Coast Road is a residential street of around 3km long. We can come here for Singaporean eateries, spending relaxing time at cafe. This road is close to Changi Airport.
Best food to eat in Singapore
Laksa
Laska noodle soup is a popular aromatic dish in Singapore. The wheat noodle soup with many topping choices of prawn, chicken, meat, fish, etc.
Bak Kut Teh
Bak Kut Tek is a Chinese origin soup of pork rib, and pretty popular in Singapore. The pork ribs are simmered in nutritious broth of spices and herbs with mushroom and some other ingredients.
Hokkien Mee
Hokkien Mee is a noodle dish originate from Fujian, China. In Singapore, the Hokkien Mee noodle is prepared in both soup or stirred fried types. The noodle bowl will be topped with prawns and some slices of pork, squid, fish cake, etc.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
This is a dish of steamed rice with boiled chicken and sauces. It’s a popular dish in Singapore that we can find in almost dining corners of Singapore.
Nasi Padang
Nasi Padang is another popular dishes in Singapore that we met this dish store at any foodcourt in Singapore. The fixed part is steamed rice; then we can come and choose other combinations like fish, chicken, meat, beef cooked in different style like deep fried, simmering, stirred, etc.
Chili Crab
Chili Crab is a national dish of Singapore. This is a savory plate of semi-thick sauce. It isn’t spicy at all despite of the name. This dish is a definite must try when travel in Singapore.
Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is a type of stirred noodles. There are 2 types of noodles used for this dish flat rice noodle and egg noodle. Being fried with bean sprouts, cockles, egg, Chinese sausages, green onion, etc. Char Way Teow is a savory and can’t be missed if you are in Singapore
All in all, as you might find in my Singapore travel blog, this country offers a great experience to me. and I definitely will come back soon to wander around and get to know more of this little pearl. After Singapore, we travel to Kuala Lumpur. Keep reading and see!!!