Singapore is one of the most interesting places I have visited because of its rich history and forward-looking approach. This is a city that I could picture flying cars to be completely acceptable. There is so much to see and do here and I haven't included many of the other top attractions this city has to offer. The architecture is diverse, the people are friendly, public transport is easy and efficient and the food is AMAZING!
Getting There
At the Airport, once you pass through passports and customs you will exit into the main terminal. Look for signs to the MRT, or ask around they are very helpful. Also, the information desk will give you a WIFI passcode for you to login to the airport WIFI. Tip: Be sure you keep the 2nd half of the customs form for your exit out of the county. It will make your life easier.
MRT
Arriving at SIN mid day you can take the MRT to anywhere in the city you want.
The subway/metro is called MRT. It goes all around town to most of the places you want to check out. You must get a pass to ride and you can put any Singapore dollar amount and can refill it when you run out of money on the card. The card must be read at the time of entry and departure. This same card can be used on the bus line. As usual, check Google maps for the best route to get where you are going. Also with the bus you must scan the card at entry of the bus and when you exit. Be sure to scan it when you exit!!
TAXI
Once exiting passports and customs, quickly get in the queue (line) for a taxi. (Make sure you have out your information for your hotel or hostel just in case the taxi driver is unfamiliar with where you are going. If your flight gets in around midnight like some do, the best way is to get a cab. Taxi's are quite expensive, so use them sparingly.
What to Eat
Get the best Dim Sum at Swee Choon Tim Sum in little India. Open 6pm til 6am this
late night dive will satisfy all of your dim sum needs. From BBQ pork
buns (my favorite) to prawn dim sum and carrot cake, it's not what you
think. Go in the late evening and get a table in the ally way for the
most authentic experience. There is a menu that has pictures, but you
order by a sheet a paper you fill out. Get a little of everything to
satisfy your Asian food cravings.
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| Dim Sum for 7 people |
Must have chili crab!
Most, if not all, hawker centers have this delicious dinner. It's a
little pricy for 1 person at around $35, but it's well worth it. Split
the crab and some fried buns with a friend and soak up the amazing
tomato based sauce that accompanies the yummy crab. It's not all that
spicy, but grab a beer to wash it down!
It's strange, but you have to try it. Ais kacang is the Singapore
dessert that you must try. Literally translated "ice beans" this
interesting treat will leave your taste buds confused and wanting more.
Hawker centers and many food courts offer this dessert, at only $2 it's
worth a try.
There are so many great places to eat in this town. I never had a bad
meal. From dim sum, to fish tacos, to sushi, to fried rice. It's a
foodies heaven.
Where to go & What to do
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Spend a day wondering around the beautiful flora and fauna of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Open from 5am to Midnight every day, there are so many areas to explore such as the Rainforest, Ginger Garden, Herbarium, Bamboo Forest and the three lakes spread out over 182 acres. Bring water and sun screen. Best part... ITS FREE!
Marina Bay Sands Skypark
Atop of Marina Bay Sands Hotel (the building that looks like a ship) is a majestic view of Singapore and the ships in the Singapore Strait. No need to pay, just take the hotel elevator to the top. You must be a registered guest to get in the infinity pool.
Little India
The center for the large Indian community in Singapore, it retains its distinct identity without selling out to a mere tourist attraction. Its one of the most colorful and attractive places to visit. I suggest getting lost in this little town, enjoying the smells, sounds and the garlic cheese naan. Be sure to walk through the grocery stores and little boutiques to get the full effect of this area. I went back twice for the naan. The Hindu temples are the biggest attractions in Little India, they are most lively in the morning or afternoon and some even close in the middle of the day. The architecture is simply splendid.
Free Walking Tour
The walking tour will give you a great overview of this eclectic city. It includes walking through Chinatown, Anderson Bridge, Fullerton Hotel, Merloin Park with views of the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Visit
singaporefootprints.com for info.
Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome & Cloud Forest
One of the most magical experiences I had in Singapore was in Gardens by the Bay. In the Flower Dome you enter a world of perpetual spring, where unique plants bloom in an ever changing display of flowers. There are plants from the Mediterranean and semi-arid subtropical regions. So many flowers and plants!!
The Cloud Forest is a mysterious world veiled in mist; entirely different from the Flower Dome. A 35 meter tall mountain covered in lush vegetation shrouding the wolds tallest indoor waterfall showcases plant life from tropical highlands up to 2,000 meters above sea level. Take the elevator to the top and descend down the mountain in the clouds for an aerial view of the canopy and mountainside below.
Admission for non resident for both conservatories is $28, I highly recommend going to both! Its free to walk through the Gardens and could spend all day here. Bring lots of water and wear sunscreen.
Gardens by the Bay Supertrees
In the evenings, the supertrees come to life in a spectacular light and sound show. Soak up the beautiful experience of lights dancing in Garden Rhapsody; every day at 7:45 and 8:45. Its FREE! On the south east side of the treas there is a patch of open grass with lye back chars surrounding it, grab a chair and park yourself for this magnificent show. It brought me to tears.
During the day you can go up in the trees and stroll along the OCBC Skyway. At a height of 22 meters and surrounded by panoramic vistas and get an up-close look at the technical marvels of the Garden's futuristic Supertrees. $5 for adults.
The Ritz-Carlton Millenia
Go for a free art tour and view many of the limited edition art pieces by
David Hockney, Henry Moore, Andy Warhol and Sam Francis. The rest of
the works are from well-established contemporary American artists such
as Dale Chihuly, Larry Zox, Elsworth Kelly, Rainer Gross and Malcolm
Morley. See the concierge for the audio tour on an iPod. FREE!
Where to stay
Marina Bay Sands Hotel
Towering over the bay, this iconic hotel provides luxury with a rooftop infinity pool, 20 dining options, and a world-class casino. Downtown Singapore. Rooms start at S$350.
A 5 minute walk from Orchard MRT Station and high end shopping, Grand Hyatt Singapore offers
luxurious accommodations, an elegant outdoor pool and 6 dining options
including the award-winning restaurant mezza9. Scotts Road and Orchard Road. Rooms start at S$360.
Conveniently located within 10mins walking distance to the majority of Singapore's key tourist attractions, its a high quality budget option. Dorms from S$19, Privates from S$83.
Good to know
Most everyone speaks English, but occasionally they can be hard to
understand with their accent. So, be patient. Remember you are on their
island in their country.
Singapore is a great hub to get all around south east Asia and
Australia. It seems like everything is so close. You are in south east
Asia so its hot and humid, so bring light cotton clothes and be prepared
to sweat, a lot!
Here are a few rules you must abide by when you're in Singapore:
Chewing gum is banned. There are designated smoking areas outside. You're not permitted to eat, drink, or breastfeed on the trains. For some drug offenses, there is mandatory death penalty.
Vandalism Can Incur The Wrath Of The Rattan Cane. And, don't speak poorly about the government. Don't be intimidate by these laws and rules. If you're a respectful person and a respectful traveler, you're not going to run into an issue.
Enjoy your trip to Singapore and South East Asia!
