WOW SINGAPORE !
WHAT TO EXPECT IN SINGAPORE
Singapore, being one of the most prominent cities in the world, will provide you with a different kind of experience from the one you could expect in other Asian countries.
Language: Most locals are bilingual – proficient in English and either Mandarin, Malay or Tamil.
Currency: The Singaporean dollar (SGD) is the currency of choice here. Currently, $1 U.S. dollar will get you $1.33 in Singapore dollars.
When you’re budgeting for your trip here, keep in mind that Singapore is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. While you can find some bargains in Malaysia and Indonesia, Singapore is expensive so expect to spend the same as you would in a big American or European city.
Cards + Cash: Credit cards are widely accepted, but you should still carry some cash for food stalls, coffee shops and other small purchases.
Climate: Temperatures in Singapore are consistent all year. Typically, on any given day, you will see temperatures between 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) to 89 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).
The humidity level is high; the country sees an average of 167 days of rain per year, so bring that umbrella!
GETTING AROUND IN SINGAPORE
While Singapore is a small country, there is still a lot to see. Just 31 miles wide and 17 miles long, Singapore has a remarkable amount of must-see neighborhoods like Little India, Bugis, Chinatown, Marina Bay, the Financial District, and Sentosa Island.
Public Transport: The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is an easy and affordable way to get around Singapore. The price of tickets depends on where you are going and generally runs around SGD 4 (USD 3). If you are planning to explore as much of the city as possible, the Singapore Tourist Pass can be a great deal. It gives you unlimited travel for a set period.
Taxi: An app called Grab is popular here, and the ride prices are cheaper than what a traditional taxi ride would cost. It works just like Uber, which is being phased out in Singapore. While there are a ton of taxis all over the city, they charge peak rates after 6 p.m., so it can get expensive quickly.
WHERE TO STAY
* THE RITZ-CARLTON, MILLENIA SINGAPORE
With an iconic location in Marina Bay, immerse yourself in a canvas of views at The Ritz-Carlton, Millennia Singapore. This one is a super-luxe favorite!
* MARINA BAY SANDS
If you have ever seen pictures of Singapore, you have likely seen shots of the Marina Bay Sands hotel in the city’s scape. This place is easily one of the most famous hotels in Asia, if not the world.
NOTE: If you want to swim in their rooftop infinity pool, you need to be a guest.
* THE WAREHOUSE HOTEL
A five-star boutique hotel on the riverfront, the chic Warehouse Hotel is in a flawlessly refurbished 19th-century building.
*THE FULLERTON BAY HOTEL SINGAPORE
A perfect location on the waterfront right-off the MRT, the Fullerton Bay Hotel has a swanky rooftop bar and first-class service.
* THE QUINCY HOTEL
The Quincy Hotel was the winner of the Singapore Tourism Best Hotel Experience Award and is located in the centre of the trendy Orchard District.
* THE SCARLET SINGAPORE
I love the art-deco style of the four-star Scarlet Singapore in Chinatown. It has a captivating old-world charm, plus is located in a convenient location.
* HOTEL KAI
In the center of the historic Civic District, Hotel Kai is a great value for money. They provide guests with a 4G personal Wi-Fi device that works all over Singapore, which is really handy if you don’t want to get a SIM card.
WHERE TO EAT
1. COLONY AT THE RITZ CARLTON
The Colony at The Ritz-Carlton serves up the greatest buffet I’ve ever tried, and it’s a great value for all the food you get.
When to Go: When you’re starving– the variety here is great!
2. PO RESTAURANT
For a fresh take on Singaporean staples, get to Po Restaurant at The Warehouse Hotel to check out this tasty spot.
What to Order: The Barramuni salad, the seafood congee, braised mahjong tofu and the fermented shrimp softshell crab! For dessert, don’t miss the ice cream popiah!
3. NEON PIGEON
In the hipster hood of Tanjong Pagar, you can find Neon Pigeon serving up Japanese food tapas style.
4. THE CURRY CULTURE
Singapore has a lot of delicious Indian food, but nobody can top the flavors at The Curry Culture.
5. LAKSA (LOCAL DISH)
This is my favorite soup, and it’s something I’ve always got my eye out for. There are a lot of street vendors dishing it up and the best I found was at 328 Katong Laksa.
6. TIAN TIAN (HAWKER STALL)
To enjoy another one of Singapore’s must-eat dishes, chicken rice, Tian Tian is the place to be.
7. CHINATOWN (NEIGHBORHOOD)
Not sure what you are in the mood for? Just head down to Chinatown and let your stomach guide you through the food stalls.
8. DIM SUM (LOCAL DISH)
Whatever you do, don’t leave Singapore without going out for dim sum. With small bite-sized portions, this is the best way to try a bit of everything.
9. LITTLE INDIA (NEIGHBORHOOD)
If you like Indian food, this is one neighborhood you can’t miss!
WHAT TO DO IN SINGAPORE ?
EAT!
Singapore has some of the best food on the planet! Be sure to try the local cuisine at the hawker centers around the city. The local chicken rice, laksa, and chili crab are a must! There’s even a Michelin-star chicken rice stand.
CHECK OUT THIS HAWKER CENTER FOOD TOUR + NEIGHBORHOOD WALK FOR A MORE IN-DEPTH EXPERIENCE!
JOO CHIAT
A historic neighborhood, Joo Chiat is a perfect place to bring your camera and just wander around aimlessly. The colorful Peranakan houses are some of the most beautiful sites in Singapore.
CHINATOWN
Singapore is a melting pot in the truest terms, and you really have to get around to all of the different neighborhoods to understand what it’s all about. Start with Chinatown for its shops, night markets and dim sum!
SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS
A 158-year-old tropical oasis, Singapore Botanic Gardens is much loved by locals and tourists alike.
GARDENS BY THE BAY
Totally unlike any other garden I have ever experienced, Gardens by the Bay is well worth a visit. Have your camera ready for the surreal Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest!
ARAB STREET
More than just one street, this is a must-see neighborhood that includes Bussorah Street, Haji and Bali Lanes and Muscat Street. Start at the corner of Beach Road and just explore the shops, cafés and restaurants.
Do keep in mind that most places are closed on Sundays. With that said, the stunning Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) is a must-see sight that is also located here!
THE QUAYS
The Quays along the river are famous here! Explore Boat Quay, Robertson Quay, then get down to Clarke Quay for restaurants, bars and other fun spots.
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL
If you are lucky enough to be here in autumn, which is typically from mid-September to mid-October depending on the year, get down to Singapore’s Chinatown for the epic Mid-Autumn Festival.
MARINA BAY SANDS SKYPARK
This sky-high infinity pool has become one of Singapore’s most iconic sites.Staying here is the only way to get access to the infinity pool.
However, if you just want to see the view, you can buy a ticket to the Observation Deck for the once in a lifetime view of the cityscape.
DAY TRIP TO SENTOSA ISLAND
A playground for Singaporeans off the southern coast of Singapore, this massive resort-style island has theme parks, golf courses, spas and a gorgeous coast line!
BOOK A WALKING TOUR
Tons of Singapore walking tours take place all over the city. Whether you want to explore the city’s delicious culinary scene, learn about Malay heritage or have a guide take you around to all the top sights – there’s a tour for you!