Singapore is South East Asia’s most prosperous city and
smallest nation by land area. In recent years, newly developed mega-attractions
and casino driven integrated resorts had transformed this “all work” economic
powerhouse into one of the region’s most popular destinations for leisure
travel.
Because of its compact size, Singapore is very easy to travel
and generally safe. It is a top choice for first-time international
travel, family trips, and those seeking to indulge in metropolitan
luxuries. While costs are significantly higher than the rest of Southeast Asia,
a lot of people continue to visit Singapore because of its unique and top-notch
attractions that cater to almost every type of traveler.
I honestly didn’t expect to travel to Singapore as often as
I have, considering the high number of seemingly more “exotic” and adventurous
destinations elsewhere in the region. Singapore was just too irresistibly
accessible with so many direct flights to other cities all over the region as
well as convenient land crossing to Kuala Lumpur, another popular international
gateway, in Malaysia. Singapore was a worthwhile jump-off point to Southeast
Asia and a fitting “last stop” for indulging in urban comforts before the
journey home.
Top
Things to See and Do
Merlion
Park
— Pretty hard to miss anyway because of its prominent location at the mouth of
the Singapore River. Not only could you get a good photo with the Merlion
statue, Singapore’s most iconic monument, but there are amazing views to be
seen of the Singapore Skyline, Marina Bay Sands, The Esplanade: Theatres by the
Bay, and the Singapore Flyer.
Singapore
Riverside and Civic District — this relaxing promenaded
riverside area is a short walk away from the Merlion Park. Take a stroll down
memory lane and get acquainted with the city’s early development and colonial
history. A happening nightlife scene can be experienced at Clark and Boat Quay.
Chinatown — Experience Singapore’s multi-cultural diversity by taking a walking
and food tour of Chinatown. Visit a church, a mosque, Indian and Chinese
temples all in one walk. Go on a food adventure and try dishes from Singapore’s
different cultural influences at affordable hawker centers of Chinatown.
Marina
Bay —
Marvel at Singapore’s new urban cape by taking a walk around Marina Bay. Visit
Marina Bay Sands, the Helix Bridge, Singapore Flyer, and Esplanade: Theatres on
the bay. Amazing overlooking views can be seen from the sky park of Marina Bay
Sands and the Singapore Flyer.
Gardens
by the Bay — an ambitious project set to transform Singapore from a
“Garden City” to a “City in a Garden.” The main attractions here are the 25
towering man-made Super trees and two equally extraordinary bio domes.
Singapore
Zoo
— an impressively maintained zoo where you can find a wide array of animals
from around the world. The River Safari is also worth checking out.
Sentosa
Island — spends a fun day on rides and themed attractions or relax
at the beaches of Sentosa. The island is home to Universal Studios Singapore,
the first theme park of its kind to open in Southeast Asia and the second in
Asia after Universal Studios Japan.