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When many people in the Western world hear of Singapore, the Singapore Sling cocktail often comes to mind. Most people don’t really know where the country is and would probably never consider it a travel destination. For any trip to Southeast Asia, especially longer excursions to multiple countries, Singapore is worth a stop as it offers a welcome change from the usual crowded, polluted and chaotic big cities of Hong Kong or Bangkok. Singapore is an island, a country and a city all in one.
Compared to other destinations in Southeast Asia, Singapore is ultra-clean thanks to its somewhat restrictive government. There are heavy fines for littering, spitting in the streets, and jaywalking. It is even illegal to bring gum into the country. Drug offenses can result in death sentences, so travelers should definitely not take the risk of bringing illegal narcotics into Singapore. But the result of all the strict laws is a place in the region that has fairly low crime rates. It is one of the safest destinations for female travelers where equality is encouraged.
With its gleaming high-rise buildings, Singapore is one of the most modern cities in Asia due to its economic success. He also goes to great lengths to make himself presentable and handsome. On the drive from the international airport to the city center, you can notice that the bridges that pass over the main road are covered with fruit trees and flowers. This is something that one does not often see anywhere else in the world. The city center itself is well laid out with the Singapore River running through it. River cruises are available to take in the local sights from the water. There are numerous outdoor cafes, restaurants, and shops along the river, making for a pleasant stroll. Due to the high temperatures here, as Singapore is quite well on the equator, the city can feel like a giant sauna. Therefore, extended walks in the early morning, late afternoon, or evening are suggested when things get a little more comfortable rather than midday.
Singapore, with its mixed population that includes Chinese (77%), Malays (14%), and Indians (7%), is a case study in multiculturalism. Everyone here lives and works together in harmony. Only in Singapore can you see a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple and an Islamic mosque in close proximity to each other. The country has four official languages being English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. One of the great advantages of this multiracial scene is that there are different ethnic neighborhoods to visit, including Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street. They all have their own distinctive flavors in small shops, markets, and cuisine. In addition to restaurants, there are outdoor food vendors that serve meals at very low prices so that one can dine well on any budget.
For horticultural enthusiasts, Singapore is a goldmine of world-class gardens, including the Singapore Botanic Gardens, as well as the Chinese and Japanese Gardens. For nature lovers, there are some interesting attractions such as the Jurong Bird Park, the Jurong Reptile Park, the Singapore Crocidilarium, the Singapore Zoological Gardens and the unique Night Safari which is open only at night. Sentosa is a small resort island south of the city with a scenic cable car, an aquarium, and some nice beaches.
In addition to the modern skyline and contrasting ethnic temples, there is still wonderful colonial architecture, including the famous Raffles Hotel, where the Singapore Sling was originally invented. If one wishes to stay indoors during the hot midday sun, there are several museums, including the National Museum, to visit. Singapore has some Asian theme parks like Tang Dynasty City, which is a recreation of life during the 7th century in China, and Haw ParVilla Tiger Balm Gardens, which has colorful statues representing Chinese mythology. Upscale fashion and electronics boutiques will be concentrated on or near Orchard Street.
It’s a good idea to take a quick organized city tour to get an overview of what Singapore has to offer. Tourists can then easily take advantage of the very efficient bus and subway system known as Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) to get pretty well anywhere on the island to visit selected sights. The good thing about Singapore is that it is quite compact and easy to get around. It won’t take long to see all the sights and attractions that would interest you, so even a few days is all you need. Singapore would be a much-needed change of pace on a longer and more eventful tour of Southeast Asia.