If you are considering planning a trip to this Malaysian city-state, you are in for a real treat. Until a few years ago, Singapore was known as a ‘stopover’ destination, where many travellers would spend a night or two awaiting an upcoming flight. However, thanks to this city-state’s ever increasing list of things to do, that has all changed. There is now more to do in Singapore than ever before, making it the ideal place to visit.
One factor that makes Singapore such a popular travel destination is its balance between its vibrant, cultural heritage and modern life. Looking around the city, you can find cocktail bars backing onto the jungle and hotel condos overlooking rustic Hindu temples, everything about this city is unexpected and unique.
Because Singapore has so much to offer its visitors, choosing what to see and do while here, can be somewhat overwhelming. Whenever you visit a new place, naturally you want to see and do as much as possible, but where there is such a vast abundance of sights and attractions, this is not possible. So the best thing to do is take your time to carefully plan your trip to ensure that you make every second count and don’t miss any of the attractions that you are most desperate to see.
Wondering what it takes to plan an amazing trip to Singapore? Read on for all of the best travel tips and pieces of advice.
Travel smart
Getting around Singapore can take a matter of minutes, thanks to one of the world’s most efficient and effective public transport systems. The MRT system is a big part if Singapore and something that the city’s people are very proud of. This has to be one of the world’s cleanest, as well as most efficient, public transport systems in the world. When it comes to Singapore transportation, there are, of course, plenty of other options, from walking and cycling to booking a taxi, but for ease and efficiency, the MRT system is often the best choice. This depends on where you are going, of course, and whether there is a route to that destination. Of all the transport options, the MRT system, which spans the entire length of this city-state, tends to be the cheapest and easiest option. You can choose from a range of travel passes, from singles to day, or even week, tickets, all of which are fairly cheap.
Get your accommodation booked
Accommodation here does not come cheap. Like in any city, the cheapest option is to opt to stay in a hostel, however, if hostels aren’t your cup of tea, so to speak, then there are also plenty of other options. There are guesthouses and budget motels, as well as more luxurious hotels to choose from. There is also the option of renting a flat or a room via Airbnb. The key to accommodation success in Singapore is booking in advance, as the earlier you book, the better chance you have of your accommodation not breaking the bank.
Bask in the natural glory
If you are someone that loves nature, you are in luck as Singapore is home to some incredible natural sights. For anyone with a love of nature, both the Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Botanic Gardens should be a part of your itinerary. There is a common misconception that because of how built-up Singapore is, that it is not home to any greenery, but that isn’t the case. Like most cities, nestled amongst its many buildings, Singapore is home to various green spaces, many of which are highly impressive.
Enjoy the cuisine
If you want to ensure that your trip to Singapore is a memorable one, you have got to try a range of local cuisine. The food in Singapore is amazing – there are so many different dishes and tastes to enjoy. Singapore is made up of a range of cultures, which means that their restaurants here serve all manner of delicacies from across the globe. The city is made up of quadrants, each one offering a different kind of cuisine; if you want authentic Chinese, visit the Chinatown, while for Nepalese cuisine, you will need to visit the Indian quadrant. The food scene here is amazing and unlike anything that you have ever seen anywhere else. One of the specialities that you have to try while here is seafood; Singapore is renowned for its wide array of seafood dishes, all freshly prepared and cooked. Honestly, you have not experienced the real Singapore until you’ve eaten in one of the city’s best seafood restaurants.
Soak up the culture
Singapore has a vibrant Hindu heritage, which means that it is home to some of the world’s most amazing Hindu temples. These temples are very much like the famous Hindu temples found in India, as they focus on the same gods and are designed in a similar way. There are a wide range of temples that you can explore while you are in Singapore – one of the best ones to visit is Sri Mariamman Temple which is located in Chinatown. Both the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and Sree Maha Mariamman Temple are also worth a visit. Along with a range of Hindu temples, Singapore is also home to a selection of museums and art galleries, each of which is as different as the next.
Enjoy the attractions
Aside from its many cultural sights, Singapore is also home to a range of other attractions, including the world-famous Singapore Zoo. This zoo is one of the best zoos in the world, which is what makes it one of Singapore’s top destinations for visitors. This zoo is huge and has the most incredible array of animals – it is home to 3600 birds, mammals and reptiles. As well as offering day tickets, the zoo also runs night safaris, where you can experience the zoo at night in all its glory.
Another way that you can spend an evening is listening to a free concert. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra runs free concerts at various locations around the city. If you want to attend one, it’s just a case of finding out where and when they are next playing.
Do you love to hike? If so, a trip to the MacRitchie Reservoir Park could make a great day out.
Complete with an eight-kilometre treetop hike, this incredible city park is the ideal place to spend a day if you love being active. The bridges for this hike are suspended above the forest floor, making this an activity that is not ideal for anyone who is afraid of heights. However, for anyone that loves nature and being active, this is one of Singapore’s most incredible attractions and a great way to spend a day while here.
Singapore has plenty to offer any visitor and is certainly not just a stopover destination. This incredible city-state has a lot to offer any traveller, from nature enthusiasts and foodies to culture lovers, Singapore has plenty to offer anyone who chooses to visit. With so much on offer to see and do, planning your trip here is vital so that you are able to ensure that not a second of your time is wasted. It can be overwhelming as there is so much on offer here, but by taking the time to carefully plan your trip, you can ensure that your time here is a success and you are able to do and see everything that you want to. The more planning that you can do in advance, the better.