Depending on your preferences, the fact that Singapore is clean, modern and unlike most cities in Southeast Asia can either work in its favour, or to its detriment. This tiny Republic on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula is only 647.5 square kilometres, but inhabits a population of nearly 5.5 million, of which approximately 40% is made up of foreigners.
A bustling cosmopolitan city, Singapore is a cultural melting pot. It features a charming mix of modern architecture, heritage buildings and the grandiose splendour of colonial Singapore – its finest example being the luxurious Raffles Hotel in the Colonial District. Tourists flock to the iconic hotel for High Tea in the Tiffin Room or a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar where the famous drink was created.
With something for everyone, Singapore offers culture, plenty of natural beauty, incredible shopping, world-class cuisine, sporting events, theme parks, history and a classy bar and club scene. Divided into distinct areas, Singapore has a great rail and MRT network to get you around easily, quickly and safely. Possibly the best known street in Singapore, Orchard Road is laden with shopping centres, designer boutiques and 5-star hotels.
Escape the heat of the sun with a stroll through the CBD, walking in the shadow of skyscrapers and head towards the harbour where you’ll find the beautiful Fullerton Hotel, Singapore’s official symbol - the sprouting Merlion and the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel which is an attraction in itself. If you can’t afford to stay in the hotel, you can purchase a day pass which will get you up to the observation deck for spectacular views. Visit the ArtScience Museum where you can catch special exhibitions related to art, science, design, architecture, technology or media.
Wander around Singapore’s Chinatown, where you’ll find a unique mix of old and new. See beautifully refurbished Chinese-colonial shophouses, dine on some of Singapore’s best hawker food, visit Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple - Sri Mariamman Temple or shop in the many quirky shops and eclectic boutiques. Take the MRT to Little India where the countries Tamil Indian population resides; feast on delicious Indian food or visit one of the many ornate temples in the district.
A little out of the city centre, you’ll find plenty to see and do, such as the unique Singapore Zoo where you can have breakfast with the orang-utans or catch the nocturnal creatures scurrying about on a Night Safari. Wander around the lovely Singapore Botanic Gardens, known for the world’s largest display of orchids with over 1,000 species and 2,000 gorgeous hybrids.
Discover Singapore’s biggest tourist trap by making your way across the bridge to Sentosa Island. Here you’ll find beachside resorts with loads of watersports on offer; Resorts World® Sentosa for theme parks such as Universal Studios, Dolphin Island and S.E.A. Aquarium to name but a few; Imbiah Lookout located near Mount Imbiah, where you can celebrity spot at Madame Tussaud’s, admire butterflies at Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom or ride the Singapore Cable Car for stunning views and view Singapore from 131 metres above sea level at the Tiger Sky Tower observation deck.
