Singapore
Singapore is a popular stopover on long-haul flights and it does have a reputation for being more than a little sterile and over-policed (and some may even say ‘boring’); but there really is an awful lot more to the country than that. It’s a curious blend of Western, Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures. The ultra-clean streets, the opulent luxury of 5 star hotels, some fine eateries and world-class shopping make it a sparkling jewel in Asia’s crown and it offers some affordable creature comforts which you may have been missing throughout your travels in Asia.
Even arriving in Singapore airport feels like a classy experience. It’s renowned for being the best airport in the world, with every conceivable facility, and – rather unsurprisingly - it’s clean, modern and hi-tech. The City’s transport runs like clockwork and is the envy of many a capital city in the West. All of Singapore’s key attractions are connected by either their whizzy MRT trains or an efficient network of buses.
The City is divided into some distinct areas, each with their own character. Orchard Road is a Mecca for shoppers. Even if you don’t enjoy shopping, it’s definitely worth a look (it’s a particularly good place for electronics) and the air-conditioned malls make for a cooling retreat from the muggy Singapore climate. Chinatown is a great place to just hang out and enjoy some authentic Asian cuisine and maybe grab some bargains from the many market stalls and antique stores.
There are plenty of parks to enjoy in Singapore and even pockets of rainforest. If you want to get up close to some native wildlife, you might like to visit the world-famous Singapore Zoo or the Jurong Bird Park. For some great food with fantastic views, head down to Boat Quay and watch the world go by. For some old world elegance, you really should visit the Raffles Hotel. Whilst staying there is probably something most can only dream about, the hotel’s bars are open to everyone and one of the classic Singapore experiences involves sitting back, admiring the opulence and enjoying the finest Singapore Sling you’ll probably ever taste.
If you’re in town for more than a couple of days, then you should also take time to head over to Sentosa Island. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, it is possible to access the island by bus or by cable car from the harbour. Weekends are best avoided, as it’s a popular destination for locals, too. Sentosa is best described as a ‘man-made paradise’. It boasts pristine beaches, lots of greenery and plenty of fun for all the family: some impressive fairground rides (not for the faint-hearted), a 4D cinema, Butterfly World, Underwater World, a musical fountain, to name but a few of its attractions.
Singapore is a year-round destination, as its climate doesn’t really change much – it’s nearly always very hot and humid. It is prone to bouts of very heavy rainfall, but these usually last no more than an hour or two and are worth it for the clearer skies they leave behind.
English is one of the country’s official languages (along with Bahasa and Cantonese). Compared with the rest of South East Asia, Singapore is not a cheap place to visit, but prices are still reasonable when compared with the western world. There are plenty of hostels and cheaper hotels around and you can eat very well at the low-cost food courts and street stalls which can be found all around the City.
