Highlights: Singapore seems to have a little something for everyone – the foodies, shoppers, architects, historians and adventure seekers will all find their version of Singapore to enjoy. 

Lowlights: This small island nation with its man-made engineering and oppressive heat may not be the best destination for those who like their nature and wide-open spaces, or for those who get bored quickly, so its best visited to book end a trip or while in transit.

Wardrobe: Locals say that Singapore has two climates – the outdoor extreme humidity, and the indoor icy temperatures, so be prepared to go between the two constantly. 

Wares: Singapore’s best wares are not those that you can take home. It’s the food – don’t miss the hawker stalls and centres located all around this city.

Singapore

Singapore is a tiny island nation – only 50 km from east to west - full of surprises. It has a colourful heritage, including early Chinese, Malay and Indonesian influences, and was then called Singapura, the Lion City. From there, the island was further impacted by the British, which not only ensured the island was established as a commercial and shipping trading hub, but also sought to divide the small city based on ethnicity and wealth, resulting in areas like Chinatown being developed which is still in existence today. One of the most fascinating elements of this city is the fact that 25 percent of it comes from land reclaimed from the sea, most notably on the East Coast, where Marina Bay is now located.

Landing at the world renown Changi Airport gives visitors a glimpse into what the Lion City is like – modern, innovative and impeccably clean – complete with world class shopping, an array of restaurants and cafes, indoor gardens and waterfalls and light rail transit to get you from one terminal to another. Travelling from the east to west of the island, and you’ll catch glimpses of the sea, East Coast Park gardens and trading ships before hitting some of the main attractions Singapore has to offer.

Gardens by the Bay is an intriguing, one of a kind park which is a feat of human ingenuity and is home to the Flower Dome, the largest green house in the world, the Cloud Forest & Mountain, and the Super Tree Grove – a collection of vertical gardens that tower high in the skyline and serve to sustainably power the garden. There is a Skyway and Observatory available for visitors keen for a view, as well as a Garden Rhapsody light show at night. Across the bay and over the Helix Bridge is the Singapore Flyer, also a good way to admire the Singaporean views.

Downtown Core

Perhaps one of the most notable and iconic elements in the Singapore skyline is the Marina Bay Sands luxury resort and hotel, featuring three towers that were designed to look like decks of cards. The resort is home to not only a hotel, but an infinity swimming pool, award winning restaurants, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands shopping mall, the world’s largest atrium casino and the Art Science Museum which itself is a work of art. Eat at one of the amazing restaurants on its rooftop and dusk and you’ll see the sea merge seamlessly with the horizon, with the lights of ships twinkling against the smoky blue backdrop.

On the opposite side of the Marina is the world-famous Fullerton Hotel, a nod to Singapore’s colonial heritage, along with its six other related landmarks including The Fullerton Pavilion and Clifford Pier. Further along Fullerton Bay Road towards the end of Marina Bay is Singapore’s Merlion – it’s national symbol that was relocated to this notable location in 2002.

North of Marina Bay lies the Esplanade Park and Theatres on the Bay, the Art House and National Gallery. Heading slightly further north and you’ll be struck by the heritage architecture of a few key locations, one of the most notable being the Raffles Hotel. Although over a hundred years have passed since this luxurious and charming hotel first opened, one element that remains the same is that it is a landmark for travellers as much now as it was back then. If tasting a Singapore Sling is on your bucket list, enjoy this experience at the Long Bar at Raffles.

Chijmes is another heritage location not to be missed, named after the sound of the bells of its tower. The building and area have a rich history dating back to the 1800s, where a girls’ school, convent, orphanage and chapel all operated before parts of the area where demolished to make way for Singapore’s transportation projects. After it’s restoration, Chijmes has become a small, peaceful haven in the midst of a bustling city, where visitors can eat, relax and shop while marvelling at the stunning architecture and colourful history of the buildings and chapel. 

Chinatown

The Chinatown area of Singapore can be found south of Marina Bay, with street markets, hawker stalls, temples, churches and mosques and the Chinatown Heritage Centre all in the same vicinity. 

Clarke Quay

West of the Downtown Core is Clarke Quay – a district once known for its warehouses for goods transported by boat on the Singapore river, and now known for its shopping malls, restaurants, clubs and nightlife most of which exist in these converted warehouses. The Singapore River Cruise service also commences from here, where visitors can climb aboard these traditional boats and cruise slowly down the Singapore river, snaking through historical landmarks and attractions and arriving at the lights of Marina Bay. 

North of Clarke Quay is Fort Canning Park – a hill close to the CBD that has various historical significance. It is said to be the place where the ancient Singaporean kings were laid to rest, the location where Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles built his residence, was the site where a fort was built and where archaeological discoveries have been made. In more modern times, the area has been used for recreational activity by the locals. 

Orchard

A few kilometres away is Orchard Road – a major shopping district in Singapore. Enjoy this shopping and restaurant strip located at the heart of Singapore which spans over 2 kms!

Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island – best described as Singapore’s playground. Complete with golf courses, beaches, resorts and Universal Studios, this island has fun and recreation covered. The island can be reached either by cable car, or via the road and has three main beaches – Tanjong, Palawan and Siloso – as well as a multitude of activities to suit many tastes, from butterfly parks to bungee jumping.