Reasons to visit Singapore
Singapore is a city with many misconceptions surrounding it. But, if you’ve heard some not-so-amazing things about this Southeast Asian city, it’s time to rethink this interesting and unique place.
How some people view Singapore
Many people have a one-dimensional view of Singapore. Maybe they’ve heard it’s an artificial country, or a boring one, or a restrictive one. But, due to government-driven changes, these things, if they ever were true, are no longer. In fact, Singapore is one of the most enjoyable Southeast Asian cities you could visit.
Reasons to visit Singapore
Whether shopping, exploring natural parks or eating amazing food, Singapore is a city you’ll love and think about long after you board the airplane to go back home. You will also enjoy night Singapore.
Singapore skyline
After you leave Changi, one of the world’s best airports, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the lack of traffic. Here are a few more things about Singapore you might not have expected. For one, it’s stunningly clean and one of the world’s greenest cities also. Plus if you like to party, Singapore’s 24-hour licensing means that in some neighbourhoods, the bars never close. Party all night, party all day. What could be better in a vacation? Unless, of course, you prefer to relax, and with all the beautiful hotels and spas Singapore has to offer, you can do that too.
- Shopping. Shopping is practically a national pastime here. The retail stretch of Orchard Road is a great starting point for luxury goods shopping, such as Louis Vuitton, but you’ll definitely want to explore beyond there. Try discovering antiques in Chinatown. An annual Great Singapore Sale running from the end May to the end of July, is a do-not-miss event for shoppers desiring fantastic deals. More than 23,000 shops participate. Singapore is also great for gadget shopping, as this city has a wide selection of technology housed in two huge emporiums: Funan Digitallife Mall and Sim Lim Square. No matter what you will always have fun shopping in Singapore.
- Food. If shopping isn’t the national pastime, eating out certainly is. The list of interesting and delicious foods and restaurants to try goes on and on. The restaurants are quite stylish and innovative. The local food may be borrowed from other places, but it usually features a unique local spin. Visit the hawker centres to enjoy how Singapore chefs make humble ingredients exciting. Most meals are served with rice or noodles and can often be spicy. Crab and shrimp are popular, and many enjoy fish heads. You’ll find delicious Chinese, Indian, French, Italian and Malaysian cuisine.
- Arts and entertainment. Singapore aspires to be the arts and entertainment centre in the region. At the Affordable Art Fair, you’ll find a variety of galleries featuring paintings, prints, sculpture and photography all in one place. The Esplanade is where you can watch everything from Broadway acts to modern recitals. Also, the Arts House in Singapore’s Old Parliament building houses seven arts venues, including a cinema and a gallery.
- Authentic and ethnic mix. The culture is a mix of China, India and Muslim Malaysia against a modern Western backdrop, which can be a fascinating thing to experience all in one city. And despite advancements, the city has managed to maintain its cultural and architectural legacy. Check out the Victorian shop houses, with their multistory buildings, walkways and colourful tiles. The Chinatown Heritage Centre, where sets of bedrooms, kitchens and street scenes from the late 19th century and early 20th century are faithfully recreated, is another authentic attraction worth visiting.
Now that you realize all the amazing things Singapore has to offer, are you ready to begin planning your vacation? This high-energy city just might be the holiday you’ve been looking for.
Paulo Tan@Travel Bugs
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Totally agreed! The Little Red Dot has many things that will surprise you:-)
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Haha, right :D
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ Nicholas:
Thank you Nicholas for your very useful info. I hope it helps my readers.
Nicholas
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I’d advise caution when shopping at Sim Lim Square though. Have an idea of how much the item you’re after should cost, and keep an eye on what the shopkeeper keys into the invoice. It’s easy to get ripped off there by a few unscrupulous shopkeepers. The same goes for gadget and phone shops in Lucky Plaza and Chinatown.
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ Bianca:
That’s what I call beaing lucky in an unlucky situation right :)
Bianca
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My first trip to Singapore was not planned. Riots in Bangkok made us change our flights. We have loved Singapore ever since & have been back 3 times finding something new each time.
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ Si @ Man vs World:
I agree Si, I loved the same things about Singapore :) The skyline and no chewing gum are cool :)
Si @ Man vs World
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I love Singapore! The country’s amazing hawker centers are reason enough to visit the place. The skyline is beautiful, too, and I actually like it that it’s a bit, well, restrictive. At least I’m less likely to get gum on my shoe!
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ Shane:
Yes shopping is cool in Singapore :)
Shane
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i HEARD THE SHOPPING THERE WAS AMAZING!