Beautiful landscapes, stunning architecture, rich culture and some downright bizarre weather, Singapore offers more than just a flight stopover and a cocktail, and we went to soak up as much as we could in our four-day visit.
Whether you’re looking for a beach retreat, an exciting city break, a quiet nature reserve or a combination of all three, there’s something for all travellers to enjoy, as I round up 8 reasons Singapore should be on the top of everyone’s bucket list.
1. The Buildings
While skyscrapers and the whole concrete jungle vibe doesn’t really do it for me, I have to admit, Singapore boasts some pretty incredible buildings. However, while every other street centres around towering office blocks, hotels or arenas, it was the little tucked away buildings that I loved.
From graffiti-covered pubs, unique temples and balconies bursting with flower pots, it’s the hidden gems that add to the city’s charm, offering dozens of little bricked sanctuaries in the heart of the hustle and bustle.
2. The gardens
Just a short stroll from the city, the botanical gardens offer something for all nature lovers to marvel at. Featuring steel man made trees that have welcomed its own unique ecosystem, a multi-storey greenhouse bursting with life, as well as wildlife galore, Singapore is a natural metropolis that has managed to have its cake and eat it.
3. Sentosa
Dubbed ‘the island of fun’, Sentosa is everything you could possibly look for in an action-packed holiday. With a SEALife Centre, Adventure Water Park, Universal Studios, Casino, hotel and much more, you could easily spend a fortnight here without ever venturing across the water to the mainland.
What’s more, it is also home to…
4. The beaches
Sentosa offers a number of beautiful beaches situated at the Southernmost point of continental Asia, offering the perfect place to escape the city. With incredible views out into the ocean, warm and calm waters to cool off in and a selection of sandy beaches to lounge on, it’s a little slice of paradise just a shuttle ride away.
5. The shops
Airport lost your luggage? Forgotten your sunglasses? Underestimated the amount of knickers you’d need? Been there, done that. Don’t fret, Singapore is home to a host of shopping centres, cute boutiques and familiar high street chains. If you’re looking to spend a day window shopping or splashing out, I recommend VivoCity by the harbourfront – it’s packed with shops, offers some good food choices and it boasts a tranquil rooftop bar area, perfect for refuelling.
6. The tube
Normally public transport is a bit of a drag, and I usually walk whenever I can. However, Singapore’s tube system is so clean, punctual and easy to navigate that we felt like natives after just a couple of days. Plus, with no food and drink allowed, you won’t ever find yourself sat next to a commuter who’s decided the London Underground is the perfect place for an egg mayo sandwich.
7. The food
As Singapore was the first place on our itenary, we were a little cautious with what we were eating, (we had a 14 hour flight to follow, if you know what I mean), but we did enjoy a few meals out and even tried some of the local curries.
It’s not hard to find somewhere Westernised to eat though if you want to play it safe with a burger and fries, while some of the local markets sell delicious sticky buns for a very cheap price – which we took full advantage of – as well as sushi, meat, smoothies and more.
8. The weather
You know in the British summertime when you get that one day where it’s too hot to function, everywhere is humid, everything is sweaty and life in general is sticky? Yeah, Singapore is that 24/7 plus another 10 degrees heat. The air is almost drinkable it’s so humid, and while there’s plenty of cloud coverage, its best to lotion up for when the sun emerges.
What I loved most about the weather though was it’s unpredictability. One minute we were basking in sunshine and enjoying the lazy river at the water park, and the next minute the entire island was in shutdown because of thunder and lightening. Basically, pack sunglasses, a bikini and a poncho and you’re good to go!
– by Alice
Off To Explore 