Singapore
I knew Singapore would be great but it really surpassed my expectations. I anticipated it as just a layover and I was itching to get to Australia. However, Singapore is such a unique city packed with so much to do, stunning modern architecture and incredible food.
Something about all this innovation mixed with the humidity reminded me of something... Oh yeah Epcot!! I will never shut up about Epcot; Singapore is just like that idea of the ultra-modern city that works so smoothly and is filled with multiculturalism.
Speaking of multiculturalism, this is something Singapore excels at. With the neighbourhoods of Little India and Chinatown, the city of course has large populations of Indians and Chinese, as well as many other nationalities. They have a wide range of religions all living peacefully on top of each other- I heard theirs is the only Chinatown in the world with a mosque! The halal and non-halal tray returns in the Hawker food centres are just one good example of the tolerance and respect Singapore has for all kinds of people, from which the world could take a good moral lesson.
Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam
Chinatown
The Hawker centres are a tourist attraction in themselves. They are where to find food of so many different cuisines, with lots of little stalls selling a small menu each of noodles, dumplings, curries, chicken rice, juices, and SO much more. The food is amazing, and best of all, cheap! I've got a separate post about Singapore Hawker centres and food if you are interested.
Little India Hawker centre
I initially had the impression Singapore was an expensive city; now I'd say it depends what you do. Some activities can be expensive, but I'd say it doesn't really matter because food and transport are so cheap, and those are the main things you will be spending on. If you went to restaurants and did the expensive tourist attractions then it would be expensive, but if you stick to Hawker centres and free attractions like me then it's a cheap stay.
One of the free attractions I did was the Gardens By the Bay. They are the spectacular Supertrees that everyone recognises from photos of Singapore, and they really are amazing! The area is huge as lots of gardens and artwork surrounds it, such as these light-up eggs in the water which I loved. The free light shows on the Supertrees every night are fantastic. I watched one on my first night with a friend I made in my hostel, and the lights dancing to the tune of the waltz were beautiful. I can't believe there are two free shows every single night!
Me and Silvia from Helsinki!
My fav light-up eggs
You can smack one of the eggs on land on the edge and it makes them all change colour
Another fun, free activity was Haji Lane, a cute, instagram-worthy street full of colourful shops and bars at the end. My new friend and I spent a long time down here doing photo shoots and looking at all the cool shops, topped off with a refreshing bubble tea.
A neon sign shop in Haji Lane
My favourite colourful shop
Peach Green tea with pearls
I did splash out on taking a trip to the top of the Marina Bay Sands (that's the huge posh hotel with the boat on top). I went to the top with two friends I made from my hostel, and we drank Singapore Slings (delicious by the way) and took in the incredible view! We really felt like we finessed the system by taking the advice to go to the rooftop restaurant and bar rather than the normal viewing platform. The normal 'SkyPark' costs $26 to just go up and take in the view, whereas it cost us €23 to go up to the bar, Ce La Vi, which also got us a €23 voucher to spend on food or drink! I would definitely recommend doing this for better value. A Singapore Sling up there would ordinarily set you back $27.50, so it would have only been €4.50 more. However, one of our party opted for just a coke, leaving the rest of his voucher for the two of us drinking. This meant we got our drinks totally included! Really can't complain, it was such a lovely atmosphere and felt very fancy whilst still being on a budget!
Look at that view! With Silvia from Helsinki and Tiago from Portugal :)
It wouldn't be a trip to Singapore without a Singapore sling
For me, Singapore is split in two; the ultra-modern, futuristic side by Marina Bay Sands, and then the authentic, cultural side of things. The markets, Chinatown and Little India fall into the latter category. I love both sides of the city and it's incredible how just a short walk across the city can transport you to what feels like a different land.
There's so much to do; I definitely could have spent more than 2 days here. Who knows, maybe I'll eventually come back on my way home!
Shepp x
The Jewel Shopping Mall attached to the airport, with a rainforest inside!
The first thing that struck me about Singapore was how modern it is. It's like a city of the future; the huge glass skyscrapers and unique modern buildings were breathtaking. Along with this, the city is so clean (chewing gum and littering are illegal) and also very safe. The MRT (underground) is very easy to use, cool with aircon and not crowded like the London tubes. You're actually not allowed to run for the trains- which is fine because they actually arrive on time!
The first thing that struck me about Singapore was how modern it is. It's like a city of the future; the huge glass skyscrapers and unique modern buildings were breathtaking. Along with this, the city is so clean (chewing gum and littering are illegal) and also very safe. The MRT (underground) is very easy to use, cool with aircon and not crowded like the London tubes. You're actually not allowed to run for the trains- which is fine because they actually arrive on time!
Something about all this innovation mixed with the humidity reminded me of something... Oh yeah Epcot!! I will never shut up about Epcot; Singapore is just like that idea of the ultra-modern city that works so smoothly and is filled with multiculturalism.
Speaking of multiculturalism, this is something Singapore excels at. With the neighbourhoods of Little India and Chinatown, the city of course has large populations of Indians and Chinese, as well as many other nationalities. They have a wide range of religions all living peacefully on top of each other- I heard theirs is the only Chinatown in the world with a mosque! The halal and non-halal tray returns in the Hawker food centres are just one good example of the tolerance and respect Singapore has for all kinds of people, from which the world could take a good moral lesson.
A beautiful Hindu temple
A mural in Chinatown expressing their heritage in letter writing and calligraphy
The Hawker centres are a tourist attraction in themselves. They are where to find food of so many different cuisines, with lots of little stalls selling a small menu each of noodles, dumplings, curries, chicken rice, juices, and SO much more. The food is amazing, and best of all, cheap! I've got a separate post about Singapore Hawker centres and food if you are interested.
http://travelsofshepp.blogspot.com/2020/01/an-ode-to-singapore-food.html
I initially had the impression Singapore was an expensive city; now I'd say it depends what you do. Some activities can be expensive, but I'd say it doesn't really matter because food and transport are so cheap, and those are the main things you will be spending on. If you went to restaurants and did the expensive tourist attractions then it would be expensive, but if you stick to Hawker centres and free attractions like me then it's a cheap stay.
One of the free attractions I did was the Gardens By the Bay. They are the spectacular Supertrees that everyone recognises from photos of Singapore, and they really are amazing! The area is huge as lots of gardens and artwork surrounds it, such as these light-up eggs in the water which I loved. The free light shows on the Supertrees every night are fantastic. I watched one on my first night with a friend I made in my hostel, and the lights dancing to the tune of the waltz were beautiful. I can't believe there are two free shows every single night!
Another fun, free activity was Haji Lane, a cute, instagram-worthy street full of colourful shops and bars at the end. My new friend and I spent a long time down here doing photo shoots and looking at all the cool shops, topped off with a refreshing bubble tea.
I did splash out on taking a trip to the top of the Marina Bay Sands (that's the huge posh hotel with the boat on top). I went to the top with two friends I made from my hostel, and we drank Singapore Slings (delicious by the way) and took in the incredible view! We really felt like we finessed the system by taking the advice to go to the rooftop restaurant and bar rather than the normal viewing platform. The normal 'SkyPark' costs $26 to just go up and take in the view, whereas it cost us €23 to go up to the bar, Ce La Vi, which also got us a €23 voucher to spend on food or drink! I would definitely recommend doing this for better value. A Singapore Sling up there would ordinarily set you back $27.50, so it would have only been €4.50 more. However, one of our party opted for just a coke, leaving the rest of his voucher for the two of us drinking. This meant we got our drinks totally included! Really can't complain, it was such a lovely atmosphere and felt very fancy whilst still being on a budget!
For me, Singapore is split in two; the ultra-modern, futuristic side by Marina Bay Sands, and then the authentic, cultural side of things. The markets, Chinatown and Little India fall into the latter category. I love both sides of the city and it's incredible how just a short walk across the city can transport you to what feels like a different land.
There's so much to do; I definitely could have spent more than 2 days here. Who knows, maybe I'll eventually come back on my way home!
Shepp x
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