Singapore was my second long-haul destination (after the US) and my first in Asia. It makes a perfect introduction to Asia as it´s still very European and it´s not too overwhelming like other Asian cities. Though one thing you´ll notice very quickly is how clean it is.

The name Singapore is derived from Sanskrit and means Lion City (Singha = Lion, Pura = City). Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures from Asia and Europe. The three main Asian cultures are Malay (mainly Muslim), Indian (mainly Hindus), and Chinese (mainly Buddhists). And then you have the Europeans that are mainly Christians.

With this in mind it´s not surprising that you find here some of the most interesting temples, mosques and churches in Asia.

Merlion fountain and SIngapore CBD — Merlion fountain and Singapore CBD

Travelling to Singapore

With its location and being a city state Singapore makes a perfect stop-over destination on your way to East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, or the Pacific. Changi Airport is one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia and offers plenty of entertainment during your connection.

Almost every major airline flies to Singapore and it should not be difficult to find a suitable connection. The main carrier of the city is Singapore Airlines. Besides this full-service carrier you also have some of the best low-cost airlines. Scoot, Jetstar, Lion Air and Air Asia being the ones offering great regional flights within Asia and to Australia; Scoot has also long-haul flights to Europe.

Another interesting way to get to Singapore is by train and I have this on my bucket list forever. The main connection is from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. The train actually runs until Johor Bahru Sentral (JB Sentral) just north of Singapore. There you need to connect to the local train to Woodlands in Singapore and from there you can take the MRT to the rest of Singapore.

What to do

Singapore being the Lion City of Southeast Asia the most iconic sights is the Merlion at the opening of the Singapore river into the Marina Bay, next to the Fullerton Hotel. It symbolises the origins of Singapore as a fishing village and depicts a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. From the pier you have an epic view on Singapore´s Central Business District (CBD) with all the skyscrapers and the impressive Marina Bay Sands hotel with its infinity pool.

Behind the Fullerton Hotel you´ll find the Padang which is a big green area surrounded by the National Gallery, Saint Andrews Cathedral and the War Memorial.

Just to the East and opposite the Merlion Fountain you´ll find the Esplanade which is a waterfronts arts venue and mall. Try to find your way up to the rooftop which offers an astonishing view over the Marina Bay. From the Esplanade walk along the Waterfront Promenade to the Helix-bridge which connects to the new area housing the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the Gardens by the Bay. I recommend visiting the Gardens by the Bay if you want to escape a bit the hustling and bustling of the city, check the Dragonfly Lake and the Supertree Grove.

As interesting the Marina Bay area is there are a lot of other neighbourhoods to explore. My favourite one is the area around Bugis metro stop with the Arab quarter. There you not only find the main mosque of Singapore, Sultan Mosque, but also restaurants with some great food. These days it´s more a hipster and touristic spot, back when I was here the first time it was more traditional. Close to Bugis metro stop you have the Park View building – which is nicknamed the Gotham building. Behind the metro stop you have one of the best markets (especially at night) called Bugis Street, try the juices there, they´re delicious and cheap.

Not far from Bugis you have Little India, which in my eyes is one of the most authentic neighbourhoods in Singapore. Besides amazing Indian restaurants, you find plenty of temples and street vendors. An interesting experience is Mustafa, one of the biggest department stores in Singapore. On the way from Bugis to Little India you also cross Sim Lim Tower, one of the best place to shop for electronics, but watch out for fakes.

One of the pastime activities in Asian cities is shopping and Singapore doesn´t hold back here. The best place for some strolling and spending some money is Orchard Road. Here you find some of the biggest malls, designer shops and department stores. Definitely worth to check out. There are also plenty of restaurants in case you get hungry.

Originally, people in Singapore went to Sentosa Island to escape the city. It´s a big island with beaches, restaurants, and amusement parks. The easiest way to get there is with the Singapore cable car. Coming from Singapore CBD take the MRT to Habour Front Centre, from there you can take the cable car either up to Mount Faber Park or to Sentosa. From Mount Faber Park you have an astonishing view over Singapore.

One neighbourhood not to miss is Chinatown. It´s the area that starts right behind the Central Business District at Cross Street. Next to Little India, it´s one of the few historical areas that kept it´s charm. It´s great for shopping and for trying some of the best Chinese food in town. The best time to visit is at night.

Raffles Hotel is one of the most iconic hotels in the world you can´t actually miss it opposite the War Memorial Park. There are plenty of stories around it: it was the location where the last tiger in Singapore was killed; it´s the birthplace of the Singapore Sling (one of my favourite cocktails); etc…

Where to stay

Plenty of hotels you find around the CBD. I like the area around Lau Pa Sat, one of the best hawkers in Singapore.

When I visited Singapore for my work back in the days, I stayed in the Park Royal on Beach Road, right next to the Arab quarter and Bugis. It has an amazing Balinese pool, which helps to relax after a long day of work or sightseeing.

Especially if you come to Singapore on a stop-over on your way to other parts in Asia or Australia the Airport Hotels are perfect. From the airport you have easy and quick access to the CBD and other parts of the city.

Food & Drinks

Besides shopping what you should do in Singapore is try the local food, especially Chili Crab. The hawkers in Singapore are best for this. Hawkers are food courts normally in the centre of neighbourhoods, with plenty of small stalls serving food from all regions/countries in Asia. Some of the best are Lau Pa Sat in the CBD, Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown and Old Airport Road Food Centre a bit further out to the east.

Little India is best for some great Indian food and Amber Tandoor Restaurant is a favourite of mine. In Chinatown check the restaurants between Temple Street and Smith Street.

From the Merlion walking along Singapore River, you get to Clarks Quay. This is the major area for the best nightlife in town and there you´ll find some great bars and restaurants.

If you´re like me and you want some great craft beers, Singapore has plenty of options. One of the most unique ones is LeVel33 Brewery on the 33rd floor of a skyrise on Marina Boulevard and it offers an incredible view over Marina Bay. It is one of the highest craft breweries and can easily compete with Brewsky in Bangkok. You should not miss it. Another great brewery in Singapore is RedDot BrewHouse out at Holland Road.

Travelling around Singapore

Getting around Singapore is easy especially if you stick to the main sights. You can walk around the city with most things clustered together: Singapore River, Merlion & Esplanade, Orchard Road, Arab Quarter and Bugis, Little India. If you want to go a bit further out of the centre or if you´re tired of walking, Singapore has one of the best and most efficient metro system (MRT) - also to and from the Airport. It´s a network and you have plenty of lines connecting all parts of the city. Taxi´s are good as well, but as usually more expensive than the alternatives.

Best Photography Spots in Singapore

Walking around Singapore you´ll have so many photo opportunities. Some of the best you will have around the Merlion Fountain. As mentioned before the Esplanade has an amazing rooftop with astonishing views. A bit further down the Promenade you have the Helix-bridge with some more good spots. And don´t forget the Gardens by the Bay. All these places offer some great views at night as well. And don´t miss the views from Mount Faber Park.

I hope with all the above, planning your next trip to Singapore got a bit easier.

Here a link to my Singapore site which hopefully gives you some ideas of what to expect.

Singapore - the Lion City in Southeast Asia