Singapore, The Melting Pot of Old & New
Singapore, a small yet vibrant city-state in Southeast Asia. Despite its size, Singapore is the financial powerhouse of the world, and the center for trades and technology. Finding awe-inspiring architectures, 5-star hotels, and world-class restaurants is never a hassle here since the country is a hotspot for multi-million entrepreneurs and international corporates. Modern luxury lifestyle and top-tier entertainment go hand in hand with safety and strict social order. However, other classically charming sides tell Singapore’s colonial history and cultural backgrounds, like the Old Town, China Town, and Little India. Visitors don’t just go to Singapore for business, shopping, amusement parks, and food are just a few reasons why the island is so attractive!
Merlion Park – The Iconic Symbol of Singapore
The mythical lion with a body of a fish, or is it the other way round? Merlion symbolizes the discovery of Singapore, but its most famous form is the 8.6 meter tall and 70 tons Merlion statue we always take a photo with at Merlion Park. The fish body represents Temasek (Javanese for sea town) while the lion head represents the historic name of Singapura (Lion City).
Address: Merlion Park, Singapore, 049213
Tips: A family of Merlion live close to one another in Singapore. You won’t miss the mother as she is the most famous Merlion fountain in Merlion Park! The baby lives nearby on a fountain, while the farther lives on the resort island as the Sentosa Merlion.
Marina Bay Sands – The Iconic Waterfront Architecture
Marina Bay Sands was an engineering and architectural challenge of the region. From afar, the multi-use building looks like 3 standing card decks with a huge boat on top! This is the center for entertainment, shopping, and conference, and it welcomes endless customers round the clock. Whether you are here to shop, attend a conference, or enjoy a world-class stage performances, Marina Bay Sand delivers the best of the best. Couple that with Michelin star restaurants (yes, multiple restaurants) it’s easy to lose track of time inside! Visit the Louis Vuitton Maison, a glass building by the water designed by internationally-renowned architect, Peter Marino, and don’t miss the 360 degree panoramas on the 57th floor Sands Sky Park (S$ 20-23 for adults and S$ 17 for children). Foodies will love to try “Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut The” at the underground Food Center and enjoy the Wonder Full – Light & Water Spectacular in front of The Shoppes every day around 8 PM.
Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore, 018956
Tel: +65 6688 8888
Garden by the Bay – The Oasis of Southeast Asia
Set on reclaimed land, Garden by the Bay combines modern architecture and art with the classic botanic garden. The garden is inspired by “Miss Joaquim” (Vanda orchid, which is Singapore’s national flower), but you will also see a diverse list of award-winning floras as well as the manmade Supertree. It might feel abnormal to see 16 stories tall metal trees in the middle of a botanic garden, but Supertrees actually serve many purposes. First of all, this is where Garden Rhapsody (OCBC Light and Sound Show) happens and you should miss it! Secondly, Supertrees are used for water collection, solar power production, and a part of OCBC Skyway where stunning garden and the gigantic Flower and Cloud Forest Domes near the waterfront. The air-conditioned glass greenhouse Flower Dome houses more than 32,000 trees from 160 species that thrive in cool and dry climates. On the other hand, the Cloud Forest Dome envelopes lives in the dome in cooling mist that is perfect for mountainous and rainforest vegetations.
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore, 018953
Tel: +65 20 6848
Singapore Flyer – The Wheel of Luck
From Garden by the Bay, you cannot miss Singapore Flyer even if you try. There are 28 air-conditioned capsules on the giant Ferris wheel and be ready to take an exciting 30-minute ride to see Singapore from up above. The capsule can also be transformed into a memorable dining experience for up to 28 people.
Address: 30 Raffles Avenue, Singapore, 039803
Do you know ? Twenty-eight is the number of capsule and the maximum number of people per capsule. This deliberate number follows the art of Feng Shui where 8 means prosperity and 2 amplifies the effect of the following number. Hence 28 equals double prosperity!
Orchard Road – Shopper Street
The reputation of Orchard Road is known by serious shoppers around the world! This is the street of luxury malls and hotels, including Ion Orchard, Singapore Paragon, and Ngee Ann City Mega Mall. There is virtually everything you can imagine, and you will not run empty anytime with variety of fine and street dining options on Orchard Road.
Address: Orchard Rd, Singapore, 238839
VIVO City – the Mega Shopping Experience
As the center of Harbour Front, VIVO City is one of the largest malls in Singapore. The mall is easily accessible with VivoCity Station that directly connects with Resort World Sentosa. With Toy R us store, Sky Park, and the second-floor playground, families with kids will find themselves spending all day here.
Address: 01-92 VivoCity, Singapore, 098585
Street Food Paradise
Singapore’s multicultural history becomes the melting pot for Chinese, Malay, and Indian flavours! The vibrant city food scene is constantly evolving, so new flavours are created every day as people learn more about their neighbour.
Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle
Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle is the first street food in the world to receive a Michelin star! Located on Smith Street, China Town, the restaurant is known for making the best Soya sauce chicken with noodles. Who doesn’t love chicken? Especially when it’s super juicy, flavourful, and only cost S$5.
Address: 335 Smith Street Chinatown Singapore 050335
Tsuta Ramen
Tsuta Ramen in Singapore is a branch of the Micheline stared Tsuta Ramen in Tokyo. Despite being the baby branch, it guarantees the original flavours of the award-winning ramen menus. Recommended menu is Shoyu Ramen with Japanese chashu and a soft-boiled egg. The noodle goes perfectly with naturally rich broth that is so well-balanced you would want to pick the bowl up and finish every last drop.
Address: (First branch) 9 Scotts Road, Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210
(Second branch) 18 Tai Seng Street
Charming Old Town
China Town – Fascinating Culture
China town is a bustling market anywhere in the world, and Singapore is no exception. Singapore China Town market and walking street is in the heart of the city, starting at Pagoda Street and branches out to the surrounding alleys. The area is a collection of small shops offering everything from groceries, food and desserts to souvenir shops. You might have to come back again and again to try all the recommended restaurants and bakeries in the area.
Address: Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Singapore.
Kampong Glam – a Hip Lifestyle
Malay is a vibrant and colourful culture and it reflects on the most bustling community of Kampong Glam. Fascinating culture and history are told through the building and lifestyle of the people, especially at Haji Lane, a small shopping street specializing in fashion designed by young local designers. Some colonial style shophouses even have street art graffiti – showing the hip lifestyle of Kampong Glam. At the end of Haji Lane, near Beach Road, are chic restaurants, cafés, and pubs where young locals and tourists love to meet and hang out.
Address: Haji Lane, Kampong Glam, Singapore
Little India – Lively Indian Community
The sound of people chatting, cars horning, and bicycles ringing their bells surround Little India. Experience a piece of India and its outspoken culture within Singapore. Indian’s love for colours is clearly shown by the vibrantly painted colonial-style buildings that will make you forget China Town for a while. Shop interesting Indian garments and spices, visit Hindi temples and try flavoursome Indian cuisine. If you crave some Indian treats or ran out of spice in the middle of the night, Little India has everything you need 24 hours a day at Mustafa mall.
Address: Serangoon Road, Little India, Singapore
Changi Airport – Your First Step to an Experience Beyond Expectation
Singapore’s modern and innovative spirit is seen the moment you step off the plane. Dubbed as the best airport in the world, Changi never ceases to improve as the latest Terminal 4 had just been opened. The highly automated terminal is one of the most advanced in the world, with Fast and Seamless Travel (Fast) system that includes automatic passenger and luggage check-in kiosks, from the terminal entrance to departure gate. Changi Airport is the first to introduce a butterfly garden within the terminal for passengers to relax while highlighting state-of-art facilities like top-tier shops, game centers and theaters, as well as basic services like free high-speed Wi-Fi and phone charging stations. Last but not least, there are plenty of food options to choose from, from local favourites to regional and international menus.
Address: Airport Blvd, Singapore
Tips! Tourists are entitled to a GST refund (7 %) when spending S$100 or more on credit card or cash. Just ask for a receipt from the shop or at Centreal Refund Counter (available at shops with GST Refund sign only), and file the refund request at Changi Airport, with maximum of 3 receipts.
