Singapore
Overview
Singapore is a fascinating melting pot of East and West. Here the hypermodern buildings of the financial district blend with Chinatown’s classic small houses. As an old trading town, Singapore is the natural place for anyone who wants to shop – the range is enormous. In addition, Singapore offers a cuisine with influences from all corners of Asia that exceeds the highest expectations.
Top Attractions
- Explore the iconic Gardens by the Bay, a futuristic park featuring towering Supertrees, lush gardens, and the stunning Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories.
- Visit the historic neighborhood of Chinatown, where you can explore colorful temples, bustling markets, and sample delicious street food.
- Marvel at the dazzling skyline of Marina Bay, home to landmarks like the Marina Bay Sands Skypark and the ArtScience Museum.
- Discover the cultural heritage of Little India, with its vibrant streets filled with spice shops, sari stores, and ornate Hindu temples.
- Experience the magic of Sentosa Island, a tropical playground featuring theme parks, beaches, and attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and the S.E.A. Aquarium.
Local Cuisine
- Indulge in the diverse flavors of Singaporean cuisine, a melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences.
- Sample iconic dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and chili crab, known for their bold flavors and aromatic spices.
- Explore the bustling hawker centers of Singapore, where you can feast on a wide variety of street food delights like satay, roti prata, and kaya toast.
- Treat yourself to traditional Peranakan cuisine, a unique blend of Chinese and Malay flavors, with dishes like ayam buah keluak and laksa lemak.
- Don’t forget to try local desserts like ice kacang, chendol, and tau huay, perfect for cooling off in Singapore’s tropical heat.
Outdoor Activities
- Take a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring orchid gardens, tropical rainforests, and serene lakes.
- Explore the Southern Ridges, a network of trails and elevated walkways that connect parks and nature reserves across Singapore, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and coastline.
- Relax on the sandy shores of Sentosa Island’s beaches, where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
- Discover the rich biodiversity of Singapore’s wetlands with a visit to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, home to mangroves, mudflats, and a variety of bird species.
- Cycle along the scenic East Coast Park Connector, a coastal park that stretches for kilometers along Singapore’s eastern coastline, with bike rental shops and pit stops for refreshments along the way.
Cultural Experiences
- Immerse yourself in Singapore’s multicultural heritage with visits to historic neighborhoods like Kampong Glam, where you can explore Malay and Arab influences in the architecture, cuisine, and culture.
- Discover the rich history of Singapore’s Chinese community with a visit to the Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of the oldest and most important Hokkien temples in Singapore.
- Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Singapore’s street markets with a visit to Bugis Street, where you can shop for souvenirs, clothing, and accessories at bargain prices.
- Explore Singapore’s contemporary art scene with a visit to the National Gallery Singapore, home to the world’s largest public collection of modern Southeast Asian art.
- Witness the spectacular displays of traditional Chinese, Malay, and Indian dance and music at cultural events like the Chingay Parade and the Thaipusam festival, which celebrate Singapore’s diverse cultural heritage.
