This "Lion City" was once called Singapura, which means lion, when Prince Utama landed here dating back in the 13th century wherein he thought he had seen one meet their fleet upon arrival. Today, this lion with the body of a fish - famously known as the Merlion - has become the beacon and mascot for Sinapore, a city-state with a rich, modernized European look with a taste and feel of an Asian metropolis.
While climate here tends to be hot, hotter, and hottest especially during the summer months (since it's located close to the equator), your sunglasses can come in handy in your trip here. But the shade of tall, massive buildings and fancy shops and malls will surely blind you! Despite being one of the most densely populated places on the planet, the busyness of the streets and public transports are well compensated with the peace and order and the cleanliness around Singapore.
The only thing that can possibly hurt your Singapore experience is the expense. When the Lion City is hailed as one of the most expensive cities to stay in the world, expect it to be not as budget-friendly as its neighboring countries for tourists. But with street smart advice and wise use of your finances and time, I am certain you would have a great time in Singapore before heading out to other places like Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur.
How to Get There
- By Plane. Changi Airport welcomes you with open arms as an attraction itself that keeps you busy with rooftop gardens and every possible service that makes you feel at home before heading out to catch a cab for your hotel. But when you leave for Singapore by plane, expect the ultimate seduction of walking around and be amazed at what the gateway-attraction can offer.
- By Land. For backpackers and tourists with a lot of time in their hands, who are in for a road trip and coming from places like Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, there are trains and buses available which make Singapore accessible for them.
Where to Stay
- Chinatown. Known as one of the world's oldest Chinatown's in recent memory, this part of Singapore boasts a lot of hostels and backpacker-friendly hotels suited for the common wanderer. Be thrilled with the variety of temples surrounding the town and the road-side stalls selling from food to China wares. This is an ideal place for the budget traveler.
- Orchard Road. Ride a car passing through this road and see a lot malls and shopping centers left and right. It is even more fun in the weekend when thousands of people come in and out as a way to unwind from the long week of work. While accommodation here may not be as budget-friendly as the others, the place may be worth it to treat yourself as a luxurious traveler of the Lion City.
- Little India. If you've heard of Serangoon Road as a TV series, it actually exists in case you're wondering, and it's located in arguably the most colorful district of Singapore. A stay here may be affordable to you, and you also get to experience India all around you - from food, culture, and people.
What to Do
- Play inside Asia's Favorite Playground. Known to the world as Sentosa Island, everything you need for fun and family get-together is within the confines of this island resort. Just a 5-minute train ride from Vivo City, experience the wonderful Resorts World Sentosa, home of the Hollywood-themed park Universal Studios, the Adventure Cove Waterpark and the world's largest aquarium, S.E.A. Aquarium. Get moving around the island with the thrilling rides and exciting party life on the edge of the long beachfront. Spend one whole day here and you'd feel like going back the next day because there's just too many to go in one island!
- Take a sip of the Singapore Sling. Singapore's famous drink has been recognized worldwide and you haven't really been here when you didn't take a shot of it. This cocktail drink is available in almost all bars and restaurants you can hop into.
- Walk Through the World's 1st Night Zoo. The zoo is often open to the public by day, but here, experience the night animals wake up for you till midnight! This is truly a must-see attraction that draws animal lovers who are interested with animal life after sunset.
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| Insert "you" here at Merlion Park. March 2014 |
- Have a photo with the Merlion. When you have a photo with the Papa Merlion (in Sentosa Island), Mama (the most famous one located in Merlion Park), or Baby (just behind Mama), almost everyone will conclude that you have just been to Singapore. A crowning symbol for the city-state and its national mascot, missing out on one of them would feel like you haven't really been here.
- Shop - or probably just window-shop - while overlooking the World's Largest Fountain. You can find this giant piece of fountain in Suntec City. While the place claims to be a "city within a city", look around Suntec City and you are actually surrounded with shopping centers all around that could possibly empty your pockets when left unguarded!
- Step foot on Marina Bay. Before doing so, a 45-minute ride around the world's highest observation wheel - the Singapore Flyer - is recommended to see all of Singapore in one turn. Head out to the multi-billion dollar hotel that is Marina Bay Sands and go up to the 57th floor of the Sky Park wherein you are aboard what looks like a giant surf board on top of three towering hotels. Once done, walk yourself out of the hotel and into the Gardens by the Bay, a whole new world of plants, flowers and the essence of Singapore as a premier Garden City in a tropical paradise. You may even opt to head the other direction and engage yourself in the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and head out to see the magnificent Singaporean skyline.
- Visit Catholic churches, Hindu temples, Muslim mosques, Buddhist temples... Want to experience Asia in a nutshell? Singapore has it all for you! A multicultural city with no dominant display of culture and religion in sight, experience all of Asia from food and shops to temples and street life.
Where to Go Next
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You may weigh your options on a quick 1-hour plane ride to the Malaysian capital, or a 7 to 8 hour train or bus ride with stops along the provinces for a first hand look of what is "Truly Asia". KL also hosts a multicultural blend of Asia and a vibrant street life day and night.
- Bali, Indonesia. The biggest attraction known in Indonesia, with beaches and parties that attract visitors and tourists all over the world. Head down south by plane and experience it all.
