Singapore is an island, a big city and a state in one package. According to Countryaah.com, it is the smallest independent country in the world, which, despite its small size, offers a huge range of exciting experiences.
We’ve put together a little guide below that includes tips, advice and useful information about Singapore. See what makes this item so special.
Melting pot of cultures
Singapore can accommodate many different cultures, and when you travel to an island nation, there are many ways you can experience several different countries in one city.
The history of modern Singapore dates back to 1819, when Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, an official of the British Empire, established the harbor and later divided the city into four areas with people of four different ethnic backgrounds.
This means that even today you can visit districts known for their own cultures, which are e.g. China Town, Little India and Malay Kampong Glam.
Cultural diversity is also reflected in the languages spoken in the country. There are as many as four official languages in Singapore: Malay, Madarin Chinese, Tamil and English. In addition, the island speaks a local English dialect known as singlish. In Singapore, education policy supports multilingualism, and it is therefore not uncommon to meet locals who speak two or more languages fluently.
In Singapore, therefore, you can experience many different cultures in one trip.
City in the garden
Singapore’s first prime minister set out his vision for the future of the city-state more than 50 years ago.
He wanted Singapore to be more than an ordinary city, with parks and gardens only part of the infrastructure. His dream was a big city growing up in the middle of a garden. Thus, the real jungle of the big city was conjured into an almost real jungle when huge trees and plants were planted in the urban landscape.
It is the closeness to nature that makes Singapore such a fascinating city destination!
There are many beautiful parks and nature trails in the city-state. Trees and other greenery grow at the foot of tall skyscrapers and along the streets. Even the walls and ceilings of the buildings themselves turn green: the so-called Greenery high-rises are green, in a way, apartment buildings.
The city’s parks are well cared for and invested heavily, which is why they are among the city’s most popular attractions. One good example of Singaporean green architecture is Gardens by the Bay, whose attractions are 18 wood-shaped works of garden art known as SuperTrees. Trees built of steel, with a variety of plants planted in their structures, rise to the skies like the Scenery in a science film. There is a footbridge in the canopies of the trees, from where you can admire the beautiful park from a bird’s eye view as well.
Great shopping opportunities
If you never get enough of shopping tours, Singapore is your destination!
The city is full of shopping malls where you can find shops of all well-known brands. Air-conditioned malls also act as cool boilers when mercury rises to a high point.
The most popular are the shopping complexes of Orchard Road and Marina Bay.
If you happen to be in Singapore between the end of June and the end of July, you can take advantage of the Great Singapore Sale, with almost all stores having big discount sales lasting as long as five weeks. During these weeks, you can save obvious money.
Singapore is a popular shopping destination also because here you can buy products tax free. When touring the shops, pay attention to the signs on the walls of the shops stating tax-free. 7% VAT is payable on the transaction, but if you keep the receipts and present them on departure at the airport, VAT will be refunded on all purchases over S $ 100. A smart shopper can thus save handsome sums! Read more on the Singapore website.
Food paradise
There is something for everyone in Singapore, whether you are looking for honest street food or Michelin restaurants.
The multicultural city naturally offers a wide variety of gastronomic experiences from the cuisines of different countries.
The so-called Hawker Centers – found everywhere – are food markets where you can sit under the open sky and enjoy local delicacies. At the markets you can taste local specialties like fried noodles, Indian biryan or fish head curry depending on the district where the food market is located.
The city’s most famous food street is located in China Town. Keong Saik Road was once part of Singapore’s Red Light District , but today it is a real culinary mecca. The charming and well-preserved houses along the street are home to some of Singapore’s best restaurants, worth a visit at least once during your stay.
In the traditional Southeast Asian way, durian fruits are also enjoyed here. Durian is characterized by a peculiar, some find unbearably horrible odor that hovers in the air for a long time. That is why durian is a “forbidden fruit” in hotel rooms and taxis, among other things.
Want to experience a unique Singapore?
Embark on an exploration of Singapore’s narrow streets and lush parks, shop to your heart’s content and enjoy a gastronomic experience.
Whatever you want from your city break, Singapore has it all!
