This tiny nation, with a little more than half a century of history, lies south of Malaysia, and due to its cultural richness and extraordinary ability to unite different cultures in total harmony is considered a first class tourist destination. Singapore is a city of contrasts and thriving economic power, thanks in a big part to its port, which is second only to Rotterdam in terms of size and cargo tonnage. Here are a few places worth checking out if you decide to visit this fascinating country.
Tradition and modernity go hand in hand in Singapore, an authentic melting pot of cultures, where Chinese, Muslims, Hindus, Christians and range of ethnic groups share places of worship, business and leisure and live together in complete harmony in the city-state.
Visiting Chinatown is a must; it’s almost as if you were in China itself, and you can find real Chinese food. Forget about sweet and sour pork or chicken with almonds!
A stroll through Clarke Quay and Boat Quay gives you a true feeling for the city at any time day or night. Look for the Durian fruit in one of the many markets; although it’s considered the king of fruits by many, its smell is absolutely sickening. The foul smell contrasts the general cleanliness in the city, which is helped by the hefty fines given for littering, smoking, chewing gum, spitting, etc.
Right next to Chinatown is the Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple, where 72 multi-coloured deities await you on a spectacular facade.
Marina Bay Sands, one of the latest hotels to be built in the city, is a principal symbol of the city’s modernity. In a nutshell, this is impressive architecture crowned by a spectacular panoramic swimming pool.
Eating appears to be a national sport, so visiting some of the city’s hawkers or street stalls is another ‘must’. You can find them all over the city, and the quality of the food is amazing.
Not far from Little India, you’ll find the picturesque Mustafa Center Shopping Complex, which is open 24 hours a day, and well worth a visit. You can find everything from €1 to luxury items, and even dog food!
Orchard Road is a great spot for luxury shopping, and also a bit tourist attraction for photo opportunities next to the iconic Merlion, the symbol of Singapore. We recommend heading up on the Singapore Flyer, the highest Ferris wheel in the world, for a bird’e eye view of the city at a height of 165m.
Make sure to stop by Lampong Glam in the Arab Quarter to visit the incredible mosque and you can buy almost anything you want on Arab Street.
One of the most interesting places to visit is Sentosa Island, which is also home to Universal Studios in Singapore. It also has a beach (with cardboard cut-out palm trees), although it might not be the most enticing place for a swim with the supercargo ships queuing up to enter the port.
If you want a bit of history, you should visit the iconic Raffles Hotel, a vestige of colonial Singapore under British domination, which is a great place to enjoy a genuine Singapore Sling. There’s so much to see and do, such a small country has never had so much to offer, but that’s for another day and another article about Singapore in Around the World.
