Date travelled: 25-27 April 2009
The country and city of Singapore, a fully independent state since 1965, combines Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western influences into one of the World's most vibrant regions.
Citizens holding United Kingdom passports do not need a visa to visit Singapore, for visits up to 90 days, but as it is in neighbouring Malaysia, do not think about smuggling illegal drugs into the country, as the maximum penalty if caught is death.
From Changi airport, the easiest way to get into the city is by the highly efficient MRT train system. A cost effective way of travelling would be to purchase a tourist pass, giving you 48 hours of unlimited journeys on the MRT network in Singapore for $16, plus a refundable $10 deposit, given back to you if you choose to hand in the card after your visit (about £11 in total). It will take about 30 minutes to get into the centre of Singapore from the airport, changing trains at Tanah Merah along the way. I stayed at the Beach Hotel, situated in the Bugis area of the city, which is full of charming Chinese restaurants and a medium-sized shopping mall.
My guide to the must see sights of Singapore begins with the Singapore Flyer. Opened in 2008, the Flyer reaches a height of 165 metres, making it the tallest Ferris/observation wheel in the World.
Singapore Flyer
You can take a 30 minute "flight" in one of the pods, to see some nice views of the bay.
View from the Singapore Flyer
From the Singapore Flyer, take a walk along Marina Bay. If you are here in the morning, and if it's sunny, you will enjoy the sight of the skyscrapers gleaming in all their glory.
The View across Marina Bay
Continuing West, passing the famous Singapore Esplanade, the home of performing arts in Singapore, is City Hall, an example of colonial architecture dotted around the City. The City Hall was built in 1929, and it was in this spot that the Japanese surrendered to end World War II in 1945, and it was also here where Singapore declared itself free from British rule in 1959 (but it would still be another six years until she was fully independent). The City Hall is situated next to Singapore's famous cricket club.
City Hall
Situated by the bay is perhaps Singapore's most recognised statue. The Merlion is Singapore's iconic mascot, with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The monument was commissioned in 1972 by the tourist board as a welcoming figure for visitors.
The Merlion
Heading away from the bay, the next sight will be Raffles Landing Site. In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles, recognised as the founder of Singapore, is rumoured to have first landed here. Today, a statue of Raffles marks the spot.
Raffles Landing Site
Staying on the Raffles theme, perhaps the most famous hotel in Asia is the Raffles Hotel, named after Sir Stamford Raffles. Many dignitaries and heads of state have stayed at the hotel since it first opened in 1887. Singapore's most famous cocktail, the Singapore Sling, was first created in the Long Bar of the hotel sometime between 1910 and 1915.
Raffles Hotel
Just up the road from the hotel is the Suntec City Mall, one of the many shopping malls in the centre of Singapore. The mall is famous for housing the Fountain of Wealth, which was listed in the 1998 Guinness Book of Records as the World's largest fountain.
Fountain of Wealth
The home of retail and entertainment in Singapore is Orchard Road, situated towards the West of the city centre. Originally home to local nutmeg, pepper and fruit orchards in the 1840s, Orchard Road became the commercial hub of Singapore in the 1970s.
Orchard Road
During your visit to Singapore, you may see the weather change dramatically, from glorious sunshine to sudden and often violent thunderstorms, whatever the time of year. Don't worry, the storms generally don't last more than an hour, and soon, the roads will be bone dry, and the skies clear once again.
A Thunderstorm in Singapore
You can also view a video of a Singapore thunderstorm in the videos section of my site. Click here to view my videos.
Situated at the far end of Orchard Road is the National Museum, featuring exhibits detailing the history of Singapore. Entrance price $10 (about £4.25).
National Museum of Singapore
If you have a spare afternoon during your visit to Singapore, you may like to try the following tourist attractions. The first is Sentosa Island. Formally an army base, Sentosa is now a large leisure complex. You can reach Sentosa by train or bus, or perhaps for something different take the cable car for the 15 minute journey. A ride on the cable car costs $18.90 (£8) plus the $2 admission onto Sentosa (85 pence).
Cable Car to Sentosa Island
Once on Sentosa, you may like to visit the Tiger Sky Tower, another observation attraction in Singapore (admission $12 – about £5). The views from the tower include the port of Singapore, and some of Singapore's beaches.
Tiger Sky Tower
There are many other attractions on Sentosa, including the Underwater World, Butterfly Park, Songs of the Sea and a replica Merlion. Depending on how much time you have for your visit, you may like to view the Sentosa website for more information.
The next tourist attraction, situated on the harbour front not too far away from Sentosa is Tiger Live!, an interactive exhibition detailing the history of Tiger Beer, Singapore's number 1 beer. Admission price is $21 (about £8.90) which includes a free sample of beer.
Tiger Live!
Singapore nightlife is pretty special. I recommend taking a walk along Clarke Quay. The quay, named after Sir Andrew Clarke, Singapore's second Governor, features many lovely international restaurants by the riverside. You can also enjoy a relaxing drink here whilst watching the World go by. There is a bar devoted to Singapore Slings here too, so be sure to try at least one during your visit.
Clarke Quay
To walk off your dinner, take a walk along Marina Bay once again, to see all the skyscrapers lit up in all their glory.
Singapore Skyline at Night
Singapore's most famous attraction is the Night Safari, the only one of its kind in the World. Thanks to specialist lighting, visitors are able to see nocturnal animals in their natural habitats without disturbing them. I booked my tour through World Wide tour specialists Viator, which also included a buffet dinner at the Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant. The cost was $49 (about £20). The Safari is a must for anyone visiting Singapore, even if it is just for a couple of days.
Singapore Night Safari
In terms of Singapore cuisine, there certainly is plenty of choice. From the standard fast food restaurants, to tasty Chinese and Malay delicacies. Tiger beer is everywhere in Singapore (5%), but you can also find other major brands. In terms of local non-alcoholic drinks, you may like to try the Oolong or iced tea, perfect for the high levels of humidity in the city.
You will probably only be passing through Singapore on your way to your onward destination, but due to its diversity and the vast amount of things to do, you could easily spend longer here.
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