What might life be like in the future? How can we live sustainably and have cities coexist with the natural environment? And how can the past and history of an urban area be harmoniously integrated into its present? If you are looking for answers to all these questions, Singapore can undoubtedly give you them in the best possible way!
So, this small and densely populated country, with a population of approximately 5.5 million, at the beginning of the 20th centuryth αιώνα δεν ήταν τίποτε άλλο από ένα μικρό ψαροχώρι, που εξελίχθηκε αργότερα σε μια πόλη με τεράστια προβλήματα στέγασης, ανεργίας και έλλειψης κοινωνικής συνοχής. Με μία σειρά όμως από αναπτυξιακές πολιτικές (από το 1965 που ανεξαρτητοποιήθηκε και μετά) κατάφερε να είναι πλέον μια από τις πιο ανεπτυγμένες οικονομίες του πλανήτη, χωρίς ανεργία, χωρίς ρατσισμό, με εξαιρετική ποιότητα ζωής και με συνθήκες ασφάλειας που λίγες χώρες διαθέτουν. Μαζί με το Χονγκ Κονγκ, τη Νότια Κορέα και την Ταϊβάν αποτελούν τις τέσσερις “ασιατικές τίγρεις”, αν και Σιγκαπούρη έχει μεγαλύτερο κατά κεφαλήν εισόδημα από τις υπόλοιπες και τις καλύτερες συνθήκες διαβίωσης.
This independent city-state may be about three-fifths the size of Attica, but a trip to the city of lions will show you that sometimes the best things come in… small packages. This Asian metropolis is unique: Here the future is already present!
What you understand the more you experience it is that this Asian metropolis is not something out of a sci-fi movie… It is reality! A dazzling, spotlessly clean, safe city where you discover something interesting in every corner. The biggest mistake most people make is perhaps that they dedicate a day or two to it and see it as a simple stopover ending up in another destination in Asia. However, dazzling Singapore is undoubtedly worth dedicating more days to (we stayed six) and believe us… you won’t miss it!
When to go?
The country is located near the equator and has a typical tropical climate, with abundant rainfall, high temperatures and humidity all year round (without this meaning that these conditions are not tolerable). The monsoon seasons last from December to early March and from June to September. However, this does not mean that there will necessarily be non-stop rain during those periods and whenever they do occur, they will usually be of short duration. In any season, Singaporeans do not leave home without an umbrella (either to protect themselves from the hot sun or for a sudden shower). You do not need a visa to enter the country. A few days before your trip, it is enough to fill out the online SG Arrival Card.
How will you get around?
Singapore is one of the cities with the best public transport network in the world! The metro and buses take you everywhere and all you have to do is get a sim (or yes if your mobile phone has one) to have data everywhere and see directions on Google maps for where you want to go. Many people recommend buying a card Tourist Pass for Public Transport. Of course, we found that it is more beneficial (if you make up to 4-5 trips a day) to “pass” the Revolut your card at the ticket validation machines and see at the end of the day how much you are charged depending on the usage. Attention!! The same card cannot be used by two people. So have it on Google Pay for your partner, friend. There are elevators and escalators in all metro stations.
A very useful application is also Grab. In case you need a taxi, you enter the details of the address you want to go to and it shows you the fare you will pay. It is cheaper than hailing a taxi on the street and the service is immediate. With Grab you can also order food wherever you are.
What to see
Gardens by the Bay
Το Gardens by the Bay is a 1,000-acre man-made park created on what was once sea. With its completion in 2012, Singapore became one of the greenest cities in the world in terms of the area covered by flora.
Approaching the area, you will see from afar the two giants dominating domes, which have been designed to be as energy self-sufficient as possible, minimizing their environmental impact. These are the Cloud Forest, which is the tallest, and the Flower Dome, which is the longest dome in the world and has been included in the Guinness Book of Records! Entry to both requires a ticket.
In Cloud Forest you will be impressed as it is home to the largest indoor waterfall in the world! The climate inside the dome simulates a tropical mountain with carnivorous plants, orchids, ferns and mosses, as well as native plants. In the various areas of the Cloud Forest you can see real stalactites and stalagmites, limestone rocks, but also vegetation that you would encounter on a mountain with an altitude of 2,000 meters! You will take the elevator to… the top of the mountain and follow the Cloud Walk. Tip: It's a good idea to have a jacket with you for the cold.
In Flower Dome on the other hand, you will encounter a feast of vegetation that loves the cool and dry climate of the Mediterranean regions. It also hosts a collection of plants from deserts around the world, presenting their adaptations to arid places. At the same time, there is a section within it that renews its plants depending on the season, paying tribute to a different country in the world each time. We managed to pay tribute to the cherry trees of Japan!
But the highlight of the park is the incredible Supertree Grove! It is an artificial forest, like those in the movie Avatar, made of 12 metal trees 25-50 meters high with over 160,000 plants on them that create vertical gardens. The Supertrees have photovoltaics at their top that collect solar energy to cool the air in the two huge domes.
Some of the Supertrees are connected to each other by a suspension bridge (OCBC Skyway) which you can climb for a fee and enjoy the view. The best time to be up there is at sunset although the queue may be quite long.
Every night at 7:45 and 8:45 a spectacular show with music and photorhythms it evolves in the Supertrees area for 15 minutes, which you really shouldn't miss if you find yourself there! Tip: The best spot to enjoy it is on the lawn in front of the Jurassic Nest Food Hall (where you can also find food).
Tip about the park: 1) It's a good idea to have tickets booked for whatever you choose to see. online long ago. 2) We recommend that you go to the park from noon onwards so that you can stay for the evening Supertrees show. Also, if you don't want to walk too far inside the park, you can buy a ticket for 3 Singapore dollars at the ticket office, with which you can travel by bus to the two domes.
Waterfront Promenade
On this futuristic coastal walk (we recommend you do it at night), it's worth seeing:
Marina Bay Sands
The most iconic building in Singapore is none other than Marina Bay Sands. The famous hotel is famous for its unusual design, which resembles a ship supported by three 55-story towers! In the area around and inside the hotel there is The Shoppes shopping center, a huge casino, the Museum of Art and Science, restaurants of famous chefs and night clubs. There is also the Rain Oculus, an artificial waterfall worth seeing.
The best part of Marina Bay Sands is the infinity pool on the top floor, which is only available to hotel guests. However, you can go up for a fee to the SkyPark Observation Deck located on the same floor or enjoy a drink or meal at its two restaurants with 360⁰ views of the entire Singapore!
Tip: For food it is needed is essential much earlier. But for a drink you will simply go to the entrance of This is Vi (located on the ground floor of the first tower) and they serve you. There you pay an amount which is deducted from your consumption. As soon as you get out of the elevator on the top floor, go left and try to find a table on the pool side because it has the best view! Oh and don't forget to try the Singapore sling cocktail!
Spectre light show
On the waterfront in front of Marina Bay Sands, you can enjoy a spectacular 15-minute laser and fountain show that dances to the beat of music. The best place to watch it is in front of The Shoppes from Sunday to Thursday at 8 and 9 pm and on Friday and Saturday at 8, 9 and 10 pm.
Helix Bridge
Inspired by the structure of human DNA, this spiral bridge is one of Singapore's most famous landmarks. As you descend the bridge, you'll see the Flyer, the famous Singapore Ferris wheel, while the track in front of you is that of the F1 Grand Prix!
Esplanade
This massive arts center stands out from afar due to its striking exterior design that resembles the Durian, the region's exotic fruit. It is home to the Singapore Opera, theaters with numerous performances, playgrounds, restaurants, gardens, and a shopping mall.
Merlion
His statue Merlion is the official mascot of Singapore. Half fish, half lion, this mythical monster depicts on the bottom (fish) the city's past as a simple fishing village and on the head (lion) the name Singapura, which in Malay means lion city.
Kampong Glam
Η Kampong Glam is the Muslim area of Singapore, which is known for its Arabic restaurants and shops selling Persian rugs, aromatic teas, traditional textiles, etc. The place also has a reputation as Singapore's hipster area, hosting beautiful cafes and shops, while you will also come across alleys with psychedelic decor and inspiring murals. With a strong and lively atmosphere, especially at night, the area celebrates life!
H Bussorah Street is the most Instagrammable street in the area. Palm trees give an exotic look to a pedestrian street that in the past hosted pilgrims who stopped here briefly on their way to Mecca.
Sultan Mosque
The mosque was built in 1824 for Sultan Hussein Shah, the first Sultan of Singapore. After its renovation, it was designated a national monument of the country and is a point of reference for Muslims in the area.
Haji Lane
Perhaps the narrowest alley in Singapore! It is filled with tiny buildings that were built in the 19th century.the century and now host a picturesque Lilliputian café, bar, lifestyle shops and indie boutiques. This is where you will have your drink in the evening although you should keep in mind that, due to the additional taxes, alcohol is a bit expensive.
Little India
This area is the meeting point for Singapore's Indian community. The air here smells intoxicatingly of spices and jasmine flowers! Indian music echoes from the shops and women walk around in colorful saris (traditional Indian women's clothing).
Approaching the Little India area you will come across… the mosque Abdul Gafoor Mosque! With its unique architecture, it has earned the distinction of being one of Singapore's national monuments. Its impressive feature is that it combines a mixture of construction influences. You will see from Corinthian and Doric columns, to influences from India and Mongolia.
Το Little India Arcade is a historic shopping center with shops dating back to the 1920s. The building has been preserved to evoke some of that retro image of the colonial days, and here you can find Indian souvenirs, fragrant flower garlands, elaborate weavings, or even traditional henna tattoos.
The Chinese house Tan Teng Niah It is one of the most famous Instagram spots in the area, painted in a strange but aesthetically pleasing color palette. It was built around 1900 by a Chinese merchant, who wanted to be in the neighborhood of the Indians as he had trade relations with them.
The temple Sri Veeramakaliamman is the oldest Hindu temple in the area dedicated to the fearsome goddess Kali. To enter the temple, you must take off your shoes and follow the instructions.
Zoo
The truth is that we are not at all fond of zoos. Animals in cages or captivity are something we do not seek to see. But here it is something different! In the vast Singapore Zoo, which is located inside a national park, its inhabitants live in conditions that closely resemble their natural environment and have plenty of space to move around.
Also, from what we've read, the animals that are there, either because of a disease or because they are endangered species or for other reasons, would not be able to survive in the wild. However, if some complete their treatment and are deemed capable of surviving, they are released to appropriate places in the world.
The park is divided into four areas (Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari, Bird Paradise) and there are various species ticketsWe chose the Zoo, where you can see the most impressive animals on the planet (elephants, lions, tigers, hippos, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, orangutans, etc.) and River Wonders to see the giant Panda, crocodiles, etc.
Without a doubt, our best experience at the Zoo was feeding the giraffes. It is done at an extra cost, while one can choose to feed the zebras, elephants, rhinos and other animals safely and under the supervision of the park managers. Truly, this close contact with wild animals, which you would encounter in savannas or virgin forests of the earth, is something unique!
Chinatown
The lively and bustling district where the city's largest ethnic community lives and works. Start your walk from Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. In addition to the worship halls, this temple houses a museum, library, garden, restaurant and a three-meter golden Buddha statue. The hall, which only monks can enter, is said to contain relics of the Buddha.
Next to him is Sago lane and Sago street which took their name from the sago processing shops (a type of starch made from the palm kernel) that were located there in the 19the century.
It is also worth walking further along the Smith, the Trengganu , the Temple and the Pagoda Street, admiring the colonial buildings and shops that transport you to another era. Keep your eyes open for the elegant murals that adorn the area.
On Smith Street, you'll also find Liao Fan Hawker Chan, which is considered the cheapest Michelin restaurant in the world! Try its delicacies.
At the end of Pagoda str. is the Buddhist temple Sri Mariamman Temple and almost opposite the mosque Jama MasjidAnother proof that here religions coexist freely through a prism of peaceful coexistence and understanding.
And since you'll be there, don't miss it either Park Royal Hotel, whose architects wanted to give the feeling of a “hotel in a garden” with innovative sustainability applications. It consumes energy from photovoltaic panels and uses water from rain and from the treatment of liquid waste.
Clarke quay
Clarke Quay is a historic quayside district along the Singapore River. It is known for its many bars and restaurants and its nightlife. It is a beautiful area worth strolling through, especially at night, when the lights from the boats and the Victorian architecture of the shops (remnants of the British colonial era) create a special image.
Both on the pier and inside Clarke Quay, stylish futuristic shades have been installed to provide coolness in the morning hours.
Boat Quay
The continuation of Clarke Quay is the Boat Quay district. Here too, the area was once a trading post, where traditional Chinese boats (chuán) or Malay boats (Tong'kang) transported goods from China, Indonesia, Malaysia and elsewhere. Now permanent structures and renovated riverboats host bars, restaurants and night clubs. A beautiful roof bar that we spotted for cocktails is Southbridge, while if you want a view of the river, choose the 1826Lights, music, bands and karaoke create an intense atmosphere and a walk at night is a must.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa in Malay means peace and tranquility! Over its remarkable history, Sentosa Island has transformed into a beloved island resort, best known for its tropical beaches, luxury hotels and theme parks of.
So there you can do bungee jumping, zip lines, go karting, do water sports, water slides, visit the aquarium... It even has a Madame Tussauds museum! Of course, the most impressive attraction on Sentosa Island that is really worth seeing is the Universal StudiosWe had visited them in Los Angeles So we've skipped over them here. But what else can you do on the island:
Fort Siloso
You will take the cable car from Merlion Station and go to Siloso Point Station. There you will walk to Fort Siloso Skywalk, a metal bridge as high as 11 stories and 181 meters long, offering excellent views of the island and the harbor.
You will continue to Fort Siloso, a well-preserved coastal fort in Singapore, which has served as part of the country's defenses since 1874. Coastal guns, remnants of military structures and tunnels, wax figures of Japanese and British soldiers, bring back memories of the two World Wars, while the military museum also features an interactive video documentary.
Palawan Beach
This is the most beautiful beach on the island. Fine sand from the coast of Australia, palm trees spreading their shade everywhere, and a suspension bridge leading to the southernmost point of mainland Asia! There, two wooden towers offer panoramic views of the South China Sea.
Siloso Beach
If you want an organized beach, Siloso is what you are looking for. Bikini Club & Ola Beach Club are suitable for lunch relaxation and food. There you will also find water games to do.
Magical Shores
Magical Shores is a multi-sensory experience that transforms Siloso Beach into an interactive light and sound spectacle. Sensors collect data such as wind speed and human movement, which are then transformed into stunning visual effects reminiscent of works of art on the sand. You can see it every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 PM onwards.
Botanical gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is an oasis of greenery in the heart of Singapore! It is one of only three gardens in the world to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is 164 years old. Spread over 820 acres, it feels like you are lost in the tropical forests of South China, completely cut off from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The most impressive part is the National Orchid Garden, which, with the help of the equatorial climate, hosts the largest collection of orchids with 1,200 species and 2,000 hybrids! Entrance to the gardens is free and only the orchid section has a charge. On the gardens' website one can find out about the free tour which take place on specific days and times.
Orchard road
Leaving the Botanical Gardens and returning to the jungle of skyscrapers, the sparkling Orchard road is the most glamorous shopping center in the city. With modern buildings of impressive design, the area reminded us of Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles! It is worth seeing the facade of the ION Orchard shopping center and the other modern buildings located on this road. The department store also has an excellent food court with Asian flavors.
Capital Spring
Capita Spring is the second tallest skyscraper in Singapore and is located in the city's business center. At its top, at 280m, is a lush green terrace, the Sky Garden. Admission is free and from there you can see panoramic views of Singapore without paying a single euro! Public hours 08:30 – 10:30 and 14:30-17:30.
Αεροδρόμιο Changi
Changi Airport has been voted the best in the world for many years and with good reason! 2000 trees and 100,000 shrubs and flowers create the atmosphere of a tropical paradise garden!
In all Terminals there are indoor and outdoor gardens, sculptures and works of art, playgrounds, activities for young and old, lounges and restaurants of famous chefs. Theme parks with dinosaurs, interactive activities, service robots, mazes with mirrors, slides, cinemas and anything else you can think of that will make you forget… your flight!
Next to Terminal 1 is the Jewel shopping mall and the impressive waterfall HSBC Rain Vortex, the largest indoor space in the world! You can't help but be enchanted by human ingenuity, the size and beauty of the space. When the sunlight hits the water, a rainbow is created!
The waterfall is surrounded by Shiseido Forest Valley, where tropical vegetation dominates and its paths seem to lead you to secret gardens. At Canopy Park, mazes, slides and aerial nets make you feel like a child again. Some have a ticket, but many are free.
Tip: To be able to comfortably wander around the airport's sights, we recommend that you arrive several hours before your flight. In fact, to avoid carrying your suitcases with you, you can do early check-in at Jewel and relax!
Generally tips for Singapore
Many argue that Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world. However, this does not mean that there are no affordable options for both accommodation and food. For the former, make sure to book a room early. For the latter, we recommend choosing the Hawker centers where you can find flavors from all over Asia. Also, the country is probably the safest in the world to try street food!
The city's water is drinkable and the authorities, in order to reduce the use of plastic bottles, have installed many public taps to fill your thermos. The card Revolut is accepted everywhere, but it is a good idea to bring some foreign currency for small expenses and for the few places that do not have a POS.
Singapore, however, is also called the “fine city”, a city of fines. It is forbidden to chew gum, smoke anywhere, even e-cigarettes, and there are designated areas where one can smoke. Fines are also imposed if you throw garbage, if you do not cross the road at a crosswalk, if you consume food on public transport, if you do not flush the toilet! Also, you should not talk loudly on the subway trains and buses. You may not encounter police anywhere. However, there are cameras everywhere! In general, however, we would say that it is one of the safest countries in the world.
Where to stay?
In general, what we noticed while looking for accommodation is that in Singapore, the lack of space makes most hotel rooms quite small, while as you will see, their prices are high. For our accommodation, we preferred to stay in a historic hotel, the The Sultan, which is reminiscent of the city's past and we were very satisfied. It is located in a relatively central area, with very good public transport and its price was reasonable. Of course, if your pocket can handle it, stay without a second thought at Marina Bay Sands!
Closing
If you've made it this far (after such a long article) congratulations! You're ready to travel to dazzling Singapore! The city of lions is undoubtedly the one with which you should start your tour of Asia, but also a destination that has so much to see and do. A welcoming, humane city, with nuggets of the future and touches of the recent past. A city that you will envy for the quality of life it offers for its residents and visitors.
And once you get there, you can throw yourself away for a few days and... Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital of Malaysia, which is just an hour away by plane. In this article you will also find suggestions for food and local delicacies, as the cuisines of the two countries are practically the same. Until then, goodbye or selamat tinggal in Malay!
