All About Singapore 2019

This month I finally got to take a long-awaited journey over to southeastern Asia. Just based on my love for Asian food alone, I knew I needed to uncover this vast continent. However, I’d be lying if I said that watching “Crazy Rich Asians” didn’t catapult Singapore to the top of my travel list for 2019. The sheer grandeur depicted in this movie was something I wanted to experience for myself – even if it was just a taste. Simply put, Singapore was a dream come true – from the ultra-modern architecture to the medley of rich cultures, I quickly fell in love. Keep reading to find out all about Singapore!

Where to Stay:

As with any trip, I think it’s important to pick accommodations that minimize transportation costs. After hours of reading hundreds of blog posts and TripAdvisor reviews, I decided to book Grand Park City Hall Hotel. If there’s one thing I loved about this hotel it was their use of technology to make for a seamless stay. Everything from the room key to controlling the room lights was done from a customized mobile app. The newly-renovated hotel was the perfect fusion of modernity and hospitality. Even if you don’t pick this hotel, I’d recommend staying near the Civic District or Marina Bay to be near all the popular tourist attractions. This can be slightly pricey, so to save money, you could consider staying near Clarke Quay or Chinatown.

 

 

What to Eat:

Known as the “melting pot of Asia,” Singapore is teeming with cultural influence from India, Malaysia, and China, among others. From food stalls to renowned Michelin-starred restaurants, you will not struggle to find a beautifully diverse array of cuisine. If you are a seafood lover, then this will be heaven on earth for you. Leaving without trying their famous Chili Crab is honestly unforgivable. Also, be sure to try the first Michelin-starred street food in the entire world at Hawker Chan. At just $5, their “soya sauce chicken rice” is a simple, yet satisfying dish. Avoid during lunch time, as the wait time can be quite long.

For those who are like me and struggle to try new foods, Singapore will definitely challenge you to burst out of your comfort zone. While I wasn’t bold enough to eat curry fish head like my dear mother, I tried blue flower rice (pictured right). This may not seem like a big deal, but given my addiction to rice, I was not willing or ready to jeopardize our relationship. Surprisingly, this blue rice was quite nice and didn’t taste different from any other rice I’ve had.

 

 

 

What to Do:

Singapore has something to do for everyone, so here’s a quick list:

Shopping – Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Raffles City Shopping Center

The Beach – Sentosa Beach

Adventure – Singapore Night Safari, Universal Studios Amusement Park, Snorkeling at Sister Island

Museums – ArtScience Museum, National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Art Museum

Beautiful Landscape – Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Botanic Garden

Markets – Chinatown, Little India

Amazing Views – SkyBar @ Marina Bay Sands, 1-Altitude, Merlion Park

 

 

 

How to Get Around:

The combination of our laziness and the sweltering heat caused us to call more taxis than I can remember. Luckily Singapore is well connected with a train system that is said to be convenient and easy to use. Also, if you stay in the areas listed above, you may even be able to enjoy a leisurely walk to your destination.

 

As I’m concluding this post, I’m plotting how I can find my way back to this surreally breathtaking country. Hopefully after reading all about Singapore, I’ve convinced you to move it to the top of your travel list! Comment below if you’re going to plan a trip to Singapore soon!