Singapore

Small, but a very trendy and intriguing country

Singapore is a wonderful city. It has its own cuisine with hawker food stalls with Michelin stars, for example. It also has one of the most unique swimming pools in the world, and it’s a great place to go shopping.

‘Surprising’, it’s a good word to describe Singapore. Even more, since two hawker food stall receives Michelin stars in 2016, for dishes that only cost a few dollars. They were the first hawker stalls that received this honour. It’s a sign of how much this tiny country has to offer.

Not many people know that the city dates back to the 14th century. It was colonised early in the 19th century. Sir Thomas Raffles turned the city into what we now know as Singapore.

These days Singapore is often no more than a stopover on the way to other Asian cities or Oceania. However, this tiny city-state is worth a proper visit. The super-modern city with its tall residential towers, luxury shopping on Orchard Road and world-class restaurants are remarkably clean, safe and gives the impression of a much smaller city thanks to its relaxed atmosphere.

Singapore isn’t just a giant city, which is what many people think, it’s actually 63 different islands. But because they’re reclaiming the land in many places, the islands are gradually joining together. Regardless, around 23% of the entire country of Singapore is made up of protected forests and nature reserves.

Highest indoor waterfall in the world

The indoor waterfall in Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore.

The hypermodern Jewel Changi Airport has an actual indoor waterfall. It is 40 meters high and has a real jungle created around it so you can escape the airport scene. You can take a stroll, take pictures, or simply relax in-between flights.

The highest point of Singapore

The highest point in Singapore is Bukit Timah, it’s 166 metres high. Though Mount Faber with its 105 metres is much more well known. You get a great panoramic view of the city and the harbour from here.

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.

The now famous Gardens by the Bay is a park with futuristic trees. You will find it in the heart of Singapore. It is a Botanical Garden because in the trees you will find numerous plants such as orchids and bromeliads.

Gardens by the Bay was created by English architects after a design competition. It was opened in 2011 and is very popular with tourists. The park is built in a particularly environmentally friendly way.

The Quay’s, harbour area

In the harbour area, also known as the Quays, you’ll find lots of nightlife such as bars and clubs, and you’ll get a nice view of the city. 

Other highlights of the city are Raffles Hotel, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Sentosa Park and the Botanic Gardens.

The city is also a paradise for food lovers. In Singapore going out for dinner is a social occasion and you can do it anytime and anywhere. It’s full of restaurants, food courts and hawker centres.

In quarters such as Chinatown, Little India and around Arab street you can find all sorts of dishes for a reasonable price. For the more fancy restaurants you should go to Holland Village, but expect to pay quite a bit more.

All 2 Bucket List Tips in Singapore