Singapore is a modern wonderland that really impressed us. With highlights like the iconic Marina Bay Sands complex, the natural beauty of the botanic gardens, and the perfectly manicured Siloso beach on Sentosa island, Singapore is a well-designed wonder that is beautiful, easy to get around, and so much fun.
Let’s be honest when you think of Singapore you probably think of the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel. Situated by the water and next to downtown if you stand at Merlion Park you have beautiful 360 degree views.
Let us tell you why we think Singapore is one of the most sought after cities around the world. Let us share with you some sites worth seeing, great local food centers to try, and how to get around the city.
View this post on InstagramA bird’s eye view of the SuperTree Grove at Gardens by the Bay.⠀ ⠀ #singapore
This area has plenty of free attractions including Merlion Park, The Gardens by the Bay, the Super Tree Grove, and the spectacular light show that is every evening at 7:45pm and 8:45pm. Singapore is a true marvel. Let’s discuss some important things you cannot see but you can definitely feel. How it came to be I am not entirely sure but I will tell you it is one of the cleanest cities of its size in the world. It is also decades ahead in its use of renewable energy. It is one of the safest cities you will visit in the world. I loved it. I was informed that there are cameras everywhere. This city has some of the strictest antigun laws of any place in the world. Women can walk the down the streets safely anytime day or night. I was told that it is strictly forbidden for men to harass women here. To me that is a plus for any traveler. This city has so much to offer. Right away I was thinking nothing will compare to this place. With that as you would imagine this is a very expensive city. So we were looking for ways to save money and enjoy the full experience.
You can seriously spend a whole day just in the Marina Bay Sands area. I highly recommend it. You can enhance your visit though by going to the Marina Bay Sands observation deck to see a bird’s eye view of the city on one side and the marina on the other side of the deck. You can also pay to see the flower dome a facility filled with a beautiful variety of flowers and the cloud forest-filled with a massive waterfall and interesting plant displays. They also have Super tree grove sky where you can walk amongst the trees. If you get motion sick though, this attraction may not be for you if you get motion sick though because as the wind blows the bridge sways. David was not a fan of the movement.View this post on Instagram
You should also definitely check out the Singapore Botanical Gardens. The botanical gardens are free. They also have a paid orchid display that is amazing and worth the inexpensive price of admission. Enjoy the colors and be amazed by orchids that you have never seen before.
Next you can stop by Little India to explore the colorful neighborhood and to try the delicious food. You can really get some nice colorful photos here. Little India is known for its food and spices. Right away upon entering the area you could smell the many wonderful spices and the delicious food that was cooking. We found an amazing restaurant. I would recommend Banana Leaf Restaurant if you have time.
Take the cable cars to Sentosa island and enjoy the views all the way there. Explore the different attractions of the amusement park. There is a wax museum, park, theatre shows and zip lines. We enjoyed walking along the beautiful beach.
If you enjoy seeing temples then you should check out Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Its walls are lined with hundreds of buddha all beautifully painted. And if you are lucky you might get to experience the monks chanting their prayers. Across the street from this temple is a food hawker center where you can get a variety of delicious meals very inexpensively. There was a hawker center closer to our hotel called Whampou Hawker Center. By eating at both Maxwell Hawker Center and Whampou Hawker Center we saved money in a very expensive city. Getting around Singapore is very easy. All you need is Google maps and metro card and you will be able to get anywhere in the city with ease. The card will allow you to use bus or train. You can get this tourist card which let you have unlimited rides for 3 days. After 3 days you have to load up money to the card which you can do at any convenience store. You can also return the card at the airport to get a $10 refund. It’s a wonderful option for the traveler. We highly recommend using it. Keep in mind this is another city that doesn’t sleep. In our efforts to travel for 2 years we search for viable ways to save on our trips. This is not a 2 week trip for us. That being said, our hotel in Singapore was nothing fancy, but it was comfortable for 4 nights and very economical in one of the world’s more expensive cities. I thing we were paying $60 US per night. If I were to come again I might choose to stay at the Marina Bay Sands. By comparison, at the time the Marina Bay Sands Hotel was $350 US per night. That is a lot to pay here in Singapore but back home in the US that is not terrible. Hotels in my city cost about the same. Well that’s everything for this trip. As always, we wish you happy travels and happy travel planning! It’s a big world out there. Go out and see it for yourself!
