Intro to Singapore
The iconic Lion City is a lush and luxe destination.
Cover photo: Posing with the fountain at Merlion Park on Fullerton Road, Singapore (2023).
Intro
I visited Singapore (SG) during winter break. It’s truly gorgeous. I had dreamed of visiting for many years, enchanted by the 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians. I was eager to experience the lavish life of one of the world’s most expensive cities. I rewatched the rom-com once again on my flight, excited to step into locations like Gardens by the Bay, Merlion Park, Chijmes Hall, and Newton Food Centre.
Singapore lived up to my expectations, even if the wet Christmas season hindered my sight-seeing. The tropical nation is rainy all year but especially so in December! Both planning and luck are required for a perfect trip. If I were to visit again, I would choose March, which is the start of orchid season and a slightly dryer month. It’s also an average 28 degrees Celsius (82 Fahrenheit) here, year-round.
Overall, I found Singapore wonderful. The city is impossibly lush and clean, and everyone I met was so kind. I could imagine myself living here someday! Please read on for more information and travel tips.
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History
Singapore was founded in 1819 by Thomas Stamford Raffles as a British colony to compete with Dutch Malacca (Malaysia). The name is of Malay origin — Singapura — meaning “Lion City.” According to legend, it was coined by a Sumatran prince who spotted the lucky animal here, though they are not native to the region. Today, the fountain at Merlion (“Sea Lion”) Park is one of the city’s most recognizable sights.
After brief Japanese occupation during World War II, Singapore gained independence from Britain, joining Malaysia. Singapore declared independence again in 1965, becoming a sovereign nation. Along with the Vatican and Monaco, Singapore is one of the world’s only existing city-states. It’s smaller than New York City!
Lee Kuan Yew (李光耀) was elected the first prime minister and he is remembered as the founding father of modern Singapore, credited with creating the beautiful “garden city” — and tax haven — loved today. It’s also one of the world’s busiest ports, with some 25% of global container trade passing through the Singapore Strait.
Daily Life
Singapore is renowned as one of the safest and cleanest places in the world, though I didn’t notice a single police officer! Singapore is also a secular state with no religious majority. 31% of Singaporeans are Buddhist, 20% have no affiliation, 19% are Christian, 16% Muslim, 9% Taoist, and 5% Hindu. About 40% of Singapore’s population is foreign-born, making it one of the most diverse cities in Asia!
English is the main language, which made for a convenient trip. Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil are also widely spoken. The national currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD). Tipping is not customary and the country uses plug type G.
Gardens by the Bay
Undoubtedly, Singapore’s best attraction is the stunning Gardens by the Bay, a curated nature park spanning 101 hectares. Designed by British architecture firm Grant Associates, the site features two conservatories — including the world’s largest glass greenhouse, the Flower Dome, and the Cloud Forest — as well as the iconic Supertree Grove, completed in 2012.
There are also art installations, decorations, and seasonal events to enjoy. Don’t miss the evening light show called Garden Rhapsody! Gardens by the Bay is free to enter, including the Supertree Grove, but the conservatories, additional attractions, and events are ticketed. Christmas Wonderland was a highlight of my trip, offering live music and a German-style market.
Peranakan Culture
Singapore’s hybrid heritage of — mostly wealthy — Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian immigrant families is called Peranakan, translating to “local born.” Dating back to the 15th century, the culture is recognized by pastel style, opulent architecture, and fusion cuisine. Reopened early 2023, the newly renovated Peranakan Museum was another highlight, showcasing beautiful embroidery, beadwork, and pottery.
Cuisine
In addition to Peranakan Nyonya cooking, Singapore features a diverse offering of foods, best appreciated at hawker centers, or open-air food courts. I recommend satay, meat skewers of Indonesian origin, and a bottle of local Tiger Beer. The unofficial national dish is Hainanese chicken rice, hailing from southern China. Singapore also features numerous Michelin-starred and Michelin-recommended restaurants.
Shopping
Singapore has many shopping options, including Jewel Changi by the airport, boasting the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. The luxury shopping street Orchard Road is also popular. My favorite souvenir was from the artisanal chain TWG Tea! Tourists are eligible for a tax refund (8% GST) on same-day purchases totaling over 100 SGD (approx. 75 USD), including tax, at participating stores.
Transportation & Accommodation
Singapore is primarily served by Changi (SIN), considered the world’s best airport. It takes about one hour to reach downtown by metro or half an hour by car. For a scenic trip, I recommend a bus or taxi through East Coast Park. Personally, I didn’t hail a taxi once! The metro system is impressive, both extensive and frequent. Traffic moves on the left.
Hotels are quite pricey. A single night at Marina Bay Sands — among the most expensive options — costs over 500 USD. As I was traveling by myself, I opted for Jyu Capsule Hotel in Chinatown, which was the perfect price and location for me, even if a bit noisy.
Events & Holidays
As a multicultural city-state, Singaporeans observe a variety of religious holidays and festivals, including Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Diwali, and Christmas. Singapore is also a popular destination for New Year’s Eve. August 9th is the National Day of Singapore, commemorating independence from Malaysia with a parade and fireworks!
LGBT+
Singapore is one of Asia’s most queer-friendly destinations, with gay sex officially decriminalized in 2022. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and queer people are subject to discrimination. The annual pride rally Pink Dot is held in June.
Singapore’s vibrant queer scene is centered around Chinatown. Dorothy’s Bar is considered the oldest gay bar in Singapore, with twenty years of history, while Sausage Market is the hottest new spot, best on Saturdays.
Top Attractions
Gardens by the Bay (urban park)
Merlion Park (iconic sea-lion fountain)
Singapore Botanic Gardens (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Peranakan Museum (art & culture)
Newton Food Centre (open-air court)
Asian Civilizations Museum (history & culture)
Jewel Changi (shopping mall)
Singapore Flyer (observation wheel)
Orchard Road (luxe shopping street)
Sentosa Island (entertainment site)
Additional Ideas
My biggest regret is that I missed the Night Safari in Mandai, the world’s first nocturnal zoo, due to the near-constant rain. The colorful Peranakan Houses at Koon Seng Road are popular photo-spots, and, in nice weather, locals fly kites at Marina Barrage. Singapore also features multiple beachfronts and hiking routes.
As the city-state is both small and comparatively expensive, I suggest visiting additional countries nearby such as Malaysia, Indonesia, or Thailand. I stayed in Singapore for about five days, but for more ambitious travelers, two or three days is likely enough.
