In a time of worldwide uncertainty, travel may very well be the last (or very first) thing on our minds. However, flights are still being booked well in advance, and some will offer ‘Covid cover’ as an insurance policy that protects against cancellations due to travel restrictions.
In 2021, why not tick off a few more countries on your travel bucket list? If you and your travel buddies are the type of people who long to travel to great destinations that offer everything you need, Singapore deserves a spot on your list. A small island country with plenty of places worth seeing from its modern architecture, scenic landscapes, delicious cuisine, stunning beaches, plenty of attractions with lots to see and do–Singapore is the perfect vacation spot for solo travellers, couples, groups, or families.
To most, Singapore is a popular layover spot between visiting other countries. However, this small Southeast Asian country, located just a degree north of the equator at the end of the Malaysian peninsula is just 250 square miles with 4 million people living there. It has plenty of culture to match.
If Singapore has not been on your radar as a worthwhile travel destination, here are just some of the reasons that Singapore should be on your travel bucket list for 2021 and beyond.
Its Friendly People
Singaporeans are some of the friendliest people you can meet in any country you choose to visit. Always happy to converse with tourists, they enjoy giving tips about the best places to visit to ensure that you get to make the most of beautiful singapore. As with most travel destinations, don’t be concerned about speaking to locals, as they are always happy to help out.
The Food- Hybrid Cuisine
Singapore is famous for its hybrid cuisine. With offerings of popular Indian dishes, authentic tasting Japanese and Chinese dishes, or plenty of other choices, you are able to get delicious authentic tasting food to suit most tastes and pallets.
There are also plenty of great bars to quench your thirst after a day of exploration around Singapore. Rooftop bars give you the perfect opportunity to overlook the cityscapes and impressive historic buildings nestled among some of the world’s most impressive skyscrapers. Need a boost throughout the day? Plenty of coffee shops are a popular pit stop for both tourists and locals alike, hoping to rejuvenate their energy to continue exploring. A perfect place to relax, party, or even both!
Their Beautiful Gardens
There are few places that offer as much tranquility in nature than the beautiful gardens in Singapore. Many people don’t know about the places such as Gardens by the Bay, dominated by its impressive Supertree Grove- 18 metal structures that are covered with foliage, and a bridge between two of these structures offering a birdseye view of the gardens. The Singapore Botanic Gardens are a part of one of Singapore’s oldest parks- it is home to over 10,000 species of plants and is believed to be one of the top orchid research and breeding centres across the world.
Little India
You don’t have to have travelled to India before to appreciate the delights of Little India in Singapore. With its stunning architecture and aromatic street food offerings, it’s like getting two holidays in one!
More Things to do and See in Singapore
Singapore is home to several of the world’s interesting temples that tourists choose to visit. Visiting the temples will give you a glimpse of Singapore’s rich and diverse culture. An interesting, but tiny example of one of the many religious buildings is The Sri Mariamman temple. The temple was built as a humble shed in 1821 by Singapore’s first colonised immigrant, Naraina Pilla. You can find this Hindu temple can be found right in the middle of Chinatown and is well worth the visit.
Take a splash above the skyline. Singapore boasts many infinity pools at some hotels where you will be treated to some amazing unique perspectives of the city.
Finding a Place to Stay
Whether you’re on a once in a lifetime trip, or on a stopover before traveling elsewhere, Singapore has a wide range of hotels and apartments that are available to stay. For those looking to stay for a longer scratch, house rentals Singapore are a popular option.
However, Singapore is known to be one of the most expensive cities to live in, which reflects in the high cost of hotels and apartments to rent in Singapore.
Getting Around
Though much of the main city in Singapore is walkable, the best way of getting around is by using the MRT Subway System. A Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) is a special pass that allows unlimited subway travel from between 1-3 days and can be picked up at TransitLink Ticket Offices as well as most MRT stations.
MRT also has several bus routes that can take you just about anywhere on the island, too. If you want a tour of the Island but want to be able to get up and explore when you want to, you can take one of the popular Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing tour buses that enable you to explore at your leisure while giving you the opportunity to rest your feet.
Rental bikes and scooters are a popular choice among tourists and residents of Singapore. You can download various apps to your smartphone, scan, unlock and then ride. There are many of these types of bikes and drop off points around the city so you can ride around with ease. If you’re after a more social experience of cycling around the city centre, go on a Singapore Small Group Bike Tour with a local guide.
Singapore has so much to offer to tourists looking for short or long stays. Singapore is so much more than a layover spot as you travel to your next destination. While it is not at the top of many people’s travel bucket list, being rich in culture and beauty we hope it is now a part of yours.
Have you been to Singapore? What were your impressions?