With one of the world's busiest ports, Singapore is also one
of the most prosperous countries in the entire world. The
combination of modern cities with the lush tropical surroundings
gives the country a distinct flavor, even for Asia. Even though
it's a relatively small country on a small island, it's still
worthy of your travel dollars. The official languages of
Singapore are English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay (this is also the
national language), and Tamil.
Districts in Singapore:
Riverside - Also known as
the Civic District, this could be considered the colonial core
of Singapore. There's a wealth of museums, shops, and
restaurants in this area.
Orchard Road - If shopping
makes you happy, you're going to love the miles and miles of
shops on this road.
North and West - The North
(Woodlands) and West (Jurong), aren't too popular with people
coming to Singapore as they are primarily industrial and
residential areas, but if you want to see the "real"
Singapore, a drive through these areas is recommended.
East Coast - Primarily
residential, this area has quite a few good places to eat, as
well as quite a few breathtaking beaches for you to enjoy.
Sentosa - This is an island
that was turned into a resort. While by no means Disney World,
it has quite a bit to offer travelers looking to relax and
have some fun.
If you want to see a true mix of Asia in a single country,
Singapore is the place to experience it. With a mix of Chinese,
Malays, Indians and any other Asian nationalities, it's a
melting pot of Asian culture. They have a good image and they
work hard to maintain that. The country is really clean, well
kept, and friendly to tourists - as long as you don't break the
laws. And as for the weather, being so close to the equator has
its advantages. The sun is almost always sunny and the weather
warm - no matter the season.
Things to do in Singapore:
Sports - Because the
country is so small and the water is used for shipping, it may
be expensive to play golf while in Singapore, but it's not out
of the question. That said, you may be able to check out the
F1 Singapore Grand Prix.
Rest and Relaxation - There
are quite a few spas and resorts scattered all over Singapore.
With a little detective work, you're sure to find a place that
has everything you want - and more.
Water Sports - While there
are beaches all over, Singapore also has many public pools all
over the city. Some of these are gigantic and will let you get
some good swimming in while you're on vacation.
Restaurants - All over the
island you can easily find some great places to eat. One thing
you should note is that if a price is advertised as $9.99++
with two pluses, then it means tax and tip (which are
required) aren't included. Beyond that, be ready for some
great eating.
Shopping - You could almost
say shopping was a national sport or pastime in Singapore.
This is good for you, however, as it means you're going to
have a lot of options to spend money - especially if you go
down Orchard Road.
Nightlife - Most nightclubs
in Singapore don't close until 3 a.m., with many staying open
24 hours a day. This means you're going to be able to get your
drink on and party if that's what you enjoy while on vacation.
Be aware that Singapore has quite a hefty "sin" tax and
alcohol can be a bit pricey.
While the country may be expensive when compared to other
Asian countries, for most world travelers, it's about average.
You can live really well on around $100 a day, or less that if
you're willing to cut corners. Still, if you're looking for a
way to see and experience a lot of different Asian cultures all
at once, Singapore is the place for you.
About Singapore