Singapore

Small in size, yet massive and spectacular with over 4 million people, Singapore is an island city-state in Southeast Asia. Located near the equator, at the tip of Malaysia with Indonesia to the south, the weather here is constantly hot, humid, and the temperature rarely drops below 25 degrees Celsius.

Sporting the world’s busiest port, Singapore has become one of the most affluent countries. Here you’ll find many skyscrapers combined with gardens with a mixture of Chinese, Indian, and Malay influences. This city-state is clean, crime is low, and there are many spectacular places to visit.

Singapore Districts

Singapore is divided into several distinct districts. The first is the Central District, which contains:

Bugis and Kampong Glam – this is Singapore’s old Malay district; here you’ll find lots of shopping. Remember, Singapore is a shoppers delight!

Chinatown – Here you’ll find shops selling everything from buddas to dried seahorses. The primary attraction here is Chinatown itself.

Little India – A slice of India north of the cental business district. Here you can visit Mustafa Centre, Singapore’s supreme discount department store. Just across the street from Little India is Sim Lim Squire, a giant electronic bazaar squeezed into just one building; hundreds of specialty stores squeezed together with the most the most competitive prices for computers and consumer electronics in Asia.

Orchard Road – World renowned, this is the primary shopping shreet in Singapore, located north of the Singapore River within the cental business district. Orchard Road also passes through the colonial core of the city. Here you’ll find many malls including Far East Plaza, Wheelock Place, CK Tangs, Wisma Atria, Lucky Plaza, Ngee Ann City (Takashimaya Shopping Centre), Paragon, The Heeren, and HMV outlet. In addition to the malls, you’ll find a massive selection of stores. Orchard Road is also a great place to eat with a selection of foods from around the world.

Riverside – here you’ll find museums, statues, theatres, restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Outside of the Cental District there is:

Balestier, Newton, Novena, and Toa Payoh – If you’re looking to save money, you’ll find budget accommodations here. You’ll also find Burmese temples here and its location is near the centre

East Coast – Largely residential, but contains Changi Airport and many well-known restaurants.

North and West – This is Singapore’s residential and industrial area, known as Woodlands and Jurong,

Sentosa – An island developed into a resort, here you’ll find underwater world and some great beaches. Entry to the island is $2, but you’ll find a lot to do here. In addition to Underwater World you’ll find Carlsberg Sky Tower, Dolphin Lagoon, Fort Siloso, and Sentosa Merlion. Best yet, transportation around Sentosa Island if free. If you’re into the party scene, the beaches are popular for parties on Friday and Saturday nights; it’s known to get quite wild when one of the foam parties are held.

Singapore Sightseeing

You’ll see a lot going through the various districts. Generally, the largest shopping area is on Orchard Road and Sentosa Island is packed with activities. Skyscrapers are clustered around the Singapore River. If you’re into nature and wildlife, check out The Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park, and Botanic Gardens. These are all in the north and west section.

Getting to Singapore

Singapore is a large aviation hub for the region and you can fly into Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN) from almost anywhere in the world. The airport is large, nice and well organized. If you have extra time when using Changi Airport, it includes a movie theatre, a swimming pool, and Jacuzzi, along with free internet access via terminals or WiFi.