SINGAPORE

LOOKING DOWN OVER SINGAPORE FROM THE MARINA BAY SANS HOTEL SKYWALK

THE FACTS

People: 5.31m

Language: Singapore actually recognizes four official languages: English, Malay, Chinese & Tamil.
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SIN)
Climate:  Singapore has a tropical climate and is warm & humid year round. With highs of 32 and lows of 23 you won’t be needing any sweaters!
Events: Chinese New Year brings with it festive decorations, markets and various events such as the Chingay Parade. Keep in mind prices will jump during this time.
 Safety:  In my opinion it doesn’t really get much safer than Singapore. As any normal tourist spots just keep an eye out for pickpockets & be wary when leaving your stuff on Sentosa – things have been known to go walkabouts from bags left unattended on the beach.

FIRST THINGS FIRST
HOW? Getting around Singapore is cheap & easy. Cab prices are low & the MRT (train) will get you anywhere you need to be in a really uncomplicated manor. For a single ticket you’ll be looking at around

$1.50 AUD or you can purchase the Singapore 3day tourist pass for $18 AUD +$9 refundable deposit. This will get you unlimited travel on almost all of the transit options. (1 or 2 day passes also available). Transport from the airport into the city via cab will cost you around $20 AUD. 
WHERE? Accommodation in Singapore isn’t as cheap as its neighbouring countries, budget hotel/hostels start at around $20 AUD on the cheaper scale ranging anywhere up to $50. Check out this great little hostel SHOPHOUSE The social hostel –Although I haven’t stayed in this fresh little gem of an indie boutique I stumbled on their page during my accommodation search & it’s definitely one I’d be keen on checking out. Rooms starting at around $23AUD. Hotel suites typically start at around $95 pp/pn. If you’ve got some money burning a hole in your pocket I’d HIGHLY recommend a splurge at the MARINA BAY SANS HOTEL. The view from the top is incredible and the rooms and suites are beautifully set out. (Although you can pay to go up & see the view from the skydeck – the infinity rooftop pool is reserved exclusively for guests & makes this stay well worth it)
WHEN? If you’re not a fan of the rain avoid monsoon season (November – January) To avoid inflated costs avoid travel during peak season. (December-mid June)
HOW MUCH? Save money by eating in places like Little India or China Town and make use of the fantastic MRT system. Keep aside around $100 AUD to ensure full access/entry to all the theme parks and activities Singapore has to offer. Avoid the many shopping spots to prevent the ‘have to have’ moments you’re likely to experience over and over again.

Day 1. The day trip
Two of Singapore’s main attractions (& all day affairs) are SENTOSA ISLAND Asias ‘Island playground’ Head on over for some ‘playcation’ on this island of fun. Enjoy the 360 views over Singapore as you make your way over in Singapore’s iconic Cable Car ($22AUD). Once you’re there- the Islands full of things to do and places to see. Entry will cost roughly $45AUD for an All-day (almost)all-access Play Pass. Get your thrills at Universal studios, your spills at Underwater World and your chills at the WWll memorial at Siloso Point (Singapores only preserved coastal Port) Spend the rest of the day soaking up the sun and enjoying the waves at one of the many Beaches Sentosa has on offer. Don’t miss the view from the Tower & look out for the giant Merlion replica! & SINGAPORE ZOO Singapore Zoo is known to be one of the biggest and best in the world. Housing over 3500 animals this 280,000sqm animal-wonderland is one to be explored and enjoyed for both the old and young. Adult entry will cost you around $20AUD.

Day 2. ☑ The tourist checklist

     
BOTANIC GARDENS For your first stop get up early & head down to the Botanic Gardens. (free entry) Nothing in Singapore really gets going until around 11am so spend the morning exploring this green wonderland filled with waterfalls, streams, rainforest & over 1000 species of orchid.

THIAN HOCK KENG TEMPLE Built in 1820 this beautifully designed traditional Chinese temple is not one to miss- admission is free! (That’s what I like to hear!)

THE MERLION Standing tall and proud this 37m lion-headed fish is Singapore’s national mascot. Keep an eye out for smaller variations scattered across the city as well as the giant replica on Sentosa Island.

CHINATOWN Or ‘Niu Che Shui’ as the locals call it, meaning ‘Bullock cart water’ earned its name from locals once collecting fresh water in bullock-drawn carts for their homes. This is the one stop spot to get a sense of the Chinese culture and influence throughout Singapore. Explore the temples, shop and bargain at one of the many stalls and grab some traditional Chinese food from one of the many stores speckled down the Chinese food street. 

LITTLE INDIA This ethnic neighbourhood lay just east of the river and reflects elements of the traditional Tamil culture. Wander through one of the many temples, take a historic walk down Petain road and head on into the Arcade for some shopping! All while enjoying the aromas of exotic spices and burning incense.

MARINA BAY 
1. Marina Bay Sans Hotel The incredible architecture of this hotel stunned, awed and amazed designers all over the world & has not only become an icon in its own right but reinvented Singapore’s skyline. Soak up the view from the harbour then head in & up to get a view of the city like no other. ($18AUD)
2. Singapore Flyer Head up for a spin in the world’s largest observation Ferris Wheel. Standing 165m tall and offering 360 views of Singapore – the iconic flyer is one to tick off the list.
3. Shopping Funan Digital Life Mall is home at all things IT & Suntec City Mall- everything else. Covering a huge 1million sqm area this shopping hub has it all- Check out the Fountain of Wealth while you’re here- listed as the world’s largest fountain in the Guinness Book of World Records.

SHOPPING Singapore’s home to some of the best shopping in the world and the place to start is along orchard road. Lined with local and international brands this street is heaven for those who like to shop. For the young, hip & fashionistas – flock on down to Haji Lane tucked away in an alley of the Muslim quarter. Although I missed this spot, I’ve been told It’s worth the visit. Some other great shopping complexes to note are ION (on Orchard), Wisma Atria, Paragon and NEX.

BOAT QUAY after you’ve dropped your shopping back to your room jump on the MRT down to this vibrant and busy area. Get yourself a ticket ($18AUD) & hop on board a river cruise. Spend the next hour or so watching the city come to life as the evening sets off. Pass by the Merlion, river statues, French concession & get a great view of the Marina Bay Sans standing tall over the Harbour. Once you hit land enjoy the night wining and dining at one of the many alfresco pubs, clubs or restaurants around Clarke Quay.

TIPS & FYI *

EAT COCONUT JAM Stop in to the local supermarket or bakery & purchase a jar of Kaya coconut jam. Slather some of this sweet, green & creamy spread on a piece of bread & enjoy! Kaya jam is a South East Asian breakfast delight & used in many deserts. I don’t have words to describe the pleasure party packed into this jar & bought as many jars as my baggage allowed on departure.
PACK YOUR OWN LUNCH ON DAY TRIPS Save money at Singapore Zoo & Universal Studios by bringing along your own lunch. Like any other semi/isolated tourist attractions – food prices can be pretty high. 
INTERNET OR PHONE SIMS Starhub has some great short term packages. Roughly $16AUD will get you a 5 day unlimited (HI-Speed) data sim.
KNOW THE LAW BEFORE YOU GO Justice in Singapore can be harsh. Minor offences such as spitting, littering or chewing gum can carry heavy fines. (There is a method to this madness – have you noticed how spick and span the city is?! -Power to you Singapore.)

HANDY-DANDY PRINT LIST

Police: 999
Ambulance & Fire: 995
Marina Bay Sans Hotel: 10 Bayfront Avenue, (MRT Bayfront station) 65-6688-8897
Singapore Zoo: 80 Mandai Lake Road, 65-6269-3411, O/hrs: 8:30-18:30 daily
China Town: China Town MRT station (NEline)
Little India: Little India MRT station (NEline)
Botanic Gardens: 1 Cluny Road 259569; 65-6471-7361, O/hrs: 8:00-19:00 daily
Shophouse Hostel: 48 Arab Street, 65-6298-8721
Thian Hock Keng Temple: 158 Telok Ayer Street, (MRT: Tanjong Pagar EWline)