Mini Travel Guide: Singapore

There are just too many attractions in Singapore to list, but one of them is definitely Sentosa. Sentosa is our little island of fun! It houses beaches, Universal Studios, Underwater world and the works – all the attractions.

It also has some great beaches and clubs and bars around there, so expect to spend a full day there. Just buy a ticket beforehand and all the transportation will be taken care of in the tiny island.

Haji Lane is a fashionista’s paradise. This little lane is full of cute, small boutique shops – from unique accessories to clothing to design and home – it really has all the cutest, hip stuff. There are also a lot of great Middle Eastern food places around.

Clarke Quay

Get a taste of early Singapore! Around Clarke Quay area, you can see “old Singapore” when it was a British colony. there are many beautiful, charming buildings to look at. There is also a boat ride that is fully narrated with all the history of the river as well as Singapore. This area is alive at night and full of bars, clubs, and nightspots.

Must Do in Singapore

Shop ’til you drop

First and foremost, you gotta visit our shopping paradise, Orchard Road. There’s mall after mall for all shopping addicts! You can do it all by foot, and you’ll find the usual high street brands such as H&M, Topshop, Zara, and luxury brands like Chanel, Prada, Gucci. If you’re looking for more unique stuff, try Haji Lane and Bugis; which sells the most unique things; from fashion to home to design.

Take a Walk in Botanical Gardens

The botanical gardens are our “garden in the city”, a beautiful landscape filled with different species of plants and flowers (there are over 1,000 orchids which is our national flower). With a lake full of swans, benches, and different trails, The botanical gardens are perfect for a picnic, jogging, a date.  It’s just a magical place!

Get really cheap electronics

My friends from Europe and America are always amazed by the prices of electronics here. Visit Funan Digitalife Mall or Sim Lim Square for everything from MP3 players, laptops, and everything imaginable. The products here are usually about 10-20% cheaper than at the official outlets, and at Sim Lim Square you can even haggle for discounts!

Must Eat in Singapore

Chicken Rice

A Singaporean special – in fact, I believe the most famous food in Singapore – Chicken Rice is a simple dish, but that’s what makes it so amazing! You can find it at (literally) every sidewalk vendor.

Kaya Toast breakfast

Have a “traditional” Singaporean breakfast called Kaya Toast. Kaya is a coconut jam made from coconut milk and eggs, and are flavored with panda leaf and sugar. It’s also served with a slab of butter (yup – definitely not for those on a diet) and served with coffee and soft boiled eggs. You can get this breakfast from sidewalk vendors in the morning.

Singapore Sling

Well, you gotta! To fully enjoy the experience, grab it at Raffles Hotel, “The” hotel of Singapore to fully enjoy this treat. Warning though: at Raffles Hotel they are extra expensive. You can still get them at any bar, and is significantly cheaper at Clarke Quay.

Cultural tips for Traveling in Singapore

There are many races and religions in Singapore, so as long as you don’t publicly offend any one of them, you should be fine. Also, Singapore is a very safe place, but still – always be cautious, especially if traveling alone late at night.

Travel on the cheap in Singapore

Thankfully, Singapore has a world-class public transport system that is efficient, cheap, clean – it’s amazing. Taking the train (called the MRT) will be the easiest as there are maps everywhere and the train goes to pretty much every nook and cranny in Singapore!

Buy an EZ-link card (as apposed to one-way tickets as the price can add up to a lot) and it should get you everywhere on your visit! If all else fails (or you are too tired from all that walking!), cabs aren’t too expensive.

Airbnb is usually cheaper than a hotel and your money will go further. This studio apartment has an amazing view and is only $30 USD a night! If you’ve never used Airbnb before, here’s a $40 credit towards your first booking.

Thanks so much, Renee! Do you guys have any Singapore travel tips to share?

P.S. 7 travel tools I will not shut up about + How to live out of a suitcase – glamorously

Photo by Coleen Rivas on Unsplash