2023 Singapore
Singapore was my (Dirk) home town and country for about 15 years. Few years after Linda and myself became a couple, I moved back to Belgium but Singapore stayed one of my favorite cities. It's diverse culture and efficient public infrastructure is just overwhelming. The extremely low crime rates also give you that extra relaxed feeling when visiting or living there.
Main language is english, the local slang is called Singlish and this will include certain words or expressions borrowed from Hokkien (Chinese language) and Malay. Westerners may be referred to as guailo or ang moh (originally not really nice words but now not carrying a derogatory meaning), Singaporeans are sometimes kiasu (fear of missing out) and whenever you want to emphasize someting or just want to end a sentence like a local, you say "lah".
I have to say that Singapore became very expensive and the time that it was a shopping destination is definitely over. For everything which remotely smells like luxury or non-essential to stay alive, you are much better of buying it elsewhere.
(The cameralens for Linda's camera was nearly 20% cheaper in Belgium than the net (tax refunded) price in Singapore)
But, don't forget that while there are a lot of wealthy, high earning people in Singapore, there is still the majority with a much lower income, just like all the domestic helpers with a monthly income of abt 600 euro.
While a coffee at a Starbucks cafe will cost you the same or more than in the big European cities, you can also find a good local coffee around the corner in a local coffeeshop at a fraction of the price.
In most shopping centers (everywhere in Singapore), you will find eateries in the basement with OK prices.
A local breakfast at Ya Kun will cost you around EUR 4 and includes toasts with Kaya, 2 eggs and a coffee. If you're going to a local coffeeshop in the suburbs, it will again even be cheaper.
When visiting Singapore, remember that the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) metrolines are the easiest way of getting you to all sides of the city and island. Hotels outside the city centre will be cheaper and easily to get to when taking the MRT.
Pictures shown as a paper photo are from previous trips, sometimes a very long time ago.
Video on DILISTUFF YouTube channel
The Marina Bay Sands & Gardens by the Bay
The Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort, featuring 3 towers and a sky park. It includes a casino, shopping mall, entertainment venues and a hotel. It was officially opened in 2010.
Both photo's were taken from the restaurant on the 70th floor of the Swissotel The Stamford. Top photo now in 2023, the photo on the right in 2006 when the works for the Marina Bay Sands and the new financial district (Buildings on the right of Marina Bay) still had to start.
The 2 rounded glass domes are the Esplanade, the performing arts centre of Singapore. Locals have dubbed it "the Durian" as it resembles the spiky and smelly tropical fruit that is well loved in this part of Asia.
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From the Sands Skypark Observation deck on the 56th floor, you have a nice 360 degrees view over the city and surroundings, including parts of the F1 circuit, the Gardens by the Bay and all the ships waiting to enter the 2nd busiest port in the world.
Just next to the Marina Bay Sands are the Gardens by the Bay, These gardens are just like the Sands on reclaimed land (from the sea) and are a mixture of nature and art. While access to the park is free, you need to pay (a lot) for visiting the 2 glass domes with plants of all over the world and the Supertree observatory.
Chinatown
The above picture with the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple represents everything there is to say about Singapore's Chinatown area.
It has a variety of temples, original and typical shophouses and restored historical buildings really worth visiting. On the other side, the centre of Chinatown also became a typical tourist trap with cheap souvenirs.
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While it's certainly worth a visit, we would recommend to also stroll around the Peoples park complex and the Tanjong Pagar neighbourhoud with it's restored shophouses.
Chinatown also houses the oldest Hindu Temple in Singapore, the Sri Mariamman Temple.
Little India
By far, for me the most favorite and authentic area of Singapore.
This is the place where time stood still and you can still feel the real vibes of old Singapore.
On Sundays, the entire area is overcrowded as this is the day that all indian construction workers have their day off. They use the day for visiting their worship places, do their grocery shopping for the week to come, invest some of their earning in gold and socialise with their many compatriotes.
Little India is also a heaven for vegetarians.
Food is available all day and night and the Mustafa supermarket is also open till 2PM. Here you can buy everything what comes into the mind.
With 2 MRT stations, also the perfect area to find a good and more affordable hotel.
Kampong Gelam
Historically one of Singapore's oldest urban quarters. Dating back to the colonial area, Sir Stamford Raffles allocated this area to the Malay and Arab communities. The main landmark is the Sultan Mosque with it's golden dome.
A good place if you want to eat Malay food and or want to stay in one of the many backpacker hostels.
The Botanic Gardens
The 82-hectare botanic gardens were established in 1859 and became the first and only tropical botanic garden to become a UNESCO Heritage site in 2015.
The main attraction within the gardens is the National Orchid garden with over 1000 species on display.
Entrance to the Botanic gardens is free, the Orchid garden is with an entrance fee.
The easiest way to get to the gardens is by MRT, station Botanic Gardens (exit B). After visiting the gardens, you can leave via the Tanglin Gate for a short stroll to the famous Orchard road. In 1830, Orchard road was an unnamed road home to fruit orchards and nutmeg plantations. In 1958, the first department store of Singapore, Tangs, was set up and this was the first step towards becoming Singapore's most renowned shopping district.
The Quays
In the nineties, the old shophouses alongside the Singapore river were all restored and the area was converted to a lively area with bars and restaurants. The most famous bar was Harry's at Boat Quay where Nick Leeson ( movie: The rogue trader) was a regular guest.
This area is still one of the better places for Happy Hour drinks. It's just nice to have a jug of Tiger while enjoying the views of the Singapore river.
Suggested Walk :
Take the MRT to Raffles place, the centre of the financial district, and walk towards the Fullerton Hotel, the old General post office building.
In the hotel, ask for the underpass to Fullerton1 from where you have the best view on the Marina Bay Sands.
Continue your walk to the left, direction "the durians" till you reach the Merlion statue, Singapore's mascot and a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish . Singapore is called the "Lion City" which is derived from the Malay words Singa (lion) and Pura (city).
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Back to 2009
Follow the river land inwards past the Fullerton Hotel and cross Cavenagh Bridge to the other side of the river.
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Along the river, you'll see several bronze sculptures depicting the People of the River, going back to daily life in the early years. This side of the river, you are passing the statute of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, and a lot of majestic colonial buildings like the Empress building (Asian civilisations museum) and the old parliament house.
Walk over Elgin Bridge to the other side of the river and proceed along boat quay back towards the Fullerton.
Strolling along boat quay, remember that this is the only place in Singapore where waiters of all the different bars and restaurants will all try to lure you in for happy hour drinks and local food.
Towards the end of the Quay (just past Harry's), turn right and take Circular road to go back to Elgin Bridge.
At Circular Road 2, you'll see a simple coffee/beer house, most probably without anyone in it.
This is the Dragon Chamber, a unique nice Chinese restaurant which you enter via the fake fridge. (Best to make reservation)
Back on the river, continue land inwards under the bridge and you will arrive at Clarke Quay.
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Clarke Quay was redeveloped as an entertainment area in 2000.
If you like a nice view but also frozen margarita's, go to Cafe Iguana during Happy Hour. From lunchtime to 3PM, Margarita jugs go at a discount of nearly 50%.
After visiting Clarke Quay, return via the Clarke MRT station or take a short stroll to Chinatown via New Bridge road.
Is this it ?
Of course NOT, there's a lot more to see and do in Singapore, but .... if you just have a few days, the above is a good start lah. Otherwise, have a look hereunder ....
- Go for street food lunch or dinner to Lau Pa Sat, in the evening part of the street is blocked for traffic and converted to "Satay street"
- Visit Haw Par Villa, all about Chinese gods and the birth place of the famous Tiger Balm
- Go cycling - Yes, you can cycle around the island. My recommendation would be to rent a bicycle in the city centre and cycle via the east coast park to Changi, continue upto Punggol and find your way back via the many parkway corridors. Your bike rental shop will help you to find the best itinerary for you
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- Visit Sentosa island, here you can go to the beach or visit Fort Siloso for some history. Alternatively, look for some excitement at Universal studios
- If you like a zoo, visit the Singapore zoo, Night safari or birdpark
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- Pass by the Raffles Hotel and stroll around in the courtyard. Do'nt forget to have a look at "The Long Bar" and if it's apero time, order a Singapore Sling which is a gin-based sweet coctail, invented around 1915 by a bartender at The Long Bar.
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- Last but not least, stroll up and down Orchard road and have a look at Emerald hill.
If you go up Orchard road on street level, come down underground via the many connecting basements of the shopping centres.
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