SINGAPORE

Singapore is a wonderful, first-world oasis in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia has many exotic charms. There are a myriad of developing countries filled with ancient temples which rise from steamy jungles, exotic warm-water dive locales, and many diverse cultures and peoples and everything is extremely affordable by western standards. It’s an adventurers paradise. But those exotic locales come with a price. Traffic, pollution, tainted food and water, humid hotel rooms with damp sheets, beggars and the never ending parade of hawkers to name but a few. And then there is Singapore.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SINGAPORE

Singapore is a year-round destination and the average humidity in Singapore is always above 80 percent. April is the warmest month, January is the coolest month and November is the wettest month. Brief showers/storms do build up some afternoons throughout the year (but only last 20-30 mins). Always have a light, foldable umbrella with you so that you will have protection from both rain and sun.

PLACES TO SEE

Merlion Park, Gardens by the bay, Marina Bay Sands Skypark, Singapore Flyer, Clarke Quay, Bontanic Garden, Sentosa and much more.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN SINGAPORE

Singapore is indeed expensive compared to most other countries in Asia, but it’s pretty much on par with Western countries, may be slightly cheaper. Singapore has a cheap and excellent public transport system, with the bus and MRT train network spanning the entire city state. Use of the EZLink stored value transport card is highly recommended. Taxis (good for wildlife parks and airport runs) are generally cheaper than in Western countries, drivers are reliable, honest and will always use the meter.

Currency – Currently now with $1.00 US, you will get $1.39 Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Most locals are bilingual – Their official languages are Chinese, English, Bahasa Malay, Tamil (South Indian).
Singapore visa requirements – Most nationalities do not need to arrange a travel visa before visiting Singapore, travelers from the United States and European Union are permitted a 90-day stay for free. You’ll get stamped in for free on arrival.

THE BEST OF SINGAPOREEAN FOODS

Singaporean cuisine is as ethnically diverse as its people, blending Chinese, Indonesian and Malay. Hainanese chicken rice, chilli crab, kaya toast, laksa and Bak Kut Teh. My favorite food in Singapore is Bak Kut Teh and laksa.

Bak Kut Teh or pork bone tea is a Chinese dish. Infused with herbs like dong gui, cinnamon, star arises, fennel seeds and garlic and loaded with pork ribs. Typically served with white rice. Laksa is a spicy noodles soup with a creamy coconut base. Top up with chicken, spring onions, bean sprouts, coriander, chilli, fried shallots and tofu puffs. Laksa is so popular in Singapore that you can find it anywhere.

WESTIN SINGAPORE

We stayed at the Westin hotel during this trip. The lobby sits on level 32 along with the main restaurant, the views were undeniably fantastic from any vantage point. The pool was on the 35th floor, also with fantastic scenery. Although the hotel is in the Business District, our room has views over the docks and water. The Westin is located within walking distance to the Marina Bay area and only 5 mins away walking distance to the metro.