Oh hey! So you have a layover in Singapore? The 50+ year old location is filled with extravagant lights and skyscrapers much like it's new city companions (Dubai, Sydney etc.) but on the ground is where you will find the real hustle and bustle. Street food galore and fancy hotels. Your morning would best be spent strolling the streets of Koon Seng Road, admiring the pastel-coloured houses.
Koon Seng Road is in Katong, taxis are relatively cheap in Singapore so hop in one and take in the beauty of the tiled houses built by Chinese immigrants who moved to Malaysia. As Katong is on the east side of the city you will find plenty of local places to eat and local shophouses each bursting with traditional, handmade dresses, slippers and ceramics.
Once you're satisfied with your picture perfect uploads to Instagram you can make your way over to Little India. The great thing about Singapore is that it has several different cultures integrated to bring you flavourful dishes and colourful strolls through their markets. Be sure to check out Sri Veeramakaliamman, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore, for the beautiful artwork that travels all the way up to the tip of the roof.
If you don't get too caught up in the gleaming jewels and henna designs in Little India, you can start to make your way to Chinatown. I can't tell you why but I just love a Chinatown, no matter where I am and Singapore's very own does not disappoint. The first thing I did was head to the Buddhist tooth relic temple. Golds and reds plaster this whole temple and are almost hypnotising. By now you would've worked up an appetite so you can eat some 'char kway teow' (fried noodles) at one of the many food stalls at the Chinatown Food Street.
Lots of walking means you'll need a chance to refresh and relax, spend a pretty penny and go over to Raffles and get a Singapore Sling. As tale tells, this is where the Singapore Sling was created after all. If you don't fancy alcohol, chill out in the area, enjoy the views or just head straight to the Gardens by the Bay.
Gardens by the Bay is by far one of the most intriguing gardens I've experienced, with a waterfall splashing down as soon as you enter and tropical flowers scattered all around, some even made from Lego! You'll have to look really close to tell.
Now this is a jam-packed day but end it off with going to the Marina Bay Sands. If you live for good views, this is a view you must see in one of the world's most iconic buildings. If you're feeling lavish, you could book the hotel for one night (in advance) or just pay to enter the iconic infinity pool and splash about for a little bit.
I hope you have some more time because you will need to allocate at least 2 extra hours on top of your airport arrival to explore Singapore's award winning airport. Fitted with a butterfly garden, free massage chairs, a free cinema, a tall whirling slide and a never ending food hall where you can fill your boots.
I'm secretly hoping for a layover in Singapore again, if not for anything but their magnificent airport. I have to also mention that I received impeccable service during my Economy flight with Singapore Airlines and believe it or not, amazing food. To round of, here are some extra pointers:
Getting Around: Obviously this is alot to do and getting around might be a concern but don't fret. As I said, taxis are relatively cheap and easily accessible but there may be a surcharge for peak times. *EDIT* I've also been told that their version of Uber/Lyft is 'Grab', which is cheaper than their taxis and they also accept cash! The public transport is also very good in Singapore. You could grab a map and jump on the buses which shouldn't cost more than S$1-2 each ride
Things To Remember: Singapore is unbelievably clean. Please respect their cleanliness and don't litter (I'm sure you wouldn't anyway). They also have a ban on chewing gum and it's illegal not to flush the toilet. Few of the many ways the city is kept so clean. They also have an alcohol restriction where it is illegal to buy or drink alcohol after 10:30pm on the streets
Safety: Singapore is almost 100% crime free. Need I say more?
Eating & Drinking: There are plenty of hawker streets in Singapore and this is where you'll be able to try Hainanese Chicken, carrot cake and many other staple dishes as well as meeting the locals. Alcohol is expensive in Singapore but you can find cheaper alcohol available at the hawker streets.
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