Singapore became independent in 1965 from Malaysia and faced some troubled times but is now one of the most prosperous countries in the world. If you visit Singapore you will hear English, Chinese, Tamil and Malay being spoken. There is a population of around 5.5 million on an island of 720 Kmsq. The country is actually a sovereign island nation but also a city-nation so it can appear a little confusing. It is the only city-island-nation in the whole world.
Visiting Singapore
So you want to go to Singapore and see all the coolest places. Well, first you should know that Singapore is hot, hot, hot. Luckily everywhere is air-conditioned. Unlike many places in Asia and Southeast Asia, the tap water is safe to drink. If you have already been through Thailand, Laos and Cambodia then you may have a shock with Singapore.
What are the cool places to visit in Singapore then? If you are on a short trip then you will probably base yourself in one place and an Airbnb in Singapore is a good idea if you want to stay put but choosing the right area might be difficult. Here are some suggestions.
Arriving and leaving at Changi Airport
Ideally the only time you see an airport on a holiday is when you arrive and when you leave. But Changi Airport is quite spectacular so maybe have a little explore when it is time to leave. Most people arrive at an airport early so you can certainly wander around before flying home or on to the next destination.
Sentosa
If you want somewhere a little more relaxed than the city streets then you could take a few days out to stay near a beach. There are many hotels and resorts here for you to stay in and lots of things to do such as Universal Studios but as it is off the mainland you will probably want to do this at the end of your trip or in the middle to break up the city stay for a while.
More authentic Singapore experiences
If you are still looking for a slightly more authentic Singapore experience you could stay at Tanjong Pagar or Katong. Tanjong Pagar is still quite central and has some old historic and iconic buildings. It is quieter than being in the centre of the city but still has a vast amount of Singapore food options. Food is a big part of life here and you will never be short of a place to eat in.
Katong is further out but only by a short cab journey. The East Coast Lagoon Food Village is here and you can always explore the East Coast Parkway.
Orchard Road
This area is famous around the world for shopping. If you are a big shopper then this is a major attraction and you might enjoy basing yourself around here with big-name stores and malls. There are American chain restaurants here too but although Orchard Road is famous it isn’t necessarily the place to find authentic Singapore experiences.
Chinatown
You could consider a stay in Chinatown. This area of narrow streets and alleys has a lot to offer and plenty of places to visit and eat. You can go to the Sri Mariamman Temple which is one of the oldest and most important places of worship for Tamil Hindus in Singapore. You can learn Peranakan history at NUS Baba House or just go and eat some authentic food at Maxwell’s Food Centre.
Boat Quay
Is a pleasant laid back place to stay. It has lots of places to eat and drink in both the day and night and is only a short walk from the nightlife of Clarke Quay and the pretty Marina Bay.
Summary
Although these seven places are all different they all offer something of the real Singapore as the nation has evolved over time from so many different cultural influences. If you visit the countryside of Cambodia and stay in a village you may feel you have discovered the real Cambodia. In Singapore, all these places make up an authentic experience. From Little India to Kampong Glam to Bugis, this is Singapore. Magical, sophisticated, noisy, beautiful and with plenty to do and see. If you want to feel that you are in an authentic place then Kampong Glam has many hostels or stay in small boutique hotels. One other way is to hire a private apartment and learn to shop in the markets and live and stay like a local.
