OK... You certainly heard a lot of things about Singapore. Well, I have to say most of them are true: Singapore is organized, very clean and there is some rules to respect.
Let's clear them out:
- For Chewing gums lovers: sorry but they are forbidden in Singapore,
which means that you can't import them.
- You cannot eat or drink in any public transports
- You cannot litter
So now, keep that in mind and everything should be fine (otherwise, YOU will get a fine!)!
At first, you'll act like every single person who arrives in Singapore (including myself), always asking the same question: Is it allowed to do this ? and that? and that?
But after while, everyone just gets use to it!
So, what about Singapore?
Singapore is a great mix between modern city and colonial city. It is also well known to be the Asian paradise for food and shopping...
Well, that statement is quite true considering its cultural variety
but depending on your taste, it can be expensive!
Food reflects the country's diversity.
It's very cosmopolitan. How can I talk about Singapore without mentioning its gastronomy?
You can find food anywhere from any country in the world. Wondering how Asian people can stay so thin... Nothing has been forgotten. Not even the French supermarket Carrefour where I have to admit, I love to go during my homesick moment. Bread, Cheese, Wine... French true heaven.
Location: Plaza Singapura@Dhoby Ghaut MRT and Suntec City @Promenade MRT
Here are a few addresses that I recommend:
- Chinese food.
For the best dumplings in town, there is the restaurant chain "Crystal Jade", perfect for a Sunday Brunch. You can find it at Paragon Square on Orchard, Holland Village, China Town... To know more, check their website:
http://www.crystaljade.com/
Although it is quite expensive, it definitely worth it!
- Indian food.
In the center of Little India, the famous Mustafa Center dominates the city. At the top of the building, you can find a nice restaurant with numerous Indian plates to savor. It is really nice at night to enjoy the view and the fresh air. I have to warn you that Indian food is spicy, even though they will tell it is not spicy, trust me, it always is.
Location: Mustafa Center @Farrer Park MRT
- Malaysian food.
My favorite place to eat in Singapore is definitely Lau Pa Sat Market. Where else can you eat in a market surrounded by skyscrapers? At night, the street is close and you can enjoy delicious "satay" (Malaysian brochette) to share with friends. The ambiance is electric and friendly. Sit down and share a jug of beer
!
Location: Lau Pa Sat Market @ Raffles Place MRT
- French gourmandise
How can I speak about food without expressing my deep true love for French bakeries? Hopefully, the famous brand Paul has opened a store in Singapore for the joy of all French expatriates and France lovers. You can find it at Takashimaya Mall on Orchard Road. Everything is there at a reasonable price: delicious home made baguettes, croissants, chocolate rolls... Try the marvelous apple turnover, I swear you will fall in love with it! For those who have time, you can enjoy "tea time" at their salon de thé. Close your eyes, you are in Paris!
Location: Takashimaya Mall @Orchard MRT
Of course there is also plenty of fastfoods from Carls Junior to Mc Donald, which by the way makes delivery, helpful for the common Sunday lazyness...
For the most adventurous, try one of the rice burgers at MOS Burgers.
A strange mix of culture but hey, WE ARE IN SINGAPORE!
Where to stay?
When I arrived in Singapore, I found out this pretty cool green backpacker hostel. The must of this place, in addition to be environmentally friendly, is its great common area where you can sit, relax, meet travelers, exchange tips... It is little bit more expansive than other hostels that you can find in Singapore but it is clean and central. I had an amazing experience there, and I highly recommend this place to enjoy a nice time in Singapore.
Location: Tree in Lodge @Bugis MRT
What to do?
There is a large variety of things to do in Singapore. Everyone can find here what they want: city addict, nature lovers, suntan obsessed, sports fanatic and arts admirers.
Here are some (non exhaustive) activities to enjoy the city.
City addict
The downtown of Singapore has nothing particular, unless if you like being surrounded by skyscrapers. However, go to visit the Marina Bay Sands luxurious complex composed of a mall, a casino and gigantic hotel, that will take your breath away by its magnificence. At the top of the MBS Hotel, the infinity pool suspended at 70 stories high offers a majestic view on all Singapore. Unfortunately, only hotel guests can access to the Sky Park. If you get a chance to stay there or to have a friend that has a pass, you can enjoy its facilities.
Walk around the bay where you can find the surprising Opera called familiarly "The Durian". You can also access to the roof top where you can have a nice picture of the Marina Bay. On the other side of the bank, the Merlion, a mystical creature with a head of a lion and a body of a fish, stands as the national emblem of Singapore.
Location: Marina Bay Sands @Bayfront MRT
Opera @Esplanade MRT
Nature lovers
It is difficult to imagine a big city with so many green spaces but indeed. Singapore is bursting with parks and green ares where you can enjoy the sun: Fort Canning Park, Botanic Garden, East Coast Park, Mac Ritchie Reservoir National Park,... It's for you to choose!
But the most surprising natural area that you can still find in Singapore is the Tropical Jungle! In fact, Singapore is the last city to keep one. Many trails are proposed from 35 minutes to 2 hours, a very nice walk where you can observe different species of plants and animals, especially monkeys! The stupefaction is at the end of a trail that leads to a suspended bridge, below you can hear the vast and intact Jungle. Amazing!
Location: Fort Canning Park @Dhoby Ghaut MRT
Botanic Garden @Botanic Garden MRT
East Coast Park: take bus 31, 196,197 from Bedok MRT
Mac Ritchie Reservoir: take bus 157 from Toa Payoh MRT
Bukit Timah Jungle, take bus 67, 170 or 171 from Botanic Garden MRT and stop at Bukit Timah Plaza; from there you can walk to the main entrance of the park.
Suntan obsessed
Sentosa is an island at the South West of Singapore that offers artificial beaches. On Sunday, party at Tanjong Beach Club and Azzura Club are hosted from noon with an ambiance very cozy. At the Wave House, you can also surf artificial waves. Don't forget your sunblock!
Location: Takes the Sentosa Express Line from Harbourt Front MRT
Sports fanatic
Singapore has a lot of amenities for sports fanatic. For cycling, roller skating and footing, go to East Coast Park where you can enjoy a nice view on the water front! The attraction there is also the cable skiing, wel... i have to say it's better to watch and make fun of the other than actually be the rider, but it's lot of fun! For those who prefer to watch sports, Chijmes broadcast important games on wide screen. Take a beer and support you team: good ambiance guaranteed!
Location: East Coast Park: take bus 31, 196,197 from Bedok MRT
Chijmes @City Hall MRT
Arts admirers
Artistic spirits are spoiled in Singapore. A lot of events is hosted: from the Australian Laneway music festival in february to Visual Arts Exhibition like the Andy Warhol: 15 minutes Eternal being held in Arts Science Museum. My favorite place is definitely the Singapore Art Museum that presents Asian and local contemporary artist.
A small tip: on Friday night from 7pm to 9pm, the SAM entrance is free!
To check Laneway Music Festival gon on http://singapore.lanewayfestival.com.au/
Location: Art Science Museum @Bayfront MRT
Singapore Art Museum @Bras Basah MRT
And this is just an overview of what you can experience in Singapore...
I am still discovering the city everyday so to learn more: just STAY TUNED!
WAOW! 
