So as the summer months wrap up and the shorter days draw in, there is no wonder some of us are suffering from the post-summer blues. We find however, that the best ways to feel more positive about the colder months is to start planning for our next holiday. Planning holidays in advance can not only save up a lot of money but it can also make us feel much happier to boldly stride into the autumn and winter months, safe in the knowledge that we have our next exciting trip booked and all to look forward to.
One place that we have always wanted to visit. That is right up there at the top of our travel bucket list is Singapore. Hearing so many fantastic things, we wanted to share the top 10 reasons that a visit to Singapore should be on the top of your travel bucket list too.
Local Cuisine
One of the first things that people think about when they think of Singapore, is food. Singapore offers a little bit of everything to keep all types of travellers happy. From cheap, cheerful and extremely tasty street food, all the way through to an impressively wide range of michelin starred restaurants. Observe the locals and do as they do. Join the hawker queues in order to sample some of the best and most authentic food available. Wander around the markets and treat yourself to interesting spices to pop in your suitcase, to take home and enjoy the vast array of different dishes that put Singapore firmly on the international gastronomy map.
The International Culture
Singapore is also famous for being a real melting pot of different cultures. If you are lucky enough to visit in January then you will be able to join in with their colourful and vibrant Chinese New year celebrations. If you decide to visit in the summer, then you will be able to get involved in the religious holiday, known as the ‘Hari Raya Puasa, where locals enjoy an immense time of banquets and celebrations after a month of fasting.
Singapore is also an extremely popular destinations for expats and you will notice that English speaking visitors and inhabitants are very well catered for, which means that you will be made to feel very welcome and communication is much easier than in some other areas of Asia.
Singapore's Shopping
For you shopaholics out there, Singapore will not disappoint. As the local Singaporean people love to shop so they much they have created a place that really goes all out when it comes to loosening those purse strings. One of the most interesting and diverse places to check out the local designs is at the Dover Street Market where the hip and trendy locals go to peruse the finest new fashions.
The Orchard Road is a popular high street where visitors can join the locals in the supersized stores in the hunt for a high street fashion bargain. Haji Lane is an interesting place to visit for those looking for a slightly more unusual and unique shopping experience in more independant boutiques. For those with a tight budget a good place to check out would be Bugis Street, where good old fashioned bargain galore is well within reach.
Calling All Art Lovers
Art perhaps isn’t one of the first things that springs to mind when people think of reasons to visit Singapore. However it actually is proudly developing its art culture and there is a real focus on the increasing modernity of the city. Locals and visitors alike can now enjoy festivals such as Art Week and the Singapore Writers Festival. The Singapore Art Museum is the best option for die-hard contemporary art lovers as this museum houses some of the finest example of Singaporean modern art. Anyone interested in the history of Singapore can visit the National Museum of Singapore. And those travelling with children can take them to the ‘Mint Museum of Toys’ for a very child friendly museum tour.
Interesting Variety of Neighbourhoods
Sometimes the hustle and bustle of Singapore's city centre can get a little tiring and that is when the neighbouring areas can offer a little respite. Exploring the fashionable Dempsey Hill will offer a more relaxed atmosphere with its quaint buildings and relaxed, yet trendy bars and restaurants. For those those looking for some of the best food in town, Chinatown is fantastic and again the neighbourhood is completely distinctive from the rest of the city.
Tiong Bahru is also worth a visit and the locals sometimes refer to it as ‘Singapore's Coolest Neighbourhood that Tourists Forgot’. So it is a little off the tourist path for those wanting to explore a really interesting local area that is much quieter than many other neighbourhoods.
Its Distinctive Architecture
One of the most special things about Singapore is its ability to have modernity and tradition living side by side. The skyline is iconic with such building as the Marina bay Sands and the Esplanade. Traditional Asian buildings merge in with the towering skyscrapers which creates a striking contrast and gives the city its distinctive edge.
Anyone particularly interested in learning about the history of Singapore architecture can chose to get involved in The National Gallery Singapore's Building History Tour, to find out more about how to buildings in the city have evolved over time.
Fabulous Places to Stay
Much like the food of Singapore, the accommodation options are very varied and offer something to cater to all tastes and budgets. Singapore offers indulgence and luxury at its very finest at their wide range of 5* hotels. There are also smaller boutique hotels in quirky areas, all the way through to travellers hostels or cheap and cheerful guest houses that offer a cost-effective place to rest weary heads after a long day of sightseeing.
If you are looking to stay longer than a week or two then renting a flat is a good option in Singapore. A hdb rental in the city centre would offer a great central point from which to enjoy and explore the city whilst having a home-from-home style accommodation to come back to each evening. There are also a great number of serviced apartments, large and small flats around the city that allow visitors to go self-catered if that is the preference.
A Family Friendly Destination
We know that travelling to a city with children can be a bit of a balancing act. Keeping the kids happy, whilst getting the most out of a city break is not always easy, so finding things that the kids can enjoy is essential. One firm favourite with children is the Night Safari, where children can go and see nocturnal animals. There is also a river safari and water park to keep children amused and the Jurong bird park is also a great place to take children to show them the stunning array of exotic birds.
For children and teenagers the Universal Studios is well worth a visit as a theme park with many exciting rides and rollercoasters. The Wild Wild Wet is also a great option for letting children burn off some steam whilst keeping cool in the wave pool, water slides and even in the ‘lazy river’. The Haw Par Villa is also worth checking out for children with an adventurous side.
Buzzing Nightlife
We can’t talk about Singapore without mentioning the amazing nightlife. For those looking to party then the bustling district of the Clarke Quay is where you will want to head to to experience the many pubs, clubs and bars in this vibrant area. In addition to the endless restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs of the city, Singapore is also famous for its annual beach parties. The ZoukOut and the Siloso Beach Party are two of its most famous and anyone travelling whilst these beach parties are happening are definitely recommended to head on down and get stuck in.
Healthy Lifestyle
If you are not so into the partying, or perhaps want to balance all that partying out with some healthy pursuits then Singapore is a great place that will tick those health conscious boxes. Perhaps you fancy getting involved in the cities ‘Sundown Marathon’ or perhaps you are keen for more scenic routes, then the Park Rainforest Tour, would be perfect as the walking trails will offer some of the best views over the city.
There is a huge amount of Yoga available for those interested in focusing on mind, body and soul. There is now a huge trend of healthy eating, so those that want to stick to healthy eating regimes will be able to do so easily in this health conscious city.
As you can see there really is something for all types of travellers in Singapore. With fantastic food, welcoming people, interesting culture and architecture and with so many things to do and see, there is never a dull moment in this vibrant city. So for those that are considering travelling to this beautiful place, there has never been a better time to explore this distinctive and unique Asian gem.
