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SINGAPORE
The garden city
Singapore
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Southeast Asia
Singaporean Dollar (SGD)
Tropical and humid
Buddhism, Islam, Induism, Christianity
GMT + 8
English, Mandarin, Malay
Singapore "The Garden City".
A must visit city in Asia.
A colorful, crowded and multicultural city that offer impressive variety of food, shopping malls, safe and clean streets, vibrant night life and a great, modern public transport system.
Singapore originally was part of Malaysia,
then became an independent
island-city state, giving birth to
one of the most prosperous tax friendly country in the world.
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Differently from other cities, Singapore, maintained the green all over the island,
thats why called the garden city.
Getting around
Singapore is a small country
and really easy to get around.
The centre of the city is located in the south area consisting of :
The Orchard road shopping area, the Marina Bay newest feature of Singapore,
the Civic District colonial core with museum and statues and the Shenton way, the financial district or CBD (central business district).
Separated from Singapore there's Sentosa, an island resort on the South coast connected to the city by road where the Universal studios are located.
All the residential towns been grow'd all around the city centre giving birth to a local life with different style in each area.
Singapore's public transport system is fast and efficient.
You can use MRT, Bus or Taxi to reach all the places of interest.
I moved around the city mostly with MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) as it is the fastest and cheapest way to zip around.
Most of the attraction are near by the MRT exit.
You can buy a single journey ticket or a Singapore Tourist Pass:
10 SGD for 1 day / 16 SGD for 2 days / 20 SGD for 3 days.
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NO drink or food allowed
on the MRT. 500 SGD of fine.
Sometimes i used Taxi to move around too especially at night time when MRT closed and, surprisingly, taxi fares are not that expensive considering that Singapore is on the the most expensive city list in the world.
Uber or Grab are working pretty well.
Best things to do in Singapore
Even if Singapore is a small island
the city offer a lot of to do
from food experiences to impressive attraction.
Garden by the Bay
That was the first attraction that i visited in Singapore, the Garden by the Bay, one of the most iconic attraction of Singapore.
I was mesmerized by the Super Trees, that generate solar energy and collect the rain water, and all the park around.
Definitely a must see in Singapore.
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Don't miss the light and music show at 7.45 pm or 8.45 pm
Of course, the giant trees are artificial, but all around the park there are more then 200 different species of plants and flowers.
You will need at least two hours to visit the park.
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Opening hours : from 9 AM to 9 PM
Entry fee: park is free entry but if you want go on the top of the super trees, ticket is 22 SGD
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The Green Houses
at Garden by the Bay
Part of the Garden by the Bay there is the Greenhouses, two shells-shaped building with inside a mountain covered by tropical plants.
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This is a great spot to cool down
after a long walk into the Garden by the Bay.
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I would like to remember you that Singapore is really hot and humid, so,
that's the perfect spot to chill and admire all these species of plants and flower on this giant mountain.
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Opening hours: 9 AM to 9 PM
Entry fee: 28 SGD
The Merlion and
the Art Science museum
We are at Marina Bay area, where the Merlion and the Art science museum are,
I went around Marina Bay at night time where i enjoyed the amazing scenario with all lights around the Bay,
also is the best time to be there, honestly, as during day time is too hot and too crowded.
Walking under 42 degrees sneaking through tourist is not funny at all.
The Merlion is the symbol of Singapore
and probably the most photographed site from visitors .
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The Art science museum, with a lotus flower design shape, is simply stunning.
Once you will be there, especially under the structure, you will realize how big and beautiful it is.
The museum is a great place of interest for adults and kids, and by the time became an iconic symbol of the city
as popular pictures (like mine) catch the Bay with the Art Science Museum front of the Marina Bay Sand hotel
(you can take this shot from The Merlion side).
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As i mentioned before,
at night time Marina Bay is magic, but if you want to visit the Art Science Museum
of course at night time is not possible.
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Opening hours: Every day from 10 AM to 7 PM
Entry fee: Adult 27 SGD / Children 17 SGD
If you want to reach the higher point for a better view go at the Marina Bay Sands Complex but there's an entry fee for that,
around 25 SGD, otherwise there's a shopping mall just next to the Art Science Museum where you can go for free until the top of it,
with a breathless view, and for free.
The one you see down here is the Singapore Flyer one of the largest observation wheels in the world,
but unfortunately i haven't been there as it was close at that time.
China town
China town is a colorful and enjoyable area
where to wander around.
Singapore's China Town is probably the most beautiful
China Town i ever seen so far, yeah, as you might know
there are several china town all around the world,
usually in the main cities, right?
The China Towns i've been visiting in other countries are mostly on the tons of green and red with lantern and dragons,
here, China Town is colorful and fresh with it own lantern
and dragon, of course, but the area has tones of blu, pink, green,
and yellow, everything is surrounded by colors.
I really enjoyed walk around the Bugi's Street Market,
where if you’re on the hunt for souvenirs or just love wandering around markets, this is a must.
Once you get hungry there is a huge food court,
the Chinatown’s Maxwell Hawker Centre
with different kind of food from Chinese, Malay or Indian taste.
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Mustafa Centre at Little India
Little India is an ethnic area on the east side of the
Singapore river.
Is actually where i stayed with my accommodation.
The area actually offer a lot of guest house/hostel,
so get in mind that if you are on a budget trip, Singapore accommodation are quiet expensive.
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A quiet and colorful area with Indian style wooden furniture
Little India is an ethnic area on the east side of the
Singapore river.
Is actually where i stayed with my accommodation.
The area actually offer a lot of guest house/hostel,
so get in mind that if you are on a budget trip, Singapore accommodation are quiet expensive.
Honestly i've been in Little India purely randomly as i were in need of a new charger for my camera and a guy told me
"At Little India you will find it for sure at Mustafa Centre"
So before that i wandered around Buffalo Road which is walking distance to the MRT, and after i went to
the Tekka Market which is just opposite Buffalo Road where i had a tasty lunch.
And here on my way to Mustafa Centre.
Let's start saying that i'm not really into shopping unless there is something specific that i really need.
You might think, "Why are you including this shopping centre as a must visit then?" Mustafa Centre is something i've never seen in my life,
i mean, from where i come from we do have a massive shopping mall which is actually famous but nothing compare to Mustafa Centre.
Trust me, if you are in Singapore you must have to go and experience it.
Clothes, phones, gold, medicines, books, money exchange, food, laundry...everything!
Imagine anything you are in need or any service that you are looking for, Mustafa Centre has it!
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My eyes popped out when i got there. A huge massive complex that nobody could think something like that can exist for real, seriously.
What impressed me it was the huge quantity of goods, it seems like a warehouse open to the public.
The centre is divided in different zones, levels and entries.
A security will check you at the door, and you might not be able to bring your bags. You’ve to leave them on the shelves
(there will be security guards watching), but do bring in your valuables.
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What's crazy is that Mustafa Centre is open 24 H 265 days
Beaches in Singapore
Definitely Singapore is not famous
for beaches and crystal clear water
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Even if is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean don't expect too much from it, especially if you are a nature lover, you might be disappointed as beaches in Singapore has that artificial looking, focus more on the entertainment, on my opinion.
Without taking anything away from Singapore, i can't really compare with Thailand's or Philippine's beaches, for example.
There are few spot, however, that i really liked and i recommend to visit for a nice day out of the city.
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East Coast Park
Whether it's bike riding, swimming, picnic and barbecue.
East Coast Park is the place to go
You are in Singapore and you are already tired of wandering around big buildings in the city and you would love to do some outdoor activities? Well at Marina Parade there is the East Coast park, that coasting all way long the beach, the place to go.
If you do not have your own set of two wheels, download the app OFO or MOBIKE ​that will let you rent bikes all around the city,
you will recognize them by yellow color for OFO and Grey for MOBIKE.
Opening hours: 24 H
Entry fee: free
Sentosa island
Sentosa is an artificial island that is connected to Singapore and is the place that houses the Universal Studios.
Saying Sentosa is too general as there are more then one beach on this little island.
I've ben to a beach just in front of the Wave House Sentosa next to Siloso beach, is a nice and fun spot where you can try to surf at the
artificial wave swimming pool.
As i mentioned before don't expect the Thailand or Philippines beaches, these beaches are "artificial" and i guess are made it to escape from the busy city life even if Singapore is small island-country.
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You can reach Sentosa by car, as it connected by a bridge, otherwise the most convenient way to reach Sentosa is by MRT North East Line stopping at Horbour Front, where after you need to get into a shopping mall.
Following the directions at the mall you will arrive at the monorail,which is completely free, that will bring you at the beach.
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My favorite food in Singapore
Even if Singapore is a small country, the choice of food available is impressive, and what i loved of this modern vibrant city is that the locals keep the street food tradition alive. Singapore food prices, surprisingly, are relative cheap considering Singapore one of the most expensive
cities in the world.
You can easily have a meal from 5 SGD to 12 SGD.
Strongly recommend the delicious food at locals street food restaurant for all kind of mouth, and pocket.
Salted eggs squid
This dish is an addiction, seriously. Is super tasty
Can be with shrimp, crab or squid (squid squid squiiiid).
Served with a salty eggs yolk cream , stalks curry leaves
and chill padis. Yummy!
Roti Prat
Indian flavor.
A crispy and buttery flat bread, usually served plane
with on side a mutton curry. You can choose different ingredient to fill the Prata, like ham and cheese, veggie
or with Milo, a Nestlè chocolate brand which is delicious especially as a snack in the afternoon or break fast in the morning or why not as a dessert after dinner,
well just eat it cause is yummy!
Oyster omelette
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When a friend propose me the Oyster omelette i was like "what? with Oyster? naaaah"
Well i had to shut my mouth because the taste was incredible.
Is actually a common dish in most part of Asia,
with savory taste, is a perfect side to your meal.
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Curry puff
I'm not a curry lover, but i have to say this little pie, has a
super nice taste. The curry is quiet thick and the flavor is light, not that strong. The curry puff is deep fried
mixed with chicken and potatoes. Perfect as a snack or
as a side dish on your meal.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
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Simple as amazing.
A iconic Singaporean dish that you will find at every corner of Singapore.
The chicken meat is soft, juicy and tender. The rice is fragrant and flavorful with the aromas of chicken broth.
Delicious.
Laksa​
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Chinese - Malay flavor.
Let's start with saying: i can handle and i like a little bit of hot and spicy in my meal but i didn't like most of the spicy food while i was traveling in Asia as the level of hot and spicy was like fire!
But this thick soup with chicken and prawn, served with rice noodles, coconut milk and spicy curry, is a pleasure for the mouth.
A must try!
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Kopi coffee
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Now we talking about my favorite drink! Kopi iced coffee.
I miss the Kopi coffee so bad!
Kopi basically in Malay means coffee,
and what it makes the taste incredible, is the way how the coffee beans are roasted:
With margarine or butter.
This process turns the shell's beans into oily, caramelized, aromatic beans without burn it.
There are different ways to order your Kopi:
Kopi: With sweetened condensed milk.
Kopi C: With evaporated milk and sugar.
Kopi C Kosong:With evaporated milk and no sugar.
Kopi O: No milk, with sugar.
Kopi O Kosong: No milk, no sugar
Remember, if you will order "coffee" you will have a Nescafe
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Kaya toast
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That was my breakfast almost every morning...
Ok yeah, every morning!
Sliced toast bread slathered with Kaya​, a thick jam made with coconut, sugar and eggs, served with a square butter
to go with boiled eggs and a cup of Kopi.
You can't see my face right now ... what a yumminess !
Singapore travel tips
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Backpack or luggage?
Definitely a backpack.
Comfortable and easy to bring around with you on your shoulders, instead of a bulky trolley that you have to carry around all the time,
that will let you save time, space and energy.
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Be as more comfortable as you can
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I used a 50 L backpack that have enough space for all needs.
There are, of course, different size of backpack that can match better your needs.
What to pack
As Singapore has a tropical climate, you can safely leave your bulky winter wear at home. It’s usually hot and humid with temperature above 30áµ’C. So bring enough comfortable and light clothes for your daily excursions as you will sweat a lot, also bring
a jumper or a jacket if you planning to visit mall or other indoor places as temperatures are crazy low because of the air-conditio
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Indoor temperature are crazy low because the the air-conditioned buildings
Definitely a comfortable pair of shoes as Singapore is pretty small so you will easily get around by walking and hopping on public transport.
Wether you planing to go on the beach or not, use a protection as the sun is pretty strong.
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Food and drinks
I heard while i was traveling in Asia, not just in Thailand, from many travelers that they got food poisoned or had some stomach disease.
Thank's it never happened to me, probably i do have a good health immunity.
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Drink water from new bottles.
All the new bottles are wrapped by a plastic tape on the top, to ensure that wasn't filled with tap water.
To minimize the probability to get sick definitely do not drink tap water or any drink with ice cubes.
Before flying to Thailand do a full one week cure with probiotics.
Remember anyway to hydrated your body, drink water all day all the time.
Is really easy get sick from dehydration.
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Money
BHT (baht)
Personally what i do usually at every trip i do is withdraw a generous amount of money before leaving, then change money
at the Money Exchange inside every Airport of the world.
True, you will pay commissions fee on it, but at least you wont pay commissions fees plus commission fees on currency that usually banks are doing.
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All banks treatments
are different
I mean that's what my Italian bank is doing.
As i lived in UK and Australia i have to say they have travel prepaid cards that doesn't apply any fees, or any change on the currency.
That's amazing, and make the money change a thing you don't need to worye about it.
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Electricity Socket
220V AC electricity.
Be sure to pack a
With a universal travel adaptor you still could use all your electronic gadgets.
Is a good item in any case if you will travel in different countries.
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Apps that can help
GrabTaxi or Uber — A taxi hailing app for taxis.
Next Station — For navigate Bangkok’s MRT (train) .
iTranslate — Translate signs and menus instantly
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Singapore Visa
To enter Singapore, you need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended stay. You do not need a visa for tourist or business visits up to 90 days.
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People from the US, UK, and EU doesn't need to apply for any visa.
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Safety
You can travel to any parts of Singapore alone anytime of the year, regardless of gender. However, do keep a lookout for foreigners in Singapore, the locals are safe,
Singapore
is extremely safe and clean
Vaccination
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Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Singapore like hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio. I did previous vaccination before my trip in Thailand but personal opinion is that you need to be more aware about protect your stomach as the temperature are extremely high outdoor and indoor too because of the airconditioned
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Take care of your intestine, drink some Probiotics
