Let's Explore Singapore

Often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, this once small fishing island has built itself up to become a modern city that attracts tourists from all over the world. Located below Malaysia in Southern Asia, the island and republic of Singapore has lots of things to offer to tourists, including theme parks, shops, warm weather, and an incredible skyline.

Things to Do

Marina Bay Sands and the Gardens by the Bay
A generally new addition to Singapore, Marina Bay Sands has quickly become a huge tourist attraction. The biggest one is the Marina Bay Sands hotel and casino, which consists of three 55 story tall towers. To complete its architecture, the Marina Bay Sands hotel has a breathtaking infinity pool (SkyPark) located at the very top of the hotel, where the water goes right up to the edge, so it's like you're on top of the world. Along with the hotel, Marina Bay Sands includes some other interesting attractions for tourists. Marina Bay Sands holds a futuristic garden of sorts, the Gardens by the Bay. The Gardens by the Bay include greenhouses and the "Supertree Grove." The futuristic greenhouses are the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome. The Flower Dome is more of a traditional greenhouse, but with a modern look on the exterior. Don't worry, these greenhouses have air conditioning, which will be so appreciated in the warm Singapore weather.

Singapore Merlion
Often shown as the icon of Singapore, similarly to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Merlion is a statue that represents not only the city, but the country of Singapore. This icon embodies the history of Singapore. It is a mythical creature that combines a lion and a fish, thus the name, Merlion. The name, Singapore, originally Singapura, means lion city in Malay, which is where the lion came from. The fish came from Singapore's history as a small fishing village. The 8.6 meter tall statue stands at Merlion Park, overlooking Marina Bay. In addition, there are also other versions of this iconic statue the Merlion cub, which is slightly smaller, also in Merlion Park, and a larger one in Sentosa. However, the one in Merlion Park is the original. This is a must-visit site in Singapore, as it is a major landmark of Singapore.
Sentosa
Extremely popular among families with young children, Sentosa is an island off the coast of Singapore. Yes, Singapore may be a tiny island, but Sentosa is even tinier. Although small, Sentosa, like Singapore, has many things to do that makes it attractive for tourists. Visit Universal Studios Singapore here, check out the pink dolphins at Dolphin lagoon that are actually pink (and one of my personal favorites), stop by the beaches, take a ride on the cable cars, ascend up to the top of the Tiger Sky Lookout Tower, and so much more. If you're interested in the other activities to do in Sentosa, you can visit the official website.
Singapore Botanical Gardens
Singapore is well known for its beautiful orchids. The Singapore Botanical Gardens is absolutely free to enter and is absolutely breathtaking. If you want to check out the famous Singapore orchids, you'll have to pay a fee, but it is most definitely worth it. The Orchid gardens span a large area of the botanical gardens and include a wide variety of orchids. Step away from the city and into an oasis of beautiful flora.

Shopping

Orchard Road
Orchard Road is the place to be for shopping. Lined with high end shops such as Louis Vuitton and Cartier, it is similar to London's Oxford Road or Paris'Champs-Élysées. Both Singaporeans and tourists love shopping along Orchard Road.

Miscellaneous

• Chewing gum is banned in Singapore.
• I advise you to bring an umbrella or other rain gear, as the rain is unpredictable in Singapore. It often can go from perfectly sunny to a massive downpour of rain in just minutes.
• Public transportation is everywhere in Singapore and is perfectly safe. The MRT is similar to a subway system and is probably the best mode of transport, but if you're going a short distance or there's not an MRT station near you, the bus works nicely as well. Yes, you can feel free to take a taxi if you please, but public transportation is more inexpensive and convenient.
• The national language of Singapore is English, but other languages that you may hear while there include Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil.
• The currency of Singapore is the Singapore dollar.
• Singapore was once an English colony, so don't be surprised to hear some English slang and see that they're driving on the "wrong side" of the road!