A Guide to Singapore: For the First Time Visitors
This warm, exuberant city is one of the most exciting places in the world. Its mishmash of cultures, languages, and ideas make it very charming to foreigners, and those who are looking for a real adventure should grab their first chance to visit it and enjoy its sights. There are plenty of things to do and see, and if your next vacation happens to be in this lively city-state, here are some of the things you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Take a stroll through the botanical gardens and the zoo
As soon as you arrive, why not kick your vacation off with a long, relaxing walk? If you want to enjoy lush greenery and fragrant flowers, head over to the Singapore Botanic Gardens and you’ll see wild vegetation, blue lakes, and even a patch of rainforest in there. It’s one of the biggest green surfaces in Singapore, and it’s fill of thematic gardens and orchids that are breathtaking to look at. The National Orchid Garden is right here, and it houses around 600 different species and hybrids that you can see. There’s a restaurant right here, so if you want to grab a bite, you can sit down and relax.
After your botanical adventures, you can go and visit the Singapore Zoo. It’s one of the best and biggest zoos in the world, and rather than cages, a lot of animals are put in enclosures that try to match their wildlife habitats. From polar bears and wolverines to baboons and mongooses, you can many wildly different species if you take a tour. There’s also a playground part for children where they can try riding a pony or have fun at the water slides, so if you brought the whole family you’ll love it here.
Shop till you drop
After you’ve taken your long stroll, it’s time to settle down somewhere nice, rest a little, and continue your adventure. Book your stay at a classy hotel in Singapore that will make sure you’re both comfortable and well-provided for because that way your whole vacation can be a lot more relaxing. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, you can head out. If you’re a fan of shopping and want to enjoy a little treat, go to Orchard Road. It’s Singapore’s most famous shopping street where you can find malls, department stores, and specialized designer boutiques. You’ll find both famous international names and smaller local brands here, and you can find great bargains and stock up on really great fashion. If you do prefer even more unique, local designers, go to Haji Lane and you’ll find indie brands and plenty of vintage fashion.
Get your fill of culture
All you history buffs have nothing to worry about—the Singapore National Museum is here to sate your cravings for culture. It’s a huge, beautiful building that showcases Singapore’s whole history, and you can see art exhibits and multimedia rooms with digital versions of famous people talking about their own lives. It’s very modern and fun to see. You will also learn about food, fashion, film, and photography, and you’ll even see some contemporary art installations. One thing that you should definitely check out is their recreation of an opium den—it’s poignant and interesting to see, and the memory of it will stay with you even after you leave the museum. If you’re in the mood for more after this, go to Peranakan Museum which will show you more about South Asian history and culture.
Try delicious foods
If you want good restaurants, Marina Bay is where you need to be. The Marina Promenade that’s right here has a part called “the Glutton’s Corner” where you’ll enjoy one of the best open-air food courts around. The Chinatown is also a good destination if you want to witness a mix of different cultures and Chinese restaurants and massage parlors, or maybe head over to Clarke Quay if you want to throw good nightlife into the mix. Try dishes like laksa, bak kut teh, Hokkien Mee, and other famous foods. The interesting blend of spices will make your inner foodie very happy!
Take a walking tour
One of the most vibrant and hectic neighborhoods in Singapore is called Little India. While it used to be full of old-fashioned Hindu traders and cattle merchants, those things have now been replaced with flower garland shops, goldsmiths, and Indian restaurants. The old temples are still there, and the whole place managed to retain that spiritual vibe. If you want to experience something warm and deeply moving, take a walking tour of this neighborhood and see its many splendors.
Singapore offers a lot to a traveler—great entertainment, fine dining, plenty of history and culture, spirituality, and more than a little friendly hospitality. If you choose this destination for your next holiday, you won’t go wrong.