As I prepare for yet another Asia adventure, I’d like to give a shout-out to one of my now-favorite cities: Singapore.
I’m fortunate. I recently discovered how to bag cheap flights to Asia from my, normally, not-so-cheap home airport. My saucy secret travel hack? Flying on United Airlines via Singapore.
Let’s say, I’m more than okay with the arrangement. The insanely long flight time between LAX or SFO and SIN aside, anything that’ll get me to Asia more often for less is a-OK with me. And if it ALSO allows me to roam the streets of the Lion City for a couple of days? Even better.
Now, maybe you’ve landed here because you’ve heard mixed things about Singapore. And, I will admit, the city’s reputation is, well, kinda lackluster among some travelers. Many call it “too clean,” “too sterile,” or even—gasp!—boring.
But don’t let these (snobby) critics get in your ear. Here are a few of my favorite reasons to visit Singapore (and why I think it’ll be worth your while)…
#1: Oh-so-tasty food
Even jet-lagged and cranky AF after a 17.5-hour (yikes!) flight, my love of Singapore blossomed via the taste buds. (As travel love often does.)
In a half-daze, I roamed around Chinatown, looking for a late-night snack. Finally, I stumbled upon one of Singapore’s most famous hawker centres, the Chinatown Complex Food Centre.
Spoiler alert: It didn’t disappoint.
After wolfing down the world’s most succulent wonton noodles and char siu combo, I knew my love affair with Singapore wouldn’t end in one trip.
My absolute favorite part about Singaporean cuisine is the variety. As you roam the city-state, the country’s three main ethnic groups—Chinese, Indian, and Malay—are well-represented. You see it in the architecture and the culture. And, of course, in Singapore’s most famous foods.
Besides those oh-so-delicious wonton noodles, a couple of other dishes I’d recommend searching out:
- Laksa: Along with Japan’s tonkotsu ramen, laksa is a god among mere soups. As I roamed through the Malay Peninsula, I discovered that each region has its own different version of this classic dish. And I saw just about every variety of laksa in Singapore. Keep on the lookout for the city’s two most famous variations, curry laksa and katong laksa. They’re just as satisfying as any I tried elsewhere.
- Char kway teow: This Chinese-inspired dish is a Singaporean classic. It tosses together broad rice noodles with a dark-soy-based sauce. A variety of ingredients like sausage, pork fat, eggs, cockles, and fish cakes are also added. Char kway teow is one dish you can’t miss. (And one I go out of my way to try whenever I see it caked on a menu.)
- Nasi lemak: This popular dish is a Malay breakfast staple. Nasi lemak starts with fragrant coconut rice and fried chicken. The dish is topped with ingredients like sambal paste and peanuts. It also includes deep-fried anchovies. That’d normally send me into a gag, but, fortunately, they were nowhere near as fishy as the ones (deranged) people put on pizza back home.
#2: Charming historical districts
When I planned my first layover in Singapore, I expected an advanced, modern city. But what really surprised me was its historical flair.
Many would-be visitors often forget that Singapore’s emergence as a global financial powerhouse is recent. Up until about 50 years ago, it was, along with its former country-mate, Malaysia, underdeveloped and traditional.
If you’re a history buff, I’d suggest spending much of your first 24 hours in Singapore exploring its historical charms.
Start with a stroll along the Singapore River. Visit its lovely historical quays: Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Robertson Quay.
Grab a drink along the way to soak in the views before wandering around Chinatown, one of the city’s most famous (and charming) areas.
Next, I’d head north of central Singapore. Wade through boutique shops in the old Malay quarter of Kampong Glam. Or sort through saris in the colorful Little India district.
(These are fantastic neighborhoods to eat in, too, by the way.)
No matter where you are in the city, you’re not far from getting a sense of Singapore before its mega economic boom.
#3: Brilliant modern architecture
Even as I was charmed by Singapore’s historical quarters, it’s hard to ignore the beauty of its modern side, too.
Whenever I need a quick fix, I start by peering at the central business district at sunset from Marina Bay. It’s one of the simplest pleasures I’ve experienced while visiting Singapore.
And let’s not forget the nearby Marina Bay Sands. If you’ve watched Crazy Rich Asians—a persona you’ll have to summon to stay at this luxury hotel & casino—you’ve seen this extraordinary hotel. The unique three-towered structure, topped with its boat-like rooftop, is unmissable.
Whenever I’m in Singapore, I never miss the chance to walk through en route to the Gardens by the Bay or zip up to the rooftop bar for cocktails and epic city views.
Not keen on re-mortgaging your home for a night at Marina Bay Sands? (Okay, it’s not that expensive, but it is one of the most-coveted places to stay in Singapore—if not in the entire world!
Even if you’re not a guest, you can still pop up to the hotel’s Marina Bay Sands Sky Park or enjoy a cocktail or meals at one of the rooftop restaurants & bars with incredible views over the modern skyline.
#4: Innovative attractions
It’s no secret: Singapore’s got some tremendously cool attractions you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Case in point: Gardens by the Bay.
Sprawling 101 hectares in Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay is one of the coolest things to see in Singapore.
(Actually, that’s an understatement. With over 50 countries under my belt, I’d put this stunning park up there as one of the world’s most unique urban places to see!)
Whenever I wander around Gardens by the Bay, I find plenty to enjoy. Among my favorites are the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, two conservatories chock-full of unique flora. You’ll also find plenty of art sculptures as you walk through the well-manicured Asian gardens.
The most famous attraction at the Gardens by the Bay, though, is its space-age Supertree Grove. No matter how many times I visited this area of the park, I could never get enough!
These innovative trees aren’t just built to harness the spirit of Pandora. They act as an exhaust for cooling for the nearby conservatories. The supertrees also contain panels to harness solar energy.
My biggest tip for Gardens by the Bay (yeah, it’s kinda obvious, I know) is to time your visit with the nightly Garden Rhapsody. Watch as the supertrees explode into a cavalcade of colors timed to a musical medley.
