Singapore takes your breath away! In no way is it any different from all the best cities in the world, but singapore makes you realize that sheer determination and will of the people can do to a city not even half the size of new delhi or mumbai, and a city not one sixth the size of new york or london.
singapore is an island, actually a group of islands - the biggest one called singapore and the others being sentosa and the others. the moment you step at Changi airport - undoubtedly one of the best in the world, you get the feeling as if you are in a shopping arcade or mall. never ever have I seen such friendly faces and so many faces of different countries of the world, all together on one small island city called singapore.
the moment you leave the airport - you have a city, a city that never sleeps. a city full of people from all over the world - chinese, malay, indian and europeans. the city is beatifully planned and is mostly a business hub noted for its skyscrapers and perfect city planning.
Things to do and places to see :
- Always travel by the MTR (Mass Rapid Transport) or the underground metro train system, which is cheap efficient and very fast. Connectivity is excellent and service is prompt and fast.
- For Indians dont miss the Mustafa center on Serangoon Road, in Little India which is a shopping arcafe which houses everything from Omega Watches to Aloo Bhujia and is a great place, open 24hours which is for indians, by indians and is frequented by almost every indian that comes to singapore. best part is - it is VERY CHEAP.
- For techno savvy people, there is the Funan IT Mall - a mall dedicated to electronics, where you can get laptops, digicams and all sorts of electronic gadgetry. Its near the City Hall MRT Station.
- For shopping and window shopping, which we people love to do, there is the Orchard Road which has some of the best shopping malls in singapore. also a place to have great food and junk food like McDs and Subway.
- Dont miss the River Cruise at the HarbourFront, which is a ferry ride around singapore, which takes you to Raffles, where you can see the Merlion, and all the tallest buildings in singapore. Raffles is the business center of singapore and most of the companies and banks have their offices in singapore.
- the night safari is also a great place to visit, which is an artificial safari ride at night where you can see animals imported from all over the world.
- sentosa is a must see place, but I will review that in a separated review!
- always eat the roadside stalls, where you can get everthing from chicken biryani, to mysore dosa to authentic chinese and thai food. in case you love chinese food, research of the names of popular chinese dishes like mee goreng, laksa, nasi goreng, pad kra paw as the chinese wont understand noodles or fried rice.
In all, if you want see the spirit of singapore - travel by MRT, eat at the roadside and do what the singaporeans do! If you live like a tourist you’ll never feel the difference in the lifestyle of singapore.
in general, the people are very friendly and ready to help. if you happen to not know where you are going, you can always speak in english and most people know english fairly well, though they may not be very fluent at it.
there are some things that are not allowed in singapore, such as not littering, no use of abusive language and so drinking on the streets! in singapore breaking the rules is not taken very lightly. you’ll probably end up in big trouble even for small offenses. so be courteous, follow the rules and you will have the time of your life.
all said and done, it is truly remarkable how such a small island, or city state has groomed itself to be a world class city, have a great economy, good infrastructure, have their own zoo, and waterfall and jungle - even though artificial, and on top it have the world’s busiest harbour and one of the best airports in the world.
hats off to singapore! I am so happy that I have a singapore stamp on my passport!!