I really enjoyed living in the small city-state of Singapore in 2012 with all its' multicultural vibe and diverse activities. Now I have recently returned to Singapore on a stopover to Australia to spend a few days catching up with old friends and reliving some of those amazing moments I had there.

Once again it made me realised why Singapore is just really awesome!

For me this litte island is just perfectly located in the middle of Southeast Asia. It makes for a good base to travel around places at relatively low cost. Think about Air Asia, Tiger Air or Jetstar which will fly you around many countries affordably even if you book last minute.

For someone travelling to Asia for the very first time, Singapore is a very clean and safe city compared to the otherwise daily craziness of the rest of Asia which may need some time to get used to.

Gardens-by-the-bay

 The Gardens by the Bay – Singapores newest park opened in 2012.

1. Singapores Diversity

Ok, some people may find Singapore sterile, too organised and tidy and it sure is. They may just stay for a day or two before heading to other destinations. But to be honest, that's just missing out on the best parts!

There is so much more to this city. Beyond all the touristy places, clean streets, beyond the chicken rice and big fancy skyscrapers.

You will find the busiest part of the city around Dhoby Ghaut and Orchard Road. Dive into a diversity of stores and shop till you drop. Or join a relaxed beach party on Sentosa Island just a few kilometers away. The diversity of things to do, may it be shopping, visiting the Zoo and taking a night safari, having a drink on one of the many rooftop bars, taking a ferry to one of the small islands around and cycle along their shores, joining a historical tour through Chinatown or visiting one of the many temples or museums or malls, the list is endless.

I personally love getting out of the hustle bustle from time to time. Then I take a MRT north to walk around the MacRitchie Reservoir and watch some monkeys from the tree top walk. Another highlight of mine is definitely circling around Pulau Ubin. It is said that the island is the wild Singapore, looking like the city in the 1960's.

When you return in the evening, Clarke Quay will be waiting with all its fancy clubs, street artists and entertainment. Make sure you buy a drink at the kiosk and visit Read Bridge, the only public place you can drink around here. Otherwise cocktails are quite expensive when sitting down at one of the many bars.

Clarke-quay
 Clarke Quay, Singapores historical riverside quay that comes to life at night.

2. The Singapore Vibe

While diversity is reflected in all the things to do, the people living in this city truly make the vibe. Speak to anyone, they will probably be from a different place from all over the world. The mixture of cultures, religions, languages of all sorts make Singapore very interesting.

People wander below modern buildings like the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Old colonial style building and chinese shophouses stand next to green parks and beaches. Head to Little India or dive right into Chinatown, go where all the expats go or walk through a crowd of locals where you feel like a stranger in a different world. You will feel the atmosphere between the many people coming from different cultural backgrounds.

CBD-marina-bayThe Central Business District right on Marina Bay.

3. Singapores' Amazing Food Variety

You can eat Malay, have Indian, Chinese, Korean, Thai, an American burger or German Bratwust all in one day! Dine nicely on the more expensive 2.2km long Orchard Road or head into one of the many side streets where you find Hawker Centers. Visit one of the many huge Food Courts in the numerous Malls.

It is said that for every Singaporean (and there are approximately 5.4 million) there is one Mall and I am pretty sure that quite some good indication! Wherever you go, there will always be a Mall and you will sure never go hungry.

rooftop-views-singapore

City views over Singapore.

Did I mention that I like city views?

If you ever fancy a good 360° look at Singapore from above, you should check the 1-Altitude Bar. This bar sits 282 meters above the city and is the highest al fresco bar, not only in Singapore, but worldwide. You will get there when travelling to Raffles Place with the MRT on the red or green line. Drinks are a little more pricey, it is nevertheless worth visiting for the view and atmosphere!

Have you been to Singapore? What did you like about this city?

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