Singapore, The Choice Cut

Singapore is a world-class icon with its soaring skyscrapers and pleasant parks. Brimming with the world’s best museums, Michelin star restaurants and vivid neighbourhood, Singapore, is an island city-state with boundless potential for adventure. The city extends beyond the jaw-dropping skylines to include Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa, Merlion, Botanic Gardens, Chinatown, Universal Studio and many more must-see sights. Each with their own distinct charms! Flanked by grand buildings, this global financial centre also boasts a colonial core with an 18th-century cricket field. From Buddha Tooth Relic Temple to a City Hall with 18 Corinthian columns, tropical Singapore has an extensive list of landmarks including beautiful nature trails amidst modernity.

My first trip to Singapore was right before Christmas. Meaning it was powered by a lot of festivities. Starting with well-decorated airport. The onward journey from the Airport to the Marina Bay Cruise Center was a very pleasant drive. What works in favour of Singapore is that despite being a melting pot of Asian culture, it retains its unique identity. This city-state is bound to inspire a radical change. Positively abuzz, Singapore is also one of the safest city for solo travellers.

Apart from exploring Singapore’s famed landmarks, you must also indulge in its varied cuisine, incorporating a rich heritage of Chinese, Indonesian and Malaysian flavours. The Republic of Singapore is a paradise for food connoisseurs. Given its Michelin star restaurants and hawker-style stalls, it’s almost hard to not get bowled over by the offerings. I ate my first meal at 328 Katong Laksa, a Michelin-restaurant serving authentic Singaporean food. This particular restaurant is compact, yet, famous, as their Chef(s) defeated Gordan Ramsay in the hawker styled food competition in 2013. Needless to say, I ordered for the winning dish – a Large Laksa consisting noodle soup with mussels and fish in coconut curry.

Another lip-smacking dish I tasted here was Nesi Lamak, a Malay speciality. This one is an aromatic fish and rice dish, cooked in coconut milk, and served on a pandan leaf. The meal costed about $25 for two dishes, a cold beverage and a fresh creamy Thai Coconut. 

Next, I decided to duck inside a mall to spoil myself to high-street brands, fashion houses, and discount outlets. For less expensive boutiques, venture out to local neighbourhoods and markets. One interesting aspect of shopping in Singapore is that you will find plenty of unique art galleries here selling Persian carpets and Chinese medicine. Travelling is easy, as well. You may either choose the wide network of cabs or take the world’s most efficient public transport. While riding a cab, keep an offline map ready for directions as your cab driver may not necessarily communicate in English.

The sightseeing opportunities are endless, however, begin with exploring temples in Chinatown. Thereafter, visit the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer (largest Ferris Wheel in the world) and the Gardens by the Bay at night for a unique sighting. For those interested in visiting Universal Studios, must keep one entire day aside for it. On any other day, you can pair up a trip to Madame Tussauds, Pandan and Botanic Gardens, Underwater World, and Tree Top Walk.