The award-winning journalist shares her thoughts on Singapore – a South Asian city, which is known for its iconic skyline, sumptuous cuisine and stunning blend of tradition and modernity.
“It’s clean and really safe!” Friends who had visited Singapore would always tell me. “You’ll really love it, Bal.”
I would smile politely, but honestly, I thought that sounded rather sterile—Cuba seemed more interesting to me, writes Balvinder Sidhu.
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However, the Lion City has taken me by surprise. The cleanliness and safety are something I’ve come to appreciate. Let me tell you more…
Climate and Comfort
First, nothing prepares you for the humidity of Singapore, especially if you’re used to the British climate. To enjoy the outdoors, you need to plan your day carefully, or the heat will exhaust you. Singapore is the most organised and efficient place I’ve ever visited and has covered walkways and many air- conditioned malls that let you move around without breaking a sweat.
As a first-time visitor, I recommend booking a hotel with a swimming pool to cool off after a day of sightseeing.
Foodie Heaven
Come on an empty stomach is my advice!!! Singapore is a foodie’s paradise! You can enjoy great food at reasonable prices.
Hawker centres are common, popular, and budget-friendly places to eat and drink. These big open food courts have many different stalls specialising in cuisine from across Asia, including Chinese, Malay, Thai, Korean and Indian, with some Western options for those who prefer milder flavours.
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Maxwell Hawker Centre near Chinatown is well-known for its Michelin-starred stall, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, where you can get two servings of chicken and rice for around $12 (about £8). But be prepared for the long queues!
For those who prefer fine dining, Singapore offers a wealth of food experiences, from traditional Peranakan food at
the National Gallery to Burma Social, a foodie’s delight with cuisine from the seven kingdoms. Besides food, Singapore boasts numerous bars for those who enjoy a nice drink with a view.
Top Attractions
Marina Bay Sands
A must-see building in Singapore. Many people pay to go to the top of this hotel to the observatory deck for the magnificent views. However, a more cost-effective alternative is to book a table for drinks at one of the rooftop bars, where you can enjoy amazing views with a drink in hand.
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Gardens by the Bay:
After enjoying a drink at Marina Bay Sands, head to Gardens by the Bay, a stunning park in the heart of the city. It features the “Flower Dome,” the largest greenhouse in the world, and the Supertrees, towering structures covered in plants that light up every evening for a fantastic light and sound show.
Sentosa Island:
Just a short cab ride from the Singapore mainland lies Sentosa Island, a magical place that feels a bit like Disneyland! With attractions like Universal Studios, Aqua Adventure waterpark, Madame Tussauds, beautiful beaches and much more there’s something for everyone. You can easily spend an entire day there.
Orchard Road:
A shopper’s haven with 18 malls along this road, offering everything from luxury brands to budget-friendly shopping. The vast number of shops and malls in Singapore always surprises me, given the recent decline of high street shops in the UK.
Singapore’s population is a mix of Chinese, Indian, and Malay. To experience the country’s cultural diversity, visit Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam.
Chinatown: Celebrates Singapore’s Chinese heritage with the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, traditional shophouses, markets, and lots of food options.
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Little India: Known for its colourful streets and authentic Indian cuisine, Little India will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a part of India. The area especially comes to life during Diwali with beautiful decorations, lights and cultural performances.
Kampong Glam: The striking Sultan Mosque at the end of Arab Street catches your attention. This place celebrates Singapore’s Malay, Arab, and Muslim culture, with Middle Eastern food, trendy cafes, bars, and shops on colourful streets that are full of inspiration for Instagram.
Safety
Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, and it’s totally normal to see children as young as 10 taking public transport to school and activities. As a woman I can come home after a late night out and not feel my safety will be compromised. It’s a privilege to feel safe.
Getting Around
The easiest and cheapest way to get around Singapore is public transport. It’s extremely efficient and well-connected. The MRT, driverless trains that run underground, are well-organised and make getting around a breeze.
Singapore is smaller than the East Midlands which means to get from one part of the city to the other takes less than 40 minutes. Many will plan day trips to nearby Malaysia or an Indonesian island via ferry, plane or bus – yes, you can get to Malaysia on a bus in less than an hour.
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Best Time to Visit
Singapore is close to the equator which means it has
a tropical rainforest climate all year round. This makes it a good place to visit anytime of the year with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 36°C (77°F to 97°F).
