All opinions are mine and mine alone.
Southeast Asian Holiday Places: Introduction to Singapore Vacations
Singapore is one of the most beautiful and fascinating holiday places on earth, and it’s ideal for anyone seeking a vacation that’s both exotic and familiar. Singapore balances the ancient East and modern West as few destinations can. Its contemporary skyscrapers and glass towers contrast with the charming historic landmarks, hidden alleyways, and traditional shops.
It offers a vibrant mix of cultures and lifestyles, populated mostly by the Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, and Eurasian races. It’s a safe, fun, and friendly place to visit, the perfect holiday place for a break from everyday life back home. Singaporeans are generally very helpful to visitors, and English is the primary language in business and daily life, so communication is rarely a problem. While you’re there, there are several things you must do and see.
The number one attraction is undoubtedly shopping. Strolling down Orchard Road will lead you past designer boutiques, stores, and malls displaying everything from high fashion to the latest digital wizardry. But then, don’t miss the other side of Singapore shopping while you’re out. It’s always an adventure, spending a day wandering the historic and exotic areas of Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street. Remember, you can buy Gucci anywhere, so don’t pass up these opportunities to find something unique.
Another must-see is Raffles. This legendary hotel has been considered one of the world’s best for more than 100 years. Its unique atmosphere has attracted a ‘who’s who’ of authors, actors, sports stars, and royalty since it opened in 1887. Raffles has undergone extensive restoration over the years, but it’s still as stylish as ever. If you can’t quite afford an overnight stay, just slip into the Long Bar for a Singapore Sling. This cocktail was created here close to a century ago.
The subject of food is a national obsession! Many people start making lunch and dinner plans as soon as breakfast is finished! As a visitor, you’ll be spoiled by the choices available with plenty of food halls, stalls, cafes, and restaurants everywhere you go. A visit to Jollibee Jurong East will have you wanting for more.
Peranakan or Nonya food is the closest Singapore has to ‘national’ cuisine. It combines Chinese, Malay, and other influences into imaginative, tasty, and subtle blends. If you’re visiting in July, the annual Singapore food festival is a must-see. Or, a must-taste. It offers a feast of places to eat with amazing dishes on the menu everywhere.
Sentosa Island is just 15 minutes from downtown Singapore. You’ll find a stunning blend of leisure and recreation, ocean sports, golf courses, and quiet retreats. You can get there by cable car (with fantastic views) or bus, taxi, and car. Seventy percent of the island is covered with a secondary rainforest that ‘houses’ monitor lizards, monkeys, peacocks, and parrots, as well as native plants and animals. It’s also known for its white sandy beach, providing the only place in Singapore with beachfront accommodation like Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort.
Like all great holiday places, Singapore has accommodations to match every budget. You can find incredible 5-star international hotels and lower-priced, smaller venues that offer great value. Visitors can generally stay up to 90 days without a visa. You can search on the Internet to see what deals you can find.
Speak Your Mind