Introduction: Crazy Rich (and Completely Smitten)
First Impressions
Ever since I first watched Crazy Rich Asians, I’ve had Singapore tucked into my travel daydreams. I pictured glittering skyscrapers, glossy shopping malls, and maybe a cheeky Singapore Sling or two. What I didn’t expect was to fall for it so hard—this tiny city-state wrapped its spotless streets and lush gardens around me before I even unpacked. Singapore was our first stop in Asia, and I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about its famously strict rules. But once you realize “no littering” and “no eating on public transit” are just polite ways of saying “don’t be a jerk,” it’s easy to settle in.
Safe, Clean, and Surprisingly Relaxed
Here’s the thing: those rules make a difference. Because of them, I’ve never felt safer anywhere in the world—not even in small towns where I grew up. The streets feel calm, the public transit is spotless, and strangers don’t push past you like you’re invisible. I went from “will I accidentally break a law?” to “could I live here forever?” in about 48 hours. Singapore isn’t just a destination—it’s a masterclass in how to make a city work for everyone.
A Cultural and Historical Snapshot
Singapore’s history is a whirlwind of reinvention. Once a British trading post, it became independent in 1965 and has since transformed into a global powerhouse. Today, it’s a harmonious blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian cultures—visible in its food stalls, temples, festivals, and even its neighborhoods. English is widely spoken, but you’ll hear a mix of languages in every market and on every street. It’s a living example of diversity done right, and that richness is baked into every experience here.
Where to Stay in Singapore
Hotel Shangri-La Singapore
We booked the Shangri-La through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, and fell in love almost instantly. The lobby’s grand entryway set the tone, and the service was impeccable. Our room wasn’t ready when we arrived, but the staff let us enjoy breakfast that day as a courtesy—a small gesture that set the bar high.
The Breakfast
I’ve stayed in some nice hotels, but this breakfast was the best I’ve ever had. Multiple live stations offered everything from roti prata to sushi, two dozen types of fresh fruit, custom omelets, congee, and pastries that could rival a Paris bakery. Every bite was high-quality, and the staff treated you like a VIP, even if you were still wearing airplane sweatpants.
Amenities and Activities
After breakfast, we explored the lush pool and gardens. Everything was spotless and thoughtfully staffed—boxed water and towels ready at arm’s reach. The staff also let us access our luggage from storage multiple times before our room was ready, without the slightest hint of annoyance.
The Room
Our club-level room came with happy hour drinks, appetizers, and a city view worth pausing for. The bed was plush, the bathroom immaculate, and the extras made it feel like a mini upgrade to our whole trip.
Location
About a 10-minute walk to the nearest MRT station, the neighborhood felt safe and upscale, with greenery spilling from balconies. Singapore’s obsession with incorporating plants into architecture reminded me of Mexico City—but turned up several notches.
Other Luxury Options
- Raffles Hotel – Old-world elegance, historic charm, and the birthplace of the Singapore Sling. Even if you don’t stay here, the Long Bar is a must.
- Marina Bay Sands – Modern luxury with that infinity pool. Only hotel guests can swim there, but there are other ways to get the view.
Mid-Range Hotels
- PARKROYAL on Pickering – Known for its sky gardens and eco-friendly design, this hotel blends nature with sleek modern style.
- Naumi Hotel – Chic, boutique vibes with a rooftop pool and a prime location near Bugis and Marina Bay.
Budget-Friendly Picks
- The Pod @ Beach Road – Stylish capsule hotel with privacy screens and comfortable bedding.
- Champion Hotel – A clean, affordable base in the heart of Joo Chiat, surrounded by colorful shophouses and great local eats.
Things to Do in Singapore
Book a Food Tour
Singapore’s hawker centers are like edible encyclopedias—you could spend days flipping through flavors and never repeat a page. But with hundreds of stalls, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why we booked Arthur, a WithLocals guide who somehow knows everyone from the satay master to the guy steaming buns in the corner.
By day, he’s a software engineer; by night, he’s basically the unofficial mayor of the hawker scene. Between bites, we detoured to a flea market, learned how Singapore designs its neighborhoods to help the elderly stay independent, and ate enough to justify calling it both breakfast and lunch.
Gardens by the Bay
Floral Fantasy
Floral Fantasy feels like someone handed a master florist a blank check and said, “Go wild.” Flowers spill from ceilings, twist into sculptural shapes, and pop in colors so vivid they almost hum. It’s part art installation, part dreamscape, and entirely worth lingering in.
Go early to avoid the crowds, bring a tripod for the inevitable photos, and don’t rush—it’s a place that rewards slow wandering. Even if you’re not a “flower person,” this space will make you one.
Flower Dome
The Flower Dome is the largest glass greenhouse in the world, and it’s a passport-free trip through multiple climates.
You’ll wander from the Mediterranean to the deserts of Australia, all without breaking a sweat thanks to the perfect air conditioning. The orchid section alone could make a grown adult cry—intricate, wild, and nothing like the grocery-store variety. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, take in the textures, and remember that plants are, in fact, living works of art. Bonus: it’s a great mid-day activity if you need a break from the Singapore sun.
OCBC Skyway
Suspended between the famous Supertrees, this 128-meter-long walkway offers the kind of view that makes you briefly forget you’re afraid of heights. By day, you see the city sprawling out in every direction; by night, the trees light up like something from a sci-fi film. It’s a quick walk—ten minutes if you rush, twenty if you savor—but it’s worth timing for golden hour. The gentle sway underfoot just adds to the magic. Bring a camera and a little courage.
Cloud Forest
Step inside the Cloud Forest and you’re greeted by the world’s tallest indoor waterfall crashing down into a misty garden. It’s cool here, both in temperature and in vibe, and the spiraling walkways take you past rare plants and vertical gardens.
Check the website for misting times—the rolling fog makes the whole place feel like a set from Avatar. Each level offers a new perspective, and before you know it, an hour has disappeared. It’s easily one of the most unique botanical experiences you’ll ever have.
Garden Rhapsody Night Show
Every night at 7:45 and 8:45 PM, the Supertrees put on a light and music show that manages to be both dramatic and oddly soothing. The trick is to skip the benches and stretch out on the grass for the full skyward view. As the colors pulse and change with the music, it feels less like watching a performance and more like being inside one. It’s free, it’s mesmerizing, and it’s the perfect nightcap after a long day. You’ll leave humming the soundtrack without realizing it.
Marina Bay Sands
You don’t need to stay at Marina Bay Sands to feel like you’re on top of the world—literally. Take the elevator to the 57th floor and skip the paid SkyPark Observation Deck in favor of the smoking deck (which is free, quiet, and wildly underrated).
From up here, Singapore’s skyline is a glittering circuit board, the bay reflecting every light. Sunset is gorgeous, but nighttime is pure magic. Bring something to toast with—it feels like a celebration just standing there.
ArtScience Museum
Shaped like a lotus flower, the ArtScience Museum is where creativity meets technology and both get a little giddy. Exhibits range from interactive digital art to hands-on installations that make you feel like a kid again. You can slide, climb, and even see your doodles come alive on massive screens. It’s one of those rare museums where no one’s shushing you for having fun. Perfect for a hot afternoon or when you need an escape from the humidity.
We loved watching our drawings come to life on the wall; also, be sure that you are wearing closed toed shoes! Robert was kind enough to swap shoes with me so I could climb on the rope-stepping experience.
Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay is what happens when someone decides the waterfront should also be a rainbow. By day, the pastel shophouses are charming; by night, the whole area turns into a buzzing mix of music, food, and clinking glasses. It’s undeniably touristy, but in that unapologetic “you’re here to have fun” way. Perfect for dinner and drinks after a day of sightseeing. Bonus points if you get the views from the boats.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
In the heart of Chinatown, this ornate temple is said to house a sacred relic: one of the Buddha’s teeth. Whether or not you’re here for religious reasons, the building itself is stunning—rich reds, gold accents, and carvings so intricate you’ll need to zoom in on your photos later to catch them all.
Inside, the atmosphere is reverent, but visitors are welcome to explore respectfully. Don’t miss the rooftop garden—it’s a quiet retreat from the busy streets below.
Merlion Park
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s crowded. And yes, you still have to go. The Merlion—half lion, half fish—is Singapore’s mascot, and seeing it in person is like checking off a rite of passage. The waterfront setting makes it a nice spot for photos, and if you go early in the morning, you might even have it (almost) to yourself.
City Tour with a Local Guide
We booked another WithLocals tour to explore the city’s neighborhoods and history, and it was one of the best decisions we made. Our guide wove together stories about Singapore’s transformation from fishing village to global powerhouse, pointing out little details we’d have missed on our own.
From the financial district to Little India, Kampong Gelam, and Chinatown, every stop felt like a new layer in the city’s identity. It’s sightseeing, but with context—and that makes all the difference.
Boat Tour
Seeing Singapore from the water is like flipping the city’s postcard to its best angle. By day, you get a clear view of its architectural mix; by night, the skyline reflects in the bay like a mirror made of neon. It’s peaceful, breezy, and surprisingly affordable. If you can, time it for sunset—you’ll get the best of both worlds. We loved our experience with Singapore River Cruises out of Clarke Quay!
What to Eat and Drink in Singapore
Singapore Sling
Born in 1915 at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, the Singapore Sling was created so women could enjoy a cocktail in public without raising eyebrows. Today, it’s a tropical mix of gin, cherry liqueur, Benedictine, pineapple, and lime juice—served in a tall glass with a slice of history. The peanut shells on the floor, the rattan fans overhead, and the old-world charm make it more than just a drink stop. Yes, it’s pricey, but you’re paying for the experience as much as the cocktail. And honestly? It’s worth it.
Durian
Durian is the “king of fruits” and also the most controversial guest at the party. Its smell is famously divisive—banned in hotels and on public transport—but its flavor is creamy, sweet, and unlike anything else.
If the idea of cutting into one makes you nervous, start with durian ice cream for a gentler introduction. It’s one of those “you have to try it once” experiences. Whether you love it or hate it, you’ll have a story to tell.
Mee Goreng
Mee Goreng is the stir-fried comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Yellow noodles get tossed with prawns, egg, and vegetables in a fiery chili sauce that’s as addictive as it is messy. Every hawker puts their own spin on it—some sweeter, some spicier, all delicious. It’s cheap, filling, and best eaten while sitting at a plastic table under the glow of fluorescent lights. Bonus points if you pair it with a cold beer.
Hawker Center Chicken Fried Rice
Don’t let the simplicity fool you—hawker-style chicken fried rice is a masterclass in flavor. The secret is wok hei, the smoky “breath of the wok” that comes from cooking over intense heat.
The chicken is tender, the rice perfectly seasoned, and the portion generous enough to share (though you probably won’t). It’s the kind of dish you think about long after you leave. And at a few dollars a plate, you’ll be tempted to go back for seconds.
Kaya Toast
Kaya toast is a breakfast staple that somehow tastes like nostalgia, even if you’ve never had it before. The kaya—a coconut and pandan jam—is sweet, creamy, and perfectly matched with crisp, buttery toast. Served with soft-boiled eggs and strong local coffee, it’s the perfect start to a day of exploring. Eat it slowly, preferably while people-watching in a busy café. You’ll understand why locals love it.
Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung is a dumpling lover’s dream. The xiao long bao (soup dumplings) are delicate little parcels of savory broth and tender pork, folded with surgical precision. Bite carefully—these things are lava-hot inside—and savor each mouthful. It’s fast, it’s consistent, and it’s surprisingly affordable for the quality. If you’ve never eaten soup out of a dumpling, start here.
Chili Crab
Chili crab is Singapore’s messy, glorious, national dish. Whole crabs are stir-fried in a thick, spicy-sweet sauce that clings to every crevice. You’ll need both hands, a stack of napkins, and possibly a bib. It’s not dainty eating, but that’s part of the fun. Mop up the sauce with fried mantou buns and thank me later.
Final Tips for Visiting Singapore
Carry Some Cash
Credit cards are widely accepted, but some hawker stalls and small shops still prefer cash. Having the equivalent of $30–50 USD in Singapore dollars means you can grab that irresistible snack without hunting for an ATM. Plus, cash can be faster during busy meal rushes when lines move quickly.
Use Grab
Singapore doesn’t do Uber—they do Grab. The app works just like rideshare services you’re used to, but here’s the pro tip: change your payment method to card before you book. If you leave it on “cash” by default, you might find yourself making an awkward ATM run mid-trip (ask me how I know).
Prepare for the Humidity
As someone from Houston, I thought I knew humidity. Singapore said, “Bless your heart” and proved me wrong. The air feels like warm soup most days, but the silver lining is that the city believes in—and invests in—excellent air conditioning. Carry water, take breaks indoors, and embrace it as part of the tropical charm.
Drink the Tap Water
Not only is Singapore’s tap water safe to drink—it’s some of the cleanest in the world. Skip the bottled water and refill as you go. Your wallet and the planet will thank you.
Take the MRT
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system is everything public transportation should be: clean, efficient, and safe—even late at night. I’d ride it solo without a second thought. It’s the fastest way to get across the city without sitting in traffic.
Know the Laws Before You Go
Most of Singapore’s rules are common sense, but it’s worth checking if your prescription medications require prior approval from the Health Sciences Authority. And double-check your luggage before you fly—chewing gum, for example, is restricted. A few minutes of research saves a lot of stress.
Airport Security is at the Gate
Unlike most airports, Changi’s security screening happens right before you board your flight, not when you enter the terminal. This means you can linger in the airport’s famous gardens, shops, and lounges right up until boarding—but don’t cut it too close. Even paradise has lines.
