Singapore was never really on my travel list until recently when my friends Paul and Rebecca moved there. Lucky for me, I had the best tour guides a girl could ask for who had lots of local knowledge on what to see, where to eat and what to do. It wasn’t long after I had arrived that left me wondering why I hadn’t visited earlier. On this trip, I was lucky enough to be there for New years celebrations but more on that later.

New Years celebrations!

The following points may be of interest to you if you’re planning on visiting:

• You can’t buy chewing gum in Singapore
• Singapore taxi drivers are typically called “Uncle” (which is an affectionate and respectful expression for someone once they reach a certain age)
• Singapore’s streets are extremely safe as crime rates are low
• English is widely spoken and understood
• You don’t need your winter woolies at any time of the the year as the average temperature all year round is  32 C (90 F), unless of course the air condition is way too high in a taxi, restaurant or shopping centre.
• Any kind of littering  (including spitting) is an offence that you can get fined up to $1000 for.

My recommendations on what to do when you’re there

Singapore Sling

Go to Long Bar at Raffles for a Singapore Sling where this cocktail originated (in 1915) made from gin, cherry liqueur, Grenadine, pineapple and lime juice. One of the more expensive cocktails I’ve had at $31 SGD. You’re also served shelled peanuts here where they allow you to throw the shells on the floor, which adds a fun element to the experience (without getting a fine for littering 😊).

 Singapore Chilli Crab

The Luge – Sentosa Island

I highly recommend doing the Skyline Luge also on Sentosa Island. It was  entertaining and carefree and it was an attraction that took me back to my childhood. This activity is so much fun, you can go at your own pace and is suited for all ages. After the Luge, enjoy a beachside drink at one of the plenty bars (like we did) or you can take the chairlift back to the top and enjoy the scenery along the way.

 Ice-cream sandwich

Bars

I was pretty impressed with the nightlife and found that Singapore had some of the best rooftop bars I’d been to:

Food Glorious Food

Bread Street Kitchen – is a Gordon Ramsay restaurant located in Marina Bay Sands. I was excited to see Pork Belly on the menu which is a favourite of mine and something I don’t cook at home, so of course I had to order it and it did not disappoint!

Tiong Bahru Bakery – the coffee here was fantastic and of course we couldn’t go past the sweet treats without trying the Green Tea croissant which got my vote.

But wait, there’s more!

There was so much to see and do in Singapore and would I definitely go back because there are more adventures to be had. Even though we were only there for 5 days, we also managed to squeeze a lot in.

Chinatown – I loved the energy in this area. Not only were there streets lined with restaurants, shops and market stalls, there were colorful displays at every turn for Chinese New Year celebrations.

Little Arab town – A colourful narrow lane called Haji Lane is filled with charm and character and lined with independent designer boutiques that sell eclectic and one-off items.

Orchard Road – is Singapore’s famous shopping street where you can indulge on retail therapy. You will find a vast array of malls and international brands ranging from high end to low end. The underground tunnels allow you to cross to the other side of the street without the worry of traffic or getting wet when it’s raining (and the discovery of more stores!). We were lucky enough to be there for the Christmas lightup where the street is lined with dazzling lights and the malls are decorated beautifully too.

Cllockwise from left: Year of the Rooster, Colourful Haji Lane, Christmas display on Orchard Road, Shopping in China Town