Singapore Travel Review
I spent about a week traveling in Singapore. It was my first visit, but the modern city was very convenient and easy to navigate. There were many tourist attractions, and it was easy to move around, making it an excellent travel destination... and there were many Japanese people!
Below is my review of Singapore... or rather, an introduction. Since I only visited the right side of the country, I don't know much about the left side. As always, I'll write about my experiences in a casual and categorized way.
Rating: +2 (Highly recommended!)
- You can enjoy both old and modern scenery
- Easy to move around
- Many diverse restaurants and cafes
- Good safety
With about 5 days, you can visit the main attractions and experience the foreign atmosphere without too much hassle, making it a high-cost-performance travel destination.
Tourist Attractions
Marina Bay Sands
First, I'll introduce Marina Bay Sands, which is as famous as the Merlion. The abbreviation is MBS, which sounds like a TV station.
This boat-shaped building is a complex facility with a hotel as its main attraction. It's a 5-star hotel with a casino and shopping mall, similar to those in Las Vegas.
The rooftop pool is famous, but only hotel guests can use it. The observation deck costs S$23 (free for hotel guests), but honestly, it's not worth it unless you're an observation deck enthusiast. If you want to visit both, consider staying at the hotel.
From the observation deck, you can see the nearby Gardens by the Bay.
The facilities inside are also luxurious, with high-end brands, a casino, and a food court that's not too expensive.
There's also a TWG tea shop, which is a great souvenir.
And there's even an IPPUDO ramen shop.
By the way, the Venetian in Las Vegas, which is also part of the Sands group, has a similar atmosphere.
Unfortunately, the Merlion near Marina Bay Sands was under construction, so I couldn't see it.
Gardens by the Bay
Near Marina Bay Sands is a huge park called Gardens by the Bay, which is also a famous tourist attraction. You can spend a few hours here.
At the entrance, you'll be greeted by a giant Merlion.
Be careful of the otters crossing the road.
There are giant trees you can climb.
At night, the trees are lit up, and there are regular shows.
There are two plant domes, Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, where you can see natural plants and art collaborations.
Street Scenes
The area around Marina Bay Sands is very spacious. You might think that the buildings and roads are small, but they're actually huge. The shopping malls are also large, similar to those in Australia.
Unfortunately, I don't have any photos that show the scale of the area, so you'll have to experience it for yourself. Here are some street art photos:
On the other hand, the atmosphere changes significantly when you move to a different area. The Katong district has a unique culture and architecture, and you can find famous Laksa shops and Peranakan culture.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is a resort island near the city center, accessible by taxi or bus. The entrance fee is around S$2-6, depending on the mode of transportation.
Here, you can find various attractions, including the giant Merlion.
You can enter the Merlion, and it's like entering the Osaka Tower. You'll receive a gold coin as a souvenir, and you can take a commemorative photo.
Night Safari
The Night Safari is a zoo that's open only at night, with a unique concept. It's like the Taronga Zoo in Australia.
Here, you can take a tram tour or walk around the zoo. The tram tour is recommended, as you can see animals up close. Be careful not to miss the animals, as they might be hiding.
ArtScience Museum
The ArtScience Museum is located near Marina Bay Sands and has a unique lotus-shaped building.
Here, you can find exhibitions such as the Future World exhibition, which is a collaboration with TeamLab. It's a great place to visit with children or if you're an Instagram enthusiast.
Food and Drink
First, let's talk about Laksa, a famous Singaporean noodle dish. I had it in the Katong district, and it was delicious.
Next, there's the Singapore Sling, a famous cocktail. You can find it at the Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel, where it was invented.
Shopping Malls
The shopping malls in Singapore are huge and have a variety of shops. Marina Bay Sands has high-end brands, while Suntec City has more casual shops.
Transportation
The roads in Singapore are wide and well-planned, making it easy to move around. Taxis are also convenient, but the drivers can be a bit rough.
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system is also efficient, and you can use a prepaid card like Suica.
Language
English is the official language, but Singlish, a unique Singaporean English, is also widely spoken. Chinese is also widely spoken, especially among older people.
Tips
Marina Bay Sands has a membership card that offers various benefits. You can get a free S$40 voucher if you sign up for the card at the casino.
Flight
I flew with Singapore Airlines, which offers direct flights from Japan. The flight attendants were friendly, and the food was delicious.
Hotel
I stayed at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia, which is a high-end hotel with a great location. The room was spacious, and the service was excellent.
Conclusion
Singapore is a country with a unique culture that blends Chinese, Indian, and Malay influences. You can enjoy the modern city, diverse food, and various tourist attractions. The safety is also good, making it a great travel destination. With about 5 days, you can visit the main attractions and experience the foreign atmosphere without too much hassle.
