Singapore

Singapore's vibe is a fascinating mix of hyper-efficiency and lush, untamed nature, wrapped in a futuristic shell. Travelers often expect a sterile, rule-obsessed city, but discover a vibrant, multicultural hub with a wild, green soul. It's a place where you can explore a misty cloud forest in the morning, get lost in a bustling heritage market by noon, and sip cocktails on a skyscraper rooftop by night.

Three key reasons make Singapore a compelling destination. First, the food scene is an absolute knockout, especially the hawker centres, where you can get mind-blowingly delicious, Michelin-recognized meals for less than a fancy coffee back home. Second, it's a vision of the future. The architecture, from Marina Bay Sands to the supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, feels like stepping onto a sci-fi movie set. And third, it's an incredible cultural intersection. In a single afternoon, you can wander from the fragrant spice shops of Little India to the serene temples of Chinatown and the colorful textiles of Kampong Glam. It's a city that's as diverse as it is dazzling.

Singaporeans are typically polite and reserved, yet they are consistently helpful to visitors. You'll hear a mix of languages, but English is universally spoken, which makes things incredibly easy. The real treat is listening to "Singlish," the local colloquial English that's a rapid-fire mix of English, Malay, Hokkien, and Tamil. It’s a language that perfectly reflects the city's multicultural fabric. Don't be shy; a friendly "hello" to a shopkeeper or hawker stall "auntie" or "uncle" (common terms of respect for elders) usually brings a warm response.

Singapore's food scene stands as its biggest highlight, centered around the incredible hawker centres. This is where you'll find the soul of the city's cuisine. Absolute must-try dishes include Hainanese Chicken Rice (don't miss Tian Tian in Maxwell Food Centre), Chilli Crab (a glorious, messy affair), and a steaming bowl of Laksa. You can have an amazing, filling meal for typically S$5-S$12, with many excellent options still found for under S$10. It’s a culinary democracy where street food stalls earn Michelin stars, and every visitor should dive into this culinary experience headfirst.

Singapore's infrastructure sets a global standard. The internet is lightning-fast and reliable pretty much everywhere. The entire city feels air-conditioned, from the shopping malls to the underground walkways connecting MRT stations. The public transport system, especially the MRT (metro), is punctual, clean, and ridiculously efficient. You won't worry about power cuts or questionable water; you can drink straight from the tap. It sets a standard that few other cities in the world can match.

You'll almost certainly fly into Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), which is consistently voted one of the best airports in the world and is an attraction in itself (seriously, check out the Jewel). Getting to the city is a breeze. The most cost-effective way is the MRT train; you'll need to make one easy transfer at Tanah Merah station to get onto the main East-West line. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are also readily available and will get you to the city center in about 25-35 minutes for around S$25-S$45, depending on surcharges (e.g., airport, peak hour, late night) which can add significantly to the fare.

Getting around Singapore is incredibly simple. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is the star of the show – it's clean, efficient, and constantly expanding, covering almost every corner of the island you'd want to visit. Highly recommend getting an EZ-Link card from any MRT station or 7-Eleven; you just tap it to pay for both trains and buses. Central neighborhoods are very walkable, but be prepared for the humidity! For everything else, the Grab app (the Southeast Asian version of Uber) is my go-to for affordable and convenient rides.

Singapore is famously one of the safest cities in the world. Violent crime is extremely rare. The main thing to be aware of isn't physical danger, but the strict local laws. Don't even think about bringing drugs into the country; penalties are severe and include the death penalty, even for small amounts. Vapes and e-cigarettes are also illegal; from September 2025, using or possessing a vape can result in a S$700 fine for adults, with repeat offenders facing more severe consequences including deportation, especially if the devices contain illicit substances. Littering, jaywalking (which can land you a fine of S$50 for a first offense, with higher penalties for repeat violations), and even chewing gum (it's not sold here) can all lead to hefty fines. In this country you must be aware that rules are taken very seriously here so take the time to learn them and adhere to them.