Singapore

Singapore is a modern, independent city-state whose citizens exemplify politeness, cleanliness, and respect for others. It’s pristine. People don’t eat in the streets or the underground metro. Dropping trash is subject to a fine. On public transport, young people automatically give up their seats to the elderly, and public services utilize the most updated technology, from the airport check-in and baggage collection to the Metro Station, where no tickets are required. One simply scans one’s credit card upon entering and exiting the station.
Bougainvillea plants in full bloom provide a palette of colors to traditionally dull highway dividers, while tropical vines wrap themselves around trees that flank the highways and parks.

First-time visitors to Singapore typically make Marina Bay Sands the first stop on their sightseeing list. Marina Bay Sands is Singapore’s most iconic man-made landmark: it boasts three towers topped and joined by a stainless steel rooftop terrace that resembles a mammoth surfboard. The rooftop houses an infinity-edge pool, spas, a wading pool, and a reflecting pool. The two sides of the trio of buildings resemble colossal clothes pegs.

The three, fifty-seven story towers facing the waterfront have twenty-six hundred suites, a casino, and a shopping mall in a class of its own, showcasing the majority of international designers from Zara to Cartier, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Givenchy, etcetera.
The mall is on three floors. Natural light filters in through a glass orb-shaped skylight, and visitors glide along indoor canals in little boats.

The bayside outdoor plaza has a full-on view of stately skyscrapers piercing the blue skies, a Louis Vuitton architectural masterpiece resting in the water, and an art museum housed in an out-of-space white building.

The Indoor “Gardens By the Bay and Cloud Forest” is a man-made wonderland bursting with flowers, exotic foliage, trees, and waterfalls. It epitomizes Singaporeans’ love of gardens and flowers. Plan to spend two to three and a half hours exploring the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.

Chinatown and Little India
Chinatown and Little India simmer with colorful, atmospheric, bustling streets. The rich aromas of food drift out of restaurants, little stores are stocked to the rafters, and traditional temples transport one to another world.

The Pedestrian Streets of Chinatown.

A beautiful temple in Little India.

Santosa Island
A ride across the bay in an aerial tramway hovering over the marina, skyscrapers, ships, and forests is a memorable experience. The views are spectacular. On the other hand, Santosa turns out to be a giant Disneyland. It’s great for families with young children but rather kitsch and overflowing with lines of tourists and locals.

The Read Bridge Neighborhood
Read Bridge straddles the Singapore River at Clark Quay, where boats drift silently downriver past alfresco bars and restaurants. Across the Bridge, a shopping and eatery-covered mall is lined with shophouses painted in vibrant colors. The area comes to life at night with live music, entertainment, bars, and restaurants overflowing with people, while the quay offers terrific views of the sparkling city skyline.

Clark Quay.

Singapore River. A boat glides under Read Bridge.

Plan on spending three days in Singapore to enjoy all the sites. Wear light clothing, and drink lots of water. The climate is hot and humid. Consider a hand-held fan to keep cool.