100 Travel Stories
Let’s Go to Singapore!
An introduction to a series of posts exploring the island city-state of Singapore.
It was a quick decision to visit one of Asia’s top destinations. I booked my flight in Bangkok through AirAsia.com and chose the Fragrance Hotel Ruby, located in the heart of Singapore’s red-light district, Geylang.
I did some quick trip planning using the Frommer’s online guide, leaving the details to fate (or simply to whim).
For this five-day trip, I decided to skip checked baggage (which would have cost extra) and take only my backpack as carry-on luggage.
And, of course I left my chewing gum at home. Singapore has banned chewing gum since 1992!
Welcome to the Lion City
In Sanskrit “Singapura” means “Lion City”.
First Impressions
There’s nowhere that looks like Singapore; it’s absolutely beautiful on a purely aesthetic level. – Lisa Joy
Singapore is a modern, wealthy, well-organized and clean city, where daily life is governed by numerous laws and regulations that are strictly enforced.
In some ways, it sits somewhere between Bangkok and Tokyo, but without the rough edges of the former or the refinement of the latter.
You are under constant surveillance in Singapore, 24 hours a day, from every direction. I’ve never seen so many CCTV cameras and warning signs anywhere else in the world.
But the most striking warning comes before you even arrive. Printed on the immigration card handed out on the airplane is the message: “Warning: Death for Drug Traffickers under Singapore Law.”
Getting Around
Getting around Singapore by MRT is easy, with convenient connections to all the main tourist attractions. You can buy a three-day Singapore Tourist Pass at Changi Airport.
Highlights
A Touch of the Past: Geylang
Spectacular Architecture
Cultures of Singapore
10 Weird Laws in Singapore You Should Know Before You Go
Fun Places to Go
- Excitement and entertainment in the Lion City: Sentosa Island, Clarke Quay, the Raffles Hotel, Orchard Road, Club Street, Geylang Red Light District and more
Quick Facts
- Island city-state
- Population: 5.4 million
- Independent since 1965
- Multicultural society
- Languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil
- Global hub for commerce, transportation and finance
- One of the world’s most expensive city
- Tropical climate
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