Let’s Go to Singapore!

“Let’s Go to Singapore!” is the entry page to a series of posts exploring the island city-state of Singapore.

Planning

One of a sudden I decided to go to Singapore. I checked the AirAsia.com promotions for Bangkok and I booked the flight and the “Fragrance Hotel Ruby” in the middle of the Singapore red light district, Geylang.

I did a quick planning of the trip using the Frommer’s Singapore online guide, letting the details out for the fate (or whim) to decide.

For the five days trip I renounced to the checked baggage (that would cost me extra) and I took only my backpack as a carry-on luggage.

And, of course I left my chewing gum at home. Singapore banned the chewing gum since 1992!

Welcome to the Lion City

In Sanskrit  “Singapura” means “Lion City”.

First Impressions

Singapore is a modern, rich, civilized and clean city, whose daily life is governed by a multitude of laws and rules that are strictly enforced.

Singapore, as a city, is somewhere between Bangkok and Tokyo, but without the roughness of the former and without the finesse of the last.

While in Singapore, you are under constant surveillance, 24 hours, 360 degrees. I’ve never seen anywhere in the world so many CCTV cameras and warning signs.

But the biggest warning you will receive is on the airplane before arrival: “Warning: Death for Drug Traffickers under Singapore Law” – printed on the immigration card.

Getting Around in Singapore

By MRT train is very easy to travel in Singapore to all the tourist destinations. You can buy the three days Singapore Tourist Pass from Changi airport.

Highlights of Singapore

The highlights of Singapore will be presented in a series of informative and visual posts:

• A Touch of the Past: Geylang – the red light district and old shophouses
• Singapore’s Spectacular Architecture – Marina Bay photos
• Cultures of Singapore – The Arab Quarter, China Town and Little India
• 10 Weird Laws in Singapore You Should Know Before You Go
• Fun Places to Go in Singapore – Sentosa Island, Clarke Quay, the Raffles Hotel, Orchard Road, Club Street, Singapore Flyer and Geylang Red Light District

Quick Facts Singapore

• Island city-state
• Population: 5.4 million
• Independent from 1965
• Multicultural
• Languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil
• Global commerce, transportation and financial hub
• The world’s most expensive city
• Tropical climate

Singapore Map

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