Aaaah, Singapore. The place where you have to zip your wallets tight because this city is considered as one of the most expensive cities in the world. The cost of living in this financial city has indeed skyrocketed through the years due to expansive development. With a population of 5 million people on one little island, Singapore is one of the most densely populated urban areas in the world.
Singapore is a very small country situated in the middle of South-East Asia, amidst countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Compared to those countries, Singapore is a midget in size but with a GDP (PPP) per capita equalling $60,000, it is the economic powerhouse of the region.
The one thing that makes Singapore the envy of the world is its ability to urban plan a cityscape thats ultra-neat, compact and ever-changing. Buildings which are of no more use are constantly being strip apart to allow space for larger buildings. Thus, Singapore is a haven for modern, state-of-the-art architectural buildings.
Singapore's CBD
The Downtown Core
Amongst the glistening skyscrapers, the one building that truly stands out in Singapore's skyline is the integrated resort known as the Marina Bay Sands.
Marina Bay Sands
This behemoth of a building houses everything imaginable. Convention Center? Casino? 5-Star Hotel? Museum? Shopping Mall? Theatre? All checked.
Singapore Arts and Science Museum @ Marina Bay Sands
Even a skating rink?!
Though small, Singapore has been host to numerous international events. The first-ever Youth Olympic Games was held in Singapore!
The highlight about Singapore though, has to be Orchard Road. This road is lined with so many shopping malls that it'll take you days to visit every one of them. Orchard Road is universally known for its Christmas decorations but alas, my trip there was a few days after the decorations were taken off.
Orchard Road
Orchard Road
Year of the Dragon
No Christmas lights? No worries, have a dragon instead. That's right, I arrived a few days before Chinese New Year !
Paragon Mall
Ion Mall
Orchard Road
If shopping isn't your thing, don't fret. Singapore caters for all levels of fun. Resorts World Sentosa is another gargantuan development. This second integrated resort includes 4 amazing hotels, a casino and Universal Studios!
Universal Studios Singapore
The famed globe
Main Street
Lion City
Battlestar Galactica
One of the most anticipated roller coasters is this duel roller coaster exclusive to Universal Studios Singapore!
Egypt
Mummy tomb
Sphinx
Anubis
Lost World
Far Far Away
But wait, Singapore is not just about all those great stuff. Singaporean food is known the world over! Singapore's very own cocktail, the Singapore Sling is a must-try. I had one on my flight to Singapore but it was nowhere near as good as the one I had in Raffles Hotel. After all, Raffles Hotel was the birthplace of the Singapore Sling.
Raffles Hotel's Singapore Sling
One of Singapore's most famous dish is the Hainanese Chicken Rice. Every other stall that serves Hainanese chicken rice serves it well, so you won't go wrong. Just follow the where the crowd goes! A plate costs normally around $6-$8.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
But if you're up for something more exclusive (and got heaps of money to spare), try the Hainanese chicken rice @ Chatterbox Meritus Mandarin. A plate of this would cost you more than $20 but it is indeed different than the norm. The soup that accompanies the chicken rice is boiled with ginseng!
Chatterbox Chicken Rice (I called for room service)
I became adventurous on my trip and asked my brother (he's a local in Singapore) to bring me out for a typical Singapore supper. He brought me here;
Scissor Cut Rice
"Scissor cut rice" is a famous term in Singapore referring to this dish. Pieces of fish, chicken, eggs (you name it!) are placed over a bed of rice and then cut with a scissor. It's then smothered with gravy.
My take on it
Honestly, scissor-cut rice is an acquired taste in my opinion. My brother and his friends loved it but I thought the grease was overwhelming. I think I'll be sticking to the seafood the next time i'm in Singapore.
Butter Crab
Black-Pepper Crab
Writing off,
Rich
