A hop, skip, and a jump away, Singapore is a small island city-state that is known for its eclectic Asian street style and considered a global business hub. Home to a large number of expats and travellers, Singapore packs a cultural package for visitors. See what makes Singapore, ‘Uniquely Singapore.’
WHERE TO GO:
Jurong Bird Park
Most countries are famous for their architecture or even their zoos, but Singapore stands out as they house a beautiful sanctuary for almost 5000 birds from all corners of the world. What makes this park special is the interactivity between the birds and tourists. With thrilling bird shows; Kings of the sky, Lunch with Parrots and bird feedings, visitors get a lively experience that’s well worth the money. They house a kaleidoscope of birds ranging from owls, flamingoes, ducks, pelicans, storks and the list goes on. Every nook and cranny of the park is located on the map given at the entrance, allowing visitors to navigate through the park effortlessly.
Singapore Zoo
Also known as the World’s best Rainforest Zoo, Singapore Zoo is unlike any other zoo you’ve ever seen because it lets animals roam freely in open and has built naturalistic habitats. You won’t find any lonely or gloomy animals confined in a tiny space. Nine-time winner of the Best Leisure Attraction Experience award by Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore zoo is a 26-hectare wildlife park that is home to more than 2,800 animals and 300 species of animals, reptiles, and birds. They focus on and promote conservation and preservation of biodiversity through educational displays and shows that allow visitors to learn more about animals and steps they can take towards helping the environment. Hourly tram rides take visitors through the many areas of the park. Animal feedings are available for a variety of animals such as Giraffes, Elephants, Otters, and much more. To make things easier for visitors, they have created their own official Singapore Zoo app. The features allow you to buy tickets, plan your itinerary, and get around with an interactive map.
Sentosa Island
This popular island resort is known as a weekend getaway for Singaporeans. With a long stretch of unsheltered beach, Fort Siloso, two golf courses, 14 hotels, resorts, and Universal Studios this island is the perfect escape from city life. Enjoy a stroll down the Sentosa Boardwalk, or dine in one of the many themed restaurants around the island. Soak in the sun in the many beaches of Sentosa: Palawan, Siloso, and Tanjong beach. Give your adventurous side a little run by having a go at zip line and water sports! For nature lovers, there are opportunities where you can embark on a quaint nature walk throughout the island, visit Mount Imbiah, or take a trip to the Sentosa
Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer can be considered the London Eye of the East. It’s regarded as the world’s largest observation wheel, and is one of Asia’s biggest tourist attractions. Launched in 2008, this spectacle is more than just a breathtaking view it captures the skyline of Marina Bay, with a little sneak peek of Mayalasia and Indonesia. Not only does the Flyer allow one to experience a breathtaking panoramic view, they also offer the world’s first full ‘Butler Sky Dining’ experience.
Gardens by the Bay
This attraction brings the ‘city’ to the garden. This area is more than just a garden and includes many attractions such as the Cloud Forest, this mini-mountain zone allows you to experience the wilderness while you’re still in the city; learn about the diverse vegetation and flora that encapsulate the essence of the mountains. Or indulge in a walk through the Sun Pavilion, you’ll be transported to the dry-lands and deserts, be transported to some of the world’s most dynamic dry-lands and deserts, it’s nothing but extraordinary.
WHAT TO EAT:
Kaya Toast
Lets’ take a ‘kopi’ break and have a little Kaya toast. This pastry is delicious when eaten with coffee or tea. What makes this grill sandwich so tasty? It’s the kaya jam that is slathered in between. It’s a traditional jam made from coconut and eggs. You have two slices of grilled bread with traces of butter and kaya toast slathered on, served with perfection.
Chili Crab
Another treat that one can find at hawker centers is succulent chili crab. A meal that should be shared by a family of foodies, it has two components fried crab and a sweet yet savory sauce. The sauce is what makes this dish drool-worthy. The base is created by infusing chili and tomato sauces which pack a punch and will tingle your taste buds. Other elements of the sauce are garlic vinegar, flour and egg ribbons which give the sauce its thick and fluffy texture.
Fried Sesame Ball (Jian Dui)
This golden nugget originates from China, and can be bought at local Chinese bakeries. That’s the magnificent thing about Singapore, you don’t just have the standard bakery but pastries from all cultures. If you love sesame seeds and crispy confectionaries this is the perfecr for you, but it’s the filling that gets the attention! The sweet and chewy texture of the filling compliments the crispiness of the outer sesame coating. Popular fillings would be red bean paste, lotus seed paste, or various nutty versions.
Hakka Yong Tau Foo
Tau Foo, tofu? It’s one in the same! This is not just one dish but a combination of delicacies such as chili, lady’s finger, bean curd, bitter gourd, mushroom, tofu skin and eggplant bathed in a steamy broth or can be served dry. The added broth allows vegetables to cook further and soak up the flavour of the broth. This healthy meal can be found at stalls in Goldhill Hakka Restaurant along Changi Road and Rong Xin Cooked Food at Tanjong Pagar Market and Food Centre.
Laksa
Based on Perankan cusine which is a combination of Indonesian, Malay, and Chinese falvours Laksa is one of the popular dishes in Asia. Laksa Lemak is a spicy-coconut gravy based dish that consists of noodles, fishcake, prawns, and chopped bean sprouts. In Singapore, Katong is the infamous neighborhood in which Laksa can be found in many hawker centers and food courts that dish out this delicacy.
