As I’m spending a year studying abroad in Singapore, I thought now would be the perfect time to reminisce about my last trip to this amazing country. Seven years ago, I was lucky enough to visit friends who lived on Sentosa Island, off the southern coast of mainland Singapore. I flew there with no idea what Singapore was or what it was like. I returned two weeks later, and it’s no exaggeration to say that I was enthralled with every aspect of Singapore and swore to my parents that I would return to Singapore by any means necessary.
I never dreamed I’d call Singapore home seven years later, and I’d like to take this opportunity to share with you why this tiny city-state, 6,800 miles from Birmingham, is one of the best countries in the world.
A country I believe to be one of the best in the world
Gardens by the Bay
One of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks is Gardens by the Bay. The concept was first conceived in 2005 and then realised in 2012 as a project that aims to make Singapore a “city in a garden”. Singapore is committed to sustainability and combining industrial and nature-based architecture in its tourist destinations was an important step for the country to attract tourists while working towards its sustainability goals. It’s hard not to be impressed by this horticultural masterpiece. Wherever you look, these structures feel like another world, far away from the bustling city life. Despite being so close to the central business district, it’s easy to get lost. As this is a must-see attraction in Singapore, we recommend booking your tickets in advance as it books up quickly for both tourists and residents.
Singapore is committed to sustainability, combining industrial and nature-based architecture.
What to see on Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is privately owned by some residents, but if you want a break from the towering skyscrapers of mainland Singapore, this tropical paradise is worth a visit. Sentosa is home to Universal Studios (although much smaller than the parks in Florida and California), beach clubs, and (my favorite attraction) a 450-metre zip wire that runs from Sentosa across the beach to Siloso Beach Island (another island a little further out in the South China Sea). If you’re feeling adventurous, all of these attractions and more can be reached from mainland Singapore by taxi, bus or cable car.
Marina Bay Sands Hotel
Located in Singapore’s Central Business District, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel has become one of the city’s most famous, postcard-like landmarks. Officially opened in 2010, the hotel is known as the “ship-like” or “deck-like” hotel for its distinctive, yet interpretive, appearance. Designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, MBS boasts the world’s largest infinity pool and its own shopping centre. While the price of over £700 a night is certainly too much for most, I recommend visiting the hotel’s SkyPark Observation Deck (cantilevered) for a fraction of that price, from where you can gaze upon breathtaking views of Singapore’s vibrant city life below.
This tropical paradise is worth a visit
Hawker Centre
Food is an integral part of Singapore culture, and hawker centres are the perfect representation of the cultural melting pot that is Singapore. They’re where locals gather and mingle. And when locals are there, you know the food is worth it. A meal costs just $3 (about £1.80), a stark contrast to the pricey grocery stores and restaurants across Singapore. It’s no wonder that some people eat at hawkers three times a day. From quintessential Singaporean dishes like chicken rice (hawker Tiang Tiang has been awarded a Michelin star) and chilli crab, to Malay, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, make a visit to a hawker centre a priority if you want to learn more about authentic Singaporean life.
What do you want to discover during your study abroad?
Of course, my description of the attractions in Singapore above is from when I visited Singapore as a tourist. But these attractions are definitely places I will visit during my studies abroad because, despite being tourist attractions, they are undoubtedly the enchanting places that made me fall in love with Singapore. For me, these attractions represent nostalgia but also future discovery. Everywhere you turn in Singapore, there is something new to discover, and even the tourist attractions give you much more than what you see on your first visit (thanks to Singapore’s constant development and innovation).
But what I’m most looking forward to is experiencing parts of Singapore that tourists don’t usually go to. Dotted throughout Singapore’s modern skyscrapers are small neighborhoods rooted in history. Meeting local people and learning about the country’s history and development is definitely an essential part of a year abroad, especially a year spent in a rapidly changing country that simultaneously seeks to preserve the most important cultural and historical sites that have made Singapore the great country it is today.
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