Singapore, Top Tourist Pick. Here’s Why.
is sizzling. And it’s not just a fondness for Chilli Crab that draws ever more international visitors to our small but perfectly formed island.
In 2013, Singapore beat New York to one of the four coveted top spots in MasterCard's international surveyof travellers’ favourite city destinations. Last year, The Lion City attracted over 11 million visitors – that’s a huge 63.5% more than in 2009 – and held its own against the might of other super-hot destinations like Bangkok, London and Paris.
So what makes Singapore so darn hot?
“From grand views and fine dining to street markets and food stalls, the tiny city-state of Singapore offers a diverse and seemingly endless selection of attractions. And thanks to close proximity and world-class public transportation, travelers can pack a three-day journey with some of the best shopping, dining and cultural experiences in Asia.” tripadvisor.com
The high-octane F1 Grand Prix night race, glamorous resorts and impressive architectural projects are all helping to make Singapore THE place to be in Asia. And if that’s not enough to tempt the discerning traveller, a cascade of restaurants with pedigree is propelling the city to her newfound status as Asia’s culinary capital. All this and affordable street food, from Indonesia to Vietnam, available around every corner.
“Nobody in Singapore drinks Singapore Slings. It's one of the first things you find out there. What you do in Singapore is eat. It's a really food-crazy culture, where all of this great food is available in a kind of hawker-stand environment.” Anthony Bourdain, Chef and Author
Give Me The Facts
The second most densely populated independent country in the world (after Monaco), Singapore consists of one diamond-shaped main island with 63 mostly uninhabited islets. This main island is conveniently connected at its north side to the Malaysian state of Johor by a short man-made causeway, which crosses at the Tebrau Straits. The Tuas bridge also connects to Johor from the West.
Despite its urban swagger, Singapore is one of the safest, cleanest and most kid-friendly destinations in the region. Animals, water parks, interactive museums, kid-friendly malls and all manner of community playgrounds abound.
Singapore’s Top 5 Tourist Picks
1. Marina Bay
Gardens by the Bay, Waterfront Promenade, ArtScience Museum, Helix Bridge, Esplanade, Merlion Statue, Fullerton Hotel, Singapore Flyer.
2. The Civic District
Singapore River, Raffles Hotel, Asian Civilizations Museum, City Hall, the Arts House (the former Parliament House), Raffles Statue, then Boat Quay and Clark Quay.
3. Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street (Kampong Glam)
Local tailors, medicine halls and dim sum restaurants. The beautifully restored Baba House, rich fabrics, spices and flowers, traditional carpet stores, beautiful, mosaic tiled restaurants as well as a host of indie arts and fashion boutiques.
4. Wildlife
Singapore Zoo, Night and River Safaris, Singapore Botanic Gardens, National Orchid Garden, Jurong Bird Park.
5. And There’s More…
National Museum of Singapore, Orchard Road (for High-End shopping meets Souvenirs), Sentosa Island and Universal Studios, Singapore Art Museum, St. Andrew’s Cathedral.
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