While this may not be completely true, coming from India, this is what Singapore looks like – a city with no stray dogs, and an obsession with cleanliness. Now, from a vacation perspective, many might point you in another direction, stating there’s nothing to see here - no culture, no great sights. It’s just a city, so why are you going there? But to the less rigid, what a city it is! If your travels have only taken you to bustling Thailand, and picturesque places in and around India, this would satiate your ‘foreign’ palate for a new city.

SINGAPORE'S GOT SWAG!

One stroll on Orchard Street, and you’d know what we’re saying. The biggest fashion brands housed in majestic structures, this is a glass palace for the fashionistas. And in its reflection, you’d spot toned women, and fit men sporting the latest trends, walking with an unusual pace, minding their own business. It’s a very Wall Street vibe, just surrounded by the Pradas, Guccis and Armanis. The thing about Singapore is, it looks successful, developed, modern, and everything about it screams first world. After you’re done being in awe of this sight, you settle down and enjoy this vibe. We had read about it, seen the pictures, and in hindsight, we were glad we made this bustling neighbourhood our base. Quincy, a Far East Hospitality hotel, was the best mix of location and affordable luxury. We stayed for 4 nights, but wish we’d stayed longer.

PEEK-A-ZOO

Taking a tour of the humongous Singapore Zoo

If you take more than 3 hours to browse through a zoo, then I think you might wanna reconsider calling it a zoo. Might we suggest, a mini forest? It’s a massive park where animals and birds of different kinds are kept in a so-called natural habitat. There are shows with elephants, and dolphins alike, at regular intervals. They also have a night safari, where you can barely see the animals, but the close proximity of them, can give you a shiver or two.

SMALL FISH IN A BIG POND

WITNESSING THE GRANDEUR OF S.E.A. AQUARIUM 

The Sea Aquarium is the bigger, badder brother of Underwater World situated at Resorts World Sentosa. This massive aquarium is home to some of the most amazing creatures underwater, and this is one helluva exhibition to see them. Glass structures so massive, they make you feel tiny standing in front of it. A section, where the fishes travel all around you, is an experience to savour. You should definitely take a dive in this S.E.A.

SIGHTS. CAMERA. ACTION.

INSIDE UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Universal Studios Singapore is said to be the younger brother to the one in America, but for someone who has never been to a studio before, this will captivate you. As we were short on time, we didn’t sit on the rides, but a walk around the studio was good enough to transport us to the world of movies. Be it Jurassic Park, Shrek, Madagascar, The Mummy, Transformers, or even Classic Hollywood. Universal Studios has its charm. And for people visiting for the first time, it’s one you should not miss.

HEY, WE NEED TO WALK.

WALKING ALONG MARINA BAY SANDS

Marina Bay Sands is the Eiffel of Singapore. Situated in the business district of Singapore, facing the Merlion (It was under renovation when we visited). It’s a great place for an evening stroll. A brisk 20-minute walk later you’re inside the Marina Bay Sands Mall. Yes, there’s a mall there, one that houses one of the biggest Louis Vuitton stores, sitting right in the middle of the waters. This mall is so big, they’ve created a mini Venice, with boat rides right in the centre of it. Now how often do you see that? After a round of shopping, we settled at a quaint café for a cup of Vietnamese Coffee. 

Singapore is beautiful. It’s not big, but big enough to dethrone Hong Kong as the financial hub of the Southeast.  Singapore’s got spirit, and a swashbuckling lifestyle to go along with it. There’s so much more to see, we can’t wait to come back.