We spent 10 days visiting the tourist attractions from the cities visited on our cruise trip from Hong Kong to Singapore.
Link to still image montage of Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore visit:-
To view the video select:- https://youtu.be/abnrizZ-oB4
Youtube link to the JustRetired50Plus Hong Kong Video_2:-
To view the video select:- https://youtu.be/nZihOPlo1jk
Youtube link to the JustRetired50Plus Vietnam Video_2:-
To view the video select:- https://youtu.be/-mhQh8zv0vs
Youtube link to the JustRetired50Plus Singapore Video_2:-
To view the video select:- https://youtu.be/oKhSw2tsDFQ
Hong Kong to Singapore
We visited in January 2018 for a 10 day cruise. The climate was temperate and ideal for open air trips and excursions and warmer as we got towards Thailand and Singapore.
Given the geographical distances between these countries, we decided that the cruise option, for first time visitors, was the easiest option, with a view to doing a return visit to preferred countries/ locations at a later stage.
We flew, via London, to Hong Kong where we stayed overnight before picking up the Celebrity cruise ship.
We did tours of Hong Kong from the ship and then departed for Hanoi in Vietnam. We toured Hanoi and also did a day long trip around Halong bay and the Thien Cung Caves.
Our next port of call was Da Nang, a disappointingly industrial port on the coast. However, the coach trip to Vietnam war sites across the mountains were very interesting.
We next visited Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City where we took a city tour and a further tour of the Cu Chi tunnels.
Our next port of call was Bangkok in Thailand where we took a city tour and a further tour of Pattaya Beach.
Finally we visited Singapore where we spent two nights and took tours of the city.
We then flew from Singapore to Hong Kong and from there to London and finally flew home to Dublin .
A sense of Hong Kong to Singapore
A great trip, from the luxury of the cruise ship. Our general experience of the these various countries is that the people are extremely friendly. There is a complete culture difference between our existence in the west and their eastern life style.
Hong Kong is still very British due to its previous United Kingdom status albeit with a enormous Chinese influence. Singapore is a very impressive city, very clean and efficient, with lots to see and do.
Recommendations for Hong Kong to Singapore
There is an enormous language barrier, if you only speak English. So it lends itself to undertaking guided group tours.
In each of the six cities, we visited a great cross section of the local tourist attractions. We also visited some of the local temples and these left us with a genuine respect for their eastern religions and culture.
The street food in all of the cities is fantastic to look at and superb to taste, however, if you have a delicate stomach, you should take extreme care when partaking in street food.
Our must see recommendation for a trip from Hong Kong to Singapore.
(1) Our visit to the Cu Chi tunnels was the highlight of our entire Cruise trip, and a real eye-opener.
(2) Our second choice would be a longer stay in Singapore.
(3) Our third choice would be the trip around Halong Bay by boat.
As always, the people we met on the trip, enriched the whole experience.
Cost of tour circa Euro 4000 per person.
“You should travel away from home, to really appreciate the value of what you have at home, on your return.”
To view the PDF format aide to memory, made daily during the visit:-
A sense of Hong Kong
Hong Kong is known as a concrete jungle, a metropolis that’s home to over 9 million people. As an international hub, many people visit Hong Kong on a layover on their way to other destinations in Asia. Most people only stay for a few days, luckily, there are many things to do in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is such an exciting, lively and vibrant city, that really lives up to the term: “East meets West”. It is a great mix of both Western and Eastern culture, food, shopping and architecture. It is a city that has “everything”. On any given day, you can head to a fishing village less than an hour from downtown, lie on a beach and go on a shopping bonanza in one of the many flashy shopping malls or back-alley markets. After a busy day, you can wind down at one of the city’s multitude of Michelin restaurants.
Our observations and tips from a trip to Hong Kong.
With regard to getting around, over 80% of people use public transport so don’t use it during rush hours, unless you like the crush and chaos.
One of the first things you should do when you arrive in Hong Kong is get an Octopus card. It is a travel card that works on all public transportation (but not in taxis). You can purchase your tourist Octopus card in advance and pick it up from the airport when you arrive. It comes with HK$50 already pre-loaded. If you don’t use all its value, just hang onto the card for your next trip. Octopus card is useable on all eight forms of public transport, it is also usable in 7/11 and other shops and small restaurants.
MTR system is easy to navigate but not cheap, your fare will be relative to the distance travelled. Make sure to consult exit diagrams to be sure to exit where you want to go. The stations are enormous, it is very easy to get disoriented.
Taxis are red (local ) green (new territories) blue (to big Buddha island & airport) and work out cheaper than Uber. Use Uber for long distance travel.
Fast food only generally accept cash so carry some small cash. Get cash exchange at airport as bank will only exchange money if you have an account with them.
No refunds in shops....particularly with regard to clothes and any other products bought at a sale price, make sure they fit your purpose before purchasing them.
The local currency is the Hong Kong dollar. Most places accept Visa or Mastercard. There are also tons of ATM machines dotted around Hong Kong.
Pay in Hong Kong dollars (HK$) if given the option on credit card machines, you will get a better rate.
They do not use chip and pin. Just swipe cards only, anything over $200 you have to sign for, make sure your credit card has the same signature signed on the back of your card....they will check it.
Despite outside temperatures, the aircon in shops is really cold so bring a light jacket.
Hong Kong gets all 4 seasons. Summers are really hot with high humidity and it gets fairly cold during the winter months (December to February). The best time to visit Hong Kong is from March to early June, and September to November.
The best way to get to and from the airport is via the Airport Express train. Tickets can be purchased at the station and the train stops in Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong Island – it takes just 24 minutes from end to end. Once you’ve purchased your ticket online, you can use the QR code that they send you to swipe through the special gates equipped with the QR reader.
There are tons of huge shopping malls here, both on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, as well as some great street markets. Ground rent is extortionate in HK so, no bargains on the ground floor of stores, go way up the floors for bargains. The site of St. John’s Cathedral is actually the only freehold land in Hong Kong, granted the Church of England Trust Ordnance. All other land in Hong Kong is leasehold in nature.
Shops open later in the morning and stay open later into the evening.
The main language spoken in Hong Kong is Cantonese, a local dialect. Many people speak English (or at least basic English), and almost all signs are bilingual.
In Hong Kong, fruits are good quality and really cheap. The variety of fruit available is impressive.
In Hong Kong you pay for meals at the cash desk or the server stands and waits for payment at your table.
Buy and carry tissues with you as they are not routinely given out in stalls and fast food locations. Try pineapple buns.....they are surprisingly nice.
Most visitors opt to book hotels on Hong Kong Island or on Kowloon side. For the more price sensitive, you should check out hotels in Wan Chai, Central, Soho, Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay for maximum convenience and easy access to public transportation.
There are up to 50 hiking routes in Hong Kong of varying degrees of difficulty.
Hong Kong is a very walkable city.
If you have the time in your trip, a visit to Maccau is well worth it and it is only an hour on the ferry. Hong Kong money is not accepted in Maccau or China.
The Big Buddha, Avenue of Stars, the Peak, Man Mo Temple, Stanley Market, Temple Street…these are but a few of the typical “Top 10” places to visit in Hong Kong
The Peak
Victoria Peak is accessed via the funicular tram from Garden Road. It is a popular attraction as it is the highest point on Hong Kong Island, which means it has panoramic views of the city. You can purchase tickets at the Peak tram station for both the tram and the Sky Terrace. At the top there is a shopping mall full of shops, cafes and restaurants but save your money for the Stanley Market and the arts crafts and galleries at both PMQ and Tai Kwun. If you are price sensitive, there is a free viewing area in the peak Galleria, if you can find the well hidden access. Next to the Peak Tram, is St. John`s Cathedral. Step inside, sit down, and enjoy the peaceful silence for a moment to clear your head from all the city noise.
Stanley Market
Yes, it’s another tourist trap, it is one of the most popular places to see in Hong Kong and the home to tons of souvenir shops which make up “Stanley Market”. Try to visit on a week day, it gets very busy at weekends. If you walk to the far end of the market you can see the refurbished Blake Pier and Murray House.
Relax in Hong Kong Park
In the middle of the city sky scrapers, on Hong Kong Island, is a Hong Kong Park. You will find some peace and quiet here. The park also contains the Zoological and Botanical Gardens.
Tai Kwun and PMQ
Tai Kwun is a heritage site that used to serve the central prison, court and police station. Tai Kwun is located close to PMQ and after years of renovation it was opened to the public in May 2018. It has now been converted into a heritage & arts centre.
Both are to be found in Soho. They have become the Hong Kong creative hub for local designers.
Must Eat and Drink
The most popular restaurants have queues outside waiting to enter, so just look out for the queues.
Egg waffles are a Hong Kong creation consisting of waffles made in the shape of bubbles. As a type of waffle it was created by a store owner who was trying to find a way to use up the leftover egg, flour, sugar and milk in his store back in the 50s. Their name derived from their shape, which is also called bubble waffle.
Eating Dim Sum or Dumplings is a must in Hong Kong, and Maxim`s Palace in City Hall (3rd floor) is one of the best and most authentic Dim Sum places left in Hong Kong.
Luk Yu Tea House (Stanley St, 24-26) is a real old-school Chinese tea house. It is one of the very few authentic Chinese Houses left in Hong Kong.
If after all the ethnic food, you are looking for a 24 hour American food hit then look no further than the Flying Pan on Old Bailey street and Lockhart Road.
Go Hiking
It might surprise you to hear that hiking is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong, but it’s full of hiking trails and country parks. In fact, many of these hiking trails offer spectacular views of Hong Kong that you’d be silly to miss. If you want something easy, then Dragon’s Back is for you. If you want the best view, then don’t miss the Kowloon Peak. For a bit of both, head to Devil’s Peak.
Go shopping
Hong Kong is a great shopping city. It is not a cheap city though, so dig deep and find your credit cards. There are tons of huge shopping malls here, both on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, as well as some great street markets. It isn’t a proper trip to Hong Kong without some shopping.
Just walk around and soak up the sights
Just wander around the streets of Hong Kong and experience the atmosphere and the sights of every day life. Take in all the smells and noise of this bustling city.
Look up towards the sky when walking around the busy streets of Hong Kong, and look at all the spectacular sky scrapers. There are over 7 million people living on Hong Kong, in a fairly small area, making it one of the world’s most densely populated area. The lack of space has turned Hong Kong into the world’s most vertical city, full of sky scrapers
The Noonday Gun
The Noonday Gun is located on the waterfront at Causeway Bay. It is a former military piece mounted on an enclosed site. A bell is rung and the gun is fired every day at noon and it has become a tourist attraction. Thats it, blink and you will miss it. We were lucky, we just happened upon it by accident.
Visit Some Temples
There are many temples scattered throughout Hong Kong, dedicated to the many Buddhist and Taoist gods, that you can visit. One of the most popular one is Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan, a tribute to the Literature and Martial God. Other temples, such as the Tin Hau Temples dedicated to the sea goddess, can be found along the coast or hidden in the mountains, such as the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. You might be hard pressed to visit them all, but at least go to one!
Ride on the Mid-Level Escalator
The longest outdoor covered escalator (upwards only) in Central takes you from the business district up through the vibrant SoHo, and is a tourist attraction in its own right. It goes past a lot of attractions as well, skirting alongside the stone slab street of Pottinger Street as well as the Hollywood Road. Not to mention the SoHo district is brimming with quaint western restaurants that are reminiscent of the SoHo of London, as well as the beautiful street arts.
A sense of Vietnam
Vietnam is a very long narrow country bounded on the east by the sea, China to the north, with Laos and Cambodia to the west. It is 1800km approximately from North to South, do not under-estimate journey distances. When visiting therefore it is best to have a rough itinerary in mind to keep you on track, so as to hit the tourist hotspots on offer. With such an elongated country, it’s only natural that the weather is significantly different from region to region in Vietnam.
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi & Halong Bay): The winter is very cold, especially in places bordering China, and the temperature drops to single digits and even minus degree Celsius temperatures are common in the north of Vietnam. The summers are hot, sometimes with heavy showers. The wet season is often accompanied by typhoons and storms which can cause landslides and other natural calamities.
Central Vietnam (Hoi An & DaNang): The weather in the central region is tropical in nature where dry weather lasts between January and August, monsoons arrive in August and last until November, so the best window for travellers is between October to January.
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh & The Mekong Delta): As you go south in Vietnam, the climate is full-fledged tropical, characterised by two seasons prominently, the wet and the dry, which is more or less same as the above in central Vietnam, making it ideal for travel from December to April.
Vietnam is a very beautiful country hands down, but let’s be honest, beaches aren’t Vietnam’s forte. You will find the beaches in Danang, Mui Ne or Phu Quoc to be clean and nice, but that’s all that you find – meaning that Vietnam isn’t the country for an exclusive beach holiday.
Vietnam is a foodies paradise. Whether you are dining at an exquisite restaurant in Hanoi or going on a quest for the seafood in local eateries, you can never resist falling in love with Vietnamese food.
Vietnamese street food is a delight you should not miss. Places where you find a lot of locals dining are a good sign for finding excellent street food in the towns of Vietnam.
The Vietnamese currency is called Dong. Although cash is the king of Vietnam, ATM’s aren’t on every street corner in all the cities. Of course, the bigger towns are an exception to this but in small town there is just a handful of them. So make sure to stock up with enough cash when you are in the bigger cities to prepare for off the beat/smaller towns.
In Vietnam, locals expect to haggle in business and transactions. They often quote almost double or a few times even triple the money that an article actually costs. So it’s up to the traveller to make a bargain.
Make the most of your adventure by rising early while in Vietnam. Vietnamese are early risers too. Maybe because of the geography or the weather, whatever the reasons are, it means that if you are a morning person, you will get to see and experience more of the local cultures and ways of living.
Carry photocopies of your passport. These will be accepted by hotels etc along with your original passport.
Our observations and tips for a trip to Vietnam.
The bad things about Vietnam that we list below may sound cynical, but don’t let them stop you from visiting, or returning to the country. Just plan to avoid them.
Be warned that tap water isn’t suitable for drinking. Bottled water is very cheap and most hotels, hostels etc provide purified water. So go for these and avoid drinking water directly from the tap at any cost. What you have to remember though is to wash your hands regularly and wash the fruit you eat.
If you are a digital nomad or you work while travelling, then Vietnam isn’t a bad place at all. The Wifi is decent in every town, throughout Vietnam.
Renting bicycles or motorbikes and exploring places is a popular thing to do in SE Asia. Vietnam is a motor biker’s destination in itself. Buying or renting a motorbike and traveling through the length of the country is quite popular among the backpackers and adventure seekers.
Being the capital and very urbanised, Hanoi is bustling and happening, but it is far quieter and devoid of glamour than HCMC is. Whereas, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in the south is the nightlife capital and a vibrant city that always looks busy.
If you are not used to heavy traffic, then that’s the first cultural shock that you would encounter in Vietnam. Delays are common, and traffic jams are a regular thing, especially in Ho Chi Minh. Honking isn’t rude or offensive unlike in many parts of the world. It just means that you are in a hurry and you want them to make way for you.
Don’t be afraid to face lots of motorcycles, buses, cars, etc. when you cross the street. First, you should wait a bit and continue, and wait and continue, and keep doing that while watching all the vehicles. You need to keep your eyes on vehicles from both directions because some people violate the rules and go in the wrong direction against the traffic. Be confident, and you can do it!
If you travel to the interior of Vietnam, not everyone will understand English, and it will be difficult to get around. Even in the big cities, although most hotel owners, people in cafes and tourist centres speak English, in most cases they aren’t fluent and it is just basic English.
Visas are required for many nationalities when visiting Vietnam. if you have the UK or the US passport, you can travel in Vietnam for the first 15 days, visa free.
There are many different visas you can choose from, depending on how long you want to stay in Vietnam, what is the purpose of your visit and whether you want to have a single entry or multiple entry visa. The usual and most popular choice is 1-month single-entry visa, which costs $10 for the online application and $25 upon entering Vietnam for the stamping fee. If you would like to explore Vietnam for a longer period, there are plenty of visa choices including 1, 3, 6 and 12-month multiple entry visas.
Using public transportation can terrify foreigners, but it feels much safer on buses. The bigger the vehicle is, the more reliable and safer it is. Think positively, the big box protects you. You can use a Grab car which is more convenient and cheaper than the traditional taxi. (Uber is unavailable in Vietnam)
Taxi scams are common in Vietnam, and they happen to everyone. The taxi driver will try to drive you around and around to charge more money.
Robbery can happen anywhere in Vietnam, and the most common cases are robbing your phone or bag. Imagine that you are riding your bike/ motorcycle or walking on the street with your phone or bag, and in one second, it’s gone. You only see two guys on a motorbike going fast, and you don’t see their faces. All you can do then is to say goodbye to your things. There is no comeback even if the police are involved. Best not to use your phone when you are on the street and always wear your bag in front of you in crowded areas.
Vietnamese food is amazing! There are so many types of food for you to choose from, but food safety is a big problem in Vietnam. Street food is delicious, but sometimes it may not be up to western health and safety standards.
Hygiene and food safety has become an issue in Vietnam especially in catering for foreign tourists, and the Vietnamese government is trying to improve it. Eat in restaurants that looks clean and have many visitors. Don’t eat in ones where there’s no one inside.
Many people complain about the lousy service in Vietnamese restaurants. Not many Vietnamese can speak English, so it may be challenging to communicate.
Overcharging is quite common for travellers. You visit a different country, you look different, and you are charged more than the locals.
You need to ask clearly about the price before you order anything. It’s the same with eating street food, remember to ask the price before buying it. If you feel that you are paying higher than locals, leave that place and go to another location.
Some people are shocked when some places in Vietnam return candies (sweets) instead of cash. They feel cheated and scammed. It is an increasingly common practice, even with locals. If the amount is too large, you should ask again if there’s a mistake.
Don’t be surprised and shocked to find that your checked-in luggage at airports has been tampered with - it is not uncommon in Vietnamese airports. Just put your valuables into your handbag, and you will have a great trip to Vietnam.
There are lots of fake tour companies operating in Vietnam with lots of fake websites. Book tours with trusted sites only.
It is Vietnamese culture for its people to be welcoming, helpful and friendly, although the youngsters these days might have money on their mind when it comes to tourists. A few times money may be the motive for the locals to befriend tourists but that’s not always the case.
On our travels there, we found the locals to be genuinely warm and helpful. The more you travel in Vietnam and meet their people (not in the tourist business), you get to see that the actual locals are kind and welcoming.
Vietnam is as safe to travel to as other countries that receives the same phenomenal amount of tourists each year. However, it is known for its notorious scams targeted at tourists. On our travels there we did not have any bad experiences, but fore-warned is fore-armed.
Hanoi
Now the Capital city of Vietnam, the two main tourist attractions are the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.
The Hanoi Old Quarter is the best location to soak up the beauty of the city. From here, head to the Ho Chi Minh Museum and Mausoleum, which is closed from 11.30 - 2.30pm. Treat yourself at Bahn Mi for lunch. After an unforgettable baguette experience, head to the Temple of Literature and enjoy the nearby park.
If you have enough time left, go and explore the Hanoi Chinese Quarter. In the evening head out to explore the Old Town streets and sample the Bia Hoi beer. Bia Hoi is brewed fresh to serve every night and delivered to bars every morning. And the best part, it costs only $0.20 per glass, so it might be the first time drinking does not break the bank. Sit on the plastic chairs on the sidewalk and enjoy Bia Hoi watching the world pass by.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, in northeast Vietnam, is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. Junk boat tours ply the waters in between.
Ha Long Bay translates as Descending Dragons. It has become one of the best known tourist destinations in Vietnam. Be sure to take a cruise through its 1600 Islands. Ha Long Bay is situated on the coast, 153km from the capital Hanoi.
Though Ha Long Bay isn’t that far from Hanoi, a combination of traffic, road conditions and speed limits means that it can take close to four hours to get there, if you are travelling from Hanoi. The landscape is very flat and wet with rice fields filling the gaps between the residential areas. It’s easy to identify which are official government buildings, their style distinct, well-kept and adorned with flags. Generally, the other buildings have a neglected appearance, likely more so from a lack of resources to maintain them then the lack of will of the occupants.
The myth about the islands in Ha Long Bay is that they were created by dragons sent to help the Vietnamese against invaders. The dragons spat out jewels of jade into the bay which turned into the islands creating a barrier to protect the Vietnamese against invaders.
Hang Sung Sot cave (the cave of surprises), this was the biggest and by far the most interesting cave we visited. A congregation of other boats had arrived at the same time meaning there was a 20 minute queue at the entrance, well managed though, they gave each group enough time to see the cave without packing it full.
Da Nang
Take a day tour of Da Nang city. Da Nang is a city with a beautiful beach, fewer tourists, and the most important attraction – Marble Mountains. Stunning caves and Buddhist temples, as well as beautiful panoramic views, can all be found when visiting the Marble Mountains.
Hoi An
Hoi An is a 2000 year old city and an UNESCO World Heritage city. The city is very romantic, the old town especially, is a joy to walk around. You will be greeted by lanterns, narrow streets and a river winding through the city. If you happen to visit Hoi An on one of the days locals are lighting and flying lanterns you will fall in love with the place, no doubt. Flying lanterns is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hoi An.
Also, Hoi An is famous for its tailor-made clothes at very cheap prices. If you are up for a new dress or a suit, go to a tailor right away and the next day you can adjust (if needed) and pick up your order. While in Hoi An you can take a cooking class. For about $25 you will be able to learn some Vietnamese cooking secrets and perfect your knowledge of Vietnamese food traditions and cuisine.
Alternately, just spend a day peacefully, enjoying the romantic and un-rushed atmosphere of the city. Stroll around the tiny cobblestone streets and walk into cafes that speak to you. If you love museums, go and see some of Vietnam’s best design and art museums in Hoi An.
If you want you can go and have a beach day at An Bang beach. It is located 4km away from Hoi An and you can reach it by bike, motorbike or taxi. If you are up for an adventure rent a motorbike or a bike and head to explore the countryside of the city and end your day with a cool swim in the ocean. The local villages around Hoi An give you a great insight into how the locals live and you can trace the origin of the food you eat at the restaurants. If you do not want to explore the villages on your own there is always a local willing to take you up for a tour. Locals usually conduct these tours in a very personal way, bringing you into their homes, cooking for you and their family and sharing with you their fishing skills. Amazing experience.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (Originally named Saigon) is a magnificent, enormous metropolis, which never sleeps and life never stops. District 1 is the main centre of the city boasting endless choice of bars, eateries, luxury restaurants, markets, and tourist offices to fulfil all your needs.
One of the most popular attractions in Ho Chi Minh City is Thien Hau temple. From the outside, this temple might not seem impressive, but the inside is pure artwork. Ho Chi Minh City is very popular because of its huge markets. You can visit various size markets in almost every corner of the city. The biggest and most remarkable markets are Ben Thanh and Binh Tay. Both markets offer anything you could think of, including food, souvenirs, clothes, furniture and animals. Note that these markets are open until 7:00 pm, compared to other late night markets around Asia.
You can have a choice between two very different tours. You can visit either Mekong River Delta or Cu Chi Tunnels. Both day tours cost roughly $10 (EUR 8), however, you have to choose your tour in line with what you really want to see. If you are a history geek and are really interested in the Vietnam war and learning about how the Vietnamese ambush tactics worked, you have to go to the Cu Chi Tunnels. If you want to see the Mekong River Delta, ride along the Mekong River and visit coconut candy factory in the middle of the jungle – this tour is for you.
Both tours are very interesting and if you have an opportunity to stay in Vietnam for a bit longer, go on both tours. Each tour is one day long.
Vietnam has a well developed public and private transport system. Either you can choose to travel by public transport or drive a motorbike through Vietnam individually, either way, you will be perfectly fine. We would highly recommend traveling through Vietnam individually, it is an amazing experience and teaches you so much about the country that you would not learn any other way.
However, keep in mind that English is not frequently spoken around Vietnam and even less so in rural places. Thus, prepare to use sign language and download an offline dictionary. It will be fun, we promise.
Also, there are several routes to choose, when planning a trip to Vietnam. The most popular is to head from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
Be careful wherever you go, and do not forget about good travel insurance to cover you, if anything happens.
A sense of Singapore
There are plenty of incredible things to do in Singapore. It has an array of beautiful temples, tourist sites, shopping and parks. Singapore is a foodie’s dream of a melting pot for Indonesian, Bangladesh, Indian and northern Asian foods. The Singapore government actively promotes and encourages tourism, just like other destinations all around the world. What sets Singapore apart is the proactive role that their government takes in maintaining public order and control. These measures may be seen as draconian by some, however, they have a hugely beneficial affect on the overall tourist experience. As a tourist in Singapore, you should have a wonderful time, provided you are not there to compromise or challenge government rules, laws, or work illegally.
There are fines for all sorts of minor offences:-
The importation and selling of chewing gum is strictly forbidden;
It is illegal to damage public property with used gum;
Vaping and possession of e-cigarettes are both illegal;
Busking is illegal without a license.
If you objectively examine these examples and others, you will realise that they are in place purely to discourage unpleasant public behaviour. From a tourist perspective these are all laudable initiatives.
As an international hub, many people visit Singapore on a layover on their way to other destinations in Asia. Most people only stay for a few days, luckily, there are many things to do in Singapore.
Singapore is such an exciting, lively and vibrant city, that really lives up to the term: “East meets West”. It is a great mix of both Western and Eastern culture, food, shopping and architecture. It is a city that has “everything”. On any given day, you can head to a fishing village less than an hour from downtown, lie on a beach and go on a shopping bonanza in one of the many flashy shopping malls or back-alley markets. After a busy day, you can wind down at one of the city’s multitude of Michelin restaurants.
Our observations and tips from a trip to Singapore.
With alcohol and cigarettes being very expensive……if you are a smoker be warned.
More than 80 percent of Singaporeans live in leased public housing known as HDB estates. Under local laws, renters are not permitted to sub-let or rent out their properties to tourists. Rental is only permitted to visitors holding student passes or long-term social visit passes.
Many places in Singapore offer free WiFi. Attractive as this seems, the strength of such free services is typically unreliable, particularly in crowded areas like Changi Airport and fast-food restaurants. If this is an issue for you, head to the nearest 7/11 convenience store and pick up a tourist SIM card instead, these are remarkably affordable.
Taxis are relatively expensive. So if you are on a budget, stick to the MTR and other public transport.
It has a population over 5m and it is made up of one main island and 63 satellites and islets. Land reclamation is ongoing, so it is increasing in size all the time.
Singapore is situated 1.7 degrees north of the Equator resulting in tropical heat and extremely high humidity. An extra set of clothes in your back-pack is usually a good idea. If you’re new to tropical weather, take things slowly initially until you acclimatise.
T-shirts, flip-flops, and shorts are generally fine to wear, unless you are visiting an institution of worship.
Singapore has a strict arrivals duty-free regime, particularly on tobacco and drink. You will be taxed regardless of the country of origin.
The MRT subway system is reliable and reasonably priced with convenient bus connections beside all the stations. Get a Pass for the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit). Buy an EZ link Tourist pass for as many days as you want to get unlimited access to the transportation system in Singapore. You can get the pass at any ticket office at any MRT station. You can also get refunded for the cost of the pass by returning it to any ticket office before you leave Singapore. There is also a MRT station office at Changi Airport but make sure you return the pass before going through passport control or security.
Despite outside temperatures, the aircon in shops is really cold so bring a light jacket.
Singapore gets all four seasons. Summers are really hot with high humidity and it gets fairly cold during the winter months (December to February). The best time to visit Singapore is from March to early June, and September to November.
There is an aggressive national campaign to go cashless in Singapore, however, you will still need some small cash for stalls, residential neighbourhood shops, and coffee shops. ATMs are readily available everywhere.
Singapore city-state has long been one of the safest countries in the world for tourists.
Shops open later in the morning and stay open later into the evening.
Singaporean restaurants and cafes charge a 10 percent service fee on top of the usual consumption tax. Because of this, tipping is generally considered unnecessary.
In Singapore, tap water is perfectly safe to drink. There is absolutely no need to buy bottled water when there, unless you need the bottle. Singaporeans would balk at the notion of drinking straight from the tap, they look upon that as disgusting.
Consumption of alcohol is banned in all public places from 10.30pm to 7am. Therefore you can only drink at licensed establishments during these affected times.
Buy and carry tissues with you as they are not routinely given out in stalls and fast food locations.
There is a light-up festival somewhere in Singapore every month. What’s great about these light-ups is that they are never just about elaborate street decorations. Festive areas frequently have bazaars and free street performances, with some bazaars covering entire streets.
Parks are well-maintained and safe after dark, the larger ones also contain facilities like restaurants, pubs, fishing ponds, and sports venues.
If you have the time during your trip, a day trip to Malaysia or Indonesia is well worth it or even take an overnight trip to Malacca or Kuala Lumpur.
Finally, Singapore is an all year around destination, however, it has a bad “haze” travel season. It occurs when the city-state is smothered by smog caused by nearby Sumatran forest fires. It can be arguably worse than typical air pollution, as a burning stench permeates everywhere. If your Singapore trip is scheduled for the second half of the year, be sure to check whether there are any forecasted haze days. Other than health concerns, the haze significantly obscures vision. Visits to famous panoramic spots could be rendered entirely pointless.
The Marina Bay area, Gardens by the Bay, Universal Studios Singapore, The Botanical Gardens, Chinatown…these are but a few of the typical “Top 10” places to visit in Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore (Sentosa Island)
Sentosa is an island resort full of attractions, museums, food courts, Michelin star restaurants, parks, beaches, golf courses, hotels, spas, skywalks, Universal Studios, nature walks, shows and the biggest aquarium in the world.
You can get to Sentosa three ways: walking, taking the Sentosa Express or taking the Cable Car. You can get in for free if you walk. Just use the MRT (metro line) to get to HarbourFront Station, enter the VivoCity Shopping Mall and look for the Sentosa Boardwalk. It’s about a 10 minute leisurely walk to Sentosa from there. The boardwalk is covered so you don’t have to worry about sweating under the sun.
Chinatown & Little India
Walk around Chinatown and admire the beautiful and colourful small houses among all the big skyscrapers. Watch the locals play Chinese chess, and grab some Chinese food.
Walk around Little India, and soak in all the smells of spices, food, and flowers, as well as the noise and Indian atmosphere. Step into one of the many Indian temples and shrines, and grab some Indian food or do some shopping. The main shopping centres in Little India are Mustafa Centre and Tekka Centre.
The Botanical Gardens
If you need a break from the busy and noisy city, head over to the Botanic Garden. It is a beautiful and calm oasis of green and lush nature, where the best part is the Orchid Garden. There are five gardens, a library, a gallery, a museum and the Orchid garden. All have free entry with the exception of the National Orchid Garden.
The Singapore Flyer (ala London Eye)
The Singapore Flyer is Asia’s largest observation wheel. Getting spectacular views of Singapore. To get there, take a Circle Line MRT train to Promenade Station and take Exit A out of the station.
Gardens by the Bay
A favourite Singapore attraction. You should go early in the morning and you will likely have much of the grounds to yourself. Head to the famous Supertree Grove and feel like you’ve just teleported into a set from Avatar. There are two big bio-domes, “Cloud Forest” and “Flower Dome”, containing an exotic range of flora and fauna from all over the world.
Visit the Cloud Forest, a giant greenhouse with a soaring waterfall and floating tree-top walkways. Watch the nightly Light Show at the Supertree Grove. The trees light up to the sound of music, its visually stunning.
Apart from its beautiful flower display that changes throughout the year, the Flower Dome is in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the biggest glass greenhouse in the world.
Hawker Centre (Food Court)
One of the most distinctive eating experiences in Singapore is to visit a hawker centre. These are basically food halls filled with individual stalls. Each stall generally serves one type of dish that they have perfected over the years. You can find all the famous Singaporean dishes. You will find Hawker Centres all over the city.
In the 1950’s and 1960’s, Singapore wanted to get rid of the unlicensed street hawkers (street food vendors) that were selling potentially unsanitary food to the public. The result was hawker food centres. Now, they are governed and regulated by three government bodies to maintain hygiene standards. There are even two hawker stalls that have been awarded Michelin stars.
The Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and River Safari
The Singapore Zoo is divided in two; The Singapore Zoo and the River Safari, but are located just next to each other with only a 1-minute walk apart. The Singapore Zoo is also open in the evening, 7:30 pm till midnight every day, and is then called Night Safari. Singapore Zoo is set in a rainforest environment, and it is regarded as one of the world’s best zoos and well worth a visit!
Go shopping
Singapore is a great shopping city. It is not a cheap city though, so dig deep and find your credit cards. The city has an endless number of gigantic shopping malls. The main shopping area is along Orchard street where the shopping malls seem to form an endless string on both sides of the road. Here you will find just about any fashion brand imaginable. There is also quite a few electronics and camera stores along here. If you want to do some hardcore electronics and computer shopping then head for Sim Lim square close to Little India.
Just walk around and soak up the sights
Just wander around the streets of Singapore and experience the atmosphere and the sights of every day life. Take in all the smells and noise of this bustling city.
Look up towards the sky when walking around the busy streets of Singapore, and look at all the spectacular sky scrapers. There are over 5 million people living on Singapore, in a fairly small area, making it one of the world’s most diverse and densely populated areas.
Marina Bay Sands & Merlion Park
Probably the most recognisable building in Singapore, is a luxury hotel with a Feng Shui abiding triple tower structure joined at the top with a deck that is equipped with a SkyPark, cafés, bars, restaurants and an infinity pool. The top deck riding over the three towers is longer than the Eiffel Tower. If you have the budget for it, staying here is your only option for visiting the pool. But even if you’re not, the complex is still worth a visit. There are lots of shops at Marina Bay Sands, a great place to window shop and have an air-conditioned break from the heat of Singapore. You can also grab a drink at the Skybar on the 57th floor. It has viewing area with sweeping views of Singapore.
The hotel also contains theatres doing shows every evening, casino, shops, museums. Its shopping mall is so vast that it has its own canal where you can go on a gondola ride!
Singapore is known as the Lion City. The Merlion is the official mascot of Singapore. The statue is located at Merlion Park and is a popular attraction. From the park you get a great view of the Singapore skyline and Marina Bay Sands. It’s especially stunning at night when all the lights turn on during the 8:00pm and 9:30pm fifteen minute long, water fountain shows.
Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay is located only 30 minutes walk from the Marina Bay Sands, along the Singapore River and one of the best places for a night out in the city. It is lined with bars and restaurants with patios right along the river. The atmosphere is always lively and there are endless options for dining and entertainment. It is a great place to people watch over a coffee or a beer.
Visit Some Temples
There are many temples scattered throughout Singapore, dedicated to the many Buddhist and Hindu gods, that you can visit. Take off your shoes and step inside the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, where Hindus come to pray to the many pastel-coloured gods that adorn the temple. If you are dressed inappropriately (as in wearing shorts or skirts above the knees), it’s possible to borrow some coloured linen to cover yourself up. After having inhaled incense in abundance, pay a visit to one of the many good Indian restaurants and order a curry with rice, roti prata and a mango lassi.
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is located just opposite the Chinatown Complex. Thousands of small Buddhas line the walls in the atmospheric red rooms quietly observing the Buddhists light candles and pray. It is free to visit (but remember to dress appropriately).
National Museum of Singapore
The city has an impressive amount of options if you’re interested in antiques, modern art or natural history. One of the most popular museums is the ArtScience Museum, located right next to the Marina Bay Sands shopping centre. In the permanent exhibition Future World: Where Art Meets Science, visitors can experience interactive art installations (including one of Singapore’s most sought-after Instagram spots). The lotus-shaped museum collects rainwater for an indoor fountain and the toilet facilities.
At the National Gallery Singapore, you can get your fill of modern Asian art. With more than 8,000 objects from the national collection, the museum holds one of the world’s largest collections of contemporary South Asian art. You will find a large selection of objects and exhibits that tell the exciting story of Singapore. The exhibitions are linked together by topics such as film, photography, fashion and food along with interactive videos.
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