A city, a nation and a state, Singapore has geographical prowess to which very few places on earth can lay claim. This city has worked hard to earn its tourist stripes over recent decades; there was a time when Singapore would rarely have featured on any far-flung adventure as a destination in its own right - but how times have changed.
Singapore is a thriving city-state and island nation located in Southeast Asia. Geographically, it's positioned just off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and bordered by the Straits of Malacca to the west, the Riau Islands of Indonesia to the south, and the South China Sea to the east.
The city-state is a melting pot of cultures, hosting communities of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian backgrounds, among others. This cultural diversity lends to a rich tapestry of traditions, festivals, and cuisine, making Singapore a truly multicultural experience.
Gardens By the Bay is where you’re sure to get your flora fix alongside a few futuristic extras for added interest. Spanning over 101 hectares, you could divide your time between the Flower Dome and Floral Fantasy if you're going to encounter all the best bits. Brightly coloured petals cascade from every angle and the magnitude of the displays are quite something, so prepare for your camera roll to reach maximum capacity.
Marina Bay Sands is a sprawling behemoth of an attraction; a hotel, casino, shopping centre, theatre, exhibition and museum complex all cower beneath its surfboard-like roof. Scale the SkyPark Observation Deck after nightfall; Singapore spans a mere 278 square miles - that’s around half the size of London - and on a clear night you’re pretty much guaranteed a 260-degree view of the entire metropolis sparkling below. You really will feel as though you’re on top of the world, and at 57 storeys up, you won’t be far off.
The Singapore Sling has graced many a cocktail menu since its conception over 100 years ago. Venture to Raffles Hotel and perch yourself in Long Bar, with its rough-around-the-edges level of sophistication. Flanked by traditional Mayan decor, lower yourself into a wicker chair and brush the discarded peanut shells off the table as a keen mixologist gets to work creating this iconic tipple. Gin, pineapple, lime juice, curaçao and bénédictine are all expertly combined, as grenadine and cherry liqueur provide a blush colour.
Singapore Flyer is city’s answer to the London Eye will suspend you 165 metres above ground and, for a good half an hour or so, it’s an opportunity to get your bearings and start ticking landmarks off your list. And the air conditioning? Well, that’s just a bonus on the days where the rest of Singapore sizzles below. Give it a try at sunset for the most spectacular vistas, as the surrounding skyscrapers become lacquered with a golden glow.
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