So, you’re traveling to Singapore? Here are five things I wish I knew before heading there myself.
- The metro is a cinch to use in Singapore. I am personally the world’s worst when it comes to navigating public transport in new cities and even I was able to conquer the MRT system on day one. The MRT is also super affordable and it’s fully possible to go anywhere in the city for a few dollars. If you don’t want to pay for an overpriced taxi to and from the airport you can easily take the MRT instead. Head here for a guide on how to take the MRT from Changi Airport into the city and here for a fare calculator.
- Singapore is famous for dishes like chicken rice and laksa noodle soup. But what I didn’t realize is that there is more to Singaporean cuisine that just its Malay influence. Singapore is home to some of the best Chinese and Indian food I’ve personally ever tasted. If you ask me, it’s definitely worth visiting both Little India and Chinatown for the food alone. Both have excellent restaurants and hawker centers, where it’s possible to splurge on fancy meals or eat on a budget.
- Singapore has a reputation of being too sterile, but Haji Lane is one area in town that actually has some funk to it. Given that street art is illegal in Singapore, Haji Lane is probably the only area in town where the walls are covered in bright murals. It is also home to the city’s up-and-coming artists, designers, and fashionistas. There are also lots of great restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops that the line the narrow alleyway.
- Singapore doesn’t have to be expensive. For the most part accommodation is going to be pricier than elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Dorms cost around $10-20 and double rooms are going to be at least $60. But everything else including food and transport can be done on a fairly tight budget. From my experience Chinatown and Little India both have decent budget hotels. They also have wonderful hawker centers where I was able to eat incredibly well for less than $5. If you’re on a tight budget there are actually a lot of free things to do in Singapore.
- Singapore has some strange (and very strict) laws, but don’t let them freak you out too much! I never experienced any issues while traveling there. And I’m pretty sure I broke at least three laws during my visit (i.e. walking around my hotel room naked, chewing gum and jaywalking). But you might want to refrain from urinating in an elevator, smoking in public places and littering. All are illegal and are penalized by fines and even jail time.
Have you been to Singapore? What tips would you add?
Images courtesy of Travel Lush
