A rich tapestry of arts and culture
While Singapore boasts a spectacular array of galleries, theatres and museums, it’s also a city where art can be found on street corners, sidewalks and shophouse walls. Spend a day in the heart of the city, and find inspiration in Singapore’s Civic District. The area houses a multitude of world-class galleries and museums, including the National Museum of Singapore, the Singapore Art Museum and National Gallery Singapore. The latter is home to over 8000 pieces of art from Singapore’s National Collection, and has hosted exhibitions from internationally acclaimed artists like Yayoi Kusama and Martin Creed.
Alternatively, embark on a hunt for some of Singapore’s most iconic street art in the neighborhoods of Bras Basah.Bugis, Tiong Bahru and Little India.
Cultural diversity
As a racially harmonious nation and society built on a rich diversity of culture and heritage, Singapore celebrates many festivals throughout the year. Singapore ranks up with other culturally and religiously diverse nations making it quite different from its neighbouring countries. The island has four official languages; English, Tamil, Malay and Mandarin and it also celebrates the national holidays of many different religions. Visitors can enjoy culinary experiences from different countries as well as visiting many different places of worship.
All-year shopping destination
Singapore can be known as a Shopaholic’s heaven with malls at every corner of the country. Roam along the iconic shopping district of Orchard Road, where you can find the massive 4-level H&M building, Sephora, or Uniqlo outlets. Bargain for affordable fashion statements at Bugis Street, or explore quirky boutique stores of Haji Lane. Not forgetting the “mini Orchard Road” at Jurong East, with 4 malls different malls to explore: JCube, JEM, Westage, and IMM. What’s shopping without a MEGA island-wide sale? Visit mid-year to enjoy great discounts with the Great Singapore Sale. From June till August, enjoy massive sales and additional perks when you shop. Shopping surely does not get any better than this in Singapore.
One of the best airports in the world
Voted the world’s best airport in the Telegraph’s 2014 Ultratravel Awards, Singapore’s Changi has a reputation for innovation and regularly snaps up plaudits. Its world-beating standing looks set to continue following the announcement that the airport grounds will soon house a futuristic attraction called Jewel. Moreover, Changi has some of the best entertainment facilities you’re likely to find at an airport.
The airport has multiple gardens and green spaces for those who want to reconnect with something close to a natural setting between flights. An open-air cactus and sunflower garden is a popular spot; an ‘enchanted garden’ comes to life when visitors enter its grounds; an orchid garden stands beside a koi pond.
Paradise for food
Eating is said to be a classically Singaporean past-time, and it’s not difficult to see why. The Lion city is home to a constellation of Michelin-starred restaurants, ranging from Japanese fusion dishes at Beni to French cuisine at Odette.
Besides internationally acclaimed establishments, our city’s diverse culinary landscape is best exemplified in its local hawker culture. To sample true-blue hawker eats, drop by Chinatown Complex Food Centre, a sprawling hawker centre that houses over 260 food stalls. The world’s most affordable Michelin-starred meal - Liao Fan Hong Kong soya sauce chicken rice and noodle can be found here.
A city of green sanctuaries
Often described as a city in a Garden, Singapore’s urban landscape is dotted with verdant parks, unspoilt sanctuaries and lush green spaces. Start with a series of world-class zoos showcasing animals from all over the world inhumane “cageless” environments: the open-air Singapore Zoo, the nocturnal Night Safari, and "Asia's largest bird park", the Jurong Bird Park.
Avid explorers who’d like to spend the entire day amidst the wonders of nature can take a bumboat to Pulau Ubin, an island that’s home to rich ecosystems, teeming wildlife and diverse landscapes.