We’ve often heard returning visitors from Singapore raving about “the city of the future” and we couldn’t agree more. Singapore is an anomaly in many ways. Old-world traditions and landmarks co-exist with modern office building, historic civic buildings, and the iconic futuristic Marina Bay Sands hotel complex. Colonized by both the British and the Japanese in the twentieth century, today Singapore is a thriving independent nation. It’s not only the most developed nation in all of the Asian continent, it’s ranked fifth in the world for human development, tied with Denmark.
Singapore is truly a melting pot of diverse cultures, with four main ethnic groups: Chinese, Malay, Indian, and expatriates from mainly western countries. Mosques sit alongside churches and Buddhist and Hindu temples. In the traditional hawker food markets, the sights and smells of the smorgasbord of Asian foods is awe inducing. Visit Chinatown and Little India for a deeper glimpse into the traditional cultures that make up Singapore. Then make your way to the trendy Kampong Glam area, a traditionally Malay enclave that has become one of Singapore’s hippest hangouts full of eclectic eateries and artisan boutiques.
Singapore is a perfect layover or starting point for a trip to Asia or Oceania, as you can experience the main highlights in just a few days and use the well-connected airport to continue your trip.