SINGAPORE

Vibrant. Fresh. Fascinating.

Singapore's tourism brand underscores: "A story to call your own."

Indeed. It is a place that gives each traveler a wide range of experiences to choose from.

Mine started at the Changi Airport.

I was more than skeptical when reviewers gushed that it's the best airport to get stranded in. But personal experience proved that they weren't kidding. In fact, I even wished I had more time to stay and explore.

  

Singapore's premier airport is hands-down-twenty-thumbs-up excellent, successfully delivering "an airport experience that is personalised, stress-free and positively surprising."

Apart from the wide variety of facilities and a blend of state-of-the-art amenities , Changi Airport totally captured my heart with its nature-themed areas, particularly, its butterfly garden.

Even with its size, traveling such a multifaceted city which has progressively evolved from being just a humble fishing village, inhabited by an indigenous settlement into a bustling cosmopolitan city of high-rise buildings, is quite a daunting prospect. But looking around, any traveler will always find his way through the well-structured and organized transportation system. Having a friend who guided me through all the unfamiliar avenues saved me precious hours, though.

The other thing that will strike you most about Singapore is its multifarious offering of food – day or night, there will always be something to whet your appetite. With a range of dining options from Peranakan to Chinese, Indian to Malay, fusion and more, you’ll be spoilt for choice. I was lucky, I had my friend, Dave, to guide me through an otherwise grueling process :) 

If you are the type to bask in the bright city lights and just be in the middle of the hustle and bustle, this place is for you. Arrays of shopping malls, museums, dining and entertainment hotspots awaits. 

"Get into the thick of the shopping action at the iconic Orchard Road stretch, or party the night away at the Clarke Quay or Boat Quay areas, both of which offer a myriad selection of nightlife activities."

Today, Singapore is a tapestry of a harmonious interweaving of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture, stitched together with various colourful aspects of both East and West, old and new.

I haven't had enough time to get to know her better. But from what little snippets I have had the opportunity to take in, I know it will be worth my while to fully explore her someday.  Or, as http://www.yoursingapore.com/ explicitly puts it:

"Beyond the history, culture, people, shopping and food, there are many more facets to Singapore’s thriving cityscape for you to discover. And these can only be experienced as you immerse yourself in the exploration of this once fishing village turned cosmopolitan city."

Date of travel:

17-18 August 2012