Singapore offers many cultural and religious experiences due to its multi-ethnic reputation and large immigrant population. Walking through the city, you can find mosques, Buddhist temples, and Christian churches. Little India and Chinatown offer glimpses of these countries' cultures and way of life.
Kylie in Chinatown
Hannah at Sultan's Mosque
Josie exploring Bangkok temples
Haji Lane is a touristy section of the city that has vintage shopping, restaurants and cafes, fabric stores, souvenir shops, and more. This is a perfect place to pick up some gifts for friends and family and buy some unique pieces for your wardrobe. The chic vibe attracts a younger crowd and is a perfect place to spend a relaxed afternoon with friends. Locals and expats alike highly recommend visitors to spend a day here. The colorful murals and beautiful architecture allow for the perfect opportunity for artsy photos. At night, the buzzing shopper can take a moment to put their bags down to enjoy a meal outside as live bands and solo acts fill the streets with their music.
Hawker Centers are eatery areas that offer many food options for very reasonable prices. This is a must experience and it is a great place to try new cultural dishes from Indian food to Chinese food and everything in between. There are several Hawker Centers around the city, each offering a different atmosphere. Remember to bring cash because many stalls do not take credit or debit cards. Also, don't forget your tissue packs because you won't find napkins here!
Singapore has many history and art museums as well as public art all around the city. Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is a small public collection of Southeast Asian contemporary art that showcases pieces that are connected to sustainability and humanity. The ArtScience Museum offers many exhibits that explore the connection between the creative and scientific realms. The exhibit that explored highlighted human interaction with nature and how we affect the environment. We experienced interactive exhibits that highlighted the importance of the natural world and the beauty that needs to be appreciated on earth in hopes to appeal to people of all ages.
Traveling Throughout Southeast Asia
One thing that made our time in Singapore really special is the opportunity to travel together on weekends. These trips can be relatively inexpensive and allow you to create memories you will never forget. Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia are all very short trips away and provide a new slice of culture and scenery that is really unique.
Singapore is a prime location for travelling throughout Southeast Asia. We visited the Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Experiencing the Batu Caves, one of the most famous Hindu temples outside India was unreal. To reach the main temple complex, visitors must climb a steep flight of 272 steps. Along the way, visitors are greeted by macaque monkeys that are known to inhabit the caves.
Batam Indonesia is known for its strategic location near Singapore, making it a popular destination for both business and leisure travelers. It's easily accessible from Singapore via ferry, taking around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Batam is historically a fishing village but is seeing an influx of tourism and is currently focused on improving their infrastructure. Singaporeans and tourists alike often travel for shopping, golf, or relaxing at day spas.
Phuket Thailand is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. The Phi Phi Islands are renowned for their natural beauty, including limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Popular activities include snorkeling, diving, kayaking through sea caves, and boat tours around the islands to discover secluded beaches and viewpoints. If you get lucky you might even be able to experience the bioluminescent plankton at night. It's truly a unique once in a lifetime moment.