21 Reasons to Love Singapore

In celebration of my 21^st candle-blowing year and on my 21^st Wander Dude post, let me tell you 21 reasons to love, what I believe to be the loveliest place on earth, Singapore.

The Iconic Merlion Park

Stepping foot in Singapore earned me something only chocolates- being inanimate, can give – endorphins. Yes, I romantically fell in love with the city that I vowed to myself -- I will find the time to see you, my darling, every year.


Let me start telling you 21 whys.  

One. It is where the world meets.

 A fusion of western culture perfectly matched to fit the oriental east. Singapore is where the world truly meets, its urban zones does not overtake the cultural pragmatism, an identity unique among others.

Two. Kids, Yuppies, Middles, Folks – everything for everyone.

From the adrenaline rush at the Universal Studios to the shopping hype at the Orchard Rd., to a wonderful dinner at the Clark Quay or a fantastic night at the Resorts World Sentosa- Casino, Singapore is a backpack that contains all the things you want to do at anytime you want to do them. The list never gets empty and the reasons to love Singapore will be endless.

Resorts World Sentosa Casino

Bars and Bistros along the Boat Quay

Three. Its calm and busy at the same time.

Different from the typical metropolis setup, people would always incorporate urban life to be stressful, busy and crowded. But of course it is ;). But unlike any other city which is in a state of economic hyperactivity, Singapore, regardless of its not-so-huge geography has managed to create leisure sites within the busiest spots. You can be on top of the Marina Bay Sands and enjoy life at its finest, while overlooking the entire city. Imagine yourself to be a literal cherry on top.

Yoga sessions under the Esplanade Bridge

Marina Bay Sands

Four. Food blast.

Whether your appetite is furious for some Asian cuisine, craving for a Western taste or wanting to plunge into an Indian delight, name anything you want, they got it for you. Five star dining or cheap thrills, there is nothing more fun than the food blast in the city.

Food Shops along the Novena Rd. - famous for Chicken Rice

 Singapore's Signature Roasted Chicken

Five.  Clean and Green.

As a country that has made smoking in public areas illegal, you’ll be breathing significantly clean air amidst a busy district, not only that, you can enjoy strolling in the park with a lush green ambiance. 

Six. You don’t need your own car.

 Having been from the norms of going to the mall with your wheels, you will be overwhelmed by how much more efficient it is to hop on their public transport system and enjoy rush hours without pushing people on the queue or being pick pocketed on the train. Plus, most MRT stations are air conditioned. What more can you ask for?

SG MRT

MRT Gates

Seven.  iPhone City.

Hop on the train and you will see almost everybody plugged with white sexy earphones perfect for iPhones. iPhone’s at this part of the world are common necessities, as a 3G-wide country, it is a need really, well so I think.

Eight. First stop is First love.

ChangiAirport itself will already make you feel satisfied with your trip to Singapore. On your first touchdown, the bird’s eye view from the sky already tells a story, landing at the airport is just on top of that. Being a huge aviation fan, Changi and the A380’s I see on the tarmac are festivities to my soul.

Changi Airport Terminal 2

Nine. More than just Singapore.

Singapore isn’t only a home to local Singaporeans, its being diverse is well manifested by structured communities like the Little Andia, Little Arab, Chinatown, the Filipino Community at the Lucky Plaza and everywhere else. It is like being in a lot of countries, rolled into one.

 

Little India

Ten. Gateway to the world.

Singapore today has become one of the busiest stop overs for flights bound for the rest of the world.

Airport Flight Boards

Eleven. Hassle free conversations.

Going back to number one. It is where the world meets, I think it is just logical that the people are efficiently able to converse in English, whether local or foreign. Poles apart from the nearby countries, English is not a major challenge in this part of the region so going in par with them in an ordinary day is no problemo.

Twelve. Sentos-Ahh!

Sentosa Island, what I consider to be Singapore’s crowning glory. Sentosa, being a Malay word for tranquility- it explains why it is such a paradise for everyone who dares visit it. White beach sands, cafes and bars, adventure rides, five star hotels, shopping spree! Ah, it is a city within a city!

Sentosa Beaches

Universal Studios Singapore at the Resorts World Sentosa

Thirteen.  Universal Happiness.

Read more here why the Universal Studios Singapore is a must try.

Fourteen.  Flexitravel Destination.

For travelers, Singapore is an undiscriminating city for everyone who wishes to embark on an amazing experience. Whether on a budget or an unraveling first class trip, you can enjoy anything you want custom made for your needs. Clean, affordable and safe Backpackers hostel are ramping out every corner. A number of chain hotels at reasonable price are a Google away but if you are up to something luxurious, Singapore has a long list to offer.

I personally recommend, Value Hotel Singapore (Thomson Site).

Value Hotel Thomson

Fifteen. Best jobs.

I define best jobs to be those who are highly compensated while doing enjoyable work and spending them around an exciting atmosphere. Singapore’s labor department has listed hundreds of jobs fit for the one you like, with a triple pay to what you have now. Say what.

Sixteen.  Easy navigation.

One of the challenges a traveler would always come across is to find the destination. Fret not, maps are given for free! And navigation around the city is as easy as 1, 2, 3. If not, your GPS is yours to enjoy. ;) 

Seventeen. IKEA!!!

You know what I mean. ;)

IKEA Singapore

Eighteen.  Visual Delight.

I have an intimate fascination for Architecture and Interior Design, and Singapore is like the real life warzone for creative minds. It is where all kinds of marvels that the imagination could ever come up with, all made into an eye feast.

Fullerton Hotel

Nineteen. Safer than ever.

Singapore is just one of the safest cities you could ever imagine. Strict policies + well disciplined people = a well ordered country fit for a first world economy.

Twenty. Year-round holiday.

Because Singapore gives you more than 365 reasons to celebrate, have fun and enjoy life. No minute is ever futile. Occasions are belted left to right and the excitement never stops – clubs, resorts, amusement parks, restaurants, shopping malls, adventure parks. 

                          

Twenty One. It is Your Singapore.

Live. Love. Laugh. It is Your Singapore. Exactly what they meant in their tourism slogan, everybody is caught up with a strange feeling for this city. This could be the most diverse place the world could ever imagine, that I think aliens from other planets would even have a place at.

Falling in love with Singapore isn’t only because it is aesthetically magnificent, but the city gives you an intimate warmth and inspiration, an urge to extract your creative juice and some hidden wonders within you, a place to unwind and unleash the passion in your heart.

Your Singapore is tailored the way you want to enjoy it for yourself.

2010, 2011 – Check. I wonder how I’ll puzzle up My Singapore for 2012.  Happy New Year everyone! :)