The next place that has been on my bucket list for a long time is Singapore. Looking back, the reason is a funny story: the airport. I remember watching a video about the country’s luxurious Changi airport that offers not only the common boutique hotels and duty-free shopping, but also some of the best amenities to its travelers such as the Rain Vortex, the tallest indoor waterfall in the world, and Butterfly Park.
You could honestly spend an entire week just in the airport, with many YouTube vloggers doing just that. However, Singapore offers many more attractions that will make you want to leave the airport and explore the new-found opportunities!
Number 1 on the list of things to see? Marina Bay Sands. Located right on the Singaporean bayfront, Marina Bay Sands gives all of its guests a taste of opulent living. The iconic resort boasts over 20 restaurant options for an exclusive dining atmosphere with celebrity chefs. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife with a 4-floor casino and some of the hottest nightclubs where you may even spot celebrities if you’re lucky. Need time to relax? Check out the world’s biggest infinity pool on the roof. It’s nearly three Olympic swimming pools in length!
An extra bonus: you will be greeted with the best views of the Singapore skyline. The resort’s beautiful, expansive pool deck was also featured in the 2018 romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians.
Another famous tourist spot is the Helix Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that connects the two sections of Marina Bay: Central and South. Modeled after the double helix structure of DNA, LED lights illuminate the letters c, g, a and t (the four bases that make up the genetic material) at night. Canopies made of glass and steel offer shade during the day. With a total walking distance of 919 ft (280 meters), the bridge offers beautiful views of the waterfront and easy access to other attractions such as the ArtScience Museum and Youth Olympic Park.
Not only does Singapore have amazing views, but it is also home to delicious cuisine with influences from China, India, Thailand, England and other neighboring regions after its rich political and social history. You will often find authentic Singaporean food in hawker centers around the city.
In fact, they are so culturally prominent that they remained one of the national icons throughout history. An alternative to food carts that chefs once used in the 1800s, hawker centers provide a more sanitary and environmentally conscious location for people of all walks of life to dine. Locals highly recommend chicken rice, the unofficial national dish, Laksa, Rojak or a Saty for an on-the-go snack.
Singapore is a city-state of culture, adventure and fun. It is also a place where one visit would not suffice in exploring all it has to offer. I’m glad that my younger self clicked on that random video on YouTube because now, I cannot wait until I touch down on the runway of Changi airport!
The visuals in this blog make Singapore enticing. I especially like the cleverly-named Helix Bridge, which offers both a scientific and aesthetic vibe with the light illuminations. That infinity pool looks awesome with the beautiful nighttime color way, and as someone who appreciates contrast, it looks like a great photo spot! Moreover, I like how you said the Singapore is a hub of culture beyond just the fun because that message, even for myself, is often left out. Hopefully, I get to visit Singapore someday!
Wow! I need to visit Singapore now. The architecture of the airport alone is enough to convince me to visit. What inspired the architects to build the Helix Bridge? It is super unique, and I wonder why they chose to model it after DNA. I also would love a relaxing visit to the Marina Bay Sands. That pool must need so much work to keep running! I’ve never seen such a large pool. Plus, the food sounds delicious. My bucket list grows another location longer every time you post! I can’t wait to visit Singapore one day.