1. Visit Sentosa island

If only there was a place specifically built for fun, excitement and relaxation? But wait, there is!

Sentosa is a manmade island whose only purpose is to give visitors somewhere to go and have a good time. Whether it’s by walking along the treetop trail, going down the zipline, whizzing round the luge or simply relaxing on the beach, Sentosa Island has it all.

Now if you don’t fancy getting there via a gondola (although we really don’t understand why you wouldn’t) the Island is also easily accessible via a short car journey across a bridge.

2. Have a wander

One of my favorite things to do in a new place is to have a potter around and just experience the surroundings.

In some cities this isn’t always advisable due to large distances or safety concerns. However, Singapore is such a relatively petite place that an afternoon’s stroll really can cover a lot of ground and really give you a feel for the city.

For example, wandering around Chinatown you can experience the sights, sounds and smells of the way of life there. If you decide to take a potter round Little India you will see incredibly beautiful colonial buildings, temples and shops. Or you can branch out and find somewhere completely different.

Just put feet to the tarmac and see where it takes you.

3. Visit Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay are unique for their mix of beauty and futuristic architecture. There is everything you’d expect from a public garden; gorgeous flowers, outside spaces, lovely fresh fragrances. But there’s also an indoor waterfall and a 22-meter Skyway trail that makes you feel like you’re visiting an alien civilization or space styled wonderland.

This truly unique space is completely free.

Visit after sunset to see the gardens and structures illuminated like some fairy wonderland.

4. Eat, eat and eat some more

Where to start with the food in Singapore. You could start with our previous article about Singaporean cuisine. Or you could take a stroll around one of Singapore’s many food markets, such as Lau Pa Sat or Makan Sutra and taste everything they have to offer.

Such as, authentic Murtabak, which is a mincemeat egg and onion filled pancake. Or some Kaya Toast, made from a gooey, coconutty jam and served with coffee.

And of course, not just any coffee, but make sure to head to Kampong Glam and try a Selfie Coffee. That’s right, take a selfie and a dedicated barista will print it out onto the top of your coffee for you.

Whether you love or hate this idea, it’s happening so why not get on board and sip your troubles (and your face) away.

5. Walk the Southern Ridges

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If you fancy a bit of time out of the city, simply head to the Southern Ridges and enjoy beautiful panoramic views.

The trail starts at Mount Faber and heads to Labrador Nature Reserve (which we really hope is exactly as puppy filled as it sounds) and is set up amongst the treetops. So you get to enjoy the city’s skyline with birds chirping around you.

6. See something unique at Haw Par Villa

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We’re not sure where to start with this one except to say, if you like odd things then you’ll like Haw Par Villa very much indeed. An eclectic collection of over 1000 statues and 150 dioramas depict your favorite ancient characters in old Chinese legends.

It was lovingly made by the son of the man who invented Tiger Balm and its purpose was to provide moral guidance to visitors by retelling old legends through sculpture. It has since been expanded on to include lessons from other areas of the globe.

So if you fancy learning some ancient Chinese morals or perhaps seeing the stories such as Madam White Sneak or the Eight Immortals, then you’ll know exactly where to head.

7. Enjoy a day at Universal Studios

Then again, perhaps traditional theme parks are more your kind of thing. As the first theme park to open in Southeast Asia, Universal Studios is not the biggest but it sure is entertaining.

Boasting over 20 attractions including roller coasters, water rides and 3D cinema experiences, there’s something for everyone.

Oh, plus a lovely dinner at one of the many restaurants to finish the day off perfectly.

8. Chill out at Lazarus Island

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If you are longing to get off the beaten track and enjoy some picturesque Singapore beach life, your best bet is to hop on a ferry to Lazarus Island. Not only is this a relatively undiscovered spot it’s also one of the most beautiful beaches in Singapore.

Keep in mind that an early start will mean a better chance of a seat on the ferry and a quieter stretch of paradise for you to enjoy. Just make sure to pack a sandwich or two as restaurants haven’t made it to this little piece of Eden just yet.

9. Bliss out on a Sunset River Cruise

If you like twinkling lights, cityscapes and the sound of gently lapping water, get yourself on a River Cruise. Not only will you see the beautiful views of the city, but you’ll also learn a little bit about its history.

Plus the tours are all given on board a bum-boat, which although might sound rude to some, is actually just a combination of the Dutch word for a Canoe, Boomschuit and boat. Still, it’s a wonderful boast to take back home.

Make sure to book onto a Sunset Cruise to maximize the spectacular views you’ll see.

10. Shop till you drop at Orchard Road

How will people even know you’ve been on holiday if you don’t bring them back trinkets? I know, it’s a genuine concern so you’d better be prepared.

But where will you go to gather your thoughtfully acquired gifts? Well, how about Orchard Road in the very center of Singapore?

Compared to London‘s Oxford Street, Orchard Street can hold its own as its collection of big shops, huge department stores, spas, restaurants and cafés offer anything you could dream of. Eager shoppers could easily spend hours in this retail metropolis and even those less keen can still enjoy the fairs or special events that take place along the Road.

A little something for everyone and a little something to take back to those at home.

Suggested next reading: 8 Authentic & Affordable Dishes In Singapore That Even Food Critics Will Love

The post 10 Of The Very Best Things To Do In Singapore appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Singapore Chili Crab

Created in 1956 this is a recipe that’s stood the test of time. But then why wouldn’t it? Soft yielding crab, sweet tomato sauce, a little tickle of chili heat. It’s everything you could wish for on one plate. Served from many a hawker stall, this messy treat is best eaten with your hands and accompanied by a Mantous or steamed or deep fried bun. It’s arguably Singapore’s most famous dish and if you want to visit where it all started, you can! The restaurant famed for inventing the dish, the Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant, is still serving up this delicious crab to this day.

2. Hainanese Chicken Rice

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Your first taste of Hainanese chicken rice might be on the plane over as it is one of a small number of local dishes that Singapore airline serves. It is a great example of what can be done when you try to squeeze every bit of flavor from your ingredients.

Firstly the chicken is poached and the resulting broth (including any fat) is combined with ginger, garlic and Pandan leaves to cook the rice. What results is a very flavorful and slightly greasy rice which has been dubbed “oily rice” for obvious reasons. This is served alongside the chicken and fresh cucumber, which has also been boiled in the stock. A fiery, garlicky dipping sauce finishes it all off, cutting through the grease and setting your lips tingling. If that sounds like something you’d like, you’re in luck. One of the most popular dishes to eat in Singapore, this dish can be found pretty much anywhere but for the really good stuff, head to the Chinatown district and join the exceedingly long queue extending from the Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken stand. Not only will you get a Michelin starred meal, you’ll get the cheapest Michelin starred meal in the world. And that’s worth the plane ride.

3. Oyster Omelet

It could be argued that we’re generally not big oyster eaters in the West, but maybe that’s because we’ve been missing a trick by not putting them in omelets. Oyster omelets are made with a slightly sturdier batter than your traditional omelet. One that has been thickened with tapioca or potato starch. This mixture is cooked over a high heat in pork lard, until the edges are brown and crispy and the middle is liltingly soft and yielding. It’s all presented with a scoop of spicy chilli sauce, spiked with lime and finished with fresh coriander. Of course, if you really don’t fancy oysters, you can get exactly the same dish with shrimp instead. Both options are commonly regarded by locals as being possibly the best dishes to eat in Singapore; probably on account of being shockingly delicious.

4. Char Kway Teow

Now I’m going to say two words to you and I want you to steel yourself.

Ready? Ok, here goes.

Blood Cockles.

I know, I know, on the surface it doesn’t sound great. But honestly, these tasty little clams are surprisingly fresh, succulent and well worth the effort of getting past the name. Which you’ll have to if you want to try one of the most popular dishes to eat in Singapore, Char Kway Teow. This delicious street food literally means flat rice noodles, blistered in a hot wok with dark soy sauce, chili, bean sprouts, prawns and of course, blood cockles. It’s all finished with a topping of crispy pork lard which may not add to the health content but certainly ramps up the texture.

5. Laksa

Now the chances are that you may have already heard of or even tried Laksa, but this very old dish has a lot of variants to its name. Generally speaking, Laksa consists of spicy, curry soup and noodles. Whether that’s rice noodles or vermicelli, or a coconut milk base rather than a sour asam base, depends on the region and variety you’re eating. One thing’s for certain though, they all taste very good indeed. Why not see if you can try them all and let us know your favorite?

6. Kaya Toast

Everyone loves a sweet treat with a hot beverage and the people of Singapore are no exception. That’s why they have Kaya Toast with their coffee. This morsel is very thin toast spread with a thick jam made with coconut, sugar and egg and it’s served with a little square of butter. Eaten either at breakfast, teatime or just as a snack, you’ll see this on many hawker stalls and you can even buy the jam or Kaya separately if you want to try it at home.

7. Nasi Lemak

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They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and that’s why you should have Nasi Lemak. This hearty but healthy breakfast consists of rice cooked in coconut milk, with a side of cucumber, omelet, fried anchovies with peanuts and sambal. Once again there are many variants of this dish across the region, including two in Singapore alone. But the basic structure is the same and the flavors are all delicious. If it seems too strange to be eating something spicy for breakfast, don’t worry, you can also add it to the already large repertoire of great dishes to eat in Singapore during lunch—quite versatile!

8. Sugarcane Juice

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Sugarcane juice is popular across a lot of Asia but the high temperatures of Singapore might mean you appreciate it just that little bit more here. Sweet, cool, and tangy if you ask for lemon, this refreshing drink can revitalize a weary traveler, meaning for just a small sum you are free to go forward and try even more Singaporean delights!

Well, that’s our list. Truth be told, Singapore is such a food lover’s paradise that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Fancy some authentic Japanese Ramen? Not a problem. How about a New York style bagel? Sure, sounds good. Or maybe some Korean BBQ or a delicate bowl of pasta. Yes, yes, yes. All these things are available and so much more. You certainly won’t run out of incredible dishes to eat in Singapore!

Suggested next reading: 6 Hong Kong Dishes You Simply Can’t Afford To Miss (& 1 You Probably Can)

The post 8 Authentic & Affordable Dishes In Singapore That Even Food Critics Will Love appeared first on Modern Trekker.