Joanna James
As one of Asia's most popular travel hubs, the Lion City packs in a punch in terms of the sheer variety of highlights on offer. From the island's iconic theme parks to excellent shopping hotspots, here are the most compelling reasons to vacation in Singapore on your next big break.
One of the best reasons to choose Singapore for your next getaway is that no visa is required to enter the country. With the exception of a handful of high-risk nations, those who are hailing from nearly every corner of the world can book a holiday in Singapore without applying for visa at the local Singaporean consulate. This is because visa upon arrival is granted at Changi International Airport for tourists who intend to spend less than 30 days in the country and that's more than enough time to enjoy the sights in the Lion City and head back home for most travellers.
When it comes to some of Asia's most iconic theme parks, there's no destination that can claim as many as the Lion City. Not only is Singapore home to the only Universal Studios Theme Park outside of the United States, but it is also where other recreational hotspots include Sentosa Island, the Adventure Cove Water Park and Wild Wild Wet. The Singapore Science centre is another must-visit highlight for families apart from the Haw Par Villa.
Starting with Merlion Park, Singapore is also where some of the region's most photographed and awe-inspiring landmarks are found. The Gardens by the Bay is the newest addition to this ever-expanding list that includes the Kranji War Memorial, Raffles Landing Site, and the Clarke Quay.
Considered among the region's finest retail Meccas, Singapore is a shopaholic's dream come true. Little India is a bargain hunter's paradise where street-side stalls and the Mustafa Centre offer clothing, fashion items, accessories, footwear and cosmetics at unbelievable rates while the sprawling malls down Orchard Road are for a distinctly different type of shopper. From ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City to Orchard Central and the Paragon Shopping Centre, the department stores along Orchard Road are the envy of the globe.
Foodies around the world flock to Singapore not only due to its eclectic mix of regional cuisines but also due to the affordability of its culinary treats. With several Michelin starred restaurants to its name, the best wining and dining hubs in Singapore are concentrated around Clarke Quay and the hawker centres scattered across the Lion City. Inexpensive and delectable, some of the best local dishes to dig into during a trip to Singapore include Hainanese Chicken Rice, Singapore Chilli Crab, Nasi Lemak and Fish Head Curry while those with a taste for Chinese cuisine can head to the restaurant-lined streets of Chinatown. Visitors based at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road, Singapore or any similar 1-bedroom apartment in Singapore will also have easy access to the many Kaya Toast cafes in the city.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
