Joanna James
Recognised by the Economist as "the world's only fully-functioning city-state", Singapore has a spotless record of being full of unique surprises customised toward every variation of wanderlust. Here's some fascinating trivia that will further enamour you with the Lion City.
A cutting-edge playground for innovative visionaries, many get bedazzled by the high-tech quarters of Singapore, such as the ArtScience Museum with its metaphorically kaleidoscopic realms and the high-end recreational amenities glamourising the Marina Bay area. Singapore is also begemmed with quaint eclectic enclaves and experiences, from atmospheric warrens of hawker stalls and picturesque retro-chic shopping and residential districts to transporting heritage exhibitions and art galleries.
While Singapore has enticements for every tick of the clock, the city takes on extra vivacity after the sun goes down, sparkling with after-dark escapades, such as the world's very first night safari offering intimate glimpses into over 2500 fascinating animals, nocturnal ice-skating excursions, scrumptious food tours, breathtaking sky dining, atmospheric night markets, and exhilarating nightscape races at the Sentosa Skyline Luge.
Hosting the world's tallest indoor waterfall of 35-metres and multitudes of jaw-dropping realms straight out of an epic fantasy, from misted Cloud Forest and cascades of lush orchids in impossible colours to immersive 4-D Dragonfly Rides and the world's largest glass-domed greenhouse recreating the native landscapes of diverse indigenous trees, plants, and flowers, Gardens by The Bay is perhaps the most spectacular synonym of Singapore's otherworldly ingenuity.
Dubbed the 'Garden City', Singapore's artificial realms are not its only ode to nature. The island city is also blessed with ample natural endowments, from parks and gardens to lush nature reserves and neighbouring island havens full of untouched beauty. Its UNESCO-listed Botanic Gardens, founded in 1859, is a century older than the youthful city-state and filled with enriching history as well as exquisite beflowered walkways, antique tree groves, serene ponds, and fragrant spice plots.
The art-décor neighbourhoods that pattern the glittering cityscape have been known to delight even the most blasé of digital nomads, such as the Colonial District, with its graceful imperial landmarks, and artistic trendsetting enclaves like Robertson Quay, perfect for scenic shopping, eating, and sightseeing spree. If you're looking for the best serviced apartments in Singapore located close to its chief allurements, venture no further than PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Singapore.
Whether it's the merlion of Singapore serving as its mythical ambassador, the ban on the long-haired 'hippie look' for males imposed in the 1970s, or the world's cheapest Michelin meal found in Chinatown's 'Hong Kong Soya Sauce Rice & Noodle' stall, every aspect of Singaporean life is refreshingly authentic, and there's never a dull moment! Some of the best eccentric experiences the city has to offer include whimsically immersive theatre dining experiences, learning how to successfully hit a bulls-eye with a mini-axe, and stepping inside a giant old-timey spy camera to look at retro photography paraphernalia.
After New Zealand, Singapore is the easiest place to do business in the globe, recognised by the World Bank, acting as an avant-garde springboard to propel innovative ventures to new heights. However, it's important to remember that, despite its futuristic leaps in a myriad of fields, this city-state is very much bound by cultural norms and traditions, which are crucial to learn and observe to avoid pitfalls in general and business interactions. For instance, certain sensitive topics are out of bounds during small talk, and confrontational behaviour during negotiations is not appreciated.
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.
