Unique Experiences to Try Out in Singapore
Singapore is the finance capital of Asia, and is also one of the smallest countries you can visit. Yet despite its size the multi-cultural city state is one of the most-visited destinations in the continent. With 18.5 million tourists coming in last year, the Strait Times reports that Singapore’s tourism is currently enjoying a three-year record high with spending amounting to $27.1 billion (S$37.32 billion). At the top of the list are tourists from the US, Britain, India and Vietnam. Host to a slew of the world’s most millionaires, Singapore is easily one of the most expensive places on the planet. But beyond the towering skyscrapers and the bustling city streets, there are hidden gems nestled within the city you must try at least once. Here are some unique experiences you can embark on the next time you visit Singapore:
Visit the zoo at night
Not exactly a hidden gem, but Singapore’s night safari is the first of its kind in Asia and unique experience. The nocturnal zoo shows a different type of nightlife in the city and it is a chance to see many types of animals in their natural night time environment. The park also features a tribal Thumbuakar fire show—one of the highlights of the four paths you can choose from. The guided tram tours also have a 20-minute Creatures of the Night Show where you can get close up to otters, civets, and even hyenas.
Watch a football match
Football is huge in Singapore with the city frequently hosting the biggest teams from around the world. It is a rare chance to see some of the best footballers in the world playing in Asia. In fact, next month, part of the Brazil Global Tour 2019 will be held in the National Stadium. Brazil will face both Senegal and Nigeria in exhibition matches. If you really want to get into the spirit of the sport be sure to join the locals in making bets on a match before going to watch it live. 88betstep1 explains how betting on a football match will make the experience much more fun. This is because you’ll become much more invested in the game. If you can’t make it to a live match, there are loads of local sports bars throughout the city where you can join locals in cheering on the teams.
Eat at fancy street food vendor
As a cultural melting pot, Singapore is also home to some of the best restaurants in Asia. If you enjoyed the street food in Thailand, you will love Singapore. Singapore hosts the world’s first Michelin starred street food vendor in the Outram neighbourhood. The Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle is owned and managed by Chan Hon Meng who has been cooking the Soya Sauce Chicken Rice for more than 35 years. Starting at around $2 a meal, it’s the cheapest Michelin starred meal you will ever find. A bit of advice though, it closes at 7pm on weekdays and 5pm at weekends so come early. They also serve Char Siew Rice, Pork Ribs Rice, and Roasted Pork Rice.
Walk in the countryside
Singapore is a highly urbanised country with almost a hundred percent of its population in the city. But on the outskirts of the city, is the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve—Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park. It has forest trails that are over 3,700 metres long. Around 150 species of exotic migratory birds come to this area hailing from lands as far as Alaska, Siberia, Northern China and Australia. These birds can be spotted between September and March. People also come here to see the Malayan water monitor lizard, which some people mistake for a Komodo dragon. Guided walk tours are conducted every weekend. Despite being a very small country, the diversity and vibrancy of Singapore cannot be explored in one trip alone. You’ll never run out of things to do in the city-state as it’s constantly evolving.
I revisited the Qantas International Business Lounge in Terminal 1 and it is still an incredibly solid airport lounge that is quite possibly the best one for oneworld Sapphire members (in any cabin class) departing on a oneworld carrier from Singapore Changi Airport.