Singapore, the island city-state nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, is renowned for its captivating blend of modernity and tradition. In 2019, I had the chance to visit this dynamic metropolis, where futuristic skyscrapers stand alongside colorful historic districts. From street food to breathtaking vertical gardens, Singapore offers an unforgettable experience. Here is a glimpse of the highlights from my trip to Singapore.
Practical Info
Singapore is an incredibly clean, safe, and multicultural country that offers plenty of attractions and activities for every taste. Whether you're interested in architecture, nature, gastronomy, or shopping, you'll find exactly what you're looking for in Singapore!
How to get to Singapore from France
Let's start at the beginning: how do you get to Singapore? There are many direct flights from France, which take about 13 hours. You'll arrive at Changi Airport, which is one of the best in the world. It’s incredibly spacious, bright, and comfortable.
To get to the city center from the airport, you have several options: taxi, bus, or metro. The taxi is the fastest and most convenient, but also the most expensive. It will cost you about 20 euros for a 20-minute ride. The bus is the cheapest, but also the slowest. It will cost you about 2 euros for a one-hour trip. The metro is a great middle ground for price and time. It will cost you about 3 euros for a 30-minute ride.
Getting around Singapore
The Singapore metro is hyper-clean, punctual, and easy to use. It covers the entire city and allows you to get around quickly and comfortably. You can buy an EZ-Link card at the airport or in metro stations, which will allow you to pay for your metro and bus rides. You can also use your contactless bank card if it's compatible.
Singaporeans are extremely kind, welcoming, and helpful. They all speak English, in addition to Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil depending on their ethnic background. You won't have any communication issues in Singapore. Don't hesitate to ask them for information or advice; they will be happy to help you.
Staying at the Mercure Hotel On Stevens
First of all, the hotel is located in a quiet, leafy neighborhood, far from the hustle and bustle of the city center. It feels like you're disconnected from the world, tucked away in a bubble of tranquility. The hotel is super modern, very clean, and bright. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, with large floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a stunning view of the city. You feel like you're suspended in mid-air, floating between the sky and the ground.
The pool is gigantic, surrounded by palm trees and lounge chairs. The atmosphere is humid and tropical; you’d think you were in an exotic paradise. Breakfast is a real feast of refined dishes, with both local and international specialties. There is something for every taste and appetite.
The only downside is that the hotel is a bit far from the main attractions in Singapore. You have to take the bus or metro to get to lively areas like Chinatown or Marina Bay. And be careful, because in Singapore, walking often means going uphill! The streets are frequently sloped and it gets very hot. You should definitely plan on wearing good shoes and carrying water.
But despite this small inconvenience, I have excellent memories of my stay at the Mercure on Stevens in Singapore. It’s a hotel I highly recommend if you're looking for a quiet, comfortable place to rest after a day of sightseeing. It’s a spot that blends modernity and nature, making you feel right at home.
Neighborhoods to visit and things to do
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is an urban park created to transform Singapore into a "city in a garden." It is an ambitious and visionary project that aims to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors by providing a green, ecological space in the middle of the skyscrapers.
The park spans more than 100 hectares and is divided into three main sections: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden. Each of these parts has its own theme and charm, but they all share a commitment to housing wonders of nature and technology.
Bay South Garden is the largest and most impressive of the three. This is where you can admire the famous Supertrees, those giant metal structures that look like futuristic trees. These Supertrees stand between 25 and 50 meters tall and are covered in climbing plants. They are equipped with solar panels, water collection systems, and ventilation, and serve to regulate the temperature and humidity of the two nearby domes.
These two domes are the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome, two giant greenhouses that house different ecosystems. The Cloud Forest replicates a humid tropical climate, featuring a 35-meter-tall artificial waterfall, the tallest in the world. You can discover lush flora there, made up of ferns, orchids, bromeliads, and carnivorous plants. The Flower Dome, meanwhile, showcases a dry Mediterranean climate, with plants native to Australia, South Africa, South America, and Europe. You can admire baobabs, cacti, olive trees, and colorful flowers.
Gardens by the Bay is a magical place that will take you on a journey across continents and eras. It’s a must-see if you're visiting Singapore, whether you're looking to relax, learn, or be amazed.
Chinatown
Chinatown is located south of the Singapore River and is easily accessible by metro or bus. There are several areas to explore, each with its own charm and vibe. Here are a few things I did and saw during my visit:
- I started with the Buddha Tooth Relic temple, a magnificent Tang-style building that houses a relic of the Buddha. The temple is open to the public, and you can admire the statues, paintings, and ornaments that decorate the various floors. There is also a museum that traces the history of Buddhism and the relic. The highlight is the solid gold stupa containing the sacred tooth, located on the fourth floor. It’s a place of worship and meditation where you can feel an atmosphere of peace and serenity.
- Next, I wandered through the lively streets of Chinatown, where you can find many shops, restaurants, and food stalls. I was able to taste some local specialties, like bak kut teh (herbal pork rib soup), char kway teow (stir-fried soy noodles), or durian (a fruit with a very distinct taste and smell). I also did some shopping, picking up souvenirs, jewelry, and handicrafts. I was impressed by the diversity and quality of the products on offer.
- Finally, I visited the Chinatown Heritage Centre, a museum that recreates the lives of the first Chinese immigrants in Singapore. You can see scenes of their daily life, their trades, their traditions, and their challenges. The museum is very interactive and immersive, and it helps you better understand the history and culture of this community.
The Merlion
The Merlion is a mythical creature, half-lion and half-fish, that symbolizes the origin and identity of Singapore. There are several Merlion statues in Singapore, but the largest and most impressive one is found on Sentosa Island, a place dedicated to leisure and entertainment.
The Sentosa Merlion stands 37 meters tall and weighs 70 tons. It is located at the top of a hill that offers a panoramic view of the sea and the city. You can access the inside of the Merlion via a staircase or elevator and visit two galleries that present the history and culture of Singapore through interactive and multimedia exhibits.
The highlight of the visit is undoubtedly the observation deck located in the Merlion's mouth, from where you can admire the landscape while being sprayed by the jet of water the Merlion spits out. It’s a unique and refreshing experience that I recommend to all travelers who want to discover an original and fun side of Singapore.
Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens are among the oldest and most famous in the world. Founded in 1859, they span 82 hectares. They house more than 10,000 plant species, some of which are rare or endangered. They are also known for their orchid collection, the largest in the world, with over 1,000 genera and 2,000 hybrids.
I spent an entire day exploring this green paradise, admiring the various themed areas: the spice garden, the bamboo garden, the palm garden, the frangipani garden, the ginger garden, the cactus garden, the bonsai garden, and, of course, the National Orchid Garden. I was amazed by the diversity and beauty of the plants, as well as the animals that inhabit them: butterflies, birds, squirrels, lizards, and even monitor lizards!
What impressed me most was the respect and preservation of nature in these gardens. Everything is done to protect the environment and educate visitors on the importance of biodiversity. The Singapore Botanic Gardens have even been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2015.
I suggest visiting these botanic gardens if you love nature and want to discover a fascinating aspect of Singaporean culture. It’s a place that breathes peace and serenity, where you can recharge your batteries and learn a great deal.
Visit to Universal Studios
This is a park dedicated to cinema and rides, with sets and characters from famous movies. It’s a must-do if you love movies and theme parks, but that’s not really my thing. I went because we had a lodging issue and found a hotel right next to the park, and my sister-in-law wanted to go as a family. A mixed experience...
The park is quite large and there is a lot to see and do. You can wander through different worlds, like Jurassic Park, Madagascar, Shrek, or Transformers. You can also go on rides like roller coasters, simulators, or watch shows.
The problem is, I’m not a fan of this kind of entertainment. I find it too loud, too expensive, and too superficial. I didn't feel any magic or emotion seeing the sets or characters. I was bored during most of the attractions, except for a few that were more original or fun.
I don't regret the visit, as it was an opportunity to spend time with my family and discover something new. But I wouldn't do it again, and I don't recommend it to people who aren't fans of movies or theme parks. It’s a park that might please some, but it didn't convince me.
Stroll at Marina Bay Sands
If you don't know this place yet, you are in for a treat!
Marina Bay Sands is a luxury hotel complex that dominates the Singapore bay. It consists of three 55-story towers connected by a massive terrace called the Sands SkyPark. On this terrace, you'll find the famous Infinity Pool, an infinity edge pool that offers a panoramic view of the city. It’s the highest pool in the world, located 200 meters up!
But that’s not all! Marina Bay Sands also houses a casino, an art and science museum, a shopping mall, a theater, restaurants, and bars. It’s a true paradise for entertainment and culture lovers. I had the chance to visit the ArtScience Museum, which offers interactive and innovative exhibitions on various themes like nature, technology, and art.
Marina Bay Sands is undoubtedly a symbol of Singapore, a modern and dynamic city that never stops reinventing itself.
In conclusion: a destination to see and see again
In conclusion, I had a fantastic stay in this dynamic and cosmopolitan city. I was able to discover its rich and varied culture, its impressive monuments, its delicious gastronomy, and its festive atmosphere. I also appreciated the cleanliness, safety, and modernity of Singapore. I was amazed by its futuristic gardens, its dizzying skyscrapers, its theme parks, and its interactive museums. I met warm and welcoming people who made me feel right at home. I have unforgettable memories of this trip and hope to return one day.
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