SINGAPORE a city with the Wow factor.

Singapore holds a special place in both my own and Christine's ( Logistics Manager) hearts, we simple love it and always try and include it in the schedule if visiting this part of the globe.

There is no place like it, located on the southern point of Malaysia and is a heady mix of Indian, Arab, Chinese & British cultures which have developed into a very modern Singaporean cocktail.

Modern Singapore has only been a independent country since 1965 when it gained independence from Britain but it has developed into vibrant country filled with wonderful culinary experiences, state of the art accommodation and stunning attractions, and into this travellers delight of reasons to visit add a growing exciting nightlife. It also cannot be overstated that it is one of the safest destinations on any travellers map.

Its fair to say Singapore is now one of the wealthiest countries in this part of the world, in fact in the world as a whole, its citizens enjoy a good lifestyle, so as a result it is not a cheap destination and can be a expensive one, but thats not to say bargains cannot be found so shop around, but as a rule of thumb expect to spend the same as you would in the world's big Western cities such as London or New York etc.

Where to stay ?

Well you will not be short of choice,there are hotels galore, and they range from top end brands to more bargain options. Top end and these are just a couple of suggestions you could choose, The Ritz-Carlton Millennia in Marina Bay or The Warehouse Hotel at Robertson Quay or even the Fullerton Bay Hotel on Collyer Quay but there are many more to choose from.

On a budget ?

Well that's catered for also mid budget for example why not try The Scarlet Singapore in Chinatown or even the very modern Hotel Kai in the Civic District. Backpacking or travelling light then again you have options two being Coral Hostel or even Quarters Capsule Hostel. There really is something for everyone.

So where do we recommend, well when in Singapore we do splash out and treat ourselves. So for us its one of if not the most recognised locations in the country indeed the world. We stayed at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and it really is a experience worth saving up to enjoy.

Marina Bay Sands Hotel

View from rooftop pool at Marina Bay Sands

Yours truly enjoying a early morning dip in the hotel pool.

The hotel and its surroundings including Sky Park, Shopping Mall, Museum, Casino, 80+ restaurants and 2 Entertainment venues. It really is something else. Its a destination in itself that anyone can visit but to enjoy it's most famous feature that being its rooftop infinity pool you do have to be a guest. There is also a very nice guests only Cocktail Poolside Bar. However you can get onto the top Sky Park and get a glimpse of the pool and that view because to one end of the roof there is a public cocktail bar but be warned it can get busy and is expensive. From a room point of view they are situated within the three 55 floor high towers and come in varying options from normal room to various club and suits which offer a array of optional extras depending on which room class you reserve. Also you can ask for a city view or sea view now the city views are more popular but as it is I actually prefer the sea view across the impressive Gardens by the Bay and out onto Singapore Bay and the vast number of ships docked

How to get around

Singapore is only 31 miles wide and 17 miles long with a number of must see districts like, Chinatown, Marina Bay, Financial District, Bugis, Little India and Sentosa Island. Best way to get around is public transport and in particular the MRT train system its not only affordable but also extremely reliable in fact its always on time. One of the best ways to use it is to buy a Tourist Pass which gives you unlimited travel on all public transport, you can get both 1 and 2 day options on this pass.

Taxis are the other option but after a particular time ( think its 6 pm but recommend you check ) they charge premium fare and can be expensive, Uber was available but its now being phased out.

Things to see

1, Well I have already mentioned Marina Bay Sands and all it has to offer but the whole Marina Bay area is definitely worth exploring and its part of the F1 race track when the Gran Prix comes to town. Also you will find another iconic landmark here in fact the national symbol of Singapore the mythical Merlion.

Merlion in Marina Bay

2, The Long Bar at Raffles Hotel. This is where the countries widely regarded national drink was first created in 1915, The Singapor Sling. The bar was a firm favourite in colonial times and remains a very popular destination for many tourists particular from the UK. Having experienced the bar and Sling, well you really have to in Singapore I would say it is a must do, and one traditional curiosity of the bar is you get your own bag of peanuts with your drink and its customary to thrown the shells on the floor, makes for a interesting walk. The hotel in general is a excellent destination and comes recommend but do try the historical Long Bar.

Logistics Manager in the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel

Singapore Sling and Peanuts

3, Botanic Gardens These gardens which are famous for there Orchids really are spectacular and well worth a visit, not only are they outstanding there also very tranquil and a riot of colour.

4 Gardens by the Bay Continuing the garden theme, these truely spectacular gardens are in fact built on reclaimed land from the sea, but are now home to some incredible horticultural displays some within vast glasshouses as well as a man made but inspiring tree high walk on metal sculptures made to look like giant trees. These are huge so give yourself some time to explore this location.

Gardens by the Bay

Tree walk in the gardens.

4 Sentosa Island This was the site of the British military base before they gave it back to the Singapore Government and there is a restored there called Fort Siloso youczn visit and learn about Singapore's history. The full Island is now a Tourist destination with a large part of taken over by Universal Studios Theme Park, however there is also many trails and a beach on the island as well as a cable car onto it.

5 Singapore Zoo and Bird Park This is what it says on the tin and is worth a visit if you have time.

Eating Out

Well now you really are spoilt for choice there are truly some fantastic restaurants in Singapore many with Michelin Stars, and some of the world's top chefs have versions of the restaurants here. I have already said the Marine Bay Sands complex itself has i0 plus restaurants within it covering every type of food you can think off so take your pick if you visit there.

But you would be missing a true Singapore eating tradition and a very very good one at that.

A Hawker Center. These are traditional open air structures however some are now situated within modern shopping malls and office buildings, but they are all home to a diverse collection of street food stalls. But this is no ordinary street food, its excellent food and the amount of choice is staggering. The good thing is its affordable and delicious and it remains where the majority of Singaporeans get a quick meal. Some recommendations to try are the Maxwell Food Center found in Chinatown or Tekka Center in Little India and then there is Tiong Bahru Food Center which just to highlight how good these places has this one has actually got some stalls that have been awarded a Michelin Star !! So do try one and there are loads of them all over the city and all well worth a visit.

If you want another place to try why not visit Clark Quay at night you will find loads of great bars serving food here, and as the sun sets its a very colourful waterfront full of life.

Chinatown

This area is full of traditional Chinese life, its right next to the Business District but remains steeped in Chinese culture with its streets filled with Temples, stalls, craft shops and restaurants.

Little India

No trip to Singapore is complete without visiting here, its a thriving bustling market and shopping area where you can see amazing and unusual to us westerners fresh vegetables and food but it also has many cafes selling interesting local snacks, again worth trying and remember dont be afraid to eat with your hands.

Tips for visiting Singapore

1 Remember it's a tropical country so dress appropriately with a average temperature ranging from 26 to 34 Degrees Celsius and with high humidity expect rain, so umbrella is essential.

2 Save your budget, eat at Hawker Centers.

3 Get a Tourist Pass and use public transport.

4 Know the local rules, its a very safe country but it has tough local laws particularly in relation to litter, spitting and chewing gum etc all can attract a large fine, respect the traditions.

5 Cards are excepted in most places but you still need cash particularly in local shops and stalls so carry some.

6 Taxis are expensive

So thats Singapore from our point of view and it is a truely great city to visit so enjoy.

Plus remember it has great travel connections with many areas in the region so why not use it as a transit point on your way to another destination in the region.

So where we going next... let's see...