Singapore is a well-developed, organized city that is a unique mix of Asian culture and Vegas style ambiance. Everything is over the top with big hotels, bright lights, casinos, shopping, and shows! Check here for your visa requirements.
Getting to Singapore
Singapore was the first stop of our 10 day Asia tour over the Thanksgiving holiday. We are usually able to snag some great flight deals internationally during this time as most people are traveling domestically within the US. Similar to our last Asia trip, we took Qatar Airways from Miami connecting in Doha. When stopping in Doha be sure to check out the new gold shopping Kiosk in the Qatar airport, a must stop for great deals on gold jewelry!
Currency
US$1 = SGD1.34, as always check the current rates before you travel. I found Singapore to be an expensive city in comparison to most Asian countries that offer great meals for just a few bucks. Prices in Singapore are very similar to the US with food, drinks and even accommodations being comparable.
Where to stay in Singapore
Marina Bay Sands Resort
There’s really only one place to stay in Singapore, well maybe two but spending at least two nights at the infamous Marina Bay Sands Hotel is a must! This boat shaped hotel sits 57 floors high above the city and includes a casino, numerous restaurants, and a shopping mall next door hosting all luxury brands from Gucci to LV.
On the top floor of the resort (57th floor) sits the iconic infinity pool with views that are out of this world! Only guest of the resort have access to the pool with no day passes available. Each person is required to swipe their room key to gain entry to the pool area, be sure to have it with you at all times! I was really disappointed in the quality of the food and the service at the pool area at this expensive resort, they seemed to be very understaffed, and for the size of the hotel there just aren’t enough lounge chairs. Staff will not bring you towels nor provide turn down service, something you would expect at a resort of this caliber. 
Get to the pool early to avoid the crowd and snap a few solo shots, they open at 6am with breakfast starting at 7am. Beware of the ever changing weather in Singapore, monsoon rains can drop in without notice! Dark clouds were also looming for most of the day when we visited but did clear up around mid day. You’ll need a few attempts to get that perfect infinity pool shot! If you decide not to stay here, you can make reservations at one of the many restaurants, roof top bars or chose to visit the observation deck giving you a panoramic view of the SuperTree groves.
Ritz Carlton
Another very popular luxury hotel is the Ritz Carlton Singapore. This hotel is the height of luxury with excellent service and amazing views of the Singapore bay and Marina Bay Sands.
Hotel Jen
If you are looking for a lower cost option, try Hotel Jen. This hotel is in the heart of the city near the famous Orchard Road shopping district and walking distance to numerous restaurants and street vendors.
Where to eat in Singapore
The most popular dish in Singapore is Chili crab! If you are a crab lover, this is something that you cannot miss. Palm Beach Seafood is the place to go, credited with inventing and perfecting this famous dish. Service can be slow here during busy dinner hours, be sure to make a reservation in advance and request outside seating for a view of the beautiful Marina Bay.
Peking Duck is another famous dish in Singapore, checkout Tunglok Xihe near Hotel Jen and Orchard Lane to experience this delicacy. When ordering Peking Duck you will get pancakes, duck sauce, spring onions and a few other items to eat together, all giving your mouth an amazing burst of flavors!
For breakfast, we visited Two Men Bagel House as breakfast in the hotel was very pricey. The staff here were friendly, the bagels were fresh and delicious. My favorite was the Lox bagel with capers and picked red onions, so yum!
Getting around
Singapore is easy to get around with Taxis at at every corner. We primarily used Uber to get around the city and to the airport but unfortunately Uber is no longer available and has been replaced by Grab. The local trains will be your most economical option, you can buy a Singapore Tourist Pass allowing you unlimited travel for 1-3 days.
Things to do in Singapore
Watch the Marina Bay Sands light show
Every evening at 8pm the Marina Bay Sands Hotel puts on a free light and water show! You can watch the show from a river cruise, up close on the event plaza, or from a restaurant across the bay. We decided to have a few drinks and watch the show from the Lantern restaurant inside the beautiful Fullerton Bay Hotel. Make reservations, this place can get busy quick.
Gardens By The Bay
One of the most photographed places in Singapore is Gardens By The Bay, a colorful park next to Marina Bay Sands Hotel with attractions for any age group. The most popular section of the park is the SuperTree grove hosting over a dozen steel framed tree structures from 15-50 feet tall. If you want to step inside the climate-controlled conservatories, or walk among the SuperTrees, there is a fee. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the park, wait until you arrive to decide what tickets to buy.
You can also view the park for free from the OCBC Skyway connected by three trees, giving you a 360 degree view of these amazing structures along the 128 meter platform or from the observation deck on top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel. At night the park is open to everyone, take some time to walk and take photos among these beautifully lit structures.
Wondering how you can get up inside one of these SuperTrees? Have dinner & drinks at the Supertree by Indochine restaurant situated right on top of one of these amazing structures! There is a small entrance fee to this rooftop bar with one cocktail included, get here early as the rooftop is quite small and has limited capacity. Dinner is not necessary here, just come for a drink, some beautiful pictures and a stunning night time view of the city!
Merlion Park
Across from the Marina Bay Sands Hotel you’ll notice the half fish, half lion statue at Merlion Park. You can walk here from the Marina Bay Sands Hotel or take an Uber. Walking will take about 30 minutes but gives you the chance to take photos in front of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and alongside the bay. There are quite a few restaurants along the boardwalk but they are a bit over priced and touristy, save your taste buds for my next go to place, Chinatown!
Chinatown
Here’s where you’ll find a wide array of Chinese street food at great prices and experience the heart of Singapore’s Chinese culture. You’ll also have the chance to do some currency exchange at great rates, purchase souvenirs and see the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
Have a Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel
Over 100 years ago, the infamous Singapore Sling cocktail was created right here at the Raffles Hotel, it was said that this drink was first mixed here by Ngiam Ton Boon in 1915. The Singapore Sling cocktail is a mix of Cointrequ, pineapple juice, lime juice, cherry liquor and grenadine.
Things we missed
Maxwell Food Centre, one of the most popular food courts serving cheap and delicious local snacks and full meals. You’ll see this famous food court on Anthony Bourdain and other popular cooking shows.
The Singapore Flyer, similar to the London Eye was built in 2008 and stands 443 ft tall giving you 360 degree views of the city. The ride will take you about 30 minutes and cost SG$33 for adults.
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