The Republic of Singapore is the smallest country in Asia, approximately 34 miles wide by 17 miles long, with a population of over 6 million people. It’s actually made up of 63 islands and has 4 official languages with English included. It’s both a country and a city. The only two other city-states in the world are Monaco and Vatican City.
First Impressions
Our first big wonder we immediately noticed while exploring Singapore is how clean, orderly, safe and efficient everything is here. The underground metro system (MRT) is incredible with over 100 stations and is cheap (averaging $1.50 USD). Of course it’s cheap and efficient because the government highly discourages personal vehicles. Singapore is the most expensive place in the world to own a car. Before you’re allowed to buy a car you must pay for a 10 year certificate of entitlement ranging from $90,000-$145,000 USD, depending upon size of vehicle. Once paid, you can purchase your vehicle but don’t forget the 28% taxes and fees. Finally, the additional registration fees are based on the value of your car which range from 100%-200% of the car’s value. So that $50,000 Toyota you’re eyeing will cost about $200,000 to drive for the next 10 years! I’ll take the $1.50 metro instead.
The modern architecture is amazing, there is no litter or graffiti and everyone seems to follow the rules here. You don’t even see jaywalkers. Of course the heavy fines for all infractions and the legal use of caning as punishment would certainly deter breaking the rules.
Speaking of unusual laws in Singapore, here are just a few: a ban on chewing gum, connecting to someone’s unsecured Wi-Fi, and not flushing public toilets—are all illegal. Other restrictions cover activities like feeding pigeons, public spitting, urinating in elevators, and being naked in one’s own home. Also, do not eat or drink on public transportation and no public alcohol consumption between 10:30 PM to 7 AM. These laws and many others reflect the country’s emphasis on order and cleanliness. There are lots more, but they are very strict here.
A Stroll at Night
Jim & T told us how beautiful everything here is at night. So, we went out for drinks and dinner and a walk along the river starting at Clarke Quay. The Merlion is the official mascot of Singapore. It’s a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, weighing over 70 tons.
The Marina Bay Sands Resort is a luxury hotel, casino, dining and shopping destination with the world’s largest infinity pool. It also has an observation skypark connecting the three towers. The museum, hotel and convention center can accommodate up to 45,000 people.
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a 260 acre garden with two bio domes in the center of Singapore. The Flower Dome is the largest glass greenhouse in the world. The cloud forest dome has one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls at 115 feet clad with plants and flowers from around the world. We visited both domes today and there’s a special Jurassic World exhibit with animated dinosaurs. This is unbelievably beautiful. There is even a Supertree Grove on the park grounds. These are artificial trees 80-165 feet tall that light up at night.
Cloud Forest Dome
Flower Dome
The flower dome is the largest glass greenhouse in the world covering three acres. It’s currently decorated for Christmas with lights, trains, trees, Lego creations and assorted miniature villages from around the world.
Chinatown
Our home base for the week is in the heart of the city in Chinatown. Walking around you can easily see the amazing architecture and enjoy the Asian markets and temples. The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple (1827). Again, shoes aren’t allowed inside, so there are hundreds of shoes piled everywhere on the sidewalk. I wonder how many visitors come out and can’t find their shoes?
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is a Buddhist temple that houses the sacred Buddha Tooth Relic. It also includes a museum and a rooftop garden. Unfortunately, the garden is closed today.
Little India
It’s another hot day. Although it’s only a high temperature of 87 today, the feels like temperature is 99 and the UV rating is severe. We quickly discovered after just a few hours of sightseeing we have to return on the hotel to cool off and shower before going out again. We live in Texas, so we should feel accustomed to the heat, but this is tough and December is their “coldest month”. Their hot months must be brutal.
Little India is a vibrant neighborhood — chaotic, colorful, and completely captivating. It began life in the 1800s when traders and migrant workers set up shops, temples, spice and flower stalls, jewelry shops and restaurants. It has blossomed since then.
Orchard Road
Orchard Road is a 1.6 mile stretch of luxury shopping, mega malls, hotels and dining. We decided to check it out after dark to see the Christmas decorations and because it’s a lot cooler then. There are over 5,000 stores open here. The ION Orchard mall alone has 330 stores. We also had to try the local ice cream sandwich treat. It’s literally a sandwich. A slab of your choice of ice cream on a multi-colored slice of bread. If you’re a slow eater, no drips as it melts because the bread soaks it up. Efficient, like everything else in this city and yummy too!
I do have another travel tip when you’re out sightseeing: you MUST bring your own napkins EVERYWHERE. No napkins or paper towels are provided in restaurants or food courts. You’re expected to bring your own, though some restaurants will sell you a pack. You may find a communal handwashing station with soap and water, but you won’t find paper towels for drying. If you come prepared, it won’t be a problem.
The lights and Christmas displays are beautiful. There are tons of people strolling and shopping and it’s crazy busy for 9:30 pm. It’s still hot out, so there’s time for a frozen margarita to cool us off as we rest our feet.
City Hall
The City Hall area of Singapore is the heart of the government and judicial buildings. It is home to the Parliament Building, National Museum and a couple of historical churches. St. Andrew’s Cathedral opened in 1862 and now serves as the home of the Anglican Diocese. CHIJMES no longer functions as a Catholic church, but the Sisters of the Holy Infant Jesus originally founded it as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ), which includes a historic chapel. Today, the complex—its chapel and other buildings—stands as a national monument and operates as a commercial center with restaurants, a brewery, and shops.
Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck
The Skypark observation deck is on the 56th floor of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel that I mentioned earlier that looks like a ship in the air. We decided to go up at sunset for the views of downtown and to see the water and laser light shows. Our tickets are for the 6:45 elevator. We were on the deck for about 15 minutes when they started evacuating everyone for safety due to an expected lightning storm. It took quite some time to get everyone back down the elevator, so we hung around the lobby for the last one down. We are so disappointed to miss the show. Then, as we got to the elevator, they said the storm didn’t arrive and the deck is now open again. So we are now able to see the show after all. What incredible views!
The Singapore Flyer is the world’s largest observation wheel at 42 stories tall and takes 30 minutes per rotation. The two domes in the photos are in the Gardens by the Bay we visited earlier with our friends.
Evening views and light shows
We went downstairs to view the light and sound show at ground level and it is even more interactive.
Saying goodbye to Singapore and heading to Phuket, Thailand tomorrow
Our week here has absolutely flown by. As I mentioned before exploring Singapore, there are big wonders on such a small island. Everything here is beautiful. We have been amazed by the sights, friendly people, cleanliness, ease of public transportation and the delicious food. If exploring Singapore isn’t on your bucket list, we suggest you reconsider. It’s Stunning!
Changi Airport
Changi Airport is named the “World’s Best Airport” by Skytrax for 2025 and by Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. In Changi Airport, you can explore the Jewel complex, which features the HSBC Rain Vortex (the world’s tallest indoor waterfall) and shopping mall. There are also indoor gardens like the Shiseido Forest Valley, play areas such as the Canopy Park with attractions like the Discovery Slides and various nets. There’s also a rooftop Butterfly Garden or Sunflower Garden, a free movie theatre, or you can swim in the rooftop pool. There’s even or a free guided city tour, if you have a long layover. Some say the airport is its own destination.
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