© YC 2013
Ever wondered what a diverse, multicultural, English-speaking and very orderly version of China would look like? Well, look no farther than Singapore. The British established Singapore as a free port, which turned it into a crossroads of people and trade from across the region. Today's, you'll see this melting pot of Southeast Asia with its Chinese, Malay, and Indian people peacefully coexisting in one of the world’s most modern cities. All of this makes Singapore one of the most accessible destinations for visitors from English-speaking countries.
Asia can feel daunting for first-time visitors from the West. The language, food, chaotic streets, and unfamiliar customs all present challenges. But not here. English is THE common language. It's clean, safe and organized beyond the wildest dreams of even cities like New York. And like other great international cities, there’s no shortage food options for across the globe. Just prepare for the heat and humidity, this is a coastal city that is very much in the heart of the tropics.
Award Options:
United MileagePlus: [Direct: United or Singapore Airlines.] Asiana, ANA, Thai, Lufthansa
American AAdvantage: JAL, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Malaysian Airlines
Delta Skymiles (good luck…): Delta, Air France
The Good:
All the comforts of home, in a pleasant, green metropolis on the other side of the world. Between the world class airport, metro system, and hawker centers (more on that later), even back home will start to look a little dated.
With arguably the best airport in the world, it’s a central hub for region and even Australia thanks to plenty of direct flights from multiple budget and traditional airlines. This makes Singapore an excellent launchpad for your travels in the region.
Colonial Architecture. Despite the modern skyline, the city preserved (and gentrified) significant areas of historic colonial era shophouses in and around the Chinatown and Little India neighborhoods.
The Bad:
It will be hot. No way around it. Anytime of year, any given year, it will be hot and humid. Note however, this is a city that takes its air conditioning seriously. Sweat it out outside, but any indoor spaces will be very well cooled.
There’s not the really obvious, landmark attraction here. It doesn’t have Hong Kong’s dazzling skyline or Thailand’s sparkling white sand beaches. You’ll need to look just a bit deeper.
Remember how this is a modern, prosperous country, and has been for a while? Don’t expect the bargains you’ll find elsewhere in Southeast Asia. That being said, you’ll find prices are still somewhat noticeably lower compared to back home. Except for the booze, there's a special tax on that.
the Summary:
Wander the charming colonial streets of Chinatown and Little India, and ease into one of the most accessible destinations in Asia. Check out the new, impressively futuristic Marina Bay Sands (and Gardens) complex. Visit the city’s ubiquitous hawker centers, and eat like there's no tomorrow. There’s plenty to keep you occupied here for a few days, whether at the start or conclusion of your Asia adventure.
Singapore has a reputation for being a little buttoned-up, a business-friendly, no-nonsense kind of city, especially when it came to nightlife. But this has changed in recent years, as the government has prioritized tourism and leisure as key economic drivers. The few gritty areas left have been scrubbed clean since I first visited in the early 2010s, with Little India now a showcase of historic colonial shophouse architecture. There are amusement parks, beach resorts, live music venues and even casinos in the city, concentrated in entertainment districts.
Arrive on the right day, and watch a procession walk by for a major Indian festival in this predominantly Chinese city.
© YC 2018
The hawker center, a whole indoor food court of street food.
© YC 2018
Pro Tip: A local delicacy, the Pepper Crab, is pricey but certainly worth trying. Just check the price per kilo, go to a better restaurant. This is an investment!
One unexpected product of this social engineering has been Singapore’s renowned hawker centers. Ask yourself, how can you make awesome street food even better? And we’re talking the real stuff here—uncompromisingly authentic, family owned, deliciously simple, and incredibly cheap.
But while you'll find street food in other cities in the region, Singapore's approach is unique. They consolidated them, indoors, and with stringent health and hygiene standards. Picture, food courts, but without the chains. All local, mom and pop options here. Look for the stalls with the longest lines, or just join a food tour and let them lead the way. Sample some of the region’s best Chinese, Malay, and Indian family recipes handed down over the generations and served up to you for a very reasonable price.
Getting Around: Use the city's extremely efficient (and fully air conditioned, including the stations) metro system. Uber's also available for more convenient access to specific near-ish locations, not to mention it is noticeably cheaper than home. Thanks again to the urban planning, traffic is surprisingly mild compared to other major cities.
When to Visit
Doesn't matter, it's always hot.
Language Barrier
Almost none. Everything's in English and most locals will understand you.
Price Level
~20% cheaper than home.
Getting There
~$700 Roundtrip or 75K miles on Star Alliance or OneWorld carriers.
Looking for Hotel and Restaurant Recommendations?
Charming little bar near the Sultan Mosque and the neighboring Malay Heritage Center in the traditionally Malay neighborhood of Kampong Glam.
© YC 2018