When you think about Singapore, isn’t it that the first thing which comes to your mind are skyscrapers, the sign of a developed and expensive country? This is how I pictured it too. Yet, Singapore is full of surprises and gems that are awaiting to be discovered or explored (and while indeed expensive, it can be done on a budget too). So that’s why I believe you wouldn’t do it justice if you stop by in a longer layover or 3-4 days. I spent a bit more than a week here, but should have probably spent more (sniff, sniff).

If you’re planning to visit the country and don’t know what’s best to see and do, go for the obvious: ask our Google friend. There are many websites out there that can inspire you – I got my inspiration from this one. I like to check out travelling blogs which typically give some cool suggestions, in particular for the off the beaten track. But if you are interested in how I spent my time in Singapore, what I did and liked, check out my two cents about the country.

Explore/do: Besides the more “touristy places’ that are on the list for visitors (such as the famous Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, Little India, Singapore zoo, the Boat Quay area bustling with bars, restaurants and numerous skyscrapers, etc), there are many other options that you can choose from. I chose the nature spots and believe me, there are plenty of them where you can do jogging, cycling, hiking or where you can just wander around taking in the vibe of the place. Up North, the Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve delights you with trails where you can spot some beautiful birds and if you are lucky, even a crocodile (yes, there are crocodiles – and monitor lizards – that can cross your way). The island of Pulau Ubin in the East is a great place and one of my favourites in Singapore: hop on a boat for around 6 SG dollars and you’re in for a treat: cycling, hiking and wildlife encounters (with wild boars, monkeys, birds, etc). The southern islands St John, Lazarus and Kusu (accessible by ferry for around 15 SG dollars) are also your city get-aways. Join the locals (and some other tourists), pack your picnic bag and soak in the sun on the beaches. The islands are not so crowded, so you’re likely to get some places on the islands only for yourself. If you are a nature fan, you can check out the MacRitchie Reservoir as well – I haven’t been there, but heard it has some beautiful trails worth exploring. Of course, there are many other spots or things that one can do in Singapore. Create your own experiences and tell me more about them.

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Sleep and eat: for those used to travelling around South East Asia, Singapore is an expensive place…but is it really? You may be surprised, but Singapore can be done on a budget too. How? Reducing the costs for accommodation and food (and, of course, for all other touristy things). Are you looking for cheap accommodation and don’t know where to stay? You can choose from hostels, pod hotels (or other cheaper ” regular” hotels) and couchsurfing – the CS community in Singapore seems to be quite active (my CS host was kind enough to host me for a few nights, showing me around and helping me have a good start with my travels). Hostels and couchsurfing are also a great way to meet people (for a solo traveler like me). When it comes to eating, there are many food courts where you can get cheap and tasty food, to name a few: the food street in Chinatown, the Lau Pa Sat market (close to Raffles) and the many others that you can find around the country. The one that I liked the most was Lau Pa Sat where I had my new favourite – Char Kwai Teow (recommended by a friend who lived here).

Get around: the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) trains are a good and fast way to get around the country (buy your Ez-Link card, it’s cheaper than buying individual tickets). Alternatively, buses and Grab (the equivalent of Uber in some countries, for those who know it) can also be a cheap way to get around. For the ones who love exploring new places on foot (and want to keep their fitness levels high – who wouldn’t?!), that’s an option too (but remember, you’ll have to walk quite a bit).

My two cents about Singapore: a very vibrant “big city” (no wonder it was ranked among the best countries/places to live in); a melting pot of people, cultures and languages; a place with a lively atmosphere, but somehow also offering some peace for the day dreamers. Singapore can be a great unexpected surprise for those curious to explore it. It comes with beautiful memories.

À bientôt, Singapore!