Visit Singapore and Sample the World

chillibreeze writer — Sonal Merchant

Need an editable PowerPoint map of Singapore

Globalization has enriched most parts of the world today, making our cities richer with a diverse blend of cultural experiences & flavors. Singapore is the product of one such blend. The Lion City prides itself in its interracial mix of Chinese, Malay, Eurasian and Indian settlers, who have made it their home.

Singapore is almost synonymous with the Merlion, a mythical creature with the head of a lion & the body of a mermaid. A visit to the city, without bringing a Merlion souvenir back home, is considered essentially incomplete!

Photo 1: Merlion overlooking the Singapore River. The famous Fullerton Hotel in the backdrop.

Merlion overlooking the Singapore River. The famous Fullerton Hotel in the backdrop

A walk down the streets of Singapore’s Little India offers delightful sights and sounds for locals & tourists alike. The place bustles with colorful saris and traditional Indian wear and the smell of delicious Indian curries lingers in the air. Not to mention roadside stalls selling flowers, bindi, henna and agarbatti. And of course, you will catch the sound of Bollywood songs here and there. In fact, Bollywood is so well known here, that it is hard to find a Singaporean who doesn't know Shahrukh Khan or Aishwarya Rai!

A trip to Chinatown offers a different experience, especially during the Lunar New Year period, when the streets are filled with New Year decorations. You might also be fortunate to catch a glimpse of the 'Lion Dance' during the New Year celebrations. The town is an excellent place to buy traditional Chinese medicine or any authentic Chinese artifact.

Singapore is a food lover's paradise. Food courts abound in the region, catering to various tastes and flavors. Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, Thai, Indian, Western, Korean & Malay cuisines dominate the scene to the extent that one can be spoilt for choice. The spicy Fish Head Curry and Singapore's own version of Indian Parathas, locally known as 'Pratas', are every food lover's dream come true. Have you ever dreamt of an 'Ice-cream Prata' or a 'Chocolate Prata'? Well, be adventurous & take a pick at any of the numerous Prata shops here!

A must-try in Singapore is Old Chang Kee's curry puffs. Have them when they are hot & if you are a fan of spicy food, you are going to absolutely love it!

A passion for art? Singapore caters to that too. The National Heritage Board maintains as many as six museums in the city. The Esplanade, on Singapore's famous Water Front, attracts artists & performers from all over the world, making it a favorite spot for art lovers to catch live performances. The University Cultural Centre (UCC), at the National University of Singapore, also provides an outlet for talented artists and is popular with university students.

A visit to the Arab Street is warranted and one cannot miss the grand Sultan Mosque known for its beautiful architecture. The street abounds with shop houses, cafes and restaurants serving local as well as Turkish cuisine. Shops selling carpets, jewelry and silk/fabric are worth exploring.

Nature lovers aren't disappointed in this Garden City. Nature reserves at various locations in the city offer a quiet getaway from crowds & bustle. So get your backpacks & hiking shoes ready and set on the nature trails to explore the urban wilderness!

Looking for some shopping? Why not check out the malls at Orchard Road, Dhoby Gaut, Marina Square or Suntec City? Or if you are seeking some souvenir shopping, don't miss out the gift shops on Bugis street.

In all, this unique city has a lot to offer. And most importantly, it offers warmth & the feel of being at home amidst its globally diverse culture.

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—About our writer:

Sonal writes for chillibreeze.

Visit Singapore and Sample the World

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