Welcome to “VAGABOND SHORTS”. You can see these as useful bite-size episodes, a snack – on top of the normal longer fully produced travel episodes, that I still aim to put out every week.
Today, we’re going to Singapore, and I’ll give you my recommendations on the top 7 must-see and must-do things in this amazing Asian country and city.
My name is Palle Bo, and this is The Radio Vagabond – VAGABOND SHORT from Singapore.
But first let’s just have a few facts about where we are.
FACTS ABOUT Singapore
Size and Population
Singapore has a total land area of only about 730 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest countries in the world. Despite its small size, it has a population of about 5.7 million, making it one of the most densely populated countries.
Location
Singapore is a sovereign country in Southeast Asia – and also the name of the capital. It’s situated at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, lying one degree (137 kilometers or 85 miles) north of the equator. The country comprises the main island, commonly known as Singapore Island, and 63 smaller islands.
Religion
Singapore is a multi-religious country. Buddhism is the most widely practiced religion, followed by Christianity, Islam, Taoism, and Hinduism. The country is known for its religious diversity and tolerance.
Official Languages
Singapore has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. English is the most widely spoken language.
The Flag
Singapore’s flag consists of two horizontal halves, red above white. The red symbolizes universal brotherhood and equality of man, while the white signifies pervading and everlasting purity and virtue. In the top-left corner, there’s a white crescent moon beside five white stars arranged in a circle. The crescent represents a young nation on the ascendant, and the five stars stand for the nation’s ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality.
Marina Bay SANDS
We start on top. At 57 floors high at Marina Bay Sands Skypark, clutch a cocktail and feast on Singapore’s skyline, a futuristic spectacle. This Skypark, a surfboard or spaceship atop a trio of giants, offers a panorama. Tony rightly dubbed ‘a ship on three pillars.’
Stride the platform and witness contrasts: the city’s neon forest against the serene, endless sea. The infinity pool is the crown jewel, a swim at the edge of reality, reserved for the lucky guests.
Without a room key, you’re not out of luck. The observation deck’s open for all. Best bet? Be there at sunset. As day dips, the city ignites, transforming every view into a spectacle. Splurge on a rooftop cocktail; it’s steep, but you’re sipping in the stratosphere!
In the Skypark’s embrace, Singapore is larger-than-life, a place where going big is just the beginning.
GARDENS BY THE BAY
Continue behind Marina Bay Sands to Gardens by the Bay, where nature’s grace meets a futuristic space. Enter this realm, and you’re greeted by Supertrees, towering like guardians of a sci-fi world. By day, they’re metallic marvels, but at night, they transform into a neon spectacle, a dream scene from a distant galaxy.
Then, explore the Flower Dome, not just any greenhouse but a floral masterpiece, showcasing a global bouquet under a vast glass canopy.
But wait, there’s the Cloud Forest. Step inside, and it’s a world apart, where a towering waterfall cascades, crafting a cool, misty haven, a rainforest sans the wilderness.
Gardens by the Bay isn’t just a stroll in the park. It’s an odyssey through a futuristic ecosystem, a must-visit for every wanderer in Singapore.
Chinatown
Step into Chinatown, where Singapore’s past and present collide in a vibrant dance. Here, historic shophouses and sleek skyscrapers nestle side by side, playing a game of architectural Tetris beneath the city sky.
Wander these lively streets and let the sizzle of street food lead you on a gastronomic journey. Each bite is an adventure, a fusion of flavors. I had a great lunch with my friend Tony – that he insisted on eating with his hands. It was a mess – but that’s the way to do it.
The shops are treasure troves, brimming with silk, charming lucky cats, and lanterns plucked from a kung fu tale. Meanwhile, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple stands majestically, a sanctuary of spiritual serenity amidst ornate splendor, housing what is believed to be the Buddha’s tooth.
At night Chinatown transforms. Lanterns cast a warm, inviting glow, painting the streets with a magical light.
Singapore’s Chinatown is where old-school allure blends with the buzz of modern life. So, dive into this bustling neighborhood and experience the timeless charm of Chinatown.
SENTOSA ISLAND
Number four on our list, Sentosa Island, is Singapore’s playground deluxe. It’s where fun isn’t just an option; it’s the rule. It’s Singapore’s answer to “What if we crammed all the fun in one place?” Beaches? Check. Theme parks? Double check. Golf courses, fancy resorts, even a Merlion statue? Check, check, and oh yeah, check.
Step into Universal Studios and dive into a whirlpool of Hollywood glitz, heart-thumping rides, and a chance to grin like you’re back in childhood.
Don’t miss the Skyline Luge – it’s you, a kart, and a hill. Mix in gravity, and you’ve got an adrenaline cocktail that’s all thrill, all skill.
As dusk falls, Sentosa transforms. Dine, dance, or get dazzled by the Wings of Time, a light show that paints stories in the sky.
In Sentosa, every moment’s a chance to say, “What’s next?” So gear up, sunscreen on, and plunge into the heart of the fun. Welcome to Sentosa, where the excitement never fades.
WHO ARE YOU?
Please spend five minutes taking a the survey – tell me a bit about who you are and what you would like more or less on here on The Radio Vagabond.
THE SINGAPORE FLYER
Move over, London Eye, the Singapore Flyer’s in town. Standing tall at 165 meters (30 more than London Eye), this giant Ferris wheel once claimed the title of the world’s tallest, offering views that rival the best.
Picture this: you’re in a capsule, ascending slowly. Below, Singapore unfolds like a live map, only way more immersive. You’re not just seeing the city; you’re part of the skyline.
As you rise, the view transforms. The Marina Bay Sands Skypark shifts from colossal to miniature, like a LEGO set. The Singapore River snakes below, a silver thread through the urban tapestry. And on a good day, Malaysia and Indonesia peek over the horizon, a triple-country treat.
The Singapore Flyer isn’t about thrills; it’s about perspective. For 30 minutes, you’re on top of the world, or at least, on top of Singapore. And for those who fancy it, dinner with a view takes on new heights – a meal in the sky, overlooking a sparkling city below.
So, step in, take off, and let the Singapore Flyer spin you into a new point of view. It’s an experience, a serene journey above a bustling city.
NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE
Step into number six on our list, the National Gallery Singapore, a majestic fusion of historic charm and contemporary artistry. Set in two regal colonial buildings, it stands as a testament to Singapore’s artistic journey.
The gallery is not just a space for art; it’s an interactive experience. Art installations invite playfulness, and windows offer glimpses of the modern skyline, marrying past and present.
Leaving the National Gallery, you carry with you the harmony of historical architecture and contemporary creativity. It’s more than an art venue; it’s a snapshot of Singapore’s soul, a must-visit for anyone captivated by the city’s rich artistic legacy.
NIGHT SAFARI AT SINGAPORE ZOO
Wrap up your journey at the Night Safari in Singapore Zoo, where nightfall unveils a world brimming with life. This isn’t your ordinary zoo; here, nocturnal creatures take center stage.
As you enter, the cool night air mingles with nature’s symphony – a chorus of crickets, rustling leaves, and distant roars. You’re not just a visitor; you’re part of the night’s unfolding drama.
Board the tram and drift through the shadows, each turn a new surprise. The light is a gentle guide, revealing just enough to ignite your curiosity. Elephants, tigers, and mysterious glowing eyes remind you – this is their hood.
The Night Safari offers more than a glimpse of wildlife; it’s an immersion into their world after dusk. It’s an intimate, serene encounter, a chance to witness the hidden wonders of the animal kingdom.
And that’s it for this Vagabond Short – seven incredible experiences in Singapore that are sure to make your trip unforgettable.
Each one is a story in itself, waiting for you to be a part of it. So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to explore the Lion City in all its glory!
If you want to hear more about Singapore, I’ve done two regular episodes from when I was there all the way back in 2016.
If you found this episode useful, please tell a friend. My name is Palle Bo, and I gotta get moving.
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