Bali Street, Singapore
I’ve probably clocked up over 30 trips to Singapore over the past 2 years. This is due to the fact that I have to leave Indonesia every 30 days to renew my visa. I know this might sound crazy, but I’m still on a monthly Tourist Visa. Even after living in Jakarta for over 2 years I’m still considered to be a tourist! Well on paper at least. There are pros and cons to this. The downside is that it's kind of expensive to fly to Singapore each month. Especially when you think of what you could buy in Indonesia with the same money. The good thing is that it enables me to travel and see what Singapore has to offer.
Singapore is about as different from Jakarta as you can get. I particularly enjoy doing things in Singapore that I can't do in Jakarta, simple things like walking for example. Singapore is a tropical oasis with green spaces and meticulously designed gardens placed all over the City. If you want proof, I suggest visiting the Chinese Gardens or the fascinating Gardens on the Bay. The latter is on a whole different level when it comes to garden artistry. If you like the outdoors, it's possible to enjoy time in Singapore's many parks or even strolling along the quayside. From the quay you can marvel at Marina Bay Sands Hotel which stands tall like a giant spaceship in the sky. If you are tired with city life, the smaller Island of Sentosa offers some respite with many beaches, perfect to while away your days. But if you ask me, the thing I love most about going to Singapore. Well it's the amazing food of course! Singaporean food is rich in it's heritage, taking influences from Indian, Malay, Chinese and of course Indonesian cuisine. Singapore is known as a world-class desination and it's food certainly lives up to that same reputation. Singapore like Jakarta, has a wealth of street vendors selling all kinds of scrumptious food. The vendors are usually found in hawker centers in and around Singapore. If you travel around the Island you will find hundreds of them. They are well worth trying, offering everything from Wanton noodles to my personal favorite, Singapore Laksa. If you do nothing else while you are in Singapore, try the famous Laksa.
Singapore is about as different from Jakarta as you can get. I particularly enjoy doing things in Singapore that I can't do in Jakarta, simple things like walking for example. Singapore is a tropical oasis with green spaces and meticulously designed gardens placed all over the City. If you want proof, I suggest visiting the Chinese Gardens or the fascinating Gardens on the Bay. The latter is on a whole different level when it comes to garden artistry. If you like the outdoors, it's possible to enjoy time in Singapore's many parks or even strolling along the quayside. From the quay you can marvel at Marina Bay Sands Hotel which stands tall like a giant spaceship in the sky. If you are tired with city life, the smaller Island of Sentosa offers some respite with many beaches, perfect to while away your days. But if you ask me, the thing I love most about going to Singapore. Well it's the amazing food of course! Singaporean food is rich in it's heritage, taking influences from Indian, Malay, Chinese and of course Indonesian cuisine. Singapore is known as a world-class desination and it's food certainly lives up to that same reputation. Singapore like Jakarta, has a wealth of street vendors selling all kinds of scrumptious food. The vendors are usually found in hawker centers in and around Singapore. If you travel around the Island you will find hundreds of them. They are well worth trying, offering everything from Wanton noodles to my personal favorite, Singapore Laksa. If you do nothing else while you are in Singapore, try the famous Laksa.
Bugis Junction, Singapore
These days when I stay in Singapore I tend to stay in the Bugis area. When I first started my monthly trips, I invariably spent most of my time around Orchard Road. My hotel was located in that area right next to the high end malls. At that time, I incorrectly assumed Orchard was the only thing Singapore had to offer. Luckily I got out of my comfort zone and started staying in Bugis. I can tell you that I enjoy my trips a lot more now. I love to wake up early in the morning, seize the day and have a typical Singaporean breakfast of Kaya Toast or my personal favorite, Bubble Tea.
Koi Cafe, Bugis Singapore
On a recent trip to Singapore I discovered the fabulous Koi Cafe which is unforfunately not available in Jakarta. Koi Cafe is very close to Bugis Junction and also conveniently next to my hotel. I don’t know if you guys are familiar with Bubble Tea but since I started drinking this Taiwanese staple, I’ve been an avid fan. Bubble Tea originates from Taiwan and is a very popular drink in Singapore and also here in Jakarta. One of the most popular drinks is the Milk Tea Series. With all drinks, you can choose from a variety of toppings. Personally I’m addicted to tapioca pearls which are simply delicious. Tapioca Pearls are chewy balls of goodness which really adds to the overall wow factor of Bubble Tea. Because of the humidity in Singapore, I also enjoy drinking the more refreshing Fresh Tea Series. At Koi, I go for the Jasmine Green Tea with Pearls and Grass Jelly. Bubble Tea was not available when I left London 2 years ago. So until I moved to Asia, I wasn’t aware of how totally addictive it is! Addictive in a good way of course. If you are in Singapore, don’t leave without trying Koi Cafe, they have a few branches across Singapore. Koi already has 46 branches worldwide. I really hope they will open one in Jakarta, because we simply LOVE Bubble Tea here!
Roti Prata with Curry
There are so many tempting things to eat in Singapore, it blows my mind every time ! It’s similar to Hong Kong in that the wonderful aromas of the food come drifting through the air making it impossible to walk without stopping & trying one of the tasty treats. Food is so readily available in Singapore, even through the night. Close to where I stayed in Bugis, there is a small restaurant selling Roti Prata. This is a delicious type of flat bread I enjoy eating whenever I'm in Singapore. Roti Prata is very popular among Singaporean’s and is enjoyed as both as savory and dessert. I like to eat the savory variety. It’s incredibly yummy, and not to be missed for all of you wanting to sample some local cuisine.
Since I moved away from Orchard Road, I have discovered a whole new side to Singapore. I've definitely experienced more culture & also I've come across an abundance of restaurants all serving enticing treats . For a super convenient stay, one of the hotels I often return to is Big Hotel on Middle Road. I’ve probably stayed at Big Hotel 4 or 5 times. It’s located very strategically near Bugis Junction, and it works perfectly well for my short stays in Singapore. Big hotel is a fairly new hotel, the thing I love most about it, is the super comfortable bed. I'm a sucker for a cozy bed & I always get a good night sleep when I stay at Big Hotel. But I guess the best thing is actually the location. It’s very close to Raffles Hotel which I simply adore. When you go to Raffles you just fall in love. It’s a beautiful hotel where you can sip on a cool glass of Chardonnay in the courtyard and watch the world go by. I think it’s one of the nicest spots in Singapore to have lunch or indeed a drink. At the same hotel you can find one of the best dim sum in Singapore. Believe me when I say that Royal China at Raffles is amazing! All I can say is go and try it for yourself. I died and went to heaven when I tried their dim sum! I recommend trying the Crispy Duck Pancakes, they are simply the best. Nothing could stop me going back to Royal China .The food is incredibly good and whenever I'm in Singapore I try to stop by.
The Courtyard at Raffles Hotel, Singapore
Dim Sum at Royal China, Raffles, Singapore
If you think there's nothing to do in Singapore, I would say go and see for yourself. Singapore is fun. From Bali Street to Arab Street, you will be drawn in by the vibrantly coloured boutiques and great food. For fashionista's try the shoppers paradise, Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands .There is always a new place to discover. There are so many photo opportunities in Singapore, it seems that whenever you turn a corner, there is another inspiring vistas awaiting you. If you are in need of a well mixed cocktail, head to over Maison Ikkoku, which I wrote about in my earlier post. Don't miss out on the delectable dim sum at Royal China, Raffles. Singapore certainly seems to have it all. I can’t wait to go back and explore once my long overdue passport arrives!! Have fun in Singapore guys.
View of Marina Bay Sands Hotel
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