Status: Away - Singapore

The Red Dot of south-east Asia may look small on the map, but it’s full to the brim with character, culture and experiences galore.

Our team members Alexandra B. and Nicolas T. recently went on a trip to Singapore. Read on for more about their experience exploring this captivating city-state.

Getting around

How long did you stay for?

A: We stayed 8 nights. Our hotel was conveniently located by the metro, so we didn’t even need to go outdoors to reach it. We went at the end of September, so it was still very hot and humid, so we appreciated being able to reach transit indoors.

How did you get around while you were there?

A: Normally, we like to walk everywhere when we travel, but it was so humid outside that we’d just take the metro for even one or two stations to stay in the AC for a few minutes. For example, our hottest day was 34°C with 91% humidity.

N: We also took the bus to reach a few places like the zoo. Public transit covers the entirety of the country. It’s very clean, it’s air-conditioned and it goes everywhere so it’s the most convenient way to explore.

A: We had activities all around the country and we were able to easily reach them by metro. Even when we had to take the bus, they were always on-time and well-organized, so it was never an inconvenience.

Did you notice any interesting forms of transportation?

A: We mostly saw cars or scooters. There were a ton of mopeds.

N: I didn’t know how the roads would be in Singapore, but I was pleasantly surprised! Everything was extremely structured. I think I’d feel comfortable driving there.

Eats and treats

What was the most interesting food you ate?

N: A good well-done order at Tim Horton’s.

A: We were actually surprised they had a Tim Horton’s! But in all seriousness, when we travel, we like to try out the local foods, and Singapore is so multicultural and cosmopolitan, with influences from India, China and Australia.

N: It’s hard to know what’s actually from there.

A: The only thing we knew about was kaya toast. It’s this type of coconut jam they put on toast. Every Singaporean eats that for breakfast. You can get it at a local chain called Ya Kun Kaya Toast. They also have boiled eggs on the side with kopi, coffee roasted with butter and sugar. We also tried this sweet cocktail called the Singapore Sling. Back during prohibition, women couldn't drink alcohol because it was seen as inappropriate, so this barman realized he could make money by selling cocktails that didn’t look alcoholic.

N: You can find it at every bar. We tried our first at Raffles Singapore, which is where it was invented.

Any restaurants you’d like to recommend?

A: The cost of living in Singapore is high so things are expensive, but I would highly recommend having a drink at the top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel. There’s a bar there with a 360-degree view of the city and it’s beautiful. We went during the day and the night for different perspective. It costs about CAD$30 per person, but the entrance fee is a credit for food and drink.

What to see, do and notice

Any activities you’d recommend doing?

A: One of the things we really enjoyed were the Gardens by the Bay. They have these giant trees that turn into a light show at night which is also free, but during the day you can explore the different flower expositions. After, we visited the Cloud Forest, which is this huge indoor waterfall surrounded by plants.

N: The Botanical Gardens are incredible as well. There’s only one place you need to pay for, the Orchid Garden, but the rest is free. The Botanical Gardens are right in the middle of the city, so it’s like Central Park but with more of a jungle vibe. Also, the airport is a must-do. People need to take a few moments just to visit it, it’s one of the prettiest airports in the world.

Anything you wish you’d done?

A: We learned that people tend to only stay in Singapore for 4-5 days, but we stayed for 8 nights, so we felt like we could take our time and really enjoy the city. I recommend spending a few more days to take it easier.

Did you notice any interesting local wildlife?

A: They have monkeys on the streets, not necessarily downtown with the skyscrapers, but when you go further out from downtown, there are wild monkeys.

N: You can see signs everywhere saying to be careful with the macaques because they can be aggressive and like stealing your food.

A: People still feed them though.

How does the street style compare to back home?

A: For men, it was quite similar to Montreal, but women were always wearing makeup, with done-up hair. They’re very focused on fashion, although it’s not that different from Montreal, as we’re both very chic cities.

Final thoughts

Is there anything you wish you knew about Singapore before you went?

A: I was expecting the cost of living to be very similar to here, since the currency rate is pretty similar, so I was surprised to find it was more on the expensive side.

N: At Tim’s, a large coffee is CAD$6.50 there.

A: At a bar, a bottle of beer is about CAD$20.

Is there anything you wish you packed before your trip?

A: More clothes to change into throughout during the day.

N: A little handheld electric fan, it’s so hot!