“That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you're not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.” F. Scott Fitzgerald
Monday, January 26, 2015
Travel blog: a list
Make a list about Singapore (Top 5... 10 Best... The most important things to...). Focus on whatever you like (food, places, habits, language...). Give a brief explanation of each item on your list.
Here are my 5 favorite places in Singapore. Old, modern, natural or urban, Chinese or Indian; discover all the faces of Singapore!
- National Orchid Garden :
The National Orchid Garden is located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It was opened on 20 October 1995 by Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. It is a profusion of a beautiful selection of trees, shrubs and herbs and very rare orchids (often hybrids). Come and forget that you are right in the middle of the city ; surrounded by buildings.
- Orchard Road :
Orchard Road is a big and famous way of Singapore. It is the main commercial artery of the country ; especially for luxury shops. It has many underground pasages for pedestrians that manage to connect the shops between them.
- River Cruise :
Embark aboard a traditional boat for a cruise on Singapore River. During the cruise, you will have access to new views of the Marina Bay Sand or the Merlion. At the end of the cruise, you could eat in one of the numerous restaurants which line the canal.
- Chinatown :
Singapore's Chinatown is an ethnic neighbourhood featuring Chinese cultural elements and a historically concentrated ethnic Chinese population. Chinatown is a mix of old and new, filled with traditional shops and markets as well as cool stores and cafes.
- Little India :
Little India is Singaporean neighbourhood east of the Singapore River across from Chinatown, located west of the river. As its name suggests Little India is Singapore’s Indian district. Little India is one of the most vibrant and culturally authentic districts of Singapore.
Did you know that Singapore was nicknamed "the garden city" ? Eventhough it is an extremely edgy city with spectacular skyscrapers and one of the highest density on earth ; I have never seen greenery and man-made cohabiting so well! Here are 5 worth-visiting natural places of this vibrant city :
1- PULAU UBIN : the last unspoilt island of Singapore ; situated in the North East of the city. It's such a lovely place for biking and discovering tropical forests, hills, quarries, shores, and mangroves. If you dare quitting the main path, you may run into wild animals such as boars, monkeys, exotic birds and even snakes!
2- GARDENS BY THE BAY : the perfect marriage between nature and modernity, it is a reflect of Singapore's atmosphere. You will find stunning man-made trees that stretch up to 50 meters into the sky as well as an impressive collection of plants from deserts all over the world and giant flowers. Every night, there is a beautiful light show during which the trees burst into colors ; offering an almost Avatar-like landscape.
3- BOTANIC GARDENS : A peaceful little oasis in the bustle of the city ; among the runners and the Tai Chi groups you will discover a ginger garden, a small tropical rainforest, an herbarium of endangered species and last but not least ; the national orchid garden, mind-blowing in diversity and colors.
4- THE SOUTHERN RIDGES : 9km series of pathways, bridges and boardwalks 36 meters high that links Mount Faber Park to Labrador Nature Reserve, passing by some of Singapore’s most popular parks and gardens. Along the way, keep an eye out for a variety of flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
5- PALAWAN BEACH : the ultimate holiday cliché ; a nice bathing spot to relax and enjoy the sun! The tall shady coconut trees and the warm sand are not the only advantages of the beach ; there is a suspension boardwalk that brings you to the closest point to the Equator in Asia ; offering you a great view of the South China Sea.
If you are a shopaholic you should go to Singapore! The island is well-know for the best shopping malls in Asia . In the hundreds of shopping centers, I have selected five of them. Very different from one another and unique, feel free to pick the ones you want to visit when you will next be in Singapore!
- Marina Bay Sands
This upper market mall is located next to the most expensive hotel of Singapore. It explains the number of luxury brands and costly restaurants. In this mall you can also find the largest singaporian casino, an ice rink, an exposition center and a waterway with italian gondolas.
- Vivo City
It is the newest and the largest singaporian mall with seven levels full of all the existing brands. Moreover its location, near the coast and its facilities, like a train linking it to the Sentosa Island, make it one of the highlights of the singaporian shopping culture. It has a beautiful modern achitecture and its numerous food courts have a incredible view on the sea.
- ION Orchard
Situated on the famous Orchard Road, ION is the ultimate shopping experience out of all the malls of this road. It not only has a wide range of luxury and high-street shops but also a MRT station, a gigantic and delicious food court and a space-age looking facade.
- Mustafa
This Little India's enormous mall is opened 24 hours. You can find anything in the shelves of Mustafa from toys to shampoo, to jewelry or to the lastest electronics and always at reasonable prices. This variety makes it always crowded and iconic for the idian-singaporian inhabitants.
- *Scape
This last mall is dedicated to the youth & the young talents. It targets retailers with social marketing concepts and also has recording and rehearsing studios, an art gallery and a performance theater.
Pictures are a good way to keep memories. To make your trip to Singapore unforgettable, bring a good camera and take a lot of pictures ! Here is a list of beautiful photographs to take while discovering the amazing and fabulous city-sate of Singapore :
1-The Merlion selfie : the Merlion is a big statue of a creature with a lion head and the body of a fish. It is the national symbol of the city-state and this picture will show everyone you are a basic tourist. Don’t forget to include the financial area and its skyscrapers in the background of your amazing selfie !
2-Close-up of an orchid : in Singapore, you can visit the National Orchid Gardens where you will find more than 400 species of orchids. These flowers are extremely beautiful and colorful : don’t miss the picture !
3-The durian photograph : durian is the national fruit of Singapore. But the problem is that it tastes like meat and onions and smells awful (that’s why it is forbidden in many public areas). Just buy some and ask someone to take a picture of you eating a piece of the fruit to show how brave and disgusted you are !
4-The Marina Bay Sands picture : the Marina Bay is one of the biggest hostels and casinos in the city. It has 3 towers linked by a huge plateform with an infinity pool on top of it. Take a picture of you giving the impression you are holding the Marina Bay Sands in your hand to impress your family !
5-Night view of the supertrees : these tree-like srtuctures dominate the landscape of the Gardens by the Bay and host a lot of exotic plants. They are particularly beautiful at night so you won’t need any filter !
6-Starbucks : in Singapore ; Starbucks is everywhere with more than 50 shops : you won’t miss it. Taking a picture each time you go to Starbucks’ will show everyone you are either a Starbucks lover or a basic European girl !
7-The picture of you next to the big globe near the entance of the Universal Studios park in Sentosa. It will make everyone think you went in the park even if you didn’t !
8-Food : Singaporean food is a mix of cuisines from all around the world, especially from Asia. If you love to take pictures of beautiful or unusual dishes, you’ll have a lot of pictures to take there ! My favorites : chicken rice, char siew bao, ice kacang, hokkien mee, chinese new year pineapple tarts, chicken satay.
9-The traditional picture : Singapore is not only a city of skyscrapers : some boroughs are still traditional and, by the way, really colorful, like Arab Street, Little India and Chinatown. These are great spots to take a picture showing the traditional aspect of Singapore. It could also show another aspect of Singapore : poverty. Be sure to add a fancy filter to make it more attractive !
10-The shopping photo : Singapore is heaven on Earth for all shopping lovers. You’ll find a lot of shops you won’t find in France. Don’t forget to take a picture of every item you buy and every unusual shop you enter to make your friends jealous!
11-The wild scene : Singapore has a lot of wild and green areas like reservoirs that you can visit. Take pictures of you there surrounded by exotic plants. Everyone will think you are a brave explorer !
12-The beach sunset : there are a lot of beaches in Singapore and Sentosa. The sunsets there are wonderful. Don’t miss them and take pictures !
Top 5: "Singlish" expressions you won't hear anywhere else.
1) "Huh?” You will hear this expression everywhere in Singapore. It is one of the most common ones, but also one of the easiest to understand, although it may sound rude. We could say that it stands for: "I beg your pardon?"
2) "Lah, lor, meh" The most commons “sentence-ends” of true Singaporeans. They can use them at the end of any sentence, and it doesn't have a true meaning.
3) “Oso” This expression is simply a mispronunciation of: "also". That's why we call it "Singlish", it is based on English and if you try to, you can understand it. You just have to be a good English speaker, and to be very patient.
4) "Uncle” This word is not used as in English, it isn't only your father's/mother's brother. It is used for men who are middle-aged or older and especially for those who are not well acquainted. You will mostly hear this expression from children.
5) “Aiyoh!” This one is my favorite. You have to accentuate the “oh”, don’t hesitate on making it long “ooooooooh”. I guess we could translate this one in common English as: "Oh dear!”
I must admit that Singlish can sound pretty rude. However, if you simply try to remember what all those expressions stand for, and if you have a bit of imagination you may be able to understand what the Taxi driver is trying to tell you. Thank you lah !
If you like big places, surrounded by green spaces, Singapore is the place to go. I'm going to present you the 5 places you can't miss according to me of course!
1- Palawan Beach : With a suspension bridge linking beach-goers to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia (the closest point to the Equator in Asia), this beach is a complete postcard. Quite, peaceful, gorgeous made of white sand, beautiful turquoise blue water and coconuts, this place is one of the most amazing I have ever seen. The sun set there is just unbelievable!
2- Botanic Gardens : Singapore’s oldest garden is a treasure trove for plant lovers, or those who simply want to have a good time outdoors. Actually if Singapore is also called the Garden city it is mostly through this sumptuous gardens. It 's also one of the best spot to spend weekends, jog, eat or just laze about.
3- Night Safari : The Night Safari is the world's first nocturnal zoo and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore. It is a guided tram ride that takes you across 7 geographical zones of the world. See nocturnal animals in their naturalistic habitats and look out for the free-ranging ones which may just be an arm’s length away from the tram.
4- Orchard Road : It's the domain of Singapore's elite and well-heeled tourists, lured here by the shopping centres, nightspots, restaurants, bars and lounges : the dream of the shopping's addict. But there is also somme cultural places where your credit card isn't required.
5- River Cruise : To finish, aboard in a bumboat, from there you will be able to admire the Merlion or the Marina Bay Sand. It's an easy way to visit this colourful district with an view from the inside. If you are hungry you can still go buy something in one of the many restaurant on the side of the canal.
After our wonderful trip to Singapore this past month, I'm going to present you the top 3 touristic activities to do during your stay in Singapore :
1- Universal studios, located in Sentosa, this activity will take up most of your day! Expreience the dream you've always had as a kid : live in the world of Madagascar or Shrek or Transformers! A series of rides based on Universal movies will bring you back to childhood!
2- Adventure Cove Waterpark, located in Sentosa, this activity will take up half of your day (try to be there at 9a.m and leave around noon). This water park will enable you to swim with sharks, dolphins and all kinds of fishes! Also you can ride on 7 different curly water slides! This can be a good way to make your kids sleep in the car because of how tiring it is to queue in the sun...
3- Night Safari, located in the Singapore zoo, this activity can only be done at night (obviously!). You will be able to see how exotic animals live at night time by a visit on a tram (about 45 minutes) and the "creatures of the night show" where animals show of their skills and abilities as wild creatures!
4-The River Cruise, near Marina Bay Sands, this boat ride will be a moment to relax and enjoy a guided tour of the "City" neighborhood, its restaurants, skyscrapers, historical buildings and the statues all over the sidewalks! Be sure to take sunscreen and a cap or sunglasses because of the sun's reflection on the water...
5- The Chili Crab Experience, many restaurants located on the east coast of Singapore. This typical dish will make you discover Asian spices! The chili crab is an expensive and big dish so be sure to bring a couple of your friends or family with you to split the tab and crab!
Singapore is a very surprising city. One of the things it is famous for is its airport: Changi airport. Indeed, it is not like any other airport and you will see that with my top 5 things you can do at Changi airport.
1. Swim. Truth is, you can actually swim in the rooftop swimming pool situated in Changi airport. Passengers staying at the Ambassador Transit Hotel may use the pool and jacuzzi for free. Otherwise, a small fee of $13.91 is charged to non-residents for the use of the swimming pool and jacuzzi, including the use of the shower facilities, a towel and a complimentary non-alcoholic drink from the bar. The swimming pool is located at Terminal 1. It is open from 7am to 11pm daily.
2. Workout After (or before) the swimming pool, you can exercise at the gymnasium opened 24/7. No matter what terminal you’re in your workout needs will be well-met. It coasts $13.
3. Watch a movie If you are stressed by the 13H flight, you can go watch a movie for free at one of the two theatres of Changi airport.
4. Tour of Singapore If your flight is late, then you can book a free guided tour of Singapore. It is free and lasts 2 hours.
5. Play video games For free, you can have access to a playstation 3, LAN gaming or Xbox Kinect in the multimedia gaming centre
Whoever said airports were boring didn't know Changi airport !
Why coming to Singapore? There is indeed a lot of reason to go to “the fine city”. Here is a top 5 1- To work. Singapore is the 4th economic place of the world map. The most of his actual diversity comes from businessmen from all over the world who are currently working in Singapore. 2- To study. Singapore has a lot of very good colleges, Singapore’s university and Singapore management institute are only two examples of places where every bachelor would love to study. 3- To visit. Singapore is not that much of a touristic city compared to London, Paris or New York, but it certainly does have a lot to show. 4- To follow your parents or husband/wife. Not everyone can get a job in Singapore, and most of the emigrant couples only have one of the two working in Singapore- this is a difficult choice to make, but the quality of life or love may be reasons to abandon your work. 5- To do your military training. Singapore insure his security by a personal army, where most of the troops are boys between 21 and 23, the two years of compulsory help to the country. If you are a boy and go study outside of the country, you’ll have to come back if your parents have the citizenship or nationality.
You have to know that if you live in Singapore, your favorite hobby has to be shopping. This is probably why Singapore has more shopping malls per capita than anywhere else in Asia. During my trip, I visited many of them and here is my list of the 5 best shopping malls in Singapore.
N°1 - Vivo City (Harbourfront Precinct)
This one is by far, the best shopping mall I've ever seen. It is well known in all Asia as it offers its visitors Singapore’s largest cinema, biggest toy store, an amphitheatre and four food courts.
n° 2 - ION Orchard (Orchard Road)
Orchard Road is the most popular shopping enclave in Singapore. ION Orchard is very futuristic and is the most glamorous shopping complex with many luxury shops such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier and YSL. If you're a big spender or a celebrity, you even have access to "extra special toilets"!
n°3 - Paragon Shopping Centre (Orchard Road)
Still on Orchard Road, the Paragon Shopping Centre is spread across 6 levels of mainly eateries, luxury shops and sports boutiques.
n°4 - Ngee Ann City (Orchard Road)
The main tenant in Ngee Ann City is the Takashumaya department store, spread across 4 floors at least. You can do brand-shopping but there are also beauty and health stores as well as Asia's largest book store : Kinokuniya.
n°5 - Knightsbridge Mall (Orchard Road)
Knightsbridge Mall is part of the Grand Park Orchard Hotel. The building is quite impressive and eye-catching as well. However, this mall is composed of 4 floors only focusing on fashion and jewellers.
1- Singapore Chili Crab : It's one of the most delicious dish in Singapore and it's a must-have during your trip in Singapore. What makes it incredibly tasty is its sauce : a sweet chili-based sauce coupled with a great tomato sauce. This dish needs to be eaten with your fingers while you're wearing a cooking apron because it can get quite messy. This dish is so famous that it's the first thing celebrities ask for when they come over to Singapore.
2- "Chicken rice" From its true name Hainanese Chicken rice it is a cheap (you can get some for less than 5 $) and nice dish that you can find almost everywhere in Singapore. Made of steamed white chicken and fragrant rice, it's all you need to satisfy your Hunger at a low cost.
3- Fish head Curry The Fish head Curry is the result of a mix of culture (Chinese,Indian and Malay) in Singapore. Therefore this dish is one of the spiciest, and one of the best-loved dishes in the city.Made by stewing the head of a red snapper fish in a spicy-hot curry with vegetables.
4- Kaya-toast : Served for breakfast, kaya-toasts are a well-know dish in Singapore. It's a piece of bread which has been charcoal-grilled or toasted enveloping slivers of cold butter and a generous spread of kaya, a traditional jam made from coconut and eggs. Those toast are oftenly accompanied with two soft boiled eggs.
5- Milo : This isn't a dish but it's a drink that is from Singapore. It's kind of like a hot chocolate but it's made of malted wheat or barley syrup. It tastes good and it's quite fresh which is perfect to survive the Singaporian weather.
The food in Singapore reflects the spirit of the city: multicultural. Indeed, there are no Singaporian food specialities or just a few; the gastronomy is based on a cultural exchange between the different social groups. You can find mainly Indian food, Chinese food, Indonesian food as well as Peranakan food. Peranakan is a word making reference to the descendants of the first Chinese immigrants installed in the British colonies Penang and Singapore; it is a mix between the Chinese migrants and the people they met in the British colonies. Here I will share my top 5 best food experiences in Singapore :
1) The Yu Sheng It represents “the” dish without whom a Chinese New Year family meal would be incomplete. Indeed, it is a traditional dish served in the restaurants in this period. It is made of grated vegetables (carrots, celery, beetroots). The tradition is adding additional ingredients such as peanuts, salmon ... etc, pronouncing each time Chinese ritual words to wish happiness for the New Year. Then, each person has to throw the food in the air with his chopsticks. According to the tradition the highest you throw the food, the luckiest you are for the New Year.
2) Indian nans with curry sauce chicken It is a really well known dish in the Indian gastronomy. The nan is a kind of mix between bread and pancakes. They are used to eat the chicken. The principle is quite simple: you have to tear a piece of nan that you will need to pick your chicken by pinching it. This dish is really tasteful and convivial, but you need to know how spicy it is before eating it.
3) Satay Coming from the Javanese word “saté” which means “kebab”, the satay is a kind of meat kebab served with a particular peanut sauce. The satay can be made of chicken, lamb, or cow; however as every country has his own satay speciality, you can possibly find in some countries turtle or horse satay...
4) Chicken rice Maybe the most famous example of Singaporean food specialities you can find (even if they are rare). It is made by a net of chicken cut in pieces, by rice, by some fresh vegetables like cucumber or lady finger (a typical vegetable) and by a bowl of chicken soup. It is most part of the time served in hawker centres.
5) Tang Yuan Also call “Glutinous Rice Ball” this dessert is usually eaten during the Chinese New Year. They are in the shape of little balls, white or pink, and they are filled with a black peanut cream. Served in a light syrup in a bowl, they are usually eaten together with family as it symbolizes family unity, after having eaten the famous Yu Sheng.
As you know, Singapore is a mix of a lot of different cultures, food is no exception. Singapore is one of the best places for asiatic dishes, but it also has some specialities at its own.
1/Drink bubble tea, an iced tea mixed with milk and with tapioca pearls
2/Drink juices. In Singapore the juices are very fresh and cheap. They squeeze the juice in front of you, you only need to choose your fruit. Try a fruit that you never had before: there are many of them that you will discover for the first time.
3/Eat chicken rice, an asiatic meal which consist in chicken and rice cooked together. It is very good. The best place to eat chicken rice is at a hawker and it permits you to immerge in asiatic culture.
4/Eat noodles, really noodles are even better than in the others asiatic countries
5/Eat durian, the Singaporean national fruit. It has got a strange taste, it is maybe the weirdest fruit I have ever eaten but it is a speciality so you need to try it.
1. Gardens by the Bay and "Super-Trees" Located just at a walk of 5 minutes from Marina Bay, the Gardens by the Bay are recognizable with their huge metallic trees, well-known as the Super-Trees. These 25 to 50 meter tall structures have a unique collection of ferns and plants. Once you will enter you are going to lose track of time. Horticulture fans will truly be fascinated after a visit to this beautiful garden. With amazing views from the rooftop this place could be easily considered as the heaven on earth.
2. Universal Studios Go beyond the screen at Universal Studios Singapore ! Explore and enjoy the different worlds : Madagascar, Shrek, Transformers,... Discover other environments with many awesome shows : the Rockafellas street dance show ; if you like being really wet you should go to the Waterworld show, and sit on the first benches ! Many hours of laughs, fun and screams !
3. Night Safari If one of your dream is to do a safari, you should go to the zoo ! Take your camera and admire all of the creatures of the park : elephants, lions, snakes, tigers,... Explore the walking trails to see even more animals not visible from the tram journey. Don't forget the bats experience !
4. Orchard Road If you are a fan of shopping and luxury brands, Orchard Road is the best place to go ! With its many malls, Orchard Road brings famous brands together, from H&M to Louis Vuitton. All you need to do : take your debit card and pamper yourself ! it's up to you !
5. Merlion The Merlion is the landmark and mascot of Singapore. It is a imaginary creature which has a head of a lion and a body of a fish. The lion represents Singapore’s original name – Singapura – meaning the lion city. In front of the huge Marina Bay Sands, it is a good place to take photographs both during day time as well as in the night !
I’m going to make quite a personal and general list: the things I liked the most about Singapore. I’ll speak about 6 aspects of the culture and way of living that I found different and interesting.
1. The city is so modern! From the skyscrapers that cover the island to the simple, daily habits that build up people’s lives, everything in Singapore is so much more modern than in France! This is probably due to the fact that the country doesn’t really have much apparent history, so it’s more prone to change and evolution.
2. The green streets. Although I wouldn’t say the same thing about the town centre, I really liked the appearance of the residential streets. They all have wide footpaths with grass, and there are always amazingly huge trees looming over the pedestrians, giving a bit of shade.
3. Students are on a first-name basis with their teachers. This is one fact, amongst others, that proves that it is possible to educate children in a much more casual atmosphere than in France. This doesn’t mean that their results are lower though: it’s more the other way round, actually!
4. The climate! I’m probably not the first person to have said it, but it’s so nice to be in a place where the temperature doesn’t drop below 20°C… In fact, most Singaporeans say they’re cold around those temperatures! Maybe you do get bored of this sort of climate after a while, I don’t know, but personally, I’d easily swap what we have in France for it!
5. Everyone is really nice and helpful! Well, generally. Let’s say, if you talk to a random person, you have a higher chance of stumbling onto someone kind in Singapore than you do in France… It find it makes you feel a bit safer, which can’t be wrong, seeing as my host student’s parents told me that in Singapore, you can go out at any time (day or night) and be entirely safe from strangers.
6. Singapore has a wonderful mix of ethnicities and cultures from all over the world. The different cultural suburbs (Little India, Chinatown) show this. In leaving Singapore, I felt I’d visited more than just the island!
Here are my 5 favorite places in Singapore.
ReplyDeleteOld, modern, natural or urban, Chinese or Indian; discover all the faces of Singapore!
- National Orchid Garden :
The National Orchid Garden is located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It was opened on 20 October 1995 by Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
It is a profusion of a beautiful selection of trees, shrubs and herbs and very rare orchids (often hybrids). Come and forget that you are right in the middle of the city ; surrounded by buildings.
- Orchard Road :
Orchard Road is a big and famous way of Singapore. It is the main commercial artery of the country ; especially for luxury shops.
It has many underground pasages for pedestrians that manage to connect the shops between them.
- River Cruise :
Embark aboard a traditional boat for a cruise on Singapore River. During the cruise, you will have access to new views of the Marina Bay Sand or the Merlion.
At the end of the cruise, you could eat in one of the numerous restaurants which line the canal.
- Chinatown :
Singapore's Chinatown is an ethnic neighbourhood featuring Chinese cultural elements and a historically concentrated ethnic Chinese population.
Chinatown is a mix of old and new, filled with traditional shops and markets as well as cool stores and cafes.
- Little India :
Little India is Singaporean neighbourhood east of the Singapore River across from Chinatown, located west of the river.
As its name suggests Little India is Singapore’s Indian district.
Little India is one of the most vibrant and culturally authentic districts of Singapore.
Top 5 green places in Singapore :
ReplyDeleteDid you know that Singapore was nicknamed "the garden city" ? Eventhough it is an extremely edgy city with spectacular skyscrapers and one of the highest density on earth ; I have never seen greenery and man-made cohabiting so well! Here are 5 worth-visiting natural places of this vibrant city :
1- PULAU UBIN : the last unspoilt island of Singapore ; situated in the North East of the city. It's such a lovely place for biking and discovering tropical forests, hills, quarries, shores, and mangroves. If you dare quitting the main path, you may run into wild animals such as boars, monkeys, exotic birds and even snakes!
2- GARDENS BY THE BAY : the perfect marriage between nature and modernity, it is a reflect of Singapore's atmosphere. You will find stunning man-made trees that stretch up to 50 meters into the sky as well as an impressive collection of plants from deserts all over the world and giant flowers. Every night, there is a beautiful light show during which the trees burst into colors ; offering an almost Avatar-like landscape.
3- BOTANIC GARDENS : A peaceful little oasis in the bustle of the city ; among the runners and the Tai Chi groups you will discover a ginger garden, a small tropical rainforest, an herbarium of endangered species and last but not least ; the national orchid garden, mind-blowing in diversity and colors.
4- THE SOUTHERN RIDGES : 9km series of pathways, bridges and boardwalks 36 meters high that links Mount Faber Park to Labrador Nature Reserve, passing by some of Singapore’s most popular parks and gardens. Along the way, keep an eye out for a variety of flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
5- PALAWAN BEACH : the ultimate holiday cliché ; a nice bathing spot to relax and enjoy the sun! The tall shady coconut trees and the warm sand are not the only advantages of the beach ; there is a suspension boardwalk that brings you to the closest point to the Equator in Asia ; offering you a great view of the South China Sea.
If you are a shopaholic you should go to Singapore! The island is well-know for the best shopping malls in Asia . In the hundreds of shopping centers, I have selected five of them. Very different from one another and unique, feel free to pick the ones you want to visit when you will next be in Singapore!
ReplyDelete- Marina Bay Sands
This upper market mall is located next to the most expensive hotel of Singapore. It explains the number of luxury brands and costly restaurants. In this mall you can also find the largest singaporian casino, an ice rink, an exposition center and a waterway with italian gondolas.
- Vivo City
It is the newest and the largest singaporian mall with seven levels full of all the existing brands. Moreover its location, near the coast and its facilities, like a train linking it to the Sentosa Island, make it one of the highlights of the singaporian shopping culture. It has a beautiful modern achitecture and its numerous food courts have a incredible view on the sea.
- ION Orchard
Situated on the famous Orchard Road, ION is the ultimate shopping experience out of all the malls of this road. It not only has a wide range of luxury and high-street shops but also a MRT station, a gigantic and delicious food court and a space-age looking facade.
- Mustafa
This Little India's enormous mall is opened 24 hours. You can find anything in the shelves of Mustafa from toys to shampoo, to jewelry or to the lastest electronics and always at reasonable prices. This variety makes it always crowded and iconic for the idian-singaporian inhabitants.
- *Scape
This last mall is dedicated to the youth & the young talents. It targets retailers with social marketing concepts and also has recording and rehearsing studios, an art gallery and a performance theater.
12 photos to take while visiting Singapore:
ReplyDeletePictures are a good way to keep memories. To make your trip to Singapore unforgettable, bring a good camera and take a lot of pictures ! Here is a list of beautiful photographs to take while discovering the amazing and fabulous city-sate of Singapore :
1-The Merlion selfie : the Merlion is a big statue of a creature with a lion head and the body of a fish. It is the national symbol of the city-state and this picture will show everyone you are a basic tourist. Don’t forget to include the financial area and its skyscrapers in the background of your amazing selfie !
2-Close-up of an orchid : in Singapore, you can visit the National Orchid Gardens where you will find more than 400 species of orchids. These flowers are extremely beautiful and colorful : don’t miss the picture !
3-The durian photograph : durian is the national fruit of Singapore. But the problem is that it tastes like meat and onions and smells awful (that’s why it is forbidden in many public areas). Just buy some and ask someone to take a picture of you eating a piece of the fruit to show how brave and disgusted you are !
4-The Marina Bay Sands picture : the Marina Bay is one of the biggest hostels and casinos in the city. It has 3 towers linked by a huge plateform with an infinity pool on top of it. Take a picture of you giving the impression you are holding the Marina Bay Sands in your hand to impress your family !
5-Night view of the supertrees : these tree-like srtuctures dominate the landscape of the Gardens by the Bay and host a lot of exotic plants. They are particularly beautiful at night so you won’t need any filter !
6-Starbucks : in Singapore ; Starbucks is everywhere with more than 50 shops : you won’t miss it. Taking a picture each time you go to Starbucks’ will show everyone you are either a Starbucks lover or a basic European girl !
7-The picture of you next to the big globe near the entance of the Universal Studios park in Sentosa. It will make everyone think you went in the park even if you didn’t !
8-Food : Singaporean food is a mix of cuisines from all around the world, especially from Asia. If you love to take pictures of beautiful or unusual dishes, you’ll have a lot of pictures to take there ! My favorites : chicken rice, char siew bao, ice kacang, hokkien mee, chinese new year pineapple tarts, chicken satay.
9-The traditional picture : Singapore is not only a city of skyscrapers : some boroughs are still traditional and, by the way, really colorful, like Arab Street, Little India and Chinatown. These are great spots to take a picture showing the traditional aspect of Singapore. It could also show another aspect of Singapore : poverty. Be sure to add a fancy filter to make it more attractive !
10-The shopping photo : Singapore is heaven on Earth for all shopping lovers. You’ll find a lot of shops you won’t find in France. Don’t forget to take a picture of every item you buy and every unusual shop you enter to make your friends jealous!
11-The wild scene : Singapore has a lot of wild and green areas like reservoirs that you can visit. Take pictures of you there surrounded by exotic plants. Everyone will think you are a brave explorer !
12-The beach sunset : there are a lot of beaches in Singapore and Sentosa. The sunsets there are wonderful. Don’t miss them and take pictures !
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTop 5: "Singlish" expressions you won't hear anywhere else.
ReplyDelete1) "Huh?”
You will hear this expression everywhere in Singapore. It is one of the most common ones, but also one of the easiest to understand, although it may sound rude. We could say that it stands for: "I beg your pardon?"
2) "Lah, lor, meh"
The most commons “sentence-ends” of true Singaporeans. They can use them at the end of any sentence, and it doesn't have a true meaning.
3) “Oso”
This expression is simply a mispronunciation of: "also". That's why we call it "Singlish", it is based on English and if you try to, you can understand it. You just have to be a good English speaker, and to be very patient.
4) "Uncle”
This word is not used as in English, it isn't only your father's/mother's brother. It is used for men who are middle-aged or older and especially for those who are not well acquainted. You will mostly hear this expression from children.
5) “Aiyoh!”
This one is my favorite. You have to accentuate the “oh”, don’t hesitate on making it long “ooooooooh”. I guess we could translate this one in common English as: "Oh dear!”
I must admit that Singlish can sound pretty rude. However, if you simply try to remember what all those expressions stand for, and if you have a bit of imagination you may be able to understand what the Taxi driver is trying to tell you. Thank you lah !
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIf you like big places, surrounded by green spaces, Singapore is the place to go. I'm going to present
ReplyDeleteyou the 5 places you can't miss according to me of course!
1- Palawan Beach :
With a suspension bridge linking beach-goers to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia (the closest point to the Equator in Asia), this beach is a complete postcard. Quite, peaceful, gorgeous made of white sand, beautiful turquoise blue water and coconuts, this place is one of the most amazing I have ever seen. The sun set there is just unbelievable!
2- Botanic Gardens :
Singapore’s oldest garden is a treasure trove for plant lovers, or those who simply want to have a good time outdoors. Actually if Singapore is also called the Garden city it is mostly through this sumptuous gardens. It 's also one of the best spot to spend weekends, jog, eat or just laze about.
3- Night Safari :
The Night Safari is the world's first nocturnal zoo and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore. It is a guided tram ride that takes you across 7 geographical zones of the world. See nocturnal animals in their naturalistic habitats and look out for the free-ranging ones which may just be an arm’s length away from the tram.
4- Orchard Road :
It's the domain of Singapore's elite and well-heeled tourists, lured here by the shopping centres, nightspots, restaurants, bars and lounges : the dream of the shopping's addict. But there is also somme cultural places where your credit card isn't required.
5- River Cruise :
To finish, aboard in a bumboat, from there you will be able to admire the Merlion or the Marina Bay Sand. It's an easy way to visit this colourful district with an view from the inside. If you are hungry you can still go buy something in one of the many restaurant on the side of the canal.
After our wonderful trip to Singapore this past month, I'm going to present you the top 3 touristic activities to do during your stay in Singapore :
ReplyDelete1- Universal studios, located in Sentosa, this activity will take up most of your day! Expreience the dream you've always had as a kid : live in the world of Madagascar or Shrek or Transformers! A series of rides based on Universal movies will bring you back to childhood!
2- Adventure Cove Waterpark, located in Sentosa, this activity will take up half of your day (try to be there at 9a.m and leave around noon). This water park will enable you to swim with sharks, dolphins and all kinds of fishes! Also you can ride on 7 different curly water slides! This can be a good way to make your kids sleep in the car because of how tiring it is to queue in the sun...
3- Night Safari, located in the Singapore zoo, this activity can only be done at night (obviously!). You will be able to see how exotic animals live at night time by a visit on a tram (about 45 minutes) and the "creatures of the night show" where animals show of their skills and abilities as wild creatures!
4-The River Cruise, near Marina Bay Sands, this boat ride will be a moment to relax and enjoy a guided tour of the "City" neighborhood, its restaurants, skyscrapers, historical buildings and the statues all over the sidewalks! Be sure to take sunscreen and a cap or sunglasses because of the sun's reflection on the water...
5- The Chili Crab Experience, many restaurants located on the east coast of Singapore. This typical dish will make you discover Asian spices! The chili crab is an expensive and big dish so be sure to bring a couple of your friends or family with you to split the tab and crab!
Woopsy, it is a top 5 not a top 3 list
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSingapore is a very surprising city. One of the things it is famous for is its airport: Changi airport. Indeed, it is not like any other airport and you will see that with my top 5 things you can do at Changi airport.
ReplyDelete1. Swim.
Truth is, you can actually swim in the rooftop swimming pool situated in Changi airport. Passengers staying at the Ambassador Transit Hotel may use the pool and jacuzzi for free. Otherwise, a small fee of $13.91 is charged to non-residents for the use of the swimming pool and jacuzzi, including the use of the shower facilities, a towel and a complimentary non-alcoholic drink from the bar. The swimming pool is located at Terminal 1. It is open from 7am to 11pm daily.
2. Workout
After (or before) the swimming pool, you can exercise at the gymnasium opened 24/7. No matter what terminal you’re in your workout needs will be well-met. It coasts $13.
3. Watch a movie
If you are stressed by the 13H flight, you can go watch a movie for free at one of the two theatres of Changi airport.
4. Tour of Singapore
If your flight is late, then you can book a free guided tour of Singapore. It is free and lasts 2 hours.
5. Play video games
For free, you can have access to a playstation 3, LAN gaming or Xbox Kinect in the multimedia gaming centre
Whoever said airports were boring didn't know Changi airport !
Why coming to Singapore? There is indeed a lot of reason to go to “the fine city”. Here is a top 5
ReplyDelete1- To work. Singapore is the 4th economic place of the world map. The most of his actual diversity comes from businessmen from all over the world who are currently working in Singapore.
2- To study. Singapore has a lot of very good colleges, Singapore’s university and Singapore management institute are only two examples of places where every bachelor would love to study.
3- To visit. Singapore is not that much of a touristic city compared to London, Paris or New York, but it certainly does have a lot to show.
4- To follow your parents or husband/wife. Not everyone can get a job in Singapore, and most of the emigrant couples only have one of the two working in Singapore- this is a difficult choice to make, but the quality of life or love may be reasons to abandon your work.
5- To do your military training. Singapore insure his security by a personal army, where most of the troops are boys between 21 and 23, the two years of compulsory help to the country. If you are a boy and go study outside of the country, you’ll have to come back if your parents have the citizenship or nationality.
You have to know that if you live in Singapore, your favorite hobby has to be shopping. This is probably why Singapore has more shopping malls per capita than anywhere else in Asia. During my trip, I visited many of them and here is my list of the 5 best shopping malls in Singapore.
ReplyDeleteN°1 - Vivo City (Harbourfront Precinct)
This one is by far, the best shopping mall I've ever seen. It is well known in all Asia as it offers its visitors Singapore’s largest cinema, biggest toy store, an amphitheatre and four food courts.
n° 2 - ION Orchard (Orchard Road)
Orchard Road is the most popular shopping enclave in Singapore. ION Orchard is very futuristic and is the most glamorous shopping complex with many luxury shops such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier and YSL. If you're a big spender or a celebrity, you even have access to "extra special toilets"!
n°3 - Paragon Shopping Centre (Orchard Road)
Still on Orchard Road, the Paragon Shopping Centre is spread across 6 levels of mainly eateries, luxury shops and sports boutiques.
n°4 - Ngee Ann City (Orchard Road)
The main tenant in Ngee Ann City is the Takashumaya department store, spread across 4 floors at least. You can do brand-shopping but there are also beauty and health stores as well as Asia's largest book store : Kinokuniya.
n°5 - Knightsbridge Mall (Orchard Road)
Knightsbridge Mall is part of the Grand Park Orchard Hotel. The building is quite impressive and eye-catching as well. However, this mall is composed of 4 floors only focusing on fashion and jewellers.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTop 5 : delicious specialties from Singapore
ReplyDelete1- Singapore Chili Crab :
It's one of the most delicious dish in Singapore and it's a must-have during your trip in Singapore. What makes it incredibly tasty is its sauce : a sweet chili-based sauce coupled with a great tomato sauce.
This dish needs to be eaten with your fingers while you're wearing a cooking apron because it can get quite messy. This dish is so famous that it's the first thing celebrities ask for when they come over to Singapore.
2- "Chicken rice"
From its true name Hainanese Chicken rice it is a cheap (you can get some for less than 5 $) and nice dish that you can find almost everywhere in Singapore.
Made of steamed white chicken and fragrant rice, it's all you need to satisfy your Hunger at a low cost.
3- Fish head Curry
The Fish head Curry is the result of a mix of culture (Chinese,Indian and Malay) in Singapore. Therefore this dish is one of the spiciest, and one of the best-loved dishes in the city.Made by stewing the head of a red snapper fish in a spicy-hot curry with vegetables.
4- Kaya-toast :
Served for breakfast, kaya-toasts are a well-know dish in Singapore. It's a piece of bread which has been charcoal-grilled or toasted enveloping slivers of cold butter and a generous spread of kaya, a traditional jam made from coconut and eggs. Those toast are oftenly accompanied with two soft boiled eggs.
5- Milo :
This isn't a dish but it's a drink that is from Singapore. It's kind of like a hot chocolate but it's made of malted wheat or barley syrup. It tastes good and it's quite fresh which is perfect to survive the Singaporian weather.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe food in Singapore reflects the spirit of the city: multicultural. Indeed, there are no Singaporian food specialities or just a few; the gastronomy is based on a cultural exchange between the different social groups. You can find mainly Indian food, Chinese food, Indonesian food as well as Peranakan food. Peranakan is a word making reference to the descendants of the first Chinese immigrants installed in the British colonies Penang and Singapore; it is a mix between the Chinese migrants and the people they met in the British colonies. Here I will share my top 5 best food experiences in Singapore :
ReplyDelete1) The Yu Sheng
It represents “the” dish without whom a Chinese New Year family meal would be incomplete. Indeed, it is a traditional dish served in the restaurants in this period. It is made of grated vegetables (carrots, celery, beetroots). The tradition is adding additional ingredients such as peanuts, salmon ... etc, pronouncing each time Chinese ritual words to wish happiness for the New Year. Then, each person has to throw the food in the air with his chopsticks. According to the tradition the highest you throw the food, the luckiest you are for the New Year.
2) Indian nans with curry sauce chicken
It is a really well known dish in the Indian gastronomy. The nan is a kind of mix between bread and pancakes. They are used to eat the chicken. The principle is quite simple: you have to tear a piece of nan that you will need to pick your chicken by pinching it. This dish is really tasteful and convivial, but you need to know how spicy it is before eating it.
3) Satay
Coming from the Javanese word “saté” which means “kebab”, the satay is a kind of meat kebab served with a particular peanut sauce. The satay can be made of chicken, lamb, or cow; however as every country has his own satay speciality, you can possibly find in some countries turtle or horse satay...
4) Chicken rice
Maybe the most famous example of Singaporean food specialities you can find (even if they are rare). It is made by a net of chicken cut in pieces, by rice, by some fresh vegetables like cucumber or lady finger (a typical vegetable) and by a bowl of chicken soup. It is most part of the time served in hawker centres.
5) Tang Yuan
Also call “Glutinous Rice Ball” this dessert is usually eaten during the Chinese New Year. They are in the shape of little balls, white or pink, and they are filled with a black peanut cream. Served in a light syrup in a bowl, they are usually eaten together with family as it symbolizes family unity, after having eaten the famous Yu Sheng.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete5 things that you must eat or drink in Singapore:
ReplyDeleteAs you know, Singapore is a mix of a lot of different cultures, food is no exception. Singapore is one of the best places for asiatic dishes, but it also has some specialities at its own.
1/Drink bubble tea, an iced tea mixed with milk and with tapioca pearls
2/Drink juices. In Singapore the juices are very fresh and cheap. They squeeze the juice in front of you, you only need to choose your fruit. Try a fruit that you never had before: there are many of them that you will discover for the first time.
3/Eat chicken rice, an asiatic meal which consist in chicken and rice cooked together. It is very good. The best place to eat chicken rice is at a hawker and it permits you to immerge in asiatic culture.
4/Eat noodles, really noodles are even better than in the others asiatic countries
5/Eat durian, the Singaporean national fruit. It has got a strange taste, it is maybe the weirdest fruit I have ever eaten but it is a speciality so you need to try it.
Top 5 of the greatest places in Singapore :
ReplyDelete1. Gardens by the Bay and "Super-Trees"
Located just at a walk of 5 minutes from Marina Bay, the Gardens by the Bay are recognizable with their huge metallic trees, well-known as the Super-Trees. These 25 to 50 meter tall structures have a unique collection of ferns and plants. Once you will enter you are going to lose track of time. Horticulture fans will truly be fascinated after a visit to this beautiful garden. With amazing views from the rooftop this place could be easily considered as the heaven on earth.
2. Universal Studios
Go beyond the screen at Universal Studios Singapore ! Explore and enjoy the different worlds : Madagascar, Shrek, Transformers,... Discover other environments with many awesome shows : the Rockafellas street dance show ; if you like being really wet you should go to the Waterworld show, and sit on the first benches !
Many hours of laughs, fun and screams !
3. Night Safari
If one of your dream is to do a safari, you should go to the zoo ! Take your camera and admire all of the creatures of the park : elephants, lions, snakes, tigers,... Explore the walking trails to see even more animals not visible from the tram journey. Don't forget the bats experience !
4. Orchard Road
If you are a fan of shopping and luxury brands, Orchard Road is the best place to go ! With its many malls, Orchard Road brings famous brands together, from H&M to Louis Vuitton. All you need to do : take your debit card and pamper yourself ! it's up to you !
5. Merlion
The Merlion is the landmark and mascot of Singapore. It is a imaginary creature which has a head of a lion and a body of a fish. The lion represents Singapore’s original name – Singapura – meaning the lion city. In front of the huge Marina Bay Sands, it is a good place to take photographs both during day time as well as in the night !
I’m going to make quite a personal and general list: the things I liked the most about Singapore. I’ll speak about 6 aspects of the culture and way of living that I found different and interesting.
ReplyDelete1. The city is so modern! From the skyscrapers that cover the island to the simple, daily habits that build up people’s lives, everything in Singapore is so much more modern than in France! This is probably due to the fact that the country doesn’t really have much apparent history, so it’s more prone to change and evolution.
2. The green streets. Although I wouldn’t say the same thing about the town centre, I really liked the appearance of the residential streets. They all have wide footpaths with grass, and there are always amazingly huge trees looming over the pedestrians, giving a bit of shade.
3. Students are on a first-name basis with their teachers. This is one fact, amongst others, that proves that it is possible to educate children in a much more casual atmosphere than in France. This doesn’t mean that their results are lower though: it’s more the other way round, actually!
4. The climate! I’m probably not the first person to have said it, but it’s so nice to be in a place where the temperature doesn’t drop below 20°C… In fact, most Singaporeans say they’re cold around those temperatures! Maybe you do get bored of this sort of climate after a while, I don’t know, but personally, I’d easily swap what we have in France for it!
5. Everyone is really nice and helpful! Well, generally. Let’s say, if you talk to a random person, you have a higher chance of stumbling onto someone kind in Singapore than you do in France… It find it makes you feel a bit safer, which can’t be wrong, seeing as my host student’s parents told me that in Singapore, you can go out at any time (day or night) and be entirely safe from strangers.
6. Singapore has a wonderful mix of ethnicities and cultures from all over the world. The different cultural suburbs (Little India, Chinatown) show this. In leaving Singapore, I felt I’d visited more than just the island!