SINGAPORE: A first timer's must-do list and travel guide

Singapore is known as one of Asia's Tiger cities. It is a home to an array of cultures making it a haven of diversity; seeing the beauty of Chinese culture on one side and Muslim on the other. With this, you would also get the chance to explore delicious Asian and Indian cuisine in one place.

🗣LANGUAGE
Most locals are bilingual- proficient in English and either Mandarin, Malay, etc. Singaporeans have a certain accent that is hard to understand at first, but eventually, you would get used to it.

💸CURRENCY

1 SGD= Php 38.96
1.33 SGD= 1 US dollar

📲WI-FI CONNECTION

Sim cards can be availed in convenient stores. But for foreigners, they require you to present your passport upon purchase. The sim card costs 15 SGD which includes 2.2 GB of 4G mobile data.

🚇TRANSPORTATION
Singapore has the best transport system! It is very easy to travel from one place to another via train and/or bus. You can download the app Moovit; it is a transportation app that guides you to your destination in the most efficient way possible. You can choose different routes depending on your desired mode of transportation. It also shows various bus schedules, maps, and real-time arrival so you can plan your itineraries smoothly.

Changi airport is known as the world's best airport. Most tourists going on long haul flights usually have Singapore as their layover. The airport has four terminals connected via a skytrain. Each terminal has different sights to offer; hostels, gardens, swimming pool, movie lounge, and numerous restaurants you could choose from!

The iconic Supertree Grove is definitely something you shouldn't miss out! The entrance fee for Gardens by the bay is free. However, if you wish to climb up the aerial walkway, the entrance fee costs around 5 SGD. Also, you could pay a visit to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest also located in the area. The entrance fee for the two conservatories costs 28 SGD for adults and 15 SGD for children. (You could book your tickets via Klook!) 

Orchard road is known as the premier shopping destination in Singapore. Brands like Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Channel, Gucci, etc can be found here.

The soul and symbol of this country is the famous and iconic Merlion. This mythical creature possesses a lion head and a fish body. The Merlion symbolizes Singapore's origin as a fishing village.

The thing I love about traveling in Asian countries is having to experience their street food! I have always been an avid fan of street food because I think that the food tastes more authentic than those sold in fancy restaurants. A must try here in Singapore- Bak kut teh (meaty pork ribs), Laksa, Roti Prata, and Satay!

Located within Arab Street is this alley filled with designer shops, hippy cafes & restaurants, surrounded with vibrant street art perfect for your instagram feed!

Bugis Street Market is a 3-story building filled with small shops where you can buy souvenirs and clothes at a very cheap price. There are also a lot of food stalls where you can enjoy a short food trip after a day of shopping.

As a milktea lover, I wouldn't miss the chance of trying one of the best milk teas in Singapore! And mind you, it didn't disappoint even a bit!

One of the favorite dishes my mom used to cook is this chili crab. You should try the chili crab sold in Makansutra Gluttons Bay. They sell it at a very cheap price compared to those served in expensive restaurants. Besides the chili crab, there are a lot of food stalls offering different cuisines ranging from Indian, to Chinese, and even Filipino food!

Make the most out of your 2 dollars by treating yourself a classic kopi that comes with kaya toast (a custard jam made from egg, coconut, and vanilla herb-like pandan). As a coffee lover, I indulge myself in the country's specialty coffee. Not only do I get to try new flavors, but I also get to explore the culture of a certain place through their coffee.

Living in Singapore for almost a month made me fall in love with their rich culture and homey environment. There is definitely always a new adventure in this small city and I can't wait to go back! 

Thank you for reading my post and I hope you include these places in your checklist for your next visit to this Tiger city!❤

xx,

Kea Ortega