Bonus Issue: Seeing Singapore

So, for those who were unsure, my time in Singapore has come to a close. I leave the country with a lasting impression of ... the ridiculous. Anyway, I had a great time and really enjoyed being in such a clean city. To people who like to see more ancient and historical sites, they are fewer and farther between in Singapore. That's not to say they aren't there, just not as concentrated. However, to someone who wants to see a slightly younger country that is steaming with modern architecture, this should be near the top of your list.

Now, Singapore is just not very big. I've been told that I could see all of Singapore in a day, and for the most part that's true. Our first full day was long and tiring, and we saw a lot of the city. Our second day we saw really very little, except for the night-time skyline. And, I have no regrets about what I saw and what I did.

That said, I have been a bit exhausted and think there may be a slightly better plan, as well as one thing I wish I'd done. Were I do do this country again, or suggest it to someone else, I would advise 3 full days. (The following order, days 2 and 3 ... I am usury of the proper order, I am just picking an order).

Day 1: see the bird park. Its really nice and highly recommended by many. Go in the morning as there are a couple bird shows that are free and fun to watch. Everything else you'll see is in the city so this gets the out of the city out of the way. Then find the in-city sites you want to see. China town and little india are where you'll find your fix for temples, while a walk along the river to the harbor will be the prime place for modern sites.

Day 2: this is what we did not do and I think may have been fun. Head down past the harbor to Santosa. I think it's technically an island, but still part of continental asia. This is relevant because the southern coast here is considered the southern most point of continental asia. Also, it looks like there are a bunch of interactive and fun activities there.

Day 3: perhaps have a quiet morning. Then in the afternoon catch any stagging sites you may have missed. Before evening head to the Raffles Hotel to see it in the daylight and grab yourself a Singapore Sling. Then head out after dark. If you leave the Long Bar before dark, find a place for dinner and let the sun set. Then go past the hotel at night and then head down to the harbor and the Singapore Flyer. From there walk your way up the river. The city is definitely worth a few views after dark and a walk on the river should show you what you need.

Those 3 days I think are enough time to see most of what should be seen and I don't think they'd be overly packed. Taxis are cheep and plentiful, so if you don't feel like walking the longer distances there are many easy solutions. That said, the city is very friendly to pedestrians. Good sidewalks and crosswalks and very clean with pretty good views. Lastly, eat at least 1 meal at a hawker center. There are a good number of them, so just remember to look. Their a lot of fun.

Again, the cities not very big but and i'm sure I missed something. I don't consider, self an expert, but having just been there, I think this would be my suggestion. Also... most of the year the harbor may be a bit more mellow than what I saw. It was the chinese new year after all. That said, its still worth seeing!

Good luck should you plan a trip and i'm happy to help if I can!

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