Trip to Singapore, a futuristic city rich in traditions

The essential question faced by a traveler when planning their stay is how to approach a city. Personally, I like to gain some height to view the geography of the place. Regarding Singapore, you will be spoiled for choice: Marina Bay Sands which has the highest infinity pool in the world, the hanging gardens of Bay Gardens... You will realize that Singapore is nestled in a strait; it's the Strait of Malacca located at the extreme south of the Malay Peninsula. 

Furthermore, it is also the history of a city that determines the physiognomy of a city, so I will make a brief incursion into its past. When Sir Thomas Raffles, the British botanist, landed in Singapore in 1819 on behalf of the East India Company, he had a mission: to establish a trading post. Thanks to him, the city experienced rapid economic expansion. During the colonization, he employed Chinese labor extensively in rubber plantations.

The essential question that the traveler faces when planning their stay is how to approach a city.

During World War II, Singapore fell victim to Japanese expansionism before being returned to the British in 1945. It was not until 1965 that it gained independence and transformed into a City-State recognized by the UN. Since then, the country, managed with an iron fist, has proven to be stable and prosperous. In recent years, Singapore has been the melting pot for bold architectural projects and has attracted many visitors!

Apart from the Katong district which has a few vernacular houses, you will find them mainly in the colonial district. These buildings, dating back to the pre-colonial period, served as shops (shophouses) for Malay merchants. They still retain some ancient architectural elements such as stilts or the walkway adapted to monsoon rains. 

In the colonial district, the main and busiest artery day and night is undoubtedly Orchard Road, and nearby stands the Raffles Hotel, an iconic monument of British presence. If you are nostalgic for the colonial era, this establishment, created in 1887, will amaze you. In this flagship hotel, you will encounter the ghosts of Alfred Hitchcock, Somerset Maugham, Conrad, Rudyard Kipling, or Ernest Hemingway. You will be charmed by its courtyards and its white colonnades sheltered from the city's tumult. You cannot leave without lingering at the long bar. This bar, set up on 2 floors, is directly inspired by Malaysian plantations of the 1920s. On that note, be sure to order the legendary and excellent cocktail Singapore Sling! Know that this district is the only one where you are allowed to throw your papers on the ground, so much so that the floor is strewn with peanut shells that crunch underfoot!

The Marina Bay district, with its futuristic and distinctive architecture which dominates the colonial district, will be the highlight of your stay. Who hasn't dreamed of swimming in that legendary infinity pool? It is perched on the roof of three skyscrapers, each 200 meters tall, housing a casino, 2500 hotel rooms, 20 restaurants... In the basement of this building, you will find prestigious brands such as Yves Saint Laurent. Moreover, the hotel includes a rooftop terrace, the CE LA VI, where you will have the pleasure of sipping your cocktail. However, I advise you to go there at nightfall to witness the laser show, it's an unforgettable spectacle!

Opposite, come discover Gardens By the Bay. Here is a group of towering trees covered with vegetation. Just imagine this walkway (Skyway) suspended over 18m above the ground that you can walk on. The view from up there is breathtaking. I recommend the enormous greenhouse, Flower Dome where you can observe the fauna and flora. Not to mention Cloud Forest which recreates the canopy. The icing on the cake: you can take a seat inside the Singapore Flyer—the largest Ferris wheel in the world, even surpassing the Golden Eye. Fear not, you will be comfortably seated in a glass cabin.

Every megacity seems to have its own Chinatown, and Singapore is no exception. I recommend including this authentic neighborhood in your sightseeing itinerary. Feel free to wander the lively streets among rickshaws and Chinese lanterns. As for gastronomy, you can either eat at Maxwell Food Center or, failing that, at the Wet market for Malaysian black chicken.

However, I personally recommend the street food if you're looking for adventure. You can experiment by trying new dishes like frog porridge, oyster omelette, tze char... Step inside the Buddhist temples such as Buddha Relic Teeth which is worth the detour. Although located in the Chinatown district, come visit the beautiful temple of Sri Mariamman. Some travelers were surprised to find a wedding or even a… fire walk taking place!

Continue your journey by heading to the Little India neighborhood. This part of the city has some wonderful surprises in store for you. Stroll down Serangoon Road and you will have a unique experience.

You will be able to have experiences by trying new dishes such as frog porridge, oyster omelette, tze char...

You will be transported to a little corner of India. From the stalls will emanate the scents of incense and the sounds of Indian music. You will then be surrounded by turbaned Hindus and murals of shimmering colors. You will be captivated by the fragrances of curry and do not resist. Taste it on a banana leaf preferably at Banana Leaf Apolo. 

Furthermore, take advantage of your stroll to enter one of its numerous temples in order to feel the full spirituality of the Hindi. To conclude, you can extend your visit by taking a look at the Mustafa Center, the Indian shopping center. There you can observe what is all the rage among the young Hindus.

If you want to get off the beaten track and have some time, Singapore is an unusual destination. Be warned: it is for those who thirst for adventure. Companies now offer treks through the rainforest. Your itinerary will lead you to the base of the Treetop Walk in the MacRichie Reservoir. The highlight of the walk is indeed a suspension bridge that is 250m long. From this bridge, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the canopy. 
Lastly, do you know what the symbol of Singapore is? The Merlion: a creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. This figure originates from a legend, and Singapore has a sculpture of it where children pose for the traditional selfie.