Most visitors may regard Singapore as a gateway to Southeast Asia, or a pleasant layover during a long-haul flight. Those who decide to extend their transit will soon discover that two or three days are simply not enough to take in the numerous sights of this remarkable city-state. There is so much to see and do that a week can simply fly by! Not only is Singapore pleasant, English-speaking, safe and friendly, it also offers some of Asia’s best shopping and dining options.
Being about 90 miles from the equator, Singapore is of course a tropical city. Surprisingly, a walkabout is far from hot and unpleasant. Thanks to the five-foot-ways (covered arcades) that still line most of the streets in the city’s historic districts, as well as lush greenery planted generously throughout the city and suburbs, Singapore is a well-shaded and pleasant urban environment to walk in. The city centre is also relatively compact, with a number of colonial-era gems nestled cheek by jowl with gleaming skyscrapers conceived by some of the world’s foremost contemporary architects.
Each chapter in this book suggests a route to follow, with consecutive trails picking up from where the one before it left off. These walks tend to cover one particular area of the city, for example Little India or Orchard Road, the exception being Chinatown which is quite large and has been split into two different walks. The buildings and places listed are useful suggestions for visiting but don’t have to be followed too rigorously. Apart from the usual temples, mosques, churches and museums there’s also information on other places of interest such as restaurants, bars or galleries, especially if they are located in buildings that boast good views of the city.
Be careful when following some of the routes as not all the city’s roads have continuous pavement. As the weather is naturally humid, remember to drink plenty of liquids to keep hydrated. A welcome respite from the heat can also be found in the many shops, cafés and restaurants along the various routes. If you intend to explore places of cultural or religious significance, take note to dress appropriately (i.e. no t-shirts and shorts).
It is easy to travel around the city as the public transport network is excellent, with the added advantage that buses and the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) are cheap and efficient. Taxis, too, are inexpensive and are especially convenient if you decide to venture away from the more touristy trails. Altogether, Singapore is one of the safest, cleanest and greenest cities in the world, so make the most of your trip while you’re there, whether it’s for a few days or even a layover of only a few hours.