Here's why we think Singapore is the greatest, most exciting city in the world
Fact: Singapore is not boring. And we can prove it. We had a hard time narrowing down 50 reasons why we love Singapore – we had to leave so many other things out or we'd be here all day. From our vibrant arts and culture scene and obsession with food to our status as a hub for technology and innovation, Singapore truly has it all.
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This might not seem like a very exciting fact but we can walk the streets late at night without having to worry about being mugged, stabbed or held up at gunpoint. The Time Out City Life Index 2018 found that 98% of people living in Singapore feel safe here compared to the global average of 78% – take that world.
Waterfront views don't get any more breathtaking than when you soak in what Marina Bay has to offer. From the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel and quirky looking Esplanade to the historic Fullerton Hotel and cloud-piercing skyscrapers of the CBD – New York City has nothing on us.
There's a reason why people from all over the world flock to take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool at the luxuriant Marina Bay Sands. Not only is it the largest infinity pool on the planet, it offers unparalleled views of Singapore’s glamorous cityscape. Now go take that Insta pic of you looking off into the sunset.
We don't care what our neighbours say – we take full credit for introducing chilli crab to the world and we do it best. In a survey we did ranking the best local dishes, the iconic dish came out on top. And the best place to get a taste? Our readers voted for Jumbo Seafood.
Singapore has some seriously stunning street art murals littered all over the city, you just need to know where to look. Here's seven of our favourites.
They don't call us a City in a Garden for nothing. From Supertrees to roadside sentinels, Singapore’s lush and verdant landscape is both green to look at and working on being as environmentally friendly as possible too. To appreciate the best of Singapore's greenery, check out our best hiking trails, most beautiful public parks, relaxing waterfront walks, our wetlands and mangroves, and some secret and hidden beaches too.
There's no better way to start the day than with a cup of kopi – or kopi-o for those of you who like your coffee as dark as your soul – and kaya butter toast. Throw in a couple of soft-boiled eggs and you're golden.
It’s pretty cool being the rightful owners of the world’s most “powerful” passport – our passport commands up to a $50,000 premium on the black market.
It's always heartwarming to see local artists making their mark on an international stage – for one, Anthony Chen took home to prestigious Camera d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019. There's loads of other talent too, from rising musicians, young artists and entrepreneurs, Singapore's talent pool is far from deficient.
Housed in the former City Hall and Supreme Court buildings, National Gallery Singapore is the largest visual art gallery in Singapore and showcases most local and Southeast Asian pieces.
You don't need a house pet when friendly stray kitties roam the streets. These cuties are always up for a pat as long as you treat them with kindness.
Hawker centres are home to countless of stalls offering unpretentiously scrumptious food at affordable prices. Hit up Tiong Bahru Market – an oldie but goodie with more than 80 stalls including legends such as Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teow, Jian Bo Shui Kueh and Lor Mee 178.
From small brands looking to make their mark to brands like Charles and Keith that have gone international – with celebrities using its pieces on the red carpet – Singapore's local design scene is a hotbed of activity. You'll find designers blending the styles of different Southeast Asian cultures to create garments that give us our own unique voice.
From the heritage shophouses that lace the streets of Chinatown and Katong to the futuristic Art Science Museum and towering skyscrapers of Raffles Place, Singapore’s architectural splendour relentlessly proves that the traditional and modern can indeed coexist.
Changi Airport needs no introduction. The world's best airport offers a fusion of fine local delicacies, luxury shopping, an array of things to do and of course, the magnificent Jewel Changi. Our airport is, without a doubt, a departure from the ordinary.
Fine, we might not be number one but that just means we have something to work towards. Concomitant with our world-class airport, our national carrier is also outstandingly impressive. With state-of-the-art cabins, ridiculously well-trained cabin crew and an imaginative safety video, Singapore Airlines is the go-to airline for locals and tourists alike.
You don't have to go all the way to China for a glimpse of these cute creatures. The River Safari is home to Kai Kai and Jia Jia, a couple of giant pandas who thrill visitors with their butt-scratching, belly-jiggling antics.
You won't end up stepping in someone's chewing gum on the streets here.
Only in Singapore does a sentence that incorporates four or more different languages make perfect sense. We think that's beautiful. I mean, understand can already right?
Half lion and half fish? Somebody had to be trippin' when they cooked up the idea of the Merlion and pitched it to the tourism board. But we're glad that we've rolled with it and even have seven planted around the island.
Given that the mainland of Singapore spans across approximately 50km, you can easily get from one end of the island to the other in an hour or so. And it's easy for the elderly and disabled to get around the island too.
It’s not unusual to find temples, mosques and churches located within walking distance from each other – emblematic of the intricate ethnic fabric that affords us the opportunity to experience a variety of diverse cultures. Cultural and religious festivals are proudly celebrated all year round and we can honestly say that we're a not just a tolerant, but welcoming bunch.
Like ice cream wrapped in a slice of rainbow bread on a sunny day for just $1.20. If that doesn't make your day then we don't know what else will.
Drinking in Singapore is expensive, but at least you get what you pay for. The city is home to one of the top 10 bars in the world according to the World's 50 Best Bars list and also has a bar that houses the biggest collection of gin in the world.
Dining out may be banned for now, but the city is still home to excellent restaurants that push boundaries without compromising on taste. Here are some of our favourites that we can't wait to visit once pandemic restrictions are lifted.
The king of fruits that is. Call it smelly, call it disgusting, we'll happily gobble down your share of durian while you're standing there making faces at the spikey fruit. Here's an ultimate guide to durian season in Singapore.
While we don't have a lot of land to go around, we're glad that the island still has pockets of green in the form of farms up in Kranji. We get fresh greens, mushrooms, eggs and even fish from farms such as Ah Hua Kelong or more high-tech outfits like Kühlbarra. Make a visit to some of the best farms in Singapore.
Our long-established corruption-free reputation ensures that we’re a conducive place for businesses – both local and international – to thrive. We're even trustworthy on a day to day basis: the Time Out City Index found that 85% of Singaporeans would turn over a wallet full of cash to the police if they found it on the street.
We have the world's only Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Candlenut and a host of other authentic Nonya restaurants to get stuffed at. There's also a growing trend of people inviting you to their homes for a taste of their family recipes – local hospitality doesn't get any better than that.
Despite rapid modernisation, there are still places to visit if you want to revisit the kampung days. Head to Kampung Lorong Buangkok in Hougang or take a trek out to Pulau Ubin.
Did you know that a Singaporean company, Trek 2000 International, invented the thumb drive? Yup, Singapore single-handedly brought us from the age of floppy disks and CDs to the future of USB flash storage. And we continue to do so as an innovative tech hub. You're welcome, world.
Can't make it all the way down to the National Libary in Bugis? No worries, there are 27 other fully-stocked public libraries littered around the island housing everything from plays and recipe books to the latest international bestseller.
Yes, we're talking about Orchard Road. The glamourous shopping belt has everything from Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel to H&M and Uniqlo plus everything in between including local brands such as Love, Bonito and Bynd Artisan.
We're the textbook example of how healthcare should be. We offer accessible, affordable yet high-quality healthcare – something that other countries envy and seek to replicate.
With so many late night and 24-hour dining options around the city, who can blame us?
The city is home to one of the best clubs in the world, Zouk. But that doesn't mean it's the only club you should check out – there are others offering panoramic views of the city, Asian glitz and glamour and sick beats from hip-hop to EDM so lace up your dancing shoes and get jiggy 'til you see the morning light.
Need cooking supplies, jewellery or electronics at 3am in the morning? Mustafa has you covered. The huge 24-hour shopping malls on Syed Alwi Road in Little India has everything and anything you could possibly want
In our thirst for self-sufficiency (and potable water), created and refined water-recycling technology to produce Newater – perhaps the greatest testament to the irrefutable Singaporean spirit of innovation. Plus it tastes pretty damn good too.
We’re fortunate enough to be insulated from the first-hand devastation of natural disasters by virtue of our geographical destiny. Even if we experience a flash flood every now and then.
Call Singapore selfish all you want, but when another country is in need of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, we'll be there in a jiffy.
In a bid to constantly remain dynamic in the face of ever-changing milieu – Singapore is always reinventing itself to stay ahead. Skillsfuture and lifelong learning anyone?
Sure the MRT might break down every now and then (they're working on it) but that doesn't change the fact that there's a train station or bus stop to connect us to every major point in the city. Unlock the experiences the island has to offer with a tap of your ez-link card.
Despite our stoic exterior, Singaporeans enjoy a good laugh every now and then – especially at the expense of fellow Singaporeans. Our shortcomings with a pinch of wry humour make for our own unique brand of self-evaluation.
Step on our toes and witness to a fiery display of national pride. We might even cause you to lose your job and drive you out of the country. Don't play play hor.
Our literary scene continues to make headway, with local writers proffering thought-provoking social commentaries that resonate with the everyday Singaporean. Brush up on Singapore politics, inequality, the LGBTQ+ scene, and other good reads we're anticipating in 2021.
Apart from the (exceedingly) occasional hailstorms, it's perpetually summertime in Singapore so you don’t have to worry about gearing up with earmuffs and windbreakers. When you’re looking to escape the sweltering equatorial heat or tropical storms, simply seek refuge in one of our air-conditioned malls.
The national psyche that we’re often vilified for is also one of the reasons for our success – our relentless pursuit of excellence ensures that we top league tables and always stay ahead. Being scared to lose means we're always #winning.
Our new favourite expats – wild otters who now call the rivers of Singapore home. Just don't get too close or they might snap at you, just like an auntie on the MRT during peak hour.
Call us rude, selfish or any name you'd like – because deep down, we know what kind of people we are and we're totally unapologetic about it. We don't have time for fake, superficial pleasantries but in your time of need, we'll be there.
No matter where you come from, what language you speak or the colour of your skin – anyone can make Singapore home. This is where you won't be alone, because this is where it's truly home.
