58 reasons why we love Singapore

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.

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.

Speaking of air-conditioning – it deserves a mention of its own. We are called the air-conditioned nation after all. Non-erratic weather aside, Singapore is consistently warm. We'd never get anything done if not for air-conditioned homes, offices and malls. Having said that, do keep temperatures to 25 degrees Celsius or higher because we still want to be mindful of the environment.

An odd thing to love, but we're truly grateful for the sheltered walkways everywhere. When it's sunny, these shelters provide much-needed shade and respite from the burning sun. And when it's rainy, it keeps our shoes dry – and for those of us who forgot to bring an umbrella out, allows us to make it to bus stop or MRTs while keeping relatively dry. 

For one, we're Taylor Swift's only Southeast Asian stop for The Eras Tour. That's not to mention all the other international acts and events that are coming to Singapore. Our position in Southeast Asia – both geographically and socio-economically – makes this possible, and we can't help but love our country for that. 

Speaking of events, the Formula 1 race is held here pretty much annually (except during the Covid years). Besides getting to see Formula 1 drivers and the races up close, the massive event also brings in spectacular concerts and awesome nightlife and entertainment across F&B establishments and clubs. 

In 2022, Singapore finally repealed section 377a, a decades-old law that criminalised gay sex. That was a significant step forward in recognising and respecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community here in Singapore. It's a win worth celebrating, although we still have a long way to go towards true inclusiveness. 

Singapore has crossed a couple of milestones in disability inclusion: making public transport more barrier-free and wheelchair accessible, launching the first Enabling Village in Lengkok Bahru, and introducting para-sports to the Singapore National Games are some. 

Singapore may be small but it still has a ton of biodiversity to protect. Our little island has 2000 native vascular plants, 355 bird species, 98 reptile species and 57 mammal species, not to mention butterflies and amphibians. Next time you're on a nature walk, keep your eyes peeled for these wildlife gems. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Library 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 1am in the morning? Mustafa has you covered. The huge shopping malls on Syed Alwi Road in Little India has everything and anything you could possibly want until it closes at 2am.

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?

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. 

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.