Singapore

I can only think of one disadvantage from Singapore being the perfect destination for a long weekend: one needs more than a weekend to get there and return to Europe.

But if one dares the step, all the rest comes easy to this surprising (to me) opulent and safe city.  

The airport is perfect. There is no visa before arrival, but you need to be very careful what you fill in during the procedure before arriving because processing the visa upon arrival may be efficient and seem expeditive but is totally automated and thorough.  

Transport

You only need to take the metro once in the city. It is clean, no-fuss and efficient and you only need to present a credit card, and off you go! Be careful, if you are travelling with more than one person, you will need to present two different credit cards.  

Food

Food is safe and hard to beat. You need not look further than street food stands, which is unequalled and often Michelin-starred! Just drop in any hawker centre, as are called the places with many different cooked-food stands in an open-air complex and common sitting: you need to keep a table with a pack of tissues (Singapore is full of little surprises!), order anywhere and indulge on food. Our preferred hawker centre was Maxwell food centre. Unbelievable food and international clientele, although Singapore is by definition international and I need not repeat that everywhere. Observe the rules (clean your table, bring your trays back to the correct place one each for Halal, Kosher etc.!) because in Singapore there is always a barely-hidden fine or punishment for every deviation from rules…  

You can taste different food according to where the hawker centre is situated: the Arab quarter, Chinatown or Little India. Needless to say, depending on your choice there will be no beef, or alcohol.

To do

This is of course no paper-guide to Singapore, but here are the things we particularly liked in Singapore, apart from eating (…):

 The neighbourhood visits, all three of them (Arab, Indian and Chinese neighbourhood, the last one with a vibrant eating scene). You can take the metro or/and walk, they are all easily accessible.

 A boat tour where you can marvel at all the glitz and the money this city has from a nice perspective and with some explanations. If you feel quirky, take the Singapore Ducktours with remodelled WW II amphibious Vietnamese vehicles! Jane’s SG Tours offers fantastic but expensive walking tours. Do not miss Joo Chiat and the famous Peranakan Terrace houses (you can do this by yourself, a little outside downtown, in eastern Singapore).

If you saw many times Crazy rich Asians before visiting Singapore, head to Orchard street. There are many specialized tours that will show you exactly where scenes from the film were shot (although some were shot elsewhere, i.e. Malaysia).  

You will soon realize nothing comes for free in Singapore. One of the few free things you can do is happening at the most exclusive area of the city: Marina Bay & the Quays. It is called Gardens by the bay. Gigantic trees (that actually are decorated gigantic chimneys) are illuminated every evening (weather permitting) and a Disneyland-like music and light show is performed every night. If you have seen the film “Crazy rich Asians” you may be familiar with the scene.

When you are done, just walk to the Marina Bay Sands hotel where you will test how much your credit card can take, if you are not a crazy rich Asian yourself! But at least do take the lift and go to the rooftop (not possible to use the swimming pool anymore unless you are a resident) and sip some alcohol in CÉ LA VI bar, but mainly take in the stellar views over the city. In my opinion, since the air is often foggy and trouble during the day, it is best to visit in the evening. Absolutely amazing architecture.

And when you are done head back to your hotel that may seem less luxurious than it really is, after the glitz of the Marine Bay Sands hotel…

To not do

Last but not least, it is wise to know:

Drugs carry the death penalty in Singapore.

You cannot relieve yourself outside.

You cannot cut leaves or flowers (considered as vandalism).

You strictly cannot litter anywhere and with anything.

Chewing gums are forbidden (!)

Very strict punishment for harassment in public transports (including caning, which I still find hard to imagine -locals told me it is actually imposed- but definitely makes transport safe and unstressful for everybody, mainly women).

In general, keep your eyes open for signs telling you what you are not allowed to do. And for the ubiquitous cameras watching you almost everywhere.