Singapore is completely different to everywhere else we have visited so far in South East Asia. The standards of cleanliness and lack of crime are fairly well known, even to the point of being ridiculed, but after the countries we have spent time in this was actually a welcome relief. Other countries have all had their appeal but really as no more than holiday destinations. It is the first place we have been where we thought we could actually live! The place has fantastic leisure facilities from Sentosa Island with it’s beaches, aquarium and Universal Studios to the theatres on the promenade. The skyline is stunning and the architecture although varied generally compliments the city. The city has retained it’s history which it exhibits proudly through many buildings and museums but also has a weather eye to the future. The shopping malls of Orchard Road compete with anywhere in the world in terms of variety. It isn’t cheap but I would put it on par with London in terms of cost for a tourist. If you eat in the Hawker Centres, which are plentiful, then the cost of meals can be more like Bangkok with the quality every bit as good. 

We did so much in the four days we were there that it would take a number of pages to detail so I’ll stick to the highlights! 

Firstly Gardens By The Bay, a completely unique place. The skywalk in the supertrees was a little scary due to the height but as well as brilliant views it gives you the chance to see the supertrees up close. The domes were superb, particularly the one with the man made mountain and waterfall. 

Universal studios was good fun, we went on a Friday and it was relatively quiet which meant very little queuing to get on any of the rides. It is smaller than its cousins in the states which makes it much more manageable to get around and one day was more than enough time to see everything. 

The National Gallery and Museum were very interesting. The museum has a tour which helps to understand the history of Singapore through the artefacts on display. The view from the roof of the gallery was probably one of the best kept secrets. 

The Marina Bay Sands, Helix Bridge, The Promenade, Chinatown, Orchard Road and a tour around the hotel locality in Balestier Road, on a kick scooter, were some of the other activities and places we visited but we barely scratched the surface. We will definitely be back!