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Singapore : Should you go to Singapore?

December 27, 2014 by Lynn 3 Comments

Singapore : Should you go to Singapore?
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Singapore boasts the world's most expensive building, the Marina Bay Sands Resort

Singapore boasts the world’s most expensive building, the Marina Bay Sands Resort

As we sail away from Singapore where we managed to have 2 fascinating tours in the space of 33 hours despite major jet lag after 28 hours of travel, I can summarize our experience in one word – awesome!  Yes, you should go and here’s why …
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Singapore at night

Singapore at night

While I could enthusiastically recommend our tour itineraries, highlights of which include the night-time narrated Bumboat ride along the Singapore river and the daytime walk through the exquisite National Orchid Gardens, I think an impressionistic image of life in the tiny country of Singapore gives you adequate reason to put Singapore on your bucket list.  So here goes …
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Singapore river cruise along the Singapore river aboard a "Bumboat"

Singapore river cruise along the Singapore river aboard a “Bumboat”

People are happy, cultural diversity is well-respected, and the cleanliness of the city-state reminds me of Switzerland.  The government seems to be managing the economy, social services and infrastructure efficiently while keeping taxes and unemployment low and GDP high.  Moreover, the 800 ships just waiting to unload their cargo at the second biggest port in the world in terms of tonnage reflect a country that is growing rapidly since it obtained its independence in 1965 and determined to get ahead.
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Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Then there is the aesthetic factor — the city is literally “green” with gardens, trees, and lush tropical foliage.  To support and protect this beauty, developers who demolish existing greenery in the process of new construction are legally required to “green” their new buildings, for example, by adding treetop gardens.  Plus the government strongly favors a refurbish over demolish policy with an eye to historic preservation.
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Singapore old and new under the watchful eye of Sir Stamford Raffles

Singapore old and new under the watchful eye of Sir Stamford Raffles

But Singapore is more than a well-governed and rapidly-growing country that is beautiful to visit.  The pleasure principle is alive and thriving there with a local cuisine that is as full of life as the well-educated citizens.
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Singapore Chinatown food street

Singapore Chinatown food street

Bottom line: this little country is teeming with restaurants, street food and night-life plus a huge variety of retail establishments, from the trendy but affordable H & M to the very posh Hermes and Prada to name just a few.  A favorite travel and shopping destination of Southeast Asians, little Singapore offers a very inviting stay for anybody traveling to this corner of the world.
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Singapore Chinatown at night

Singapore Chinatown at night

Stay tuned to BonVoyageurs.com for more Countries of the World as we share our joie de vivre from around the world.  Luxury escapes and city breaks to Quebec City, New York, Washington, Buenos Aires. In Europe, places like Paris France, Nice France, Provence and the Cote d’Azur (French Riviera), Tuscany and Florence in Italy, Rome, Napoli and the Amalfi Coast. In Asia, countries like China, India, Nepal and so much more!

Filed Under: Asia, Countries of the World, Cruises, South East Asia Cruise, Uncategorized Tagged With: around the world, city breaks, Joie de vivre, luxury escapes, Quebec City, Singapore

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Comments

  1. Sand In My Suitcase says

    January 22, 2015 at 7:59 pm

    We’ll be visiting Singapore soon before and after a cruise we’ll be taking up the Malay Peninsula. So your post is timely! And checking out the botanic gardens (and the orchids) is tops on our to-do list. We hear the gardens are the most visited botanic gardens in the world! The “bumboat” river cruise sounds like fun too :-).

    Reply
  2. Mike Orobona says

    July 2, 2015 at 1:53 am

    Love its namesake airline, and I wish I’d spent more time in Singapore itself.

    Reply

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Meet the Crew.

TOP 10 travel experts and influencers on social media and rated as one of the most influential travel bloggers in the world, Denis and Lynn Gagnon have been circling the globe for more than 45 years. Former international business travelers, they know how to travel - with class, comfort, and style. Members of the National Press Club, PTBA , NATJA and SATW. Wish to connect? Email them at [email protected].

A NEW addition to the BonVoyageurs team is Atlanta-based travel writer and culinary expert Dominique Gagnon, and travel photographer Justin Ellis. By day, Dominique designs and grows new meaningful consumer brands, while Justin is a neuroscientist and psychiatrist researching early brain development. By night, they are watching Chef's Table while plotting their next culinary and sport adventure.

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