Is Singapore Worth Visiting? An Immersive Traveler’s Take

We’ve all scrolled past them on Instagram before. Photos of the infinity pools, polished gardens, luxurious rooftop bars, and malls packed with high-end designer brands.

But is that all there is? Is Singapore worth visiting at all, then?

At least that was what I wondered, so I gave it a shot. It’s a small country. How much of my time could it take to just go see things for myself once, right?

Oh, I was not prepared to be blown away by so many things. The cultures (yes, plural), the food scene, the safety, and just pure aesthetic all around.

If you prefer connecting with the local culture, eating delicious food where locals do, and spending a few days in a place where nobody would dare catcall you, keep reading. This country might just hook you forever.

Quick Answer: Is Singapore Worth Visiting?

Yes, Singapore is absolutely worth at least one visit in your lifetime. Although I doubt you’ll settle at that one time once you’ve experienced it.

The country isn’t just skyscrapers and luxury, but a place where true cultural diversity exists.

I don’t think any of us can quite picture true diversity until we’ve seen it with our own eyes. I couldn’t until I went. It was a sense of safety I hadn’t quite felt before anywhere else, like YOU BELONG no matter what you look like.

Singapore’s History in Under 200 Words

Singapore recently celebrated its 60th anniversary of independence, but did you know that its origin dates back to the 13th century? It was initially a Malay fishing village called Temasek.

In 1299, Sang Nila Utama, a prince from Palembang, docked at the shore of Temasek and saw a majestic lion that quickly disappeared into the forest.

He took it as a good sign to establish a new kingdom there, so he settled on the island and named it Singapura, the Lion City.

Over the next several centuries, Singapura went through many ordeals. It passed into Majapahit’s (Java, Indonesia) rule, was attacked by the Portuguese, and was left in ruins for decades.

The British rediscovered the island in the early 19th century, starting with Sir Stamford Raffles, who became the father of Modern Singapore.

During the British rule, Singapore became an open port, attracting businessmen and workers from China, South India, and Europe. These migrant workers soon settled on the island and became part of its society.

Today, the Chinese, Indians, Malays, and Europeans all have a real place in the country’s political landscape. Can you imagine how culturally diverse the place is?

7 Reasons Singapore Is Worth Visiting

Listen, I’m only listing out seven, so I don’t scare you off before you even start browsing my guides. I can rave about Singapore and all the wonderful things about it all day long. But for now, let’s go!

Reason 1: It’s One of the Safest Cities in the World

There’s no need to compare the safety of Singapore to any other country on this planet, at least as far as I’m concerned.

Every race and ethnicity is welcome in Singapore, for travel, business, or otherwise.

The local laws are insanely strict, enforcing discipline in the local community.

With over 80,000 CCTV cameras installed at every street corner and an insanely effective police force, crime almost doesn’t happen. (Maybe it really doesn’t at all, but I don’t know that.)

This one’s for my fellow solo female travelers. There is no catcalling whatsoever, let alone harassment.

In fact, harassment will land the perpetrator in prison, plus a few floggings. You read that right, floggings. Call it backwards if you want. I call it justice for violence against women.

Reason 2: Immigration Is So Smooth!

How much time do you usually set aside for airport arrivals, from touchdown to immigration to getting your bags? At least 40 minutes if you’re lucky, right?

I got out of Changi Airport within 30 minutes, counting from the minute our plane touched the runway. It was wild.

There are no immigration agents making mean faces at you like in other countries, only automated machines. Just a quick passport and finger scan, and you can walk right into the country (just don’t break the law later).

I recommend downloading the MyICA app and completing your digital arrival card in advance, though. You can do so no more than three days before you enter the country.

READ MORE: 17 Tips for first-time visitors to Singapore

Reason 3: It IS More Affordable Than You Think

It all looks insane in Crazy Rich Asians, but you don’t need to live a certain lifestyle or have a certain amount of net worth to enjoy Singapore.

Instead of paying a thousand dollars per night at Raffles, you could pay US$50 a night for a private room at The Pod.

Instead of frequenting restaurants like Labyrinth or Chatterbox, you could enjoy Michelin-certified hawker food at Hong Lim Market and Food Centre for US$3 per dish.

Of course, it’s part of the ritual to splurge on some meals while you’re on a trip, but you get the idea. Don’t let the glamorous movies and influencers keep you from visiting!

Reason 4: It’s a Cultural Traveler’s Paradise

The central part of Singapore alone feels like multiple countries all at once.

You can have wanton mee in Chinatown, explore a British fort hidden up a sacred hill, shop for Peranakan silverware on Joo Chiat, then end the day on the scented streets of Little India.

This diversity is at the very core of Singaporean culture. No one is forced to assimilate into a certain identity, so they all contribute to the country with their own traditions.

Not to mention the museums. For museum-goers, you’ll never get tired of the many options you have across the island. I visited eight of them, and I’m still missing out on a dozen others. 😂

Reason 5: The Food Scene Is Out of This World

You think you’ll never find food as good as in [insert country], and then you land in Singapore.

Trust me, I grew up in Thailand, I’ve been to Korea almost 20 times, and I loved the food in Italy. I’m used to great food. Yet, Singapore didn’t disappoint.

Imagine steaming bowls of Laksa with coconut aroma rising from the bowl, dipping baked buns into saucy Chili Crab, sipping fragrant hot soup after a spicy bite of Fishball Noodles.

And you can enjoy all this food at hawker centers for one-digit prices. I’m so obsessed.

Not sure where to start? Join a food tour on day one for a proper introduction, or check out my favorite spots.

Reason 6: The Deep Green Landscape is Healing

One of the things that I loved most about Singapore was how plants grew everywhere.

Sure, its reputation as the Garden City means you get tons of parks and nature trails. But look up at many buildings, and you’ll see ferns and orchids looking as if they’d grown straight out of concrete.

You’ll see it first at Changi Airport if you drop by the Jewel mall. Look at how green everything is! That’s the standard style everywhere.

And then of course, you have the vast green spaces like Changi Beach Park and Bay Point, the parks along the Southern Ridges, Dairy Farm Nature Park, MacRitchie trails, and many more.

You know how we’ve been told to look at green things when our eyes get too tired from staring at screens for too long? That’s the relief your dear eyes will feel everywhere in Singapore.

Reason 7: It’s Clean, Organized, and Surprisingly Relaxing

Last, but definitely not least, it is so clean. So clean. Littering is illegal. Spitting is illegal. Chewing gum is also illegal. They leave no room for mess on the streets, and the effort shows.

Public transportation is also amazingly organized. Trains and buses are always on time and are spotlessly clean. With the help of the City Mapper app, you’ll have the best time navigating Singapore even if it’s your first visit.

We’ve all enjoyed foreign countries before, even if they’re a little stressful to navigate. Imagine the experience you can have in a relaxingly convenient place like Singapore.

Ready to Start Planning? Here Are Some Ideas!

Cross my heart, I think I could go back to Singapore every other week, and I’d never get bored. If you’ve read this far, you might already start to see why.

Start by browsing for some of my favorite things to do in Singapore and see what sounds good to you. Create a bucket list, and then go from there.

Lazy planner? I have a 2-day and 3-day itinerary planned for you!

Check out my Singapore Cultural Travel page for more information you can use to plan your trip!

Resources For Your Trip to Singapore

Below are some of the resources to help you get ready for your time in Singapore.

Don’t forget to check your visa requirements, and fill out the Digital Arrival Card no more than 3 days before you land.

Read up on the local laws and my top travel tips before you get there, and a bit about how to get around as well.

• Get your trip covered with Safety Wing Insurance
• Stay connected in Singapore with this eSIM
• Must-have Apps: Grab, City Mapper

Find a Place to Stay in Singapore

Still looking for somewhere to stay? Read my guide on the most convenient neighborhoods to stay in and use the map below to find the best hotel for you!

Grab My Singapore E-Checklist

To make sure you don’t leave anything important out of your preparations, I’ve made a digital checklist to help you get ready. I leave 2 pages blank for you to customize your own checklist, too!

FAQs About Visiting Singapore

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