When someone describes a destination as safe and clean, you can easily read between the lines and think “boring.”

Singapore is a lot of things. And while it is clean and safe — New York City boasts 10 times more robberies and exponentially more violent crime than the southern Malaysian island nation of 5 million residents — it’s never boring.¹

Singapore is financially stable (read: “wealthy”) and wildly popular. In fact, according to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), Singapore is the fifth most visited city in the world. ²

One of the main drivers for this popularity is the unique dichotomy of Singapore’s appeal. The former British colony affords travelers the opportunity to simultaneously soak in its shimmering, almost futuristic cityscape while also indulging in the past. There is a ton of history to take in as you walk through the city to the outskirts. And the nation’s eclectic melting pot of ethnicities, religions and more serves as a galvanizing influence on Singapore’s culture, creating a warm and welcoming vibe for everyone. From Chinese to Malaysian, Indian and ex-pats, as well as Buddhists, Christians, Muslims and Agnostics, Singapore shows we can all get along despite wildly ranging backgrounds and core beliefs.³

So, what’s not to love about Singapore? Good question. Here is a closer look at how to get to there what to do.

Getting and Staying There

With some exceptions, flying to Singapore is going to take a bit under a day and a little less than $1,000, whether you depart from the U.S. East or West Coast. (You can also cruise into Singapore’s Marina Bay Cruise Centre.) ⁴

You’ll want to arrive with your passport in hand. And while you may sweat the year-round tropical climate, and all the humidity that comes with it, you won’t sweat the Visa requirement. That’s because you’ll more than likely receive a 90-day entry Visa on arrival. (There are some exceptions, notably for citizens of India and Mid-East nations).

Currency is a cinch to navigate in Singapore, as the Singapore dollar (or “singdollar”) features fairly similar denominations to U.S. currency. (But you will miss the $20 and Andrew Jackson’s mug). Additionally, credit card transactions are widely accepted and ATMs can be found on every street corner. This is one stress-free, user-friendly destination for U.S. citizens. Did we mention that while Malay is the official language of Singapore, English is the most commonly spoken?⁵ Another win.

Remember, we said it was convenient, not cheap. After all, Singapore is known as “The Playground of the Rich.” If you’re jet-setting to Singapore for a high-end visit, you have your choice of luxury hotels. These include the Marina Sands Bay, a 5-star hotel that’s famous for having the world’s highest and longest infinity pool. It’s quite a sight to behold as you doggy paddle in this watery perch above the skyline. If you’re afraid of heights or forgot your bathing suit, the hotel complex also houses a museum, stage shows, restaurants and a casino.⁶

If you’re exploring on the cheap or backpacking, note that Singapore lacks the uber-affordable bungalows and cabins available in many other Asian countries. So you’ll need to stick with the dorm-style hostels. Try the Plush Pods Hostel near the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station in Bugis, a thriving arts, and heritage district. The hostel’s pod-style accommodations give you a shell of personal space and privacy, a style of increasingly popularity.⁷

It’s a cliché to say this for urban destinations, but the further you move away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore, the more affordable — but less convenient — accommodations become.

What to Do in Singapore

In the same day, mere miles apart, Singapore can take you on a trip back through time and send you into the future. Here are a few recommendations of sights and experiences to build into your Singapore trip itinerary:

• Gardens by the Bay
Imagine what Jurassic Park would like, without the dinos. Or imagine Bill Gates back yard, circa 2030. Gardens by the Bay is an architectural and horticultural dream world, an indoor and outdoor experience boasting the largest glass greenhouse in the world (made official by Guinness), a children’s garden, sculptures, and even a 15-story vertical garden that illuminates the night. Not only are there plants, flowers, and trees from all over the world on display, but the campus is also a hub for events, festivals and more.⁸ After spending a day at the mind-blowing complex, you’ll totally understand how it won World Building of the Year in 2012 — yes, that’s a thing — and why Singapore is ranked as the greenest city in all of Asia.²

• Thian Hock Keng Temple
Dating back to the 1800s, this tandem of Chinese temples was originally constructed two centuries ago as a meeting place for the Hokkien clan and a spiritual destination for Chinese immigrants to give thanks to the Goddess of the Seas. Recently restored with a nearly $7-milion renovation, Thian Hock Keng Temple has been widely recognized for its architectural prowess as well. Come for the guided tours, stay for the spiritual enlightenment.⁹

• Street Grub and Elevated Happy Hours
Don’t worry about making reservations or even stepping inside Singapore eateries. While the culinary scene is legit, you can find a solid traditional or fusion meal on a street corner as well as in open-air food markets. Boon Tat Street and Lau Pa Sat come highly recommended. Here you’ll meet hawkers tempting hungry folks with satays, chili crabs, beer, minced pork noodles (bak chor mee) and more. And if you want to go somewhere to see and be seen, check out the thriving rooftop bar scene at hot spots including CÉ LA VI.¹⁰

Singapore is an eclectic eastern Melting Pot when it comes to food, language, religion and more. It’s a user-friendly city that combines ancient tradition and cosmopolitan flare. Singapore is already a Top 5 international destination; come see it for yourself before the rest of the world finds out.

What Do I Need to Travel to Singapore?

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