Welcome to Singapore! This small country of just 5.5 million inhabitants is a true treasure of the region. Besides being a world-class financial and technological hub, Singapore is a place full of culture, history and natural beauty. In this post, I'm going to take you through some of the most popular places I visited during my stay, including Little India, Chinatown, Marina Bay, the Merlion, Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Orchard Road and Sentosa.

Starting in Little India, this vibrant neighborhood is a real treasure for the senses. Here you will see colorful stores, restaurants with delicious Indian food, temples and much more. As you walk through its narrow streets, you will see how Singapore's tradition and modernity intermingle.

We stayed in this neighborhood, specifically on Dunlop Street, where the hostel and backpacker scene is. We stayed at the Inncrow, a hostel that no longer exists, but that we chose at that time because besides being cheap, it offered a skateboard tour of the city two or three times a week for guests, a different and very good way to get to know the city!

Continuing our tour, we arrived in Chinatown. This neighborhood is home to a large Chinese community and has a variety of tourist attractions. From ancient temples to modern stores filled with souvenirs, Chinatown is a unique blend of old and new. If you are a fan of Chinese food, here you will find some of the best dishes Singapore has to offer.

A must-see in Singapore is Marina Bay. This impressive complex of buildings is home to some of the city's most iconic landmarks, such as the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the Singapore Flyer, the world's largest Ferris wheel. From the bay, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the city's skyline.

Another place you cannot miss in Singapore is the Merlion, the symbol of the city. It is a mythological creature that has become the symbol of Singapore. It is a figure with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, and measures about 8.6 meters high and weighs 40 tons.

Legend has it that a Malay prince named Sang Nila Utama arrived on the island of Singapore in the 13th century and sighted a strange animal resembling a lion on the shore. The prince interpreted this sighting as a divine sign that he had found an auspicious place to found a city. Since then, the lion has become a symbol of Singapore.

In addition, the Merlion is located near Marina Bay, so you can combine both attractions in one day.

If you are looking for a more lively atmosphere, Clarke Quay is the perfect place. This area is full of restaurants and bars, making it an ideal place to have dinner or a drink in the evening. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, I recommend visiting Boat Quay, which is within walking distance of Clarke Quay and has a lot of restaurants and bars overlooking the river.

If you are looking for shopping, Orchard Road is the perfect place. This avenue is full of luxury shopping malls and designer stores. There you will find everything from the latest fashion trends to high-tech items. In addition, many of the malls have dining and entertainment options, making them ideal places to spend the day.

Finally, you cannot leave Singapore without spending a day in Sentosa. This artificial island is a true paradise for tourists. There too, there are white sandy beaches, but it is best known for being home to the Universal Studios. It can be reached by train and also by cable cars that take you there. The parks are very nice, I even found them nicer than those in the United States, because the condition of the rides and the general maintenance of the place are ten points, there are less lines to wait in and the rides are very nice!

It is a very developed country, which thanks to very strict policies and zero tolerance to crime and drug trafficking, went from being unsafe to become one of the safest places in the world, where you feel at ease walking down the street. And its means of transportation are not far behind. Singapore has a very efficient and modern public transport system, including trains, buses and cabs. Singapore's metro system (MRT) is particularly good, with several lines covering most areas of the city and connecting to the airport. It is also possible to rent bicycles and electric scooters in some parts of the city. In short, there are many transportation options and it is easy to get around the city.

Several languages are spoken in Singapore, but the official languages are English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. Most people in Singapore are fluent in English, so it is easy to communicate with almost all locals. In addition, many of the signs and billboards in the city are in English, making it easy to navigate for English speakers.

All in all, Singapore is a vibrant and fascinating city that offers a unique experience to travelers. With a mix of cultures, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine and a wide variety of activities to do, Singapore has something to offer for every taste. Whether you're interested in history and culture, nature and wildlife, or nightlife and shopping, Singapore has something to surprise you. Plus, with a modern and efficient transportation system, it's easy to explore the city and get to the sights. Singapore is one of my favorite destinations, a contrast in Southeast Asia and a destination that will surely leave you wanting to return.