Relaxing in Welcoming Singapore

Hey guys, I hope it’s a beautiful sunny day where you are! If it is, don’t forget that sunscreen. If it’s raining, take that umbrella and think sunny thoughts! Enjoy shinny Singapore!!

Over a few beverages at the Cloud Nine Lounge, my friends and I recently debated the best shopping locations in the world. We agreed that New York, London and Paris are great but pricey. Angelica was a big supporter of Dubai, but I believe is the best. Singapore is Dubai’s older sister and it is still the very best place for a shopping holiday.

Most travellers know Singapore as a hub of international business. Its history as the busiest port in the Malacca Straits set it up well to be a world centre of finance and trade. Certainly, it is great for business, but it is also a fantastic leisure destination. The benevolent leaders have created a wonderful environment to live, visit, work and play!

The Beautiful Marina

Singapore celebrates multiculturalism like no other place. It has eleven public holidays that include the most important festivals for Buddhists, Chinese, Christians, Hindus and Muslims. They celebrate its respect for all cultures by decorating extravagantly for each holiday. Of course, seeing brightly lit Christmas decorations in a tropical country when the temperature is 35C (95F) and rainy is startling at first. Singapore loves to decorate!

And by dusk it transforms in an alternative beauty.

Shopping is fantastic and there are so many malls from which to choose throughout this small country. Even the airport is a great place to shop! Everything is available in Singapore, but regionally sourced goods are the very best prices. I enjoy shopping for semi-precious and precious gemstones and jewellery from the region. 

Good buys can be found for rubies, sapphires, topaz and jade, which are all beautifully crafted into distinctive pieces. In fact, all luxury goods are particularly good buys in duty-free. You don’t have to spend a lot, though, to find really cool bargains.

Singapore has some of the very best hotels in the world and the locals treat each traveller like a guest. Whether you prefer old-school luxury at Raffles or the Fullerton, or ultra-cool and zen like the JW Marriott or the St. Regis, the hotels are amongst the best in the world. Singapore has properties for any budget and there is so much choice that some really good bargains are almost always available. The service quality in Singapore is astounding as they take great pride in being welcoming.

One note: tipping is actively discouraged in most places. The service providers don’t want any guest to think they are receiving good service because of the expectation of a tip. So, just give a heartfelt thanks for good service along with a smile. Everyone likes a sunny smile!

The very iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel!

Black Pepper Crab – My FAV!

Singapore is a foodie capital with delicious options for any dietary requirements. Because of its location and multicultural population, the very best cuisines from around the world are readily available. The ‘Little India’ section of downtown is a brightly coloured space with exceptionally delicious offerings. I always visit there for succulent curries. It´s one of the cleanest and best places in the world to buy street food.

It is always a yummy treat. I’ve found that I can always separate people into two food groups; the ones that like chili sauce, and the ones that like  Black Pepper Sauce.

Given its history as a centre for the spice trade, it is easy to see why the food is so great. Everyone I know loves Singapore Chili Crab, but for me, there is nothing in the world like Singapore Black Pepper Crab. The delicate smell of authentic Singapore pepper combined with fresh crab offers this special dish my highest rating. No wonder black pepper used to be more expensive by weight than gold! I love Singapore Black Pepper on any food – even ice cream! Lol!

There are world-leading entertainment venues in this beautiful country. For the young and the young at heart, there is Universal Studios Singapore on the beautiful island of Sentosa. For the ultimate in cool relaxation, there is Sky Park at the Marina Bay Sands with the most startling infinity pool in the world. For the lovers of nature, there is the Gardens by the Bay with its 250 acres (101 hectares) of beautiful parkland including the astonishing Supertree Grove.

One of the most Instagrammed Gardens at Night

My favourite, though, is the Night Zoo, where visitors interact with nocturnal animals in ways that are unavailable anywhere else in the world! After visiting the Night Zoo, I’m always up for a bit of relaxed partying at Clarke Quay.

Singapore is one the cleanest and most welcoming country in the world. The country is eco-friendly and respectful of all religions, races, creeds and lifestyles. If you go there for holiday, you are guaranteed to have an excellent time.

Here is one ‘pro tip’… order a snack or, better yet, a Singapore Sling at the Bar & Billiard Room at Raffles. It’s affectionately known as the ‘Tiger Bar’ because supposedly, the last tiger in Singapore took refuge in the bar in 1902. No doubt, he needed a drink or two to escape the heat. Enjoy my favourite shopping city!

Tell them Isabella sent you!

Love,

Isabella