Why Visit Singapore?

Occupying a strategic location in Asia, Singapore is a popular stopover for holidaymakers and business travellers. While the charm and the allure of the Lion City may not be as apparent as that of Thailand or Vietnam, the region's most straight-laced vacation hotspot has its own special attributes. From its iconic theme parks and recreational hubs to the ethnic community strongholds that have defined its landscapes, here are some of the top reasons to holiday in sunny Singapore.

The Wildlife Sanctuaries

Singapore is worth visiting simply to experience its wildlife attractions. The Singapore Zoo reigns supreme in this regard as it is one of the world's finest zoos and conservation centres. The globally renowned Night Safari excursion will allow one the chance to explore the zoo's nocturnal inhabitants, plus, there's plenty to see and do at Singapore Zoo. The place is home to over three hundred creatures including those that belong to 50 endangered wildlife varieties, and its Wildlife Healthcare & Research Centre is another reason why the sanctuary is a big hit with families. The sprawling Jurong Bird Park is Singapore's other wildlife highlight, which also happens to be the biggest bird park on the planet in terms of the sheer number of winged beauties occupying the enclave ( 5000 birds belonging to 400 species).

The Hawker Centres and Local Cuisine

Whether one is planning to stay at Lyf One-North Singapore or any other accommodation hub for shared living in Singapore, there's no escaping the country's culinary landscapes in the form of hawker centres. Located all across the island and in countless food districts, hawker centres are the main reason that foodies and budget travellers holiday in the Lion City to begin with. Serving up the country's best local dishes, meals and desserts at unbelievably reasonable price points, it is difficult to believe that hawker centres have been operational in Singapore since the swinging 1960s. Two hawker centres in the country have also earned Michelin stars so what better reason is there to visit Singapore than the chance to wine and dine at Tai Hwa Eating House and the Chinatown Food Complex?

The Iconic Landmarks

For an island that's smaller than the capital of Sri Lanka, Singapore is also famed for some of Asia's most iconic monuments and landmarks. The futuristic Gardens by the Bay are the latest additions to Singapore's towering architectural and engineering achievements as it not only boasts the Supertrees and some of the most Instagrammable highlights in the world but also the biggest glass greenhouse the world has ever seen and a Cloud Forest. Merlion Park with the sculpture of The Merlion and the Palace of Heavenly Happiness or Thian Hock Keng Temple is another reason to pencil in a getaway in the Lion City. Haw Par Villa and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown can also be counted among the island's top cultural hotspots to visit.

Chinatown and Little India

Considered the best shopping destinations in Singapore outside of trendy Orchard Road, Chinatown and Little India are more than the areas where ethnic Chinese and Indian communities live on the island. Lined with street markets, authentic restaurants, cafes and shops, these two cultural points of interest are also home to temples, shrines and mosques that showcase the diversity of Singapore's population.

The Theme Parks and Amusement Centres

Singapore is also the only location in Asia where one can enjoy a day out at Universal Studios. As the only instalment of the Hollywood theme park in the region, Universal Studios Singapore is reason enough to schedule a family trip to the Lion City. Sentosa Island, the country's oldest recreational island, is not to be outdone, however, thanks to its artificial beaches, aquariums and cable car rides.