Shop top fashion brands, enjoy the gourmet food from all over the world and appreciate the true beauty of the garden city.

Contributed by Jocelyn Xu

Many people think Singapore is a tiny country with nothing much to see. Well, I don’t dispute the fact that it is tiny. But nothing much to see? Totally disagree.

I have been here for 14 years and this city still surprises me every now and then. It is a vibrant and colorful dreamland for tourists from all over the world.

Singapore is well-known as the garden city. Not only does it have a large area of greenery in the city, but it has also embedded the architectural designs into nature.

You might think that concrete doesn’t blend in nature. Well, it does here. You can see gardens above the horizon, on the skyscrapers and in the heart of the city. Take a stroll in the Marina Bay and make a stop at Gardens by the Bay. If you think it is spectacular during the day, wait until night, the view is even more breath-taking!

There are a lot of gardens in the city and some of them are particularly worth spending some time in. For example, the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari is an award-winning wildlife park that will give you an unforgettable experience. Animals there are residents in the jungle and you are a passer-by. You’ll get to take a close look at them in the gardens and forests without the confinement of cages.

Then there is the Botanic Garden, located right at the start of the long shopping belt of Orchard Road. At the end of the belt sits Gardens by the Bay. You’ll get to enjoy nature in the midst of a shopping spree. How amazing is that!

Speaking of shopping, I love to shop at Orchard Road. Along the long stretch of the street, there are abundant luxury boutiques and department stores housing top fashion brands, cosmetics and beauty products.

Ladies, you will feel like a princess living in a paradise! The shopping experience here is sheer excitement. Pamper yourself with shining accessories, gorgeous outfits, a branded bag, a luxury time-piece or a beautiful make-up. Make yourself look stunning any way you want and top it off with a relaxing massage. Isn’t that the dream of every girl?

If big bucks are not your thing, there are also places such as IMM, where you can grab off-the-season items at almost 70% discount. You’ll still get 7% tax refund at almost every shop! That is more savings for you.

Food is on the must-try list of every tourist. On this island, you can taste western, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Malay and many exotic cuisines you can possibly dream of. The best part is that you don’t have to search for restaurants to enjoy the gourmet food. Just get a table at a food court in a shopping mall, where all the varieties are served in one place at affordable prices!

The true beauty of the rare gem in South-East Asia and all the fun that Singapore can offer is waiting for you to explore! To get the most out of it, I recommend you plan a 5- or 6-day personalized tour to enjoy the full experience of this tourist heaven.