Located right at the tail end of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is still hailed as one of the busiest island countries in Southeast Asia, considering that's where the largest port in the region is located. Regardless of its small size, the country continues to grow and prosper until it reaches a point where people all over the world yearn to peek at the Singaporean lifestyle. After all, with the country as rich as it is, there’s no shortage of what you can do in Singapore.
From sightseeing to enjoying the high life, you might have a tough time going through your bucket list of things to do to make your time in Singapore worthwhile. But if you want to do something other than checking out an art museum like any typical tourist, consider taking one step out of your comfort zone to do something unusual, but entirely normal for Singaporeans. Luckily, you’ll see a lot of that in every corner of the country.
- Immerse In Diversity
Singapore’s long history of immigration led to the rich ethnic community it now has. And it doesn’t help that a good portion of the island countries from Southeast Asia are located close by. Hence, their proximity to each other contributed a great deal to Singapore’s diversity.
Singapore’s ethnicity and cultural makeup is a complex blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences. Still, these aren't the only three things Singapore has to offer. Given the prevalence of language learning centres, it's possible to overcome communication difficulties. Therefore, if you’re in Singapore and want to go through Korean courses with experts, you have a lot to choose from as long as you know where to look.
However, because of its diversity, you may see a fusion of cultures from various ethnicities up close. So, don’t be surprised if you ever see a Hindu temple in the middle of Chinatown. It’s safe to say you’ll be overwhelmed with culture in the best ways possible the longer you stay in Singapore.
- Try Out The Local Cuisine
If there is one way to get a feel for a country, it is through its cuisine. Ultimately, the quickest way to one’s heart is through the stomach. Therefore, if you ever wish to immerse yourself in the Singaporean way of life, the best way to begin is by sampling their cuisine.
Due to its rich culture, you must be prepared for Singapore's diverse fusion of dishes. Considering that Chinese cuisine includes unusual delicacies such as frogs and pig intestines and Malay and Indian cuisine contains an abundance of spices, you can undoubtedly guess how exotic your overall dining experience will be. This experience may be the key to getting you closer to Singapore, so long as you are mindful of its ingredients.
- Spend Time With Nature
Although Singapore is considered one of the most advanced countries in Southeast Asia, it’s still grounded in its roots. Using modern architecture, experts from Singapore could design biomes that cultivate natural life. From sanctuaries of their highly regarded reptiles to botanic gardens inside an airport that spans out for miles, don’t be afraid to take in the sights and appreciate Singapore’s ingenuity in integrating modern structures with nature.
- Venture In The Supernatural
If you’re familiar with Southeast Asian culture, you must know how superstitious most ethnicities are. Since Singapore combines all sorts of Southeast Asian cultures, you’re bound to see a generous helping of fortune-telling and ghost stories that might send a chill up your spine.
Furthermore, Singapore also showcases significant amounts of history that focus mainly on mythology and beliefs. The Haw Par Villa is the best example of this. Featured as a theme park, it displays the so-called ‘Ten Courts of Hell’ where statues of human sinners are shown receiving an assortment of bloody punishments that you only see in nightmares.
- Shop Like A Local
Considering how busy Singapore is, it’s no surprise that markets are just as lively from day until nightfall. Visiting wet markets first thing in the morning is a typical Southeast Asian culture. After all, ‘the early bird gets the worm.’ And going to wet markets that early often guarantees the best produce is on display.
However, if you still want to go somewhere even after dark, night markets (or ‘pasar malams’) are pop-up stores in different neighbourhoods. They often stick to a schedule that lasts for a few weeks. And these few weeks will give you an abundance of delicious street food and an endless surplus of toys. Who knows? You might get lucky and stumble upon a carnival in these pasar malams.
Takeaway
Travelling is always an excellent opportunity to try out new things. Although they might seem strange on the surface, the only way you can ever have the feel of the place you’re in is by taking part in their peculiarity. And a vacation to Singapore will introduce you to numerous things you would ordinarily categorise as ‘odd.’ But once you experience them up close, you cannot help but get a small taste of what it's like to be a Singaporean, even for a little while.
