Glorious days! Today I will tell you about Singapore, the golden country of Southeast Asia.. Bangkok, Thailand, which is the first point I visited in this region, followed by Singapore City on my route.
Singapore is the country that excited me the most recently! Starting my Singapore travel notes with its orderly streets, tall buildings and cosmopolitan structure. In my article that will guide your Singapore trip, you can find places to visit in Singapore City and my general experiences.
Boarding the Plane That Will Take Me To Singapore / Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
How To Get To Singapore?
Friday, April 28, 2017. I’m on my second day in Southeast Asia. My flight to take me from Bangkok to Singapore leaves at 3:15 PM.. After having my breakfast and completing my preparations, I set off for Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Even though I used this airport when I came to Bangkok, I was more inclined to reach the city as soon as possible.. This time, the interior design of Suvarnabhumi Airport caught my attention more.. I remember again that I was in a very different world with elements of Buddhism and Thai Motifs.
After routine airport checks all over the world, JetStar Airlines flight 3K 510 We’re taking off for Singapore !
Boarding Pass for my Flight from Bangkok to Singapore
Today my distance is approximately 1500 kilometers southwards. After a pleasant two-hour flight, I plan to arrive at Singapore Changi Airport.. There is also Air Asia that you can use as an alternative to this line.. Since there are frequent flights from Singapore to Thailand, the prices are also very reasonable. I bought this ticket for only 80 liras months ago.
How can we get to Singapore from Turkey? The easiest and fastest way is direct flights by Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines. You can reach Singapore from Istanbul in just 11 hours.. I must say that these flights can go up to 2-3 times a day from time to time.. It is possible to find prices in the range of 1500-2500 TL on direct flights depending on the period.
There are also connecting options for those who want to reach Singapore at more affordable prices.. Gulf airlines’ connecting flights to Singapore can offer 20-30% cheaper prices, and you also have the chance to visit the city you are connecting to for one day.
Singapore General View / Marina Bay
General Information About Singapore
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Now I would like to briefly talk about Singapore.. I’m sure you’re all familiar with the name. Because this little country is much more famous than its tiny area!
Singapore is an island country located in the south of Southeast Asia andonly 100 kilometers north of the Equator. Its northern borders are surrounded by Malaysia, and its south is Indonesian islands.
Host to prominent events, especially the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix held every year, Singapore iswith its strong economy and good standard of living comes to the fore.
Composed of a single city with the same name, Singapore’s population is around 5-6 million, mostly Chinese.. Other communities that make up the population are its northern neighbors, the Malays and Indians.
Singapore Streets Overview
Predictably, this country has too many official languages. Among the official languages, especially English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil. Currency is Singapore Dollar.
Singapore is the 4th richest in the world in per capita income . country. Most of its economic resources are shipyards, maritime-oil fields and Singapore’s commercial companies operating all over the world.
After this important information, I return to my journey! We follow a pleasant route throughout the flight. Although I can only see the sea from the plane, the pieces of land I see from time to time increase my excitement.
Towards the end of the flight, it started to get dark and we started to descend.. Finally, we are landing at Singapore Changi Airport at 19:15 local time as scheduled!
Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Entry Form
I leave the plane and start walking around the terminal. This is an interesting airport where boarding and landing of planes are made from the same floor.. From the very first minutes, Changi’s carefully furnished and high-quality terminal draws attention.. Singapore immediately sends the message that I am a rich country.
I am going to passport control. Here is the Singapore Immigration Form that you need to complete first. Actually, I thought it should have been distributed on the plane, but it was not given to us!
You can fill out this form on foot before passport control. There are standard questions such as where you will be staying in Singapore, its address and how many days you will be staying.
Entry to Singapore Passport Control / Changi Airport
Is a Visa Required to Singapore?
Without waiting in a long queue passport officer greets me. As soon as I extend my passport, I hear the “Welcome” voice unexpectedly! Yes, Singapore is one of the rare countries that welcomes me in Turkish.
My surprise is soon stamped and I’m entering Singapore!
By the way, about the Singapore visa policy. it is necessary to. As of 2019, Singapore does not require a visa from any Turkish Passport. I don’t think that there are many visitors since it is quite far from our country.
Signs Indicating the Airport Subway / Changi Airport
Singapore Airport – City Center Transportation
The next thing to do is to reach the center of Singapore City.. Changi Airport is not far from the city. How far can it be in Singapore anyway?
You have to use the subway to go from Changi Airport to the city. First of all, you have to go to Terminal 1 with the Skytrain inside the airport.. From here, you must go down to the bottom floor and take the “CG” metro line.. Let me warn you in advance, you must have cash Singapore Dollars with you, otherwise you cannot buy tickets even from the machines! You have to convert 2-3 Singapore Dollars per person, which will take you to the city.
The CG subway you take from Changi Airport ends at Tanah Merah, 2 stations away.. After getting off here, you must transfer to the “East West” metro line.. This is the only line anyway !
Airport Subway / Changi Airport
If you take the East West line in the direction of “Joo Koon” station, you can reach Singapore city center in just 15-20 minutes!
While getting on the tickets in Changi When you choose the station you will get off at, you get a fee of 1.6-3.0 SGD, and when you pay, there is no need for an extra fee for transfers.
When you get on the Singapore Metro, you see the cosmopolitan structure of the country clearly
strong>. I arrive at Bugis Metro Station in a few minutes.
My pre-booked hostel is located in Little India, east of the city.. First I’ll go there and leave my stuff, I’m rushing out of the subway and now I’m in Singapore !
My First Minutes in Singapore / Going to the Hostel
First Impressions of Singapore
Singapore is like a second shock wave to me before I can get used to the difference of Bangkok.. I only took a 2 hour flight, but everything is very different.
Singapore has a dreamlike layout. I can tell from the first scene I saw. With its neat, clean streets and the lights of the tall buildings illuminating the dusk, this place is fascinating!
Almost all the cars I see walking towards my hostel are the latest models! The weather is very hot and humid just like Thailand.. Buildings other than skyscrapers are like a blend of Asia and America.
I arrive at The Inncrowd Hostel.. I will pay a total of US$35 for three nights. I think it’s actually a low wage for such a wealthy country. The hostel’s bar concept is also pretty cool.
I’m quick again! I leave my things in minutes and start traveling around Singapore !
My First Minutes in Singapore / On The Way To The Hostel
Places To Visit In Singapore
First of all, the Abdul Gafoor Mosque catches my eye. It can be called the most beautiful mosque in Singapore, I had decided on this after my previous research.
The Abdul Gafoor Mosque is a little different from what we are used to seeing.. The mosque is decorated with Asian motifs that we can see in Buddhist Temples.. I’m going inside !
This is not a tourist place. Mosque rises for Muslims in the country. And I enter and meet a Mosque with a Southeast Asian flavor.
Abdul Gafoor Mosque
Little India area looks very lively and lively in the evenings.. The streets are lively, there is everything from souvenir shops to bars.. It’s a pleasure to walk around here.
I go out on Beach Road and walk towards Downtown Singapore.. In this region, the harmony of tall buildings and the lush plants offered by the tropical climate is remarkable.. There is Raffles Hotel right in front of me.. It looks very stylish with its palace-like appearance.. You are likely to see such boutique hotels with touristic value in Singapore!
Raffles Hotel
War Memorial Park
I am coming to an important point in Singapore; War Memorial Park.
As you can tell from the name, this is a memorial park.. in the middle of 2. There is also a tall monument built to commemorate those who died in Singapore as a result of the Japanese Occupation in World War II.. I think it is the most meaningful spot you can visit in Singapore.
With the park, you are now getting to know Singapore’s famous skyline.. The skyscrapers rising after the wide avenue are calling you to themselves !
The Monument in the Middle of War Memorial Park / It Didn’t Fit All in the Square
Esplanade Theater and Park
The last place I came across without seeing the beach Esplanade Theater. This building is one of the best examples of the city’s futuristic architecture,the place where the most important concerts and performances in Singapore are held. It’s not that the animated piano keys on the floor in front of it didn’t get me !
I reach the front of the Esplanade and the beach, it’s amazing !
To the left Esplanade Theater / The Piano Touch I’m Talking About / Singapore Skyline Behind
Marina Bay – Singapore Bay
Yes, I totally feel like I’m in Singapore now. Right in front of me is Marina Bay Sands, one of the most iconic structures in the world, on my right it is as if an army of skyscrapers came from New York!
To see this fascinating atmosphere with colorful lights is priceless!
I can’t decide which one to tell. Singapore Marina Bay’s waterfront offers a 360-degree panoramic experience. You are surrounded by an extraordinary artificial world. It is really hard to believe that this view belongs somewhere in the world.
After just watching this view for 15-20 minutes and falling under its spell, I start to examine the details.. There is a pleasant pedestrian bridge that leads from where I was first to the skyscrapers!
Panoramic Singapore Bay / Marina Bay / Marina Bay Sands Hotel on the left
Jubilee Bridge
This bridge that runs parallel to the Esplanade Bridge The Jubilee Bridge, completed in 2015.
The walkway, including the Jubilee Bridge, circles the entire Singapore Marina Bay. In this way, you can reach everywhere on foot.. Singapore is the right place for a walk!
Another detail on Marina Bay is the huge Ferris wheel called the Singapore Flyer. You can see the bay more clearly on the flyer. Although I can’t include it in my plan, it’s an activity I can recommend for those who are interested !
Jubilee Bridge and Singapore’s Skyscrapers Resembling New York
Also nearby The Float Marina Bay, ie Singapore’s floating event venue Marina Bay Sands Singapore
Completed in 2010, Marina Bay Sands was built for an astronomical sum of £8 billion. I’m sure my colleagues, civil engineers, I’m sure this engineering marvel, which pushes civil engineers to very innovative approaches, is one of the most extreme examples of architecture in the world.
Three towers and the pool on this surf sled, which clinches the design of a surf ski, I think. This pool is exactly 150 meters above! People who plan to stay in this hotel just to take a photo are not few.. I didn’t think about it either, but since it would be unnecessarily expensive on my own, I left it for my next trip to Singapore
When you come from Gardens by the Bay, you can also pass through Marina Bay Sands. I can tell you have a beautiful view. This way, you can reach the shore in front of Marina Bay Sands without wasting time.
Inner Part of Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay View Pier
There is a large shopping mall called Marina Bay here. One of the most active points of shopping in Singapore. It has a nice viewing dock to watch Marina Bay when you go to the beach.. It’s great to sit on this wooden part and enjoy the lights across!
This delightful spot was the last place I planned to visit in Singapore.. Not here without having a souvenir photo taken!
Marina Bay Viewpoint and Me
Why Go to Singapore?
My adventure in Singapore ends here. I strongly recommend you to visit Singapore. It is quite far from our country, but I can say that it is more suitable than most European countries.. Considering that you don’t want a visa, how about a warm sea holiday in the middle of winter?
The photos and moments I shared with you in Singapore are usually from the dark moments. The reason for this is to make you experience the fascinating atmosphere of the city at night.. As I explained in the article, it is not easy to travel in humid and hot weather during the day.
Is there a sea in Singapore?
There is the subject of the sea, of course.. Although I didn’t mention it here, you can swim in Singapore.. Palawan Beach on Sentosa Island, which I visited during the day, is one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen.. A tropical island and beach as you can see in photos and movies !
A Delightfully Designed Coffee Shop / Singapore
Is Singapore Expensive?
Singapore is one of the richest countries in the world. we know, is this Singapore expensive?
Actually, I have always given numbers in the article for reference.. Singapore is a cheaper country than I expected. More precisely, they have very expensive places and more modest places in our opinion.. Although it is expensive compared to Southeast Asian Countries, for someone accustomed to traveling in Europe this place will not be too expensive.
Singapore can offer you a very affordable option when you use the markets and spend your money correctly. .
Streets of Singapore
People of Singapore
Let me say a word to the People of Singapore too. This is a cosmopolitan city. In Singapore, no one can say who you are, who you are! You take the subway and there are so many different people together…
This is a safe and developed place where different religions, languages and races live together. country. I didn’t come across anything negative about the Turks either.. people are very friendly. You already know the people of the Far East, this place is similar.
Is Singapore Safe?
Singapore and security. Don’t these two words go well! Singapore is a city where you can feel very safe.. Rich, prosperous and low in crime. Believe me, I always felt safe no matter where I went.. It is a country where you will have no doubt in your mind.
One of Singapore’s Clean and Safe Streets
Singapore Nightlife
It is time for those who are curious about nightlife in Singapore.. In fact, I gave tips about nightlife many times in my travel notes.. Singapore is one of the cities with the most beautiful night and entertainment life I have ever seen.
If you are an elitist person and like clubs, almost all hotels in this city have such quality venues.. If you are looking for younger business, quality pub-style places, Clarke Quay, which I mentioned in the article.
If you are looking for more shabby and Far Eastern Culture-style places, Little India and its surroundings. If you are looking for both restaurant and entertainment, I can say the Singapore River bank.. The prices of all the options I mentioned are close to Istanbul.. But not without saying this! Liquor is not that cheap in this country. It is possible to see prices similar to our country even in the markets.
A Nice Restaurant-Bar in Clarke Quay
What to Buy in Singapore?
There will be those who say what can I buy on my way back from Singapore?. This city has a mixed culture. That’s why there are different products to go wherever you shoot them.. After all, this is a Southeast Asian Country, the products of this region will be more reasonable.
You can also get models of the iconic places of Singapore, like me, Marina Bay Sands.
Under the Influence of Singapore Atmosphere That Fascinated Me / Singapore Skyscrapers Behind
Cities to Visit Around Singapore
We traveled around Singapore, where should we go? Actually, I suggest you check out My Southeast Asia Travel Route. Singapore isn’t that close! While you’re here, you should definitely go to Kuala Lumpur.. Batam Island in the south and perhaps my previous destination Bangkok…
You can better interpret Singapore’s culture and differences if you include these cities on your route. Here I end my travel notes in the form of a Singapore travel guide.. “It has been a long article again Görkem!” When something is missing, I feel guilty towards you
With this article, you should also read my travel notes on Sentosa Island, which is an important point of Singapore, and Batam, Indonesia, opposite it.. I wish you all a good day !
Next Day: My Travel Notes to Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaPrevious Day: My Bangkok, Thailand Travel Notes
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