Singapore's Iconic Landmarks

When one thinks of the word "megacity", Singapore definitely comes to mind. No other city in Southeast Asia, maybe even the world, balances the skyline, technology, and infrastructure of the first world, with the intricacies of its multi-cultural inhabitants, as well as Singapore has.

And all this happened.. only in the last 40 years! 

* Hard to believe that this whole country was once just a swamp-filled jungle. Today, Singapore's world famous Merlion is the figurative "king of the jungle" and the country's most famous tourist attraction.

A note from the writer: this is a pre-pandemic tale with additional photos post-pandemic.

* Singapore's skyline is marvelous and a model for urban mega-city planning done right.

* Marina Bay Sands reminds me of that early 2010's planking trend, but taken to an enormous scale as that "plank" has an infinity pool, restaurants and bars, and even an sky garden.

* And despite having over 5 million people, the city feels impressively safe and clean; a testament to the island-country's famously strict justice system and law abiding citizenry.

* Founded by Sir Stamford Raffles, Singapore started out as a colony of the British Empire. Hence numerous aspects of the country are very British including the names of streets, left hand side driving, and love of cricket; with games being played in front of the City Hall grounds itself.

* And being a key strategic port for the British, Singapore was invaded and temporarily occupied by the Japanese during World War 2. The Battle of Singapore was so infamous that after the 60,000 defending troops surrendered, Winston Churchill himself called it the "worst disaster and capitulation in British history". That's saying something given the horrors the Brits experienced in Europe during WW2!

* Upon gaining independence from the UK, Singapore was originally a part of Malaysia. However due to irreconcilable philosophical, political, and economic disagreements, the Malaysian Parliament voted in 1965 to expel Singapore, thus creating the Singapore we know today. Singapore's national anthem, the Majulah Singapura, was performed here in the Victoria Theater and Concert Hall for the very first time upon the founding of the Republic.

* It was then that Singapore's miracle story began, that of an island nation rising despite great odds, lack of inherent resources, and limited land mass becoming the economic powerhouse it is today.

* And the credit for this definitely goes to the legendary Lee Kuan Yew, the nation's founding father who ruled Singapore from 1959 to 1990. 

* LKY, as he is more often referred to, promoted a unique combination of benevolent authoritarianism, meritocracy, and good governance to build its current society. 

* So respected, studied, and emulated were his methods that they are now known as the "Singapore Model" for nation building.

* LKY's legacy lives on as country seems to just go from strength to strength as the years go by.

* Demographically, Singapore has a majority of Chinese descent with a good size of Malay, Indian, and other Southeast Asian descent. 

* Not to mention, a solid population of European and American expatriates given the island's status as an Asian/SEA regional business hub.

* So it's not surprising to see churches and temples of every culture and religion in-between massive skyscrapers dotting the island.

* Temples are always good for praying, reflecting, and taking photos.

* And they're always free to enter!

* Despite the country's limited land area, it's amazing that LKY planned for and prioritized the creation of numerous gardens and parks with the Singapore Botanic Gardens being a city highlight.

* Also known as the Garden City due to all these parks, Singapore's greenery are a welcome respite from the country's infamous humidity.

* No surprise there, as the island is located just 1 degree north of the equator.

* Make sure to wear sunblock and shades, bring an umbrella, and stay hydrated while wandering!

Another unique highlight in Singapore is the Gardens by the Bay, best enjoyed in the evening due to its fantastic and dramatic lighting.

The Gardens are known for its iconic Supertrees (with nightly light and sound shows), the world's largest grass greenhouse known as the Flower Dome, and its "City in a Garden" vision.

The theme for this visit was Christmas in the Gardens, complete with Santa's little helpers.

Vikings are always a hit with the youngins.

Look at the huge smile on this one!

* For some of Singapore's most charming and vibrant sights, Little India is definitely worth the visit!

* This gentleman looking like Indian Robert Downey Jr.

* Full of interesting temples, artwork, and stores, Little India is an explosion of color!

* Ganesha welcomes you!

* Instagram-ready murals await!

* Singapore has a sterling reputation for having a low crime rate, often being ranked lowest in the world. The country makes for a perfect first travel experience for families as you can sightsee and take photos in peace!

* And only in Singapore is the airport, Changi, a world famous tourist attraction.

* Currently rated the World's Best Airport by Skytrax, a record they have won consistently these past two decades, Changi's most iconic feature is its nature-themed mall complex with this incredible man-made waterfall, known as the Jewel.

* We arrived 6 hours before our flight just to explore Changi, and it was absolutely worth it!

The little guy wholeheartedly agrees!