5 Reasons to Visit Singapore in 2019

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Singapore has started 2019 by introducing the SG Bicentennial, a year-long series of festivities that celebrate the nation’s founding 200 years ago. As they look back on numerous historical changes Singapore has gone through, they also look forward to a dazzling year of fun celebrations and festivities. If you want to join in the fun, here are the top 5 reasons to visit Singapore in 2019:

1. A city in a garden

The one question that both locals and tourists ask themselves when they look around the streets and urban hubs is: “Is Singapore a garden in a city or a city in a garden?” It’s hard to blame anyone for the confusion, as most of Singapore’s streets are lined with lush greenery that is impossible to miss. Working towards the national vision of a “green city”, Singapore has gained worldwide recognition for the successful blend of the wild nature with the urban city. The best places to observe this wonderful blend are the Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO heritage site, as well as the stunning Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay. If you are looking for some therapy after a long day, head to any of these places to stroll, ponder and relax.

2. Rich culture and heritage

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If you want to bear witness to a piece of living history, there are many preserved sites in Singapore that have since blended into the city’s scene. In the 200 years since the colonization, Singapore has grown into a diverse and multicultural city – imprints of different nations coexist harmoniously in cultural sites, places of worship, preserved shophouses and cultural museums. When in Singapore, you will undoubtedly get the chance to immerse yourself fully in the diverse tapestry of culture.

3. Luxury, luxury, luxury

One of the biggest reasons why Singapore attracts so many tourists from across the world are numerous luxurious spots all around the city. From tall buildings to fancy hotels, and everything in between, Singapore is the ideal place for high-class traveling. Skyscrapers are filled with cinemas, shopping malls and everything else that might be of interest to an average tourist, while world-class hotels, such as Carlton City hotel, are equipped with numerous deluxe amenities, including a lounge, a swimming pool, a gym, and even a concierge service. So, if you truly want to feel pampered and taken care of, you mustn’t miss this place.

4. Art and the Civic District

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While the country has been known to be at a strategic position for trade and commerce, the same could also be said about Asian art. The city’s Civic District is home to a variety of museums and galleries that boast both local and Asian artworks. Exciting international art exhibits often make their way to the National Gallery Singapore as well, which hosts artists from Europe and the United States, apart from their Asian counterparts. However, if you are a casual art lover looking for a picturesque moment, head to the shophouse neighborhoods and hunt for the beautiful wall murals hidden in its alleys – Little India, Haji Lane and Tiong Bahru are known to be the best wall art spots, although there is an increasing number of murals popping up in other neighborhoods as well.

5. Festivals galore

Starting the year with Chinese New Year (usually between January and February) you can join the crowd in the island-wide celebrations, but don’t forget to visit Chinatown and Bugis Street. In June, Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Puasa, a religious holiday where they feast after a month-long fast. If you are visiting this time of year, stop by the Geylang Serai Ramadhan Bazaar and give some delicious local street food a try, such as Chilli Crab Churros, Durian and Jackfruit Bombs and Chocolate Kebab. Towards the end of the year, you can celebrate Deepavali, the festival of lights, with the local Hindus and explore Little India, where you could get an intricately patterned Henna Tattoo, or sample a delicious curry with fresh Roti Prata (dough flat bread).

While these five reasons should be enough to encourage you to visit Singapore, fortunately, they’re not the only ones – the city is filled with glorious outdoor parks, beautiful temples, amazing shopping malls and relaxing retreats, all attesting to the fact that Singapore is one of the best places in the world for an exciting vacation.

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