Singapore - The Unexpected Destination

We didn't think we would ever get the opportunity to come here, however due to the seasons changing in Thailand and the majority of South East Asia we cut our losses to escape the rain and headed to Singapore.

The best times to arrive here is during off peak hours, early/mid afternoon, by doing this you avoid the inflated taxi costs.

Rates go up between 8-10am and 6-9pm. 

If you're backpacking like us then we can guarantee you will be stopped at security. 

Being a backpacker you are known as a 'High Risk' traveller. 

We are hardly suspicious looking people, you know, we weren't creeping about with 'Swag' bags or anything, however we were scouted out across the airport by security and had our bags security checked yet again! 

We were obviously fine and after having our bags scanned we were able to walk on through but in all seriousness NO funny business. 

We aren't ones to judge, however laws here are extremely strict! 

We would advise reading up on them before your arrival. We are talking penalties such as fines, prison and even DEATH! So don't even risk it! 

Anyway...

Singapore isn't the cheapest of places and after being in Thailand for so long the prices were a bit of a shock to the system. 

Saying that though, it didn't matter, we instantly loved this place! 

It's beautiful, clean and safe!! 

        

For our time here we have stayed on Orchard Road. 

Which for us seemed to be the perfect location. 

Easy to walk around with all the 'must haves' to help us blog...aka a lot of coffee shops! 

        

We have very much missed the hustle and bustle of city life as we were based in London before our trip, so being here has been like a home away from home. 

We are also surrounded by so many shopping malls, so far we have counted five, each containing some seriously high end brands. 

We are talking Mulberry, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Abercrombie & Fitch...you get the jist. 

        

Now, we went to the worlds biggest mall back when we were in Dubai, however being in Singapore is truly jaw dropping. 

Every mall has had something different to offer, from fashion to electrics to homeware, whatever you need, Singapore has it covered! 

        

We honestly spent a whole day wandering around literally going from mall to mall. Window shopping of course. 

There were many events going on including day festivals with live music and incredible car boot sales.

Having these right on our doorstep was brilliant. It allowed us to sit in a coffee shop, blog and watch some aspiring artists perform. 

       

Then to be able to walk around the market to see some extremely talented handmade items including clothes, jewellery and condiments at quite reasonable prices, which were displayed on a variety of classic Volkswagens which was awesome. Beardy was loving it as he's always wanted a VW Split Screen Camper or a Beetle he's not fussy.

       

       

Also for all you skaters out there, they have some amazing designated parks full of ramps and bars! Now Suze wasn't overly keen on hopping on a board, but the fact the 'Youth Park' was covered in some of the coolest graffiti we have ever seen she didn't mind having a look around. 

       

       

       

Being in such a pricey location we have tried to make the most of our time here, but on a budget. 

Which from experience is easier said than done. 

 

We have been staying up into the late hours of the night, as the malls/attractions stay open until around 11pm. 

In other areas we have visited we would normally book a taxi or leave earlier to feel as safe as possible when getting back to our accommodation, however here, we have never felt so safe. 

Walking around and getting back to our hotel has been a breeze. 

Due to laws being so strict here no one seems to dare break them. 

Obviously crime happens everywhere, so we aren't suggesting go flashing your cash, or get yourself in a dangerous situation, but it is a lot safer than most of the places we have been! 

We honestly love it here.

Singapore has not only been one of those locations that has made us miss Home, due to being back in a City, but also has made us wish our budget was an awful lot bigger. 

Top Tips

▪️Bring Money! Being in what we would call a 'shoppers paradise' you need some serious money behind you. If your main reason to visit to Singapore is to shop, we would recommend you check out sales dates. It may not save on flights or accommodation but it defiantly will on the wardrobe front. 

▪️Accommodation. You are looking at around £70-£100 a NIGHT! You can do it more on a budget if you head to the hostels, however we have found that just rocking up (like you do at most hostels) here, that they had been booked way in advance! So Book Book Book! A

▪️Sounds silly but take deodorant! We found it almost impossible to hunt down even with so many malls. All we could find was Whitening ones! Not good! 

▪️Go to the Ben & Jerry's Shop! Yes that's right SHOP!! They have all the classics, Cookie Dough, Half Baked, Fish Food, but they also have brand new flavours that we could only have dreamt of! Honestly GO! 

       

▪️For more pictures and updates on where we are follow both our Instagrams @suzeandthebeard and @beardyandsuze

Don't forget to follow and subscribe. If you have any questions please comment below or email us at suzeandthebeard@gmail.com 

▪️Holiday Inn Exress www.agoda.com/holiday-inn-express-singapore-orchard-road/hotel/singapore-sg.html?is_new=1

▪️Mulberry www.mulberry.com

▪️Abercrombie & Fitch www.abercrombie.sg/en_SG/home

▪️ Ben & Jerry's www.benjerry.co.uk