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Singapore may only be an island and one of the smallest countries in Southeast Asia but it is jammed pack with fantastic sites and exotic foods. The melting pot of cultures that now call it home help enhance the diversity that thrives here. The added bonus is that English is one of its official languages, which will make exploring that much easier.

A common site is seeing impressive buildings alongside the cultural attractions. This is a testament to Singapores drive to move forward all the while preserving and respecting its past. This is a county whose port is one of the busiest and yet the locals take time to enjoy the manicured gardens that surround them. Singapore is also an incredibly clean city. It is actually quite impressive how spotless it truly is. Before we continue with all of the great places you can explore in Singapore, we should take care of some business first. Singapore is a strict place to live and visit. Not that you would, but if you spit or litter here you will be fined. A lot. You will also have a hard time finding a pack of gum. Hey, it is one of the reasons why it is so clean. There are of course more serious crimes, which in turn provide you with a more serious consequence. For example, if you are caught with drugs you will be canned. If you are caught selling you will be hanged. So dont do it. This is an exotic city whose rules have greatly preserved its lush environment. Be mindful and respectful and you too will be able to enjoy all that it has to offer.

One of the largest ethnic groups in Singapore are the Chinese and so, the Chinatown district is a vast area that is filled with cultural pride. Although there are some areas that are not Chinese, this neighborhood can be divided into four sections. Each one provides you a unique experience. Of course, having a Chinese majority also means the Chinese New Year is one party you wont want to miss. Lasting over an impressive 42 days it is a massive event that typically occurs during the month of February. There are other ethnic neighborhoods worth visiting as well. The Arab Districts most visited site is the Sultan Mosque but there is much to see and do here. The Arab street is the place to go shopping for anything exotic thread made out of gold, handmade lace and semi-precious stones abound. Let your nose guide you to Little India and make sure you come on an empty stomach. The spices and perfumes hang in the air while the vendors showcase the silk saris and treasures of gold and silver. The Malaysians tell of their history at the Istana Kampong Glam, which is a fascinating heritage museum. The Sultan Mosque is also one of the largest in all of Singapore. Its impressive gold dome can be seen from miles around. The Bussorah Mall is a great place to do some shopping and Geylang Serai gives you a glimpse into the traditions of the Malay people.

For those truly interested in getting a firsthand look into the culture of Singapore, make your way down to one of its wet markets. Hosed down every hour, the market stalls here showcase animals, animal parts and lots of other unique Singapore delicacies. The dry sides of these wet markets also have an abundance of local spices. Although you would not classify the Orchard Road district into any ethnic heritage, it is a fantastic neighborhood to explore. In fact, some consider it to be the focal point of all of Singapore, mostly because it is the place to go shopping and enjoy a fantastic meal.

The Singapore Zoo is quickly becoming a must do while visiting. What makes it unique are the lack of fences and gates. No, you are not going to be walking alongside a roaring lion, however instead of having the animals caged, they are separated by deep moats. While seeing the animals is reason enough to come, a visit at night provides you with an even better experience. The Night Safaris is a worlds first and is a fantastic way to spend an evening. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is another treat. Here you can see more than 3,000 types of orchids. Talk about having a green thumb. Another great place to see natures best is at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. This green space is a wonderful location to enjoy the flora as you go hiking or walking along the paths. Those seeking more of a challenge can also do some mountain climbing at the reserve.

Singapore has an impressive collection of manmade attractions as well. Although you may not think watching a movie while here is making good use of your time, Cinemania is one of the best in the world. The Carlsberg Sky Tower is one of the best places on the island to enjoy a fantastic view. As mentioned before, Singapore has one of the busiest ports in the world and thus it is also home to a few fantastic quays. Boat Quay can be found along the Singapore River. Its high-end restaurants and trendy clubs make it a favorite nightspot. Robertson Quay is a bit more relaxed and has a number of hotels for you to stay at. Clarke Quay takes you off of the beaten path and provides you with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and clubs.

Take a trip off of the mainland to one of the surrounding islands to continue your Singapore experience. One of the most visited islands is Sentosa. Once you arrive you will feel as though you have entered paradise. Its golf courses, world-class beaches and resorts are legendary. The Underwater World attraction is a great way to see these creatures up close. Sentosa is also a fantastic place to party once the sun dips below the horizon. A must see is the Musical Fountain. This evening show is filled with the latest laser shows expertly mixed with fire and water. Towards the south you will find the Lazarus and Sisters Islands. This is one of the very best places to go snorkeling and scuba diving. St. Johns Island also has a number of swimming holes as well as great places to enjoy a delicious picnic. Kusu Island has an impressive shrine and massive turtle sculpture, created to honor its unique past. Another island worth exploring is the Pulau Ubin. It is a fantastic place to wander an authentic village and experience what life was like way back when.

Dining in Singapore is an absolute treat. Carefully prepared dishes with the freshest ingredients all seem to be the norm. A unique experience can be had at one of the many hawker centers. These food courts are like nothing you have seen before and provide you with a fantastic, and cost efficient, alternative to eating at the restaurants. The Singapore Food Festival held in July is also a great way to experience the delicious food creations. No trip could be considered complete though without tasting a Singapore Sling. Although a Sling is tasty enough, remember to keep drinking water during your visit. The heat can become pretty intense.

Anyone fortunate enough to visit Singapore quickly realizes how fantastic this exotic place truly is. The warm hospitality, fantastic scenery and amazing sites all help make it a must see destination.