What to do in Singapore?

After being a tour guide last week, here are my personal recommendation on what to do and not to do during your visit in Singapore (especially if it's a short stay)

1. Hippo & Duck Tour (3.5*)
This tour takes you around the City, then straight down to the water, from Kallang river to Singapore river. First there is nothing to see in Kallang river of course, except people who are doing water sports. Then once you enter the Singapore river area, you get to see most of the attraction areas in Singapore, such as: Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, Merlion, Helix Bridge, Art Museum, and the ongoing project of City in the Garden (?).

If you have a good camera, best timing to go maybe around 6p.m. or 7p.m., when the lights on the buildings are up! Anyway, 5p.m. is not a bad timing as well, as the weather is already friendlier by then.

However, you are required to sit still on the boat. So just be patient, as the route is made so that passengers at both side got to see everything clearly (if not during the first half trip, then it may be on the way back to the land tour).

2. Universal Studio Singapore (5*)
It is a MUST go! Of course if possible, go during the weekdays. WHY?

1. Ticket is cheaper. With master card you enjoy 20% off! Imagine 10a.m. - 7p.m. spent in the fantasy world and only spending about $53 for the ticket, best deal ever!!!
2. Queue is much shorter!!!

Pray that the weather is good! Better hot than rain!

3. Singapore Flyer (2.5*)
Aha... this one... interestingly, is a waste of money... Sad to say... Why?
1. The point of getting this ride is to see the Singapore view from the high point. However, the view is blocked by the structure of the wheel. :(
2. You pay about $30 to get to half-an hour ride, the best view that you can get will pass in about 5 minutes.

Other Recommendation: If one would like to see Singapore view with 'unlimited' time, no steel blocking the view, and companion of music and a glass of liquor, and of course half the price, try One Altitude. The only thing, you may need to stand the whole time, as seats are limited in this open space concept bar.

4. Esplanade and Marina bay Sands (3.5%)

Taking picture in this area is a must for tourists! and of course, the $1 ice cream for hot day. From here, the view of the "Durian Skin" structure, the business disctric in Singapore, Marina Bay Sands, Fullerton are crystal clear! Lastly, you also got to meet the younger and youngest Merlion.

There are more places which are worth a visit in Singapore... Although, the country has been promoting itself as Food Paradise, in my personal opinion, the food here is not as unique. Most of the so called local food is similar to the food from other places. Anyway, for those who does not have time to visit every place in the world, in Singapore, you get the taste (orinigal or not) of food from all around the world, from Indonesia, Thailand, Indian, Western, Mediteranian and more...