As a resident of suburban Kolkata, Singapore is a short hop of 4 hrs. 15 min. Needless to say, Singapore is a much preferred holiday destination for most Kolkatans, due largely to its easy accessibility as well as the historical connect.

In the days of yore, and I am talking about the mid-18th century when the British East India Company took possession of Kolkata as a trading hub and later on evolved as the capital of British India. Singapore too was a British trading post then.

Not many are even aware that Singapore was an integral part of the Bengal Presidency from 1830 to 1851, and the then British East India Company found this administrative system to be more cost-effective.

Nonetheless, even after Singapore's cessation from Bengal Presidency, the historical ties between two of Asia's greatest cities remain unhampered. In fact, over the years, the bonhomie between them has blossomed manyfold, and as a much-traveled travel writer, I sometimes wonder why there is no “Kolkata” or “Little Bengal” in Singapore, given the fact that there are around 153,000 Bengalis living in Singapore!

History apart, Singapore is one of Asia's most developed countries and has the highest global GDP rankings (PPP adjusted) and is one of the world's most expensive cities to live in. The Singapore skyline itself is every bit awe-inspiring, not just for those tall skyscraper buildings, but also for the element of design harmony when it comes to creating contemporary urban agglomeration, which is astonishingly elevating to the first-time visitor.

As a highly developed nation, Singapore has many “firsts” to its credit—fastest Internet connectivity, lowest corruption levels, lowest infant mortality…. Yet, the fact of the matter is that this nation has one of the highest population densities in the world! However, what is worth emulating from the Singapore model is the island nation's sense of ingenuity when it comes to making full use of the limited land resources available, with provisions for exclusive green spaces and dedicated urban recreational centers.

This island nation/city-state may be small in size (720 sq km), but make no mistake! It does pack a punch, viz-a-viz its vantage location, with one of the world’s largest seaports and a bustling aviation hub—100+ airlines operating out of Changi International Airport.

Singapore Airlines, the flag carrier of this island nation, is a 5-star airline and a Star Alliance member that many reckon is also the world's best airline.

If Singapore's cityscape is incredible, can culture be far behind?

Well, being a travel writer for the past two decades and having taken countless trips to Singapore—sometimes on work assignments, sometimes to attend marriages of close friends and family members, or sometimes for plain simple recreation—Singapore remains an enigma! A cultural melting pot of diverse nationalities like Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian settlers, all of whom have contributed to making Singapore such a culture-rich nation.

Despite being small, Singapore is a much-preferred country for business and commerce. In terms of ease of doing business and favorable indicators like political stability and infrastructure availability, the island nation is a perennial favorite with business barons and tech companies.

The government of Singapore, through its policy of levying low corporate taxes and granting tax incentives, has been successful in luring big-ticket investments into the island nation.

According to Jack HM Wong, a certified tax advisor:

In order to attract foreign direct investment into Singapore as we don’t have any natural resources in this country, the Government might offer some fiscal and non-fiscal tax incentives. Some investors may end up paying no income taxes or their income is taxed at % or 10 %. However we only grant incentives for investors with substantive economic operations. There is also a total business spending requirement as part of the conditions where these investors have to invest in millions or billions of dollars a year in Singapore as one of the terms and conditions for the incentive.

In their eagerness to explore Singapore's iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Pinnacle at Duxton, Raffles Hotel, Singapore Flyer, Singapore Art Museum, and the neighborhoods like Little India, Chinatown, Kampong Glam, and Tiong Bahru, visitors often overlook the island nation's obsession with tea.

Yes, Singaporeans are connoisseurs of tea. Nothing cheers them up more than a steaming cup of tea. This cozy tea culture is influenced by Singapore's migrant Chinese and Indian communities. The fact that it was once a British colony has meant that the concept of indulging in “afternoon teas” has remained popular with Singaporeans to date.

Traditional tea houses are popularly referred to as “Kopitiams,” which are buzzing with activity, more so after the COVID-19 pandemic!

As someone who was born and raised in Assam—one of the world's most densely cultivated tea regions, where some of the world's best tea is produced—I can vouch that an average Singaporean's appreciation for fine tea leaves is remarkable.

Of late, the concept of “bubble tea shops” has gained tremendous popularity. The manner in which varieties of black and oolong tea are assembled and blended, thereby giving it a unique flavor, is worth indulging in.

Apart from the traditional “Kopitiams,” Singapore has numerous high-end tea salons. Luxury hotels like Goodwood Park, Ritz-Carlton, and Shangri-La offer incredible choices.

One of Singapore's iconic landmark hotels, Raffles, is renowned the world over for its Classic Afternoon Tea at the Grand Lobby, where tea connoisseurs indulge in high-quality tea in a truly extraordinary Victorian setting. A good idea is to purchase signature Raffles tea boxes for souvenirs, and they have many varieties—Raffles Assam Loose Tea, Nuwara Eliya Loose Tea, Green Tea, and all beautifully packaged in tin boxes!

As a keen tea aficionado, I, for one, would highly recommend a visit to Hotel Conrad's Tea Lounge, located at 2 Temasek Boulevard—where the essence is on recreating the good old British sophistication with Asian exuberance. From seasonal delicacies to a wide variety of sandwiches to go with, the Conrad Tea Lounge makes your Singapore-inspired afternoon high tea experience truly rewarding.

Exploring the neighbourhoods

First-time visitors should ideally keep 4/5 days for exploring the varied charms of Singapore and neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam, and Tiong Bahru, all of which make for a truly rewarding visitor experience.

To ensure a hassle-free and immersive tourism experience, visitors to Singapore are advised to avail themselves of the services of knowledgeable guides.

Civic district

This used to be the colonial headquarters of British-administered Singapore and is ubiquitous for its quintessential art galleries and museums. The National Gallery in particular showcases the world's largest collection of South Asian art. Other landmarks worth visiting are the Victoria Concert Hall, Asian Civilizations Museum, and Peranakan Museum.

Little India

As the name suggests, Little India is all things Indian and is easily one of the most vibrant neighborhoods of Singapore, where the spirit of India comes alive in a riot of colors, especially during the festive seasons. What a joy it is to be here during Diwali—the festival of lights!

Chinatown

The Chinese were the first of the migrant settlers in Singapore, and they have contributed immensely both culturally and commercially towards making Singapore one of the world’s best city-states.

As you amble leisurely through the bustling alleyways of Chinatown, the sight of Thian Hock Keng, which is Singapore's oldest Chinese temple, compels you to stop by and admire.

There is also the Buddha Tooth Relic & Museum in Chinatown. This temple is an architectural marvel and one of the best specimens of Buddhist Mandala and Tang Dynasty architecture. Here, Lord Buddha's left canine tooth is preserved in a golden stupa.

For authentic Chinese culinary specialties, drop in at Bee Chang Hiyang or Kele. The latter in particular serves the best pineapple tarts in the whole of Singapore.

Marina Bay

This is Singapore's signature glitz and glamour zone. The iconic Merlion Park is easily one of Singapore's most preferred “selfie zones.”. The statue, which is half fish and half lion, is symbolic of Singapore's past, of being a fishing village, and the head of the lion represents the resurgent Singapore of today.

The Esplanade area is ubiquitous for its distinct architecture and is the “Party Zone” of Singapore and is replete with Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end bars.

The Singapore Flyer (165 meters) is Asia's largest observation wheel and offers breathtaking views of the cityscape.

Sentosa

This is sunny Singapore at its best—Harry Potter Magic, Underwater Wonders, Aqua Park, Sky Park Bungee Jumping, Rainforest by Night, makes Sentosa a thrilling hotspot. Here you will find a LEGO-certified store and the very best of Hershey's chocolate collections—Kisses, Twizzlers, Reese's, and what have you.

Hotels that resonate with luxury

The hospitality landscape of Singapore is literally a treasure trove of all that is gracious, elegant, and charming. They range from neoclassical residences to modern-day skyscraper-type hotels. With living walls, there’s much to admire in the luxury accommodation stakes. These hotels are destinations in themselves, and some of them have a rich, virile past, which is worth indulging in.

A list of Singapore’s most famous hotels to stay

  • Raffles: located strategically at No. 1 Beach Road and renowned for its old-world charm and period architecture. This is an iconic hotel, which dates back to 1887.

  • The Outpost Hotel Sentosa: located on a vantage hilltop offering mesmerizing views of the Singapore Strait. The award-winning spa is one of the best in Singapore and has a bewildering array of cuisines to savor.

  • Oasia: located at 190 Orchard Boulevard. A Four Seasons Group Hotel, right in the city center. An urban oasis with regally done-up suites and an eclectic mix of gastronomic delights to indulge in.

  • Park Royal on Pickering: located at 3 Upper Pickering Street. A family-friendly hotel with an outdoor swimming pool and high-end amenities.

  • The Fullerton: the Fullerton Hotel Singapore was launched in 2001, and The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore opened in 2010. The hotels are centrally located in the heart of Singapore’s Civic District.

  • St. Regis: located at 29 Tanglin Road in downtown Singapore. This outstanding hotel has Asia's finest private art collection. The hotel’s 299 rooms and suites ooze thoughtful luxury—crystal chandeliers, original art pieces, and carefully designed fabrics.