If you’re curious how a backwater trading post blossoms into a high-tech metropolis of more than 5 million people, you can get some insights at the URA Gallery. With so many people in so little space, every detail of Singapore’s growth needs to be carefully planned and the URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) are the people … read the full post

While a recent post about whether Singapore is an expensive city concluded with a resounding yes, one exception is used books. The supply of used English-language books greatly outweighs the demand (thanks iPhones!) which translates to dirt-cheap prices — from S$2 a book. While you won’t find a cheap bookstore in any of the shiny … read the full post

Continuing my exploration of Singapore’s 62 lesser-known islands, I caught a ferry at the Marina South Pier for a 15-minute ride to St John’s Island. After sailing through the busy port and getting my closest look yet at the huge container ships that dock outside of Singapore, underdeveloped St John’s Island felt a world away … read the full post

Is Singapore expensive? I’m just back from a short “hang out with the grandparents” three-day trip to Singapore with my daughter and would answer with a firm “yes”. I can’t remember ever burning though so much cash (well plastic) in such a short time. That said, while Singapore can be expensive, it need not be. … read the full post

There may be an 800-year gap between the notable architecture of Cambodia and Singapore, but the two countries are just a two-hour flight apart. If you don’t want to rely on the e-visa or visa-on-arrival service you can apply for a visa at the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Singapore. For a 30-day tourist visa … read the full post

Far East Plaza is known as a hang-out for Singapore’s teenage ah lians and ah bengs who flock there for cheap, flashy fashions. Since a meal at this mall usually means KFC and bubble tea, I was sceptical when I heard there was a good Turkish restaurant tucked away inside. I’m happy to report that … read the full post

“Ai yah!  Out damn spot! Out I say, lah!” Ok, it’s not that extreme, but there is a distinct Singlish lilt to the voice of Lady MacBeth in the Singapore Repertory Theatre’s latest production for Shakespeare in the Park. They’ve taken a couple other liberties and turned up the drama Hollywood-style with bloody battle scenes, … read the full post

For many tourists a visit to Singapore is an excuse to indulge in some serious retail therapy.  After window shopping for luxury brands on Orchard Road and browsing cheap souvenirs at the Chinatown Street market, the next stop on the Singapore shopping spree is usually Sim Lim Square to check out the latest electronic gadgets. … read the full post

UPDATE: Clinic Bar has closed. Make yourself comfy in a gold-plated wheelchair and order up an IV bag of booze at Singapore’s hospital-themed Clinic Bar. Located in the trendy Clarke Quay area, the bar creates a morbidly chic atmosphere with shots served in syringes, servers wearing scrubs, and hospital bed couches. Clinic Bar is the … read the full post