Whether you’re only in Singapore for a short layover or are relocating to a new home overseas, there’s an abundance of things you should do and see before you leave. From checking out that historical site you never had the opportunity to visit, exploring a new neighbourhood or sampling a local dish you haven’t tried, taking the time to get the most out of Singapore is a great way to end your time here. As passionate Singaporeans ourselves, we’ve collated a list on what to see and do before you leave our wonderful country.
EAT, EAT & EAT!
When you first arrived in Singapore, you probably missed your favourite meals from your home country. If you played it safe for too long and did not give Singaporean cuisine a chance, then it is the time to start! If you did try what the local kitchens have to offer, then you better enjoy it as much as you can on your last days there. Indulge on chilli crab or durian in the Hawker Food Markets. You definitely cannot leave without enjoying the latter, Singapore’s national fruit. If the smell has prevented you from trying it, durian ice cream is a delicious and easy way to sample this iconic fruit.
Singapore’s top hotels host Sunday brunches which offer the perfect opportunity to indulge in some delicious food and drink champagne. It’s a gorgeous place to say goodbye to your friends in Singapore and discuss your future plans while the children play in the supervised playrooms that majority of the hotels offer.
EMBRACE THE FESTIVALS
The culture and diversity of Singapore is best understood by participating in the festivals. Beginning with Chinese New Year, there’s plenty of different festivals and holidays celebrated in Singapore throughout the year. Before you leave, make the effort to attend the Float at Marina Bay during the start of the year or delight in the Hindu festival of Thaipusam and its parade. Ramadan offers the perfect opportunity to taste the gastronomic delights from more than a thousand food stalls. Regardless of if you have a sweet tooth or you prefer savoury, there is an exotic treat to tempt your tastebuds. Whether it's the Deepavali festival of lights or the Mid-Autumn Festival, ending your time in Singapore by attending a festival is a truly magical way to say goodbye.
VISIT THE LANDMARKS
It’s easy to forget to visit iconic Singapore landmarks when there is so much else to do and explore! However, it’s a great feeling leaving the country knowing you’ve seen all the iconic sites and landmarks. Visit the Changi War Museum and learn about a very important part of Singapore’s history. Visit the Durian, Merlion Park and the National Gallery Singapore. Of course, every expat should allow themselves the time to relax at the Botanic Gardens and Marina Bay.
Visiting Pulau Ubin is a must and what better way to do it than by bumboat? This gorgeous island will delight anyone who wishes to admire what nature can offer. It is also home to Kampongs, which are traditional Singaporean villages. There’s plenty to do and see including hiking, cycling, and camping. Kampongs are also slowly on the decline so embrace the opportunity to visit them while they still exist.
EXPLORE THE NEIGHBOURHOODS
Depending on where you were living in Singapore, chances are that you rarely took the time to explore a different neighbourhood. As life gets busy, we tend to stick to our routines for ease and comfort. Leaving Singapore to move overseas is a great motivation to try visiting a different neighbourhood. Why not explore Little India? Allow yourself to get immersed in the rich aromas, throbbing music and bustling crowds as you get transported to the real life streets of India. Make sure you visit Mustafa, a 24-hour department store that sells many exotic trinkets and gifts.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW!
Singapore is home to amazing museums, galleries and other educational attractions. Regardless of whether you have children, why not learn something new before you leave Singapore and visit a museum The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is where you can discover dinosaur fossils and stare in awe at gigantic dinosaur skeletons. Feel the size and scope of nature by admiring the skeleton of a Sperm Whale and a range of beautiful wildlife. This museum is not a short trip; however, it has 16 different zones and 4 gardens to educate and excite visitors of all ages. The ArtScience Museum can include a wide range of different displays, with a staggering 21 gallery spaces. Previous exhibits include movie props from the magical world of Harry Potter and lost treasures in the exhibition “Shipwrecked: Tang Treasure”, a collection of artifacts found in the waters around Indonesia in the late 1990s.
MOSH! is an interactive science centre in which learning and creativity go hand-in-hand. In this innovative theme park, kids (and adults) can create unique underwater creatures and interact with them on-screen then launch jumbo jets with a wave of their hands.
MAXIMISE YOUR ENJOYMENT
Leading up to a move, it’s difficult to take time to enjoy yourself, say goodbye to friends, and organise your relocation. By hiring an experienced
international moving company like Allied, you won’t have to spend hours worrying over every single detail in your relocation. Instead, you’ll have the time and energy to focus on what matters most. While you are busy making the most of your time in Singapore, the team at Allied will be busy getting everything prepared for your move.
Get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your move from Singapore today!