Uploaded December 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Singapore is a melting pot of languages, religions, cultures and traditions. In this immersive 360 experience, get a realistic depiction of what life is like for locals in Singapore.
It’s hard to think about the city-state of Singapore without imagining the iconic Marina Bay Sands resort. When it opened its doors in 2010, it was called the world’s costliest casino property at a price tag of $5.6 billion.
While the infinity pool is only open to hotel guests, head to the 57th floor, the ever-popular SkyPark, for a photo op. If you are still jonesing for some fun in the sun, Sentosa Island offers several beach bars, including Tanjong Beach Club, where you can kick back and be lazy.
Another way to get outdoors is to stroll Singapore’s 157-year-old botanical gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A huge draw to the Singapore Botanic Gardens is its National Orchid Garden, which can be viewed for a nominal fee.
If you want to walk in the footsteps of locals, however, you have to really love shopping (try Bugis Street for inexpensive souvenirs) and eating. Save cash and have a truly local experience by lunching at a Hawker Centre such as Tiong Bahru Market or Maxwell Road Hawker Centre. There, you’ll find local favorites such as cendol (shaved ice with syrups and beans), carrot cake (a savory dish, which is neither carrot nor cake) and chicken rice (yep, you guessed it).
More than anything, Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, religions and traditions. And it’s common for locals to take time from their day to pray at a nearby temple. Some impressive temples I suggest you check out: Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Sri Ruthra Kaliamman Temple, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum.
I was lucky enough to be in Singapore during the Hungry Ghost Festival, when the spirits of the dead are thought to roam freely. During this time, locals are extra cautious, and they make a point to honor the dead with offerings of food and by symbolically burning paper tablets in their honor.
It is believed that the ghosts of dead can assist and protect the living. So be on your best behavior in Singapore. Your ancestors might be watching.
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If you value experiences over consumerism, if you think there's more to life than the 9-5, if you want to travel to every country in the world before you die, subscribe to my channel, and let’s see where we end up next: ow.ly/Vx3Xs
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My trip to Singapore was made possible by Singapore Airlines. Views expressed are my own.
Singapore is a melting pot of languages, religions, cultures and traditions. In this immersive 360 experience, get a realistic depiction of what life is like for locals in Singapore.
It’s hard to think about the city-state of Singapore without imagining the iconic Marina Bay Sands resort. When it opened its doors in 2010, it was called the world’s costliest casino property at a price tag of $5.6 billion.
While the infinity pool is only open to hotel guests, head to the 57th floor, the ever-popular SkyPark, for a photo op. If you are still jonesing for some fun in the sun, Sentosa Island offers several beach bars, including Tanjong Beach Club, where you can kick back and be lazy.
Another way to get outdoors is to stroll Singapore’s 157-year-old botanical gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A huge draw to the Singapore Botanic Gardens is its National Orchid Garden, which can be viewed for a nominal fee.
If you want to walk in the footsteps of locals, however, you have to really love shopping (try Bugis Street for inexpensive souvenirs) and eating. Save cash and have a truly local experience by lunching at a Hawker Centre such as Tiong Bahru Market or Maxwell Road Hawker Centre. There, you’ll find local favorites such as cendol (shaved ice with syrups and beans), carrot cake (a savory dish, which is neither carrot nor cake) and chicken rice (yep, you guessed it).
More than anything, Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, religions and traditions. And it’s common for locals to take time from their day to pray at a nearby temple. Some impressive temples I suggest you check out: Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Sri Ruthra Kaliamman Temple, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum.
I was lucky enough to be in Singapore during the Hungry Ghost Festival, when the spirits of the dead are thought to roam freely. During this time, locals are extra cautious, and they make a point to honor the dead with offerings of food and by symbolically burning paper tablets in their honor.
It is believed that the ghosts of dead can assist and protect the living. So be on your best behavior in Singapore. Your ancestors might be watching.
______
If you value experiences over consumerism, if you think there's more to life than the 9-5, if you want to travel to every country in the world before you die, subscribe to my channel, and let’s see where we end up next: ow.ly/Vx3Xs
Snapchat: JoanJetsetter
Blog: joanjetsetter.com
Twitter: twitter.com/JoanJetsetter
Vine: vine.co/JoanJetsetter
Instagram: instagram.com/JoanJetsetter
Tumblr: joanjetsetter.tumblr.com
My trip to Singapore was made possible by Singapore Airlines. Views expressed are my own.





![Pro Tips for Exploring Curacaos Shete Boka
Shete Boka National Park—located on Curacaos rugged north coast—is home to the islands most dynamic landscape. Its also a haven for endangered green sea turtles and remarkably large iguanas (a popular ingredient in local stews).
Head to Shete Boka for its 10 impressive inlets called “bokas” and miles of hiking trails. Or just look at it as an opportunity to get away from it all. For someone like me, who lives in an over-crowed city, a walk around this park was one of few opportunities to be alone with nature. Many times, there was not a soul in sight—just me and the crashing waves.
My visit to Shete Boka was a last-minute, spur-of-the-moment opportunity, and I had little or no knowledge of what I was about to see. Knowing what I know now, I would have done a few things differently.
For one thing, beach attire (though welcome everywhere throughout Curacao) isnt a wise choice for a day at the park. Be sure to wear athletic or hiking shoes if you plan to do any real exploring. Youll likely be walking on tiny rocks all day, which can make you lose your footing rather easily. I also recommend covering up your shoulders, wearing a hat and slathering on the sunblock.
Try to arrive early to avoid the hottest part of the day and bring more water than you think you need. Keeping yourself hydrated can be a challenge with the humidity factor. I was sweating like crazy.
Some hotels offer tours to the park, but I often find that its more fun to explore it at your own pace. So rent a car (be sure to opt for the rental insurance) and drive yourself to the park. Once youre there, you can get a map and drive to the points of interest that strike your fancy.
For me, Boka Pistol was the most impressive site, with its dramatic blowhole shooting water high into the sky. Boka Tabla was dark, a bit dangerous, and didnt photograph well. I really didnt understand what all the fuss was about. Skip this boka if youre short on time.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how you choose to explore Shete Boka National Park. Just go. For an admission fee of $5.50, it’s probably the best deal on the entire island.
This is the jagged, untouched beauty of Curacao … in its rawest and purest form.
If you value experiences over consumerism, if you think theres more to life than the 9-5, if you want to travel to every country in the world before you die, subscribe to my channel, and let’s see where we end up next: http://ow.ly/Vx3Xs
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Executive Producer: Skye Mayring
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Music courtesy of Killer Tracks [BMI]
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My trip to Curacao was made possible by the Curacao Tourist Board. Views expressed are my own. Pro Tips for Exploring Curacaos Shete Boka](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dmtXs7JKkJE/mqdefault.jpg)




