Singapore - where skyscrapers and jungle meet

Usually as a European citizen, you can enter Singapore without a visa if your stay does not exceed 90 days. All you need is an Arrival Card, which you must register for online at the following website:

https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard/

In addition, your passport must be valid for another 6 months after you leave Singapore, and you will need a pre-purchased flight ticket to prove your departure date.

If you come from a country at risk of monkeypox, you can now also expect health screening.

Anyway, this is a pretty strict country, there are a lot of rules that you have to pay attention to:

• For example, you cannot use or bring any electronic cigarettes, such as IQOS, into the country. (In principle, because I brought one in, I didn't want to throw it away, and I arrived here at the end of a long trip, but I didn't take it out while I was in Singapore)

• You are not allowed to chew gum or bring it into the country.

• You can't smoke in your own car with the windows rolled down.

• Smoking is not allowed on the street, only in designated areas.

• Littering is so forbidden that it can result in a heavy fine (but of course we don't litter anywhere, it's basic and natural)

• Spitting also carries a significant fine

If you have registered for the arrival card, you may receive an email (I received several) listing all the things that are punishable by prison or the death penalty (e.g. drug trafficking) in Singapore.

If all this doesn't scare you away and you arrive in Singapore, you will have a special experience.

Singapore is a small city-state that gained independence in 1965 and has since undergone incredible development. It is now one of the world's financial centers and has a level of innovation that rivals any major city.

I stayed at the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel because I really wanted to try it, but you can book accommodation for much cheaper. But the truth is that it was one of the best hotel experiences of my life.

The Marina Bay Sands building itself is beautiful and very photogenic, but you can also use the infinity pool on the top, because supposedly you can now buy tickets, you don't have to be a hotel guest to do so.

A special attraction at The Shoppes shopping mall next to Marina Bay Sands is the indoor canal, where small wooden boats, called sampans, swing. Visitors can board these boats while a rower dressed in traditional attire slowly guides them along the canal, passing luxurious shops and cafes. In the middle of the canal, the Rain Oculus waterfall cascades through a huge, circular glass structure, which spectacularly connects the upper and lower floors of the building, creating a special atmosphere during the short but memorable boat ride.

Directly on the opposite side is another must-see attraction, Gardens by the Bay.

Gardens by the Bay was actually built based on a futuristic vision, in the spirit of ecological awareness and sustainability. A tender was announced for its creation in 2006, and it was finally built in 2012. Part of it is free to visit, but the Sky Walk is paid. In addition, there is the world's largest greenhouse. A lot of plants have been planted in the huge park, but the most special are the artificial trees, the Supertree Grove, which give the futuristic atmosphere.

The "super trees", artificial trees, are the most beautiful at night, they are lit up, and you can also see musical light shows, it's the greatest experience.

It is also worth taking time to visit the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest (home to the world's largest waterfall). You can buy combined tickets, which will give you some discounts.

Other attractions in Singapore:

• Merlion Park

  The Merlion is a symbol of Singapore, a figure with a lion's head and a mermaid's body, hence its name (mermaid and lion). The fish-like lower body refers to Singapore's fishing village past, and the lion's head represents the country's strength and courage. The famous statue is a gargoyle, seen in a landscaped park.

• Sentosa

  This is a fun island with many attractions, such as a wind tunnel, segway, water slide park.

• Chinatown and Little India

  If you want an authentic Asian atmosphere, take a walk around here. The street food is also very delicious here, but you can also find good restaurants and bars, and if you stay here, you will get away with it cheaper. Public transport is very reliable and safe.

• MacRitchie Treetop Walk

  A 250 meters high walkway in the rainforest. You can see many different animals, monkeys in all quantities, but also monitor lizards and birds, colorful butterflies. In some parts there are also snakes and spiders, this is worth considering.

• Sky Garden at CapitaSpring

  Beautiful panorama from 51 floors up.

• Sultan Mosque and Kamplong Glam District

  Appropriate attire is required here, and the not the entire mosque is open to non-Muslims, but it is a beautiful, authentic sight from the outside.

• Changi Airport

  The airport itself is a special attraction, if you have the chance, spend 1-2 hours here. I think it is one of the most beautiful airports in the world. Don't miss the waterfall and the Canopy park!