Singapore is home to two of the world's three most expensive buildings (including the three-towered Marina Bay Sands, pictured), a concert hall shaped like a durian and a museum shaped like a robotic hand.
courtesy gardens by the bay
Street food for every stomach —
Nothing wrong for having a sensitive stomach here. Street food in Singapore isn't just delicious, it's hygienic.
Courtesy STB
Green pieces —
World's tallest indoor waterfall, supertrees, world's largest column-less greenhouse -- a walk through Gardens by the Bay is like visiting a theme park of plants.
Courtesy STB
World's coolest hybrid —
What other place would even think of making a bizarre hybrid of a lion and fish its international ambassador? No wonder the water-spewing Merlion is the stuff of selfie legend.
Courtesy STB
Best-ever crustacean dish —
If you're not ready to get into a lengthy argument about where to get the best chili crab -- it's the unofficial national dish -- you're probably not Singaporean. And you've probably never eaten what many consider the world's tastiest crab dish.
courtesy stb
Nonstop calendar of celebrations —
Recognizing the celebratory seasons of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Caucasian and other cultures, Singaporeans know partying. The Chingay festival (pictured) is the best party of the year. Until the one coming up next week.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
World's highest, largest rooftop pool —
As if the altitude weren't enough, Marina Bay Sand's 495-foot pool is also an infinity pool.
courtesy andrew tan
You just made a deal —
If you're visiting during the Great Singapore Sale (eight weeks between May and July), Christmas or Chinese New Year, bring extra cash and an empty suitcase.
Courtesy STB
Fashion Week that isn't stuck-up —
"Sure, you can sit with us." Unlike official fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, London and New York, which are open only to media, buyers and celebs, Singapore Fashion Week sells tickets to the general public.
Courtesy singapore fashion week
Beauty of a beach bar —
One of the world's best beach bars, Tanjong Beach Club draws models, bankers and beach bums. At night, DJs play to an energetic crowd who like to feel the sand between their toes as they dance.
courtesy tanjong beach club
Best local interjection —
"Lah" can be, and often is, added to the end of any sentence in Singapore. It can eliminate words and emphasize meaning at the same time. "Come on, don't waste anymore time!" becomes simply "Come on, lah." Good times, lah.
Paula Bronstein/Getty Images
Work uniforms even fashionistas love —
Designed by Parisian Pierre Balmain, Singapore Airilnes' figure-hugging flight attendant unis have changed little since debuting in 1968 -- proof of their timeless beauty.
ROMEO GACAD/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Spirit in the sky —
The aerial walkway crossing the Henderson Waves footbridges to the Mount Faber cable car station provides magnificent views.
courtesy stb
World's freakiest theme park —
An unusual family theme park, Haw Par Villa portrays the gruesome tortures in hell. This woman roasting in a volcanic pit is either a con artist, a thief or has inflicted physical injury upon others, according to the exhibit's inscription.