60 Things We Love About Singapore: Celebrating SG’s SG60’s Birthday!

As we gear up to celebrate SG60, Singapore’s 60th birthday, we’re taking a moment to reflect on 60 things we love about Singapore!

Whether you’ve grown up here or just recently made Singapore your home, there’s no denying the everyday magic of life in Singapore. As the nation turns 60, we’re buzzing with anticipation for the National Day celebrations. Think epic NDP fireworks and Red Lions soaring through the sky. From late-night suppers at the hawker centre to walks through green spaces, and the sheer ease of getting around, it’s the little things (and the big ones too) that make living in Singapore so special. Join us in taking a moment to appreciate 60 reasons to love our little red dot!

60 Reasons to Love Our Little Red Dot:

1. We’re always learning about different cultures

Living alongside multicultural neighbours often means we get to experience their traditions, such as cooking for neighbours during Hari Raya, watching Indian or Hindu neighbours draw their Rangoli in front of their houses during Deepavali, and exchanging oranges with Chinese neighbours during Chinese New Year. We love these opportunities for the diversity they bring and for teachable moments about race and inclusivity.

Read more: Singapore Families Celebrate Their Multi-Cultural Identities

2. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities all year round

There is SO much to do with kids in Singapore, from free outdoor playgrounds to kid-friendly activities. Plus, we love how most bathrooms in malls are well-equipped for diaper changes and feeding, too. Kids’ activities take place all year round, not just during school holidays, so there’s never a lack of kids’ activities in Singapore.

3. Singapore is so safe!

We love how safe this country is – so safe that we feel comfortable teaching our kids how to commute on their own when they are old enough! Some parents have started this as young as 8!

4. Singapore Zoo – Best in the world

Probably one of the most beautiful zoos in the world. In typical Singapore fashion, everything at the Singapore Zoo is very clean and orderly, and all the animals (over 2,800) look healthy. Definitely a must-see.

Read more: Guide To Singapore Zoo With Kids

5. Cheapest Michelin-starred meals in the world!

Singapore is proudly home to Michelin-starred street food, Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, from just $4.50. A super casual streetside stall where noodles are cooked-to-order and served with pork, pork liver and crispy bits. Expect to queue for this kind of value!

6. Reliable, cheap public transport

Sure, we may complain that the next bus is due to arrive in 7 minutes (which can be easily checked thanks to apps like My Transport SG, etc) which may be long by our standards, but we can definitely count on it! Getting from one end of Singapore to the other is so easy and usually involves just a couple of transfers. It’s also great that buses and trains are increasingly getting more wheelchair- and pram-accessible plus we love the hit of air-con.

Read More: 12 Hours in Singapore: Kid-Friendly Ways to Fill Your Day

7. Amazing skyline and city views

It’s not hard to find the best spots to get gorgeous views of the little red dot. You can watch the sun set over a cocktail at Marina Bay Sands or hop on the Singapore Flyer (for no reason, obviously) and check out how beautiful SG is from all angles…

Read more: Best Rooftop Restaurants & Bars For Amazing Dining Views

8. First-class health care

Even government hospitals provide top-notch healthcare services. Everything is also super high-tech, with hospitals equipped with the best and latest information and equipment to help with any health issues.

9.  Swimming pools galore

Perhaps both a luxury and a necessity in this heat, but the fact that most condos and houses come with a pool or are close to an amazing public swimming pool with slides, rocks! Mamas can relax poolside with a magazine and an iced bevvy while the bubbas splash around (read: tire themselves out)! A win-win situation every single weekend.

10. World-class museums

Whether you’re taking out-of-town visitors to the Asian Civilisations Museum or the Peranakan Museum, or you’re keeping kiddos occupied at Sassy Mama faves like the fire station, Science Centre Singapore or ArtScience Museum, Singapore’s perpetually rotating slate of amazing museum exhibits means there will always be something new to discover.

11. Deliciously spicy food

As a cultural hotpot (literally), Singapore might specialise in more cuisines than anywhere else on Earth. Chinese food, Indian food, Malay food, Peranakan food, Thai and Vietnamese food … this is truly a foodie paradise, and we just love all the spice!

12. Wet markets for fresh produce

In Singapore, we really are spoilt for choice when it comes to fresh produce found in wet markets. Here you’ll find many different types of Asian greens, fruits and vegetables, not to mention meats and seafood! Not sure how to shop in a wet market? Read our wet market guide.

13. Stunning street art

For a place that is strict about graffiti, the street art here is certainly something to search out. We love wandering the streets and taking pics of our kids blended in with the fun scenes painted on certain walls.

14. Public holidays

Okay, okay, Singapore doesn’t have as many public holidays as our sisters in Hong Kong, but we get days off for Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali … all the cool multicultural ones! Check out all the public holidays in Singapore here.

15. So many green initiatives!

For a small country, Singapore has been championing sustainability in many areas, from community spaces to commercial buildings. You’ll see this in the literal green buildings covered with vertical gardens and planters, the extensive park connector network, and the various recycling initiatives found all around!

Read more: Our Favourite Parks in Singapore

16. The best education in the world

As parents, we’re pretty stoked to live in the country that leads the world in Math and Science performance. It’s not every nation that has its own brand of math named after it!

17. A chance to have bilingual kids

While kids in local schools are required to have proficiency in at least two languages, plenty of international schools and preschools also take advantage of our multicultural landscape to promote Mandarin immersion and true bilingualism among children. How chuffed were you the first time you heard your little one conversing with a taxi uncle?

18. It’s always so clean

We love the fact that we have such clean streets! There’s no gum on the floor, and the public toilets are spotless.

19. Jewel Changi Airport

How can you not feel filled with wonder every time you lay eyes upon the world’s tallest indoor fountain? Besides the fact that it offers even more fun things to do with kids and has oodles of outstanding restaurants, Jewel Changi Airport is simply an architectural marvel.

Read more: Best Food At Jewel Changi Airport

20. Decent beaches on our doorstep

So fine, we live on the Equator and it’s unlikely we’ll ever see fluffy white snowflakes, but this means we can hit the beach all year round! Check out the best Singapore beaches here.

21. Landing at Changi Airport – Efficiency at best

Coming home from even the best vacation is made a little easier when you can breeze through automated immigration gates, find your suitcase waiting for you, and hop in a cab within a matter of minutes at what’s without question the world’s greatest airport. 

22. Dramatic thunderstorms

Singapore holds the world record for the number of lightning storms! They are amazing to watch (but not so much fun when trees get knocked down!) and we appreciate the sweater weather that comes with.

23. Heritage shophouses to admire

From the painted ladies of Koon Seng Road in Joo Chiat to the pretty tiles on Duxton Hill, Singapore’s pockets of architectural delights are an immediate mood enhancer.

24. Family-friendly cycling routes

We LOVE that Singapore is a cycle-friendly city! If you accept the fact that sweating is inevitable and try to cycle early mornings or (early) evenings, it’s a fantastic way to get from A to B with or without kids. Check out our favourite cycling routes here.

25. Amazing local getaways

We’ve already mentioned how fricking awesome Jewel Changi is, but if you don’t want to get on a plane at all (ciao annoying luggage allowance!), then there are myriad possibilities of island getaways via boat and car.

26. Variety of unique desserts

This town is a gold mine for anyone with a sweet tooth. There are so many delicious desserts to choose from – from ice cream in Singapore flavours to ice kacang, durian, Bingsu and more!

27. Kid-friendly cafes

Singapore really caters to families with kids – there are so many best kid-friendly restaurants and cafés with playgrounds and special kids’ menus.

28. Durians, durians, durians!

Have you tried this prickly tropical fruit? Do your kids love it or hate it? Try this delicacy at a durian stall in town if it’s your first time (or if you want to contain the smell) or have durians delivered to your home for the true durian fanatic!

29. Interesting and diverse neighbourhoods

We love exploring the different neighbourhoods in Singapore – there’s Little India, Kampong Glam, Chinatown, Joo Chiat – each one is a delight to walk around. Get your phones charged for lots of photos, try the different foods and enjoy the different vibe in each one.

30. 24-hour shopping at Mustafa Centre

You can get everything here. It’s your one-stop shop for everything from diapers, to spices, to ice cream to smokeless camphor (!), to hard-to-find beauty products.

31. Cool brunch scene

Sunday brunch is definitely the new Saturday night out … If you’re an old-feeling, tired parent like us that is! Neck some free-flow champers, allow the bubs to run wild in the play area, and head home for a good nap at the end of it. Phew!

32. Awesome parks

No matter how much concrete there is in Singapore, there’s always an abundance of trees, bushes, flowers and the like, everywhere you go. Plus, there are so many parks and even a few untouched habitats (Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve, Pulau Ubin), we can discover once we’ve exhausted all the hipster cafés and photogenic architecture.

33. Wild animals in the city!

Ok so this can be a little terrifying, but we love that the wildlife our children see in their storybooks actually comes to life in Singapore and somehow manages to coexist alongside our urban metropolis. There’s nowhere better for budding naturalists! Here’s where to spot wild crocodiles, snakes, dolphins and more in Singapore.

34. Outdoor activities you can do all year

There are over 101 things to do (yeah we counted and wrote about it here) so you and the kids will never ever get bored. But if you do get bored, know that being bored is good for you!

35. Chatty taxi uncles

In a city where the price of owning a car is prohibitive, we’re lucky to have the friendliest taxi drivers anywhere! They are always so happy to chat about everything, and make you feel “at home” during your ride.

36. Nature hiking trails

You might be dodging monkeys at MacRitchie Reservoir, but this amazing park is well worth it for the shade and uniquely rugged terrain at one of the few truly hilly places to go running in Singapore. There are so many hiking trails in Singapore.

37. We can drink fresh coconut water daily!

The most refreshing thing, basically ever, and a totally affordable luxury! Buy fresh coconuts in any supermarket or find them at a hawker stall!

38. World-class shopping malls

Whether you’re after the luxury international brands on Orchard Road (Singapore has more malls per square mile than anywhere else on Earth!), looking to score a bargain in Chinatown, or keeping up with the latest hip up-and-comers on Haji Lane, you are definitely in a shopping paradise.

Read more: Best Shopping Malls in Singapore

39. Chicken rice: Best kids’ meal out ever!

This must be one of our favourite things about Singapore. Chicken rice, along with chilli crab, is Singapore’s signature dish. What do you get? Amazingly tender chicken and super tasty rice. It’s delicious and totally child-friendly. 

40. World’s greatest airline

Consistently ranked the world’s best international airline, Singapore Airlines’ service, food, and up-to-date entertainment options have spoiled us for flying anyone else.

41. Everything is so close!

Singapore is really tiny; you can get to anywhere within minutes (longer if using public transport), but nothing will really take you long. By saving time commuting, we get more time to spend with our family, friends or doing things we love.

42.  Family-friendly fun

There’s always something to do with the whole family, and many of them are affordable – from bowling to going for an amazing scenic walk along the seafront.

43. Petrol uncles

Those of us who have lived abroad know this is not the norm everywhere. We love chatting to the petrol uncles as they fill our tank and wish us a good day!

44. Wearing flip flops 365 days a year

For those of us who grew up with harsh winters, it’s a never-ending delight getting to wear sandals (and never having to deal with heavy coats) all year round.

45. Escape to one of SG’s many islands!

We love how you can catch a cheap ferry and take a trip to nearby islands like Lazarus and St Johns for some beach holiday vibes. Or take a bumboat to Pulau Ubin and go camping or cycling with an island-life feel.

46. Colonial architecture

Singapore has done a great job preserving colonial architecture built by the British in the 19th century. Some examples include the Raffles Hotel and the old Supreme Court but we also totally love the island’s many black and white bungalows.

47. Super-efficient public grievance channels

A well-known fact about Singapore is that Singaporeans tend to complain frequently. And this complaint system actually gets things done around here. Apps such as OneService lets you report or ask questions about anything related to HDB maintenance (or annoyance) and before you know it, your issue gets solved within the week!

48. Sporty fun all year around

Thanks to the sunny weather most of the year – it’s always a good time to go out and try a new physical activity – our kids get so much Vitamin D here!

49. Volunteering opportunities & community spirit

There is a myriad of charities and volunteering opportunities available in Singapore. It’s a reflection of the “kampung spirit” and is evident everywhere from the schools to local politics. 

50. We had a female president!

Who run the world? GIRLS! In 2017, we saw the walkover election of Madam Halimah Yacob, Singapore’s first female president. Besides being an accomplished former Speaker of Parliament, she’s also a mother of five (which do you think is a tougher job?!). We’re so proud to live in such a progressive country where we can show our daughters that they can absolutely do anything they put their minds to!

51. Having help around the house

As busy mamas, we totally dig that we can get support around the house from the wonderful, hard-working women who often sacrifice time with their families to come to work here. Whether it’s night nurses, cleaning services, babysitters or full-time live-in helpers, there’s a level of support to suit your needs.

Read More: Real Life Stories by Helpers in Singapore

52. We can do multiple activities in one day

It’s really worth saying this again and again, thanks to the proximity of everything in Singapore, our kids here get to experience so much from new indoor playgrounds to animal farms.

53. Wi-Fi everywhere

Free Wi-Fi at a hawker centre and MRT stations?! Seriously, you can connect anywhere and ‘gram away! Check out other cafés with free Wi-Fi here.

54. All kinds of top class food (24 hours a day) 

Want to grab world-class noodles, or chicken satay, or roti prata, or dumplings (the list goes on and on)? Singapore’s got you covered with its amazing foodcourts, hawkers and amazing food delivery.

55. Teh halia and fresh juice

Teh Halia – pulled ginger tea with condensed milk just might be the world’s most perfect drink. A little bit zingy, comfortingly sweet and slightly frothy, it’s the only way to kickstart the day! Plus kids love the freshly squeezed sugar cane juice sold at every hawker market – we love that it comes in a bag!

56. Elevator conversations

Singaporeans generally aren’t fans of small talk. Maybe it’s an Asian thing. But when we do engage in it, you can bet it’s sincere. Those early morning elevator chats with neighbours about the weather, breakfast, or nothing in particular can be surprisingly comforting. Sometimes, no words are needed. Just a quiet nod, a knowing eye-roll at the sluggish lift, or a neighbour checking in on your toddler!

57. The “Uncle and Aunty” culture

In Singapore, everyone’s an “uncle” or “aunty”. From the kopi stall uncle, the neighbour aunty down the hall, even the security guard uncle at your office building. It’s our way of showing casual respect, but also a little warmth. It almost makes it feel like we’re all part of one big extended family.

58. Palm trees

Singapore is dotted with palm trees in more shapes and sizes than you can imagine. These exotic shrubs always make us feel like we are resorting to a tropical paradise.

59. National Day!

Singaporeans the world over tune in to see their beloved National Day being celebrated in style with a National Day Parade, flybys, and fireworks!

60. There’s ALWAYS something new happening in town

Which is what keeps us at Sassy Mama on our toes and busy writing so we can share all the fun in town with you! Check out all the fun things to do this weekend in Singapore!

There you have it, mamas! We could go on all day. And don’t forget to check out our Singapore Bucket List if you’ll be leaving this beautiful island sometime soon (or simply want to hit up some of our favourite sights). Now tell us what YOU love about Singapore, and have a very happy National Day.

Majulah Singapura!

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