Bren on The Road

Category: Singapore

Running The Singapore Marathon

When deciding to do the Singapore Marathon there was a big question mark over it for a few weeks. I had just finished my first marathon at Auckland, but something told me I still had more to give. With all I’d learned at that race, plus a few more weeks of training, I was confident I’d be able to improve my time.

After a week of rest I decided to sign up. The biggest lesson from my first marathon was, if you never try, you’ll never know. And my months-long battle with TSW had taught me how important it was to do things while you have the chance. Life can change overnight.

What’s it like running Singapore Marathon?

Singapore was very different from my first marathon at Auckland.

It’s much bigger. 50,000 runners, around 15,000 for the full marathon. By comparison, Auckland had less than 2,000. Secondly, the weather played a big part. Singapore Marathon 2019 was also an evening race rather than a morning race. All these things combined for a very different and challenging experience. I’ll break this all down below, I’m sure you’ll see what I mean!

Signing up for the race

Singpapore Marathon is one of the biggest marathons in the world. The sign up is done through the Singapore Marathon website.

The registration will cost you anywhere from $90 SGD to $155 SGD, depending on whether you’re a local or foreigner, and how early you sign up.

It’s also worth hunting around for discount codes on various runner websites, as the marathon does give out quite a few. As an Auckland marathon finisher I received a discount code, but unfortunately it had expired by the time I signed up.

During the registration you will be asked your shirt size for both a running singlet to wear on the day and a finishers t-shirt that you receive at the finish line. They’re both pretty good items that will last a while, so make sure you get the size right!

You can also pre-order the photo package during registration. It will be more expensive to get it after the race, however, there weren’t actually that many photographers on the Singapore course. There’s a good chance they may only get 1 or 2 photos of you, especially since there are so many runners, and they may not be high quality since the race is at night. It’s bit of a gamble to pre-order them without knowing what you’ll get. You also get one free photo anyway with your entry.

Training

My biggest concern had nothing to do with weather or travel or anything external. I was mostly concerned with my body. I only had six weeks between the Auckland Marathon and the Singapore Marathon.

In Running To The Edge, the author talked about how professional marathoners can only compete twice a year because the toll on their body is so high. This caused me to be more cautious with my training and to actually tone down my training from the first marathon since I hadn’t had a chance to fully recover. Plus I hoped all the endurance I’d built up for Auckland would at least carry over.

I planned out my six weeks like this:

Week 1: Rest

Weeks 2 and 3: Mileage 25 km/week, gym twice a week

Weeks 4 and 5: Mileage 45 km/week, gym once a week

Week 6: A few short runs, race on Saturday.

As it turned out I was quite under-trained for the race, maybe an extra 10 fast kms per week would have helped a lot. But much advice also said it was better to be under-trained than over-trained. It’s hard to hit the perfect spot, especially for someone like me who has no running background and no coach. I’m kind of just guessing and figuring it out as I go along!

Diet

I was on the keto diet for all my Auckland training and was even 100% keto during the race. I also did all my workouts fasted except for maybe some ketones/electrolytes in my water. I actually felt great during all my Auckland training on this diet (I describe my keto diet in detail in my Auckland marathon post).

When training for Singapore I stuck with keto for most meals, but I changed this up a bit and started incorporating post-run carbs into my training. This meant I was eating ~100g of carbs after my workouts, mostly to try and beef up my glycogen stores. Some keto athletes also said post-workout glycogen helped a lot with muscle repair, so I decided to try it and see.

While it was nice to be able to eat carbs, I didn’t feel as strong. Normally after working out I would eat salmon, avocado, fish, lamb, eggs etc, and would wake up feeling brand new the following morning. Now I was replacing that with sweet potato, rice and fruit, then eating my proteins later at night and was feeling kind of flat. I felt this during the race too, which I’ll go into later.

So for me, pure keto is still a winner.

Athlete Check In

I actually love the Athlete Check-ins. This is where you go to pick up your racing bib, shirt and goodie bag a few days before the race. There’s a runners expo on as well and it’s just cool to have something like this to get you pumped up for the event.

The Singapore Athlete Check-In was at the Marina Bay Convention Centre. It’s easy enough to reach by MRT (Bayfront Station). It’s run over three days so you have plenty of time to go and check in.

They have all the usual things, like merchandise for sale, lots of running gear, info on other marathons and Singapore Marathon branded stuff. I actually ended up buying a running belt and some gels for the race. Anything you need for the run, you’ll find it there.

Race Day

Singapore Marathon 2019 was the first year they started the race at night. The official start time was 6pm. I had actually anticipated this being a good thing, as I hate waking up early in the morning.

The opposite turned out to be true and I’d say now I actually prefer to race in the morning. There’s a few reasons. First, when you wake up on race day you’re usually pumped and ready to go. You’ve left the schedule for the whole day empty and all you want to do is get on with the race. But with an evening race you wake up at 8am and have to wait until 6pm to race, that’s ten hours you’re just sitting around waiting to get started. Not only do you lose a lot of energy in that time, you also need to be mindful of everything you eat and do – you can’t eat anything too heavy, you need to stay off your feet and so on. By the time you line up at 6pm you can actually feel quite drained and all your adrenaline from the morning is gone.

This is somewhat how I was feeling when I got to the race venue. Being there got me a little pumped up, but nowhere near to what it feels like to be out starting a marathon at 5 or 6 in the morning.

The second reason I’d prefer a morning race is because the evening is super hot! At 3 or 4 in the morning, the air would have cooled a lot from the previous day, but at 6pm the air is still almost at peak temperature, even though the sun has gone down. The heat was actually one of the big killers for most people.

Singapore Marathon is a huge event so everything was much more controlled. Every checked bag went through security screening and every starting pen was heavily staffed and controlled at the entry point. I actually wanted to be in starting pen C (4 hours to 4:15 hours) but since I registered late the fastest pen I could get a place in was pen E (4:45 to 5 hours). I thought I might be able to sneak into C anyway, but there was no chance.

Another interesting thing was the half marathoners and the full marathoners started at the same time. I found this to be odd – surely 15,000 marathoners will make the course crowded enough, you really want to add in 15,000 half marathoners too? The pens felt very tight and everyone was already sweating before we even started, not just from the heat but from the crowd. Nights can be cool in Singapore sometimes, but on race night we weren’t so lucky. It was around 30-31 degrees when we got to the start line.

Because of the rolling start, the elites got the gun at 6:05 pm and my pen got the gun just before 6:30. We were off!

Kilometres 1-8

I had a goal to run 4:15 in this race. That meant my pace had to be around 6 minutes/km. Because I started in a slower pen than I had wanted, everyone was running around 7-7.5 minutes/km. That was actually fine as I had planned to start out slow anyway. However after the first aid station at 2km, I wanted to get on pace and I couldn’t. It was far too crowded to pass people or even weave through. The initial streets were narrow so everyone was just boxed in the crowd. I had no choice but to run 7 minute kms for the first 6-8 kms.

The aid stations were also sucking time. At Auckland, the aid stations literally had 200-300 cups at each table pre-poured, stacked four or five high and ready to go. Volunteers held them out for you and you could just run past and grab them without even stopping.

The aid stations at Singapore were nowhere near as organised – they had queues probably 5 or 10 deep, and the cups weren’t pre-poured (or they couldn’t pre-pour fast enough). If you wanted water, you had to stop and wait in line, wait for them to pour your cups and then get running again. They were super understaffed. At one station there was only one girl at the table I stopped at. When I got there she was fetching bottles of water from the boxes in the back, then she rushed over to us and dumped them on the table, opened one and started pouring furiously. There were about 7 or 8 of us holding cups out impatiently wanting to get moving again. My best guess is they had a lot of volunteers who didn’t show up for the day. Running an aid station table is at least a 3-4 person job, she was doing it alone! It was going to be a long night, I felt so sorry for her.

Since I was already running each km 1 to 1.5 minutes slower than I needed, and also losing probably 30 seconds at each aid station, any hope of finishing in 4:15 vanished by the 8km mark. I was already about 10 minutes behind pace and it would’ve required a miracle to catch up. I basically told myself to not worry about the time, just run my best, and have fun.

Kilometres 9-15

By now I was already soaked in sweat and the humidity wasn’t letting up. A few guys had already taken their shirts off, so I took mine off also and tied it around my head. This actually made a huge difference, I now had wind against my body to cool me down, and felt lighter too, and any water I poured on me actually hit my skin instead of just making my shirt stick to me even more.

This part of the race was pretty uneventful and just felt like a normal training run. The course was still crowded so trying to put on any speed would have still required some weaving through people, but nowhere near as bad as the first few kilometres.

Kilometres 16-21

This is where things started turning sour. I’d been dealing with some foot niggles all week, but it didn’t feel like anything serious. Then around the 15-16km mark sharp pains started in my foot. At first I thought it was just normal running pain. When you set out to run 42 km, it’s usually a given that your feet (and everything else) is going to get messed up at some point. If you zone in on the task the pain usually just goes away.

Unfortunately this time it didn’t “just go away”. Things got worse quickly and by 18 km my foot was in serious pain and buckling under weight. At this point I was convinced I had broken something, possibly a stress fracture or at the very least had a really f*cked up foot.

I actually remember saying out loud to myself “You’re in trouble”. 24km left, and no way out except to run every 24 of them on my own two feet. A horrible feeling came over me that I probably wouldn’t be finishing. On one good foot I knew I could beast-mode through 5km and maybe even 10km, but I knew 24 km was impossible even on my best day. My heart sunk as I thought about needing to pull out of the race.

It’s easy to talk a lot of shit before the race about how you’re a beast, how you’ll never give up, but when you’re staring it in the face like this, it’s not always the same words running through your head. Sometimes you’re forced to admit you’re not really as tough as you said you were.

What started going through my mind at that point was a Youtube running video I listen to during training. Near the end is a part that goes, pain is temporary, but quitting is forever. This starts playing through my head and I tell myself, no way you can stop here. If it turns out you can’t do it then you can’t do it, but the only way you’re going to stop before the finish line is if the ambulance comes and carry you off the course. As long as you can still take one more step, giving up now is quitting! I put my head down and went to work.

At this point, the goal was just to get to half way. In my mind, I saw that as the huge psychological victory I needed to win. After that I could chip away at the second half, and maybe we’ll make a miracle happen.

Because I couldn’t put much weight on my left foot, I had a new style of running, waddling a bit like a penguin and using my arms to push me through the air. It wasn’t pretty but it worked. Also motivating me was the fact that I was passing a lot of people! By this stage the heat was taking its toll, and half the course was already walking.

Eventually I saw the signs up ahead that split the course – half marathoners turn off to the left, full marathoners carry on down the right. I watched the half marathoners leave the course and a few minutes later, I hit the 21km marker. Half way! Time to turn on beast-mode and hope for some magic.

Kilometres 22 – 30

The name of the game here was mini goals. Every 2km there was an aid station, so I told myself to get to the aid station at 22km, then walk through it as you drink.

As I hit the aid station, it was pleasantly empty. With the half marathoners gone, the course was now far less crowded, there was no more waiting for water or trying to push through the crowd. I downed two cups of 100 Plus and sucked down an energy gel I had in my race belt. I told myself to get all the sugar I could get.

I walked through the aid station, gave my feet a rest, then slowly got running again. I used this strategy for all the aid stations up to 30km; run 2km, walk through the aid station. To be honest that whole stretch of the race is a total blur, I don’t really remember it. When I got to 28km, it felt like a miracle. I told myself if you make it to 30km, you can walk to 31.

I made it to 30.

Kilometres 31 – 36

Hitting the 30’s was a huge psychological win, but as I walked to 31km, things started to get a little depressing on the course. The mood was super glum and most people were walking by then. The heat was really f*cking people up in a bad way. It felt like nobody wanted to be there, including me.

I also noticed all the medical tents were full. There was a tent every ~2km, and it was always busy, at least 10-20 people at each one. I saw a few people on stretchers who looked semi-conscious, most likely heatstroke. And there was always a crowd of people spraying stuff on their legs. I’m not sure what it was, but it smelled like tiger balm and stung my eyes every time I ran past.

At this stage we’d been running for around 3.5-4 hours.

Running through the various parks, lots of people were sitting on the park benches. Some had taken off their shoes. I’m not sure if they were just resting and planned on continuing, or if they’d given up. One guy was laying against a railing, half conscious. He looked like he needed help. Then I saw the medic running towards him about 25m down the street.

A few kilometres on, a woman collapsed just a few metres away from me. She was probably the fourth or fifth collapsed person I’d seen in the last couple of kms. Luckily, the guy behind was close enough to catch her. He sat her up on the sidewalk. I continued running, and a few minutes later saw the medic running with the wheelchair and some ice. I pointed behind me and said, “She’s 30 seconds that way.” He nodded and kept on running.

Not long after that, a guy ten metres ahead of me suddenly turned off onto the grass and dropped to his knees. A bunch of us turned to see him vomiting loudly in the bushes. I didn’t sound pretty.

The last incident in this “death period” of the race was along a bridge towards the final loop of the race, around 36km. As I crossed, I saw a medic kneeling over a guy passed out against the railings. It was one of the pacers. As I ran past the medic was yelling into his radio, “I need some ice on the bridge please, right now, ice on the bridge.”

It was dismal. Nobody wanted to be out there anymore. I was thinking, I’m never doing this again. Just get me to the finish line.

Kilometres 37-42

Hitting the 37km mark was a huge victory. It was now 5km to the finish line. How many times have I run 5km in training? Sometimes I’d do that just for a warm up. There was no way I was going to be broken by 5km now, I was certain I’d be finishing this race.

But just as things started looking up, I got to a hill just before 38km. It wasn’t a small hill. It was a monster! When I think back on it, the hill was probably somewhere between 100m to 200m, but it felt like 2 kilometres at the time.

Some people say it’s best to walk up hills, because if you run up you use a lot of energy and don’t even move much faster than walking. But for me the hill is a more mental challenge. I like to run it as fast as I can and get it done as soon as possible.

I did my best to sprint up the hill, probably wasn’t moving very fast, but at least it felt fast. After conquering it I got to the 38km marker. 4km left.

Then somewhere around 39km, a bit of magic happened. While running into one of the final parks a guy suddenly stopped and hunched over, resting his hands on his knees. Just out of instinct, I gave him a tap on the shoulder and said “No no don’t stop we’re nearly there!”

Suddenly his head shot up and he started running beside me.

When we hit the 40km aid station, I stopped and slug two cups of water. As I finished I saw him a few metres away, waiting for me. He motioned me with his head to get moving. He had fire in his eyes and I could tell he was ready to smash these next 2 km with a sledgehammer.

I nodded and we took off.

By this stage, 90% of the course was walking. We weaved through the crowd, my splits say we were only running around 7:30/km but we were passing so many people it felt like we were flying. In Running To The Edge, he talks about how running as a group is always more powerful than running alone. Now I started to see what he meant. When someone is pacing you it’s far too hard to give up. When you’re alone, it’s far too easy.

I was even running normally now. At least, it felt normal. My foot had gone numb a long time ago, I couldn’t even feel it. We pushed and we pushed, but it felt like forever waiting for the 41km marker. At one point I was convinced the marker didn’t exist, that it had gotten blown down by the wind or something. There was no way hadn’t run at least a kilometre yet! But eventually I saw the 41km sign in the distance. 1km left.

There were a few spectators as we got to the final stretch into the F1 building. They cheered and it gave us a little boost to not give up. My foot buckled a little and I grunted, but he shouted “Cmon!” and we kept on moving. It wasn’t long before we hit 42km.

“200 metres left,” I said between puffs as we passed the sign. “Let’s do it,” he said back.

We followed the course through a little U-turn, then in the distance we could finally see the blue carpet and the finish line. It’s an indescribable feeling to see a marathon finish line. It’s an image you’ve been imagining not only for the entire race, but for all the months of training and hours of pounding pavement leading up to race day. When you see it in front of you, it’s a type of joy that could never be explained, it can only be experienced.

Obviously the first half of the course was empty by now, so all the photographers had gathered here at the finish line. There was nobody in front of us, just me and this guy, running side by side. All we could see was photographers click-click-clicking, it’s flash after flash, it felt like we were running for first and second at the Olympics. We picked our legs up and crossed the finish line side by side.

After taking a moment to catch our breath, we finally gave each other a hug and a fist bump. A few others finished just after us and we all enjoyed the moment with high fives and smiles and good jobs and well dones. All I can remember thinking is, what a motherfu*cker of a race. And how happy I was it was over.

Post race

To be honest, post-race at the Singapore marathon is kind of ridiculous. After you collect your medal, you’re then forced to walk around a kilometre to the finisher’s village. It’s literally the last thing you want to do after running 5 hours in the Singapore heat, but for some reason the organisers designed it this way.

To make things worse, to collect your finishers tee shirt they make you walk through one of those winding snake airport type queues, and not a short one either. I can vividly remember everyone’s sour faces as hundreds of us hobbled through this line for five minutes to collect our t-shirts.

One nice touch after the race is you do get a lot of freebies; a packet of Lays, a can of 100 Plus, a cold towel, a banana, a bottle of water, and a can of (zero-alcohol) Heineken.

The Finisher’s Area was also kind of disappointing. There were a few stalls, but nothing really happening, no food or drink for sale (or not much), it just felt a bit like an empty parking lot with lots of kids waiting to be picked up from school or something. Normally post-marathons should be quite celebratory, but at Singapore it was a bit dull.

By now it was also just after midnight. As the MRT was closed, getting home was a nightmare. Around 15,000 marathoners ran that night, so for about 1.5 hours we couldn’t get a cab or a Grab anywhere. I ended up wandering around with my parents trying to find a cab until we finally got home at 3am. Definitely not what you want to be doing after running 42 kilometres!

Final Thoughts on SCSM

For me, the event was just okay. Lots of the logistical planning was disappointing. In the lead-up they had talked it up as being a world class race but so many simple things they got wrong. For example; running out of energy gels at the aid stations, being understaffed at the aid stations, on-course entertainment consisted mostly of empty stages (didn’t bother me at all, but I did notice it), poor design of the post-race area. They all seem like pretty simple things (like, how do you run out of energy gels?) so I was surprised at many of them.

It also didn’t work out starting the half marathon and full marathon at the same time. Apparently this is the first time they did this, and it made the course super crowded at the start, we felt like sheep being herded in the paddock. Most races start the half-marathoners around an hour later, which doesn’t matter since the half marathon finishes about 2-3 hours earlier than the marathon anyway. Maybe there was a reason they did it that way, but it seemed odd to me and made the race a lot less enjoyable for both groups I’m sure.

As for the course itself, it’s not too hilly but still super challenging because of the weather. The humidity increases the difficulty by more levels than you’d expect. Racing at night is also quite special, even though it’s much hotter (at least at the start).

Overall, it was a good one to add to my running résumé, and I learned a lot. Probably not a course you’ll PR on, but if you’re up for a challenge, it’s a good one for the collection.

Good luck!

Heading to Singapore Marathon and…

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Also be sure to check out my Singapore travel guide here!

January 1, 2020
Where To Stay In Singapore: The Ultimate Guide

Singapore is a gem.

It’s easy to get around, cheap flights in and out every day, and the food is some of the best in the world (seriously, I spent 80% of my time eating).

I’d say this is one of the best countries to visit as a family – endless activities, no need to worry about scams or traveller’s diarrhoea, and most tourist attractions are kid-friendly too. It’s also surprisingly visa friendly, with most countries able to visit visa-free.

Not to mention – this might be the safest destination on the planet. No exaggeration – it’s not uncommon to see expensive bikes just left outside stores with no padlock. People often leave their phones on the tables at restaurants when they go to the bathroom. Crime here is punished with a severe stick, so it almost never happens. If safety is at the top of your list for a family vacation, this is the spot.

It’s also great no matter what you’re looking for. Family vacation, great, but even as a solo backpacker or a few friends looking for a party, I believe you’ll find it hugely fulfilling too.

The question is, where to stay in Singapore?

As small as the country is, it’s divided into some pretty unique neighbourhoods, all with their own quirks and attractions. Don’t worry though, I’ve got you covered.

One thing I’d also recommend for a first-timer to Singapore is the Singapore Klook Pass! My girlfriend and I visited recently and it was her first time in the country, so we grabbed the pass and saved so much money on Universal Studios, Gardens By The Bay, Night Safari and so much more.

We did the 5-attraction pass with Universal Studios ticket (Universal is AWESOME by the way, definitely go). If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, the pass is super worth it. Check it out here.

Map of Singapore

Singapore is small and easy to navigate around, and its public transport system is a dream compared to many Asian cities.

This means the question of where to stay in Singapore is not a huuuge decision, as you can visit all other areas of the country pretty easily anyway.

However, it’s always nice to have things you like on your doorstep, and especially in the Singapore heat there will be days you don’t want to venture too far anyway.

Below I’ve broken down the eight main areas in Singapore that are top choices for visitors. I’ll give you a brief run-down on what to expect from each, plus some accommodation options to suit every style and budget.

I’ve suggested a few different accommodation options for each of these main areas, with something to suit every budget.

1. Marina Bay

Let’s kick this off with one of Singapore’s most famous areas – Marina Bay.

You’ll probably be familiar with the Marina Bay Sands hotel, which is even more stunning in real life. Don’t worry, there are a lot of cheaper, more basic places to stay! This area of town is super fancy, packed with luxe hotels and shiny floors.

It’s popular among tourists for several reasons, the main one being The Gardens by The Bay. For anyone unfamiliar, this is a little wonderland of tropical plants, towering structures and an amazing atmosphere.

This haven is a complete contrast to the strips of skyscrapers and expensive bars and restaurants that line the water.

If you like your cities buzzing with the finer things in life, this is the area for you. Couples will enjoy the expansive dining options and the sight-seeing that there is to do here.

There are lots of shopping opportunities here, as well as great nightlife and fantastic food.

Some of Marina Bay is a world away from other Asian cities, like hectic Bangkok, and it can take some time to adjust.

If you look closely, however, you’ll find little local food places tucked down side streets, and canteens packed with locals enjoying ‘Kaya Toast’ – delicious coconut butter sandwiched between bread and topped with pandan or eggs.

You can also go visit the sky deck at the Marina Bay Sands, even if you’re not staying at the hotel.

Where to stay in Marina Bay?

Pan Pacific Singapore is the ideal spot for anyone after a slice of luxury!

This hotel is perfectly located in the centre of Marina Bay, meaning that you’re a stone’s throw from the main attractions, restaurants and bars. The rooms here are designed with comfort in mind, but are also very sleek. Relax by the outdoor pool and wind down in style.

Get the best rate here.

Also you can obviously stay at the famous Marina Bay Sands if you can get a room. I don’t actually know anyone who’s stayed here, everyone just seems to visit the viewing deck and maybe have a meal there, but I have heard it’s a stunning hotel as well. If it’s in your budget, go for it!

You’ll find the best rate here.

For the backpackers and budget travellers – there aren’t many cheap options available in this area! If you’re on a budget, try staying just outside Marina Bay in nearby Orchard Road, or maybe the CBD. Some suggestions below – keep reading!

Looking for things to do on your trip? Check out these ideas:

2. Orchard Road

The ideal location for anyone who enjoys shopping, Orchard Road is home to a variety of accommodation options.

Picture a long street, stretched out with malls, cafes and a whole lot of tourists.

I loved this area for its friendliness and familiarity! Arriving in a new place can be overwhelming and, although you want to embrace the local culture, you sometimes need to camp out in a Starbucks for an hour.

We spent almost every night walking up and down Orchard Road and never got bored. Always lots of street performers, delicious food and shopping to do!

If you’re looking for a date idea, we made each other rings at Fewgram and it was way better than we expected – super professional and you actually get to make some high quality silverware!

Orchard Road is packed with local boutiques, international chains and fine dining spots.

This area of Singapore is bigger than it looks, so wear comfy shoes and spend the day hunting down bargains. It’s very easy to reach from most other areas of Singapore, so you can still take a day-trip here if you choose to stay elsewhere. There are small patches of greenery along this strip of retail heaven if you need a break.

If you’re travelling as a family, this is an ideal spot! There’s plenty of child-friendly entertainment, huge air-conditioned malls if you need a breather from the heat and all the comforts of home if you’re struggling. This area isn’t really angled towards solo travellers as the main activity is shopping, but it’s still a fun place to enjoy.

Where to stay in Orchard Road?

For the budget traveller

Lloyd’s Inn is the perfect place for anyone wishing to explore Orchard Road.

Its location is ideal, and the inn itself is very stylish. It feels more like a quirky Aribnb than a budget hotel. Forget grungy dorms and cluttered rooms – this place is all about minimalism! The space is nice and quiet, so is better suited to couples or friends travelling together. If you like clean lines, a European-vibe and calm garden areas, head here.

Best rates here.

For the high roller

Stay at the Goodwood Park Hotel.

Set in an old colonial style building with mega-spacious rooms, this might be the nicest hotel in the Orchard Road area. The pool is huge, making it the perfect place to come back to after a day of shopping! Goodwood is located near to Orchard Road without being in the busy, noisy nearby area. You get the best of both worlds with this luxe gem.

Best rates here.

3. Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay is one of the best places to visit if you’re after something a bit lively. This is Singapore’s hub of nightlife, late-night dining and great music.

The docks here are packed with mismatched buildings that have been redeveloped as trendy bars and clubs. The architecture itself is beautiful, and you can easily spend a whole day just wandering around the Riverside area.

There are some beautiful, quiet areas if you want to get away from the thrum of the city. Make your way up to the nearby For Canning Park and take in the incredible views. Spend the evenings immersing yourself in its nightlife and fun atmosphere.

If you fancy a night out, work your way around quirky old buildings, bar-hopping and making the most of the buzz. This tends to be a pretty touristy area, but that’s definitely not a bad thing!

Solo travellers are pretty much guaranteed a good stay here, as there are plenty of places to meet new people.

It’s also the starting point for the famous Singapore River Cruise – worth doing if it’s your first time in the country.

Where to stay in Clarke Quay?

For the backpacker

River City Inn is great for any travellers who want a dorm room without having to lower their standards.

The rooms come in a variety of sizes, and are all nicely decorated and homely. If you’re planning to stay around the Clarke Quay area, this hostel is in the perfect location for you!

Best rates here.

For the budget traveller

Champion Hotel City is a great choice for anyone travelling through Singapore on a budget.

This hotel is just the right level of chic without breaking the bank. If you fancy being close to Clarke Quay, book a stay here and relax into a blend of relaxation and excitement. Quirky decor and a rooftop views await you!

Best rates here.

For the high roller

Stay at Park Regis Singapore. This hotel is one of the most well-known on the island and offers the ultimate in comfort and luxury, and is an ideal location for those wanting to explore nearby Riverside. Bag yourself a spacious room with amazing views, a huge swimming pool and impeccable customer service.

Best rates here.

4. The CBD

The Central Business District (CBD) is one of the cooler places to stay in Singapore, and is packed with expats and 20-somethings living abroad. While ‘the CBD’ technically covers many areas of Singapore, it’s mainly used to refer to the central zone just south of the river. It is often referred to simply as ‘The City’, due to the buzz of business and activity going on here.

This area of Singapore is home to dazzling skyscrapers, hawker-food markets and amazing little cocktail bars. Grabbing a Singapore Sling at Raffles Bar is something well worth adding to your travel-checklist – when in Rome, after all…

There are some little parts of this region that are total contradictions of themselves – tiny, colonial-era buildings squeezed next to huge, shimmering towers of commerce. You’ll be walking between mirrored shards of banks and businesses when a temple will randomly pop up. I love Singapore for its order, as well as its ability to surprise.

The CBD is great for couples and group travellers, but it can be a little tricky to meet new people if you’re travelling alone. Those travelling with young children may feel a little out of place in the business-zone of Singapore, despite being very much welcome. Foodies will love the huge outdoor canteens and cheap food options!

Do the classic hop-on hop-off bus if you want a hands-off tour of the city – it’s usually cheaper if you book online.

Where to stay in Singapore CBD?

For the backpacker

Wink @ McCallum Street is a good choice. It’s slightly closer to the Chinatown side, but is still in a great location for anyone wanting to visit the CBD. You’re close to some amazing foodie havens, and the hostel itself is a lovely place to hang out. Stay here as a solo traveller and find plenty of new friends.

Best rates here.

For the budget traveller

ST Signature Tanjong Pagar is within walking distance of the CBD area in Singapore, and offers everything a traveller could dream of. Clean rooms, friendly staff and great WiFi! This is a great place for anyone new to the world of hostels, as the rooms are all welcoming and spacious.

Best rates here.

For the high roller

The Fullerton Hotel offers the best of the best.

Imagine stunning views across The City, a ginormous pool to relax in alongside the hub of sky-rises and, incredibly, an indoor pool surrounding the lobby steps – with Koi Carp in it. See what I mean?! The best of the best.

Best rates here.

5. Chinatown

As with most countries, Chinatown is one of the cheaper and quirkier places to stay. It’s within a short distance from other touristy areas (although, everything in Singapore is!) and is packed full of things to do. I loved this area for its eclectic mix of architecture – it’s both old and new; traditional and modern.

There are lots of temples here that you can visit, often cornering streets of colourful-but-weathered buildings and newer coffee shops. Temple Street is the main section of Chinatown, and is lined with beautiful architecture and historic sites merged with modern attractions. Kitschy cafes make the perfect people-watching spots.

One great way to view the area and surrounds is through this popular Chinatown food tour – eat your way through the place while hearing the lore of Chinatown, which runs deep!

This is a fantastic area to visit and stay if you have small children – there is always something new to distract yourself with, and simply walking around becomes a fun activity in itself. If you’re travelling alone, take your time exploring the various sites of worship, from Buddhist temples to mosques.

Where to stay in Chinatown?

For the backpacker

The Bohemian is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to meet people without splashing the cash.

It’s near to public transport links, meaning you can easily zip your way around if you’re on a bit of a tight schedule. The dorms are roomy and light, and there’s great WiFi connection throughout the hostel. This is a great accommodation choice for solo travellers.

Best rates here.

For the budget traveller

Stay at Galaxy Pods.

This is a pod/capsule hotel with a fun design, it will feel like you’re sleeping in a spaceship. Perfectly located if you’re wanting to spend time (eating, of course!) in Chinatown, and don’t have a huge budget.

Best rates here.

For the high roller

Stay at PARKROYAL Collection.

This is one of a series of luxury hotels in Singapore, with this particular location designed like something out of Avatar.

A beautifully designed green building with a futuristic touch, the services and quality of this hotel are second to none. It has an entire wellness floor with gyms and pools, a garden walk above the city, and a fantastic Asian restuarant to serve you any time of day. Decadence mixed with style – you won’t be disappointed.

Best rates here.

6. Little India

Little India is normally one of the first places I head to in a new city. The food, for one, is incredible. But I also love the general vibe of colour and fun and celebration that these areas bring. Singapore’s Little India is no different – streets lined with vibrant buildings, steam clouds scented with all the spices you can imagine and constant smiles.

This is the perfect area to stay for any type of traveller. Solo adventurers will find friendliness on every corner; children will be entertained by the endless lights and lanterns. This area of Singapore can feel a little bit touristy, but the food is delicious and authentic. Spend your days here wandering around street markets, ducking in and out of temples and indulging in chai tea.

Where to stay in Little India?

For the backpacker

Little India is a fun and friendly place to visit, and 7 Wonders is a great spot to keep you in the centre of the action. offers just that in their hostel. The beds are comfy, you’re in an amazing location and the price is very reasonable! There are lockers to ensure security, and a nice chill-out area to meet other travellers. Best r ates here.

For the high roller

One Farrer Hotel and Spa is right in the mix, but is a world away from the busy streets and lovable mayhem of Little India. If you like huge pools, in-house spa treatments and marble floors, this is the place for you. Every little detail has been carefully thought through, making this a beautiful place to escape and relax, while still immersing yourself in all that Singapore has to offer. Best rates here.

7. Sentosa Island

This little island is nestled just off the southern tip of Singapore. While Singapore isn’t usually viewed as a beach getaway, this island is perfect for lazy days. Hop across from mainland on a boat, or take the cable car over and enjoy the amazing views.

This island is the perfect place for anyone seeking a bit more fun! Spend your days here at the Butterfly and Insect Kingdom, Oceanarium and Universal Studios Singapore. You can usually get cheaper entry tickets by booking all these online, so make sure you check the prices.

Sentosa Island is great for families with small children, as there are plenty of attractions. The beaches here also make a lovely place to hang out and relax, making this an ideal destination for any sun-seeking couples. Nip over after a stay in the nearby CBD of mainland and wind down…

Where to stay on Sentosa Island?

Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort is the best place for anyone looking to live in luxury on this Singaporean island.

Opt for your own private pool for those days when you can’t quite be bothered to walk to the nearby beach. This 5-star resort offers the best of everything, so get ready for a whole lot of pampering at their in-house spa.

Best rates here.

Budget travellers: Sentosa isn’t a great option for those on a budget. Try stay in one of the other areas and make Sentosa a day trip.

8. Arab Quarter

Another lovely gem in Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry, the Muslim quarter is a great place to visit. Packed with local charm and quirky buildings, the Arab Quarter is the place to visit for great food. Any European will be overwhelmed by the choice of cafes and hipster brunch spots – cafe culture here is way bigger than many areas of Asia.

Get some clothes tailor-made and explore the fabric stalls. This is a wonderful place for anyone into textiles and art! It’s full of boutiques and corner shops crammed with hidden treasures. Head here as a solo traveller and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, taking in the sights, smells and beautiful sounds from local mosques. If you’re wondering where to stay in Singapore for a bit of hipster love, this is the spot.

This is a fantastic place to take small children, or travel alone. Hostels are available, but there are also world-class hotel resorts for those who enjoy the finer things in life. It’s also known as Bugis neighbourhood and has great transport links to other areas of Singapore.

Where to stay in the Arab Quarter?

For the backpacker

Backpackers who are tight on money should book a stay at Bluewater Pods. It’s a short walk from Arab Street so you’ll be in a great location to explore, with lots of nice cafes and restaurants nearby. The decor is bright and cheerful, which makes a nice change from gloomy dorms! Best rates here.

For the high roller

Stay at Andaz by Hyatt Singapore.

This hotel is everything you’d expect from a top-end 5-star hotel – spotless, sleek and classy. With a great on-site restaurant and nearby eateries to enjoy, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The rooms are BIG and light, giving you an amazing view of all that Singapore has to offer. Not to mention the huge pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre and just a few minutes from the buzz of the Arab Quarter.

You won’t be disappointed. Best rates here.

How To Get To Your Accommodation In Singapore

Changi Airport has a metro station which will get you to most parts of Singapore easily for only a couple of dollars.

However, keep in mind the last train leaves around 11pm, so if you’re arriving late at night you might not have access.

There are also buses which are slightly harder to navigate but nothing you can’t figure out or ask for help with once you land.

If you’d like to take a Grab (Singapore’s version of Uber) that’s also available and there’s a dedicated Grab pickup spot at arrivals. Grab is not that cheap in Singapore like it is in other parts of Asia, so expect to pay 2-3x more than you’d pay in somewhere like Bali or Thailand.

Of course, airport taxis are also available, the good thing about Singapore is you don’t need to worry about taxi drivers hustling you as soon as you reach exit the terminal, all taxis are metered and you simply take the next one in the queue.

The airport has a useful guide on how to leave the airport here.

How To Get Around In Singapore

Singapore has an excellent public transport system between the buses and trains, and if there is traffic, it won’t be like the gridlocked traffic you see in other parts of Asia. In Singapore owning a car is very expensive, so most people don’t drive, and as a result the roads are (mostly) free-flowing.

My recommendation for most first-time visitors is to use the MRT (metro) to go most places, but have the Grab app available on your phone in case you’re ever stuck in the rain, or find yourself far from a station. Singapore is very hot and the rain comes down hard, so there are times when walking isn’t going to be fun!

The cost to get around Singapore is very affordable, and you shouldn’t pay more than a few dollars a day on the metro system. Get yourself a concession card if you’re using it daily, which you can buy at any ticketing booth.

Getting Internet In Singapore

You can actually buy your tourist sim before you arrive in Singapore by getting an esim online.

Singtel has plans available here, so you’ll be sorted as soon as you land.

You can also buy a global esim if you’re planning on visiting a few countries in a short period. I use Airalo.

Alternatively, you can just buy your sim at arrivals when you land, which is also very straightforward. If you somehow forget to do that, you can buy a tourist sim at any 7-Eleven convenience store. However, self-bought sims do take some fiddling around on your phone to set up, so it’s much easier to have it done for you at a proper mobile shop.

Safety In Singapore

Singapore is arguably the safest country in the world and the chance of violent crime happening to you here are almost zero. Law and order is paramount and even if you leave your Ferrari unlocked with a bag full of cash inside, I’d be willing to bet nothing will ever happen to it. Singapore is safe!

However – with safety comes strictness, and laws in Singapore are very strict. Do not litter, do not be drunk and disorderly in public and whatever you do, do not get involved with any drugs at any time for any reason! Drug offences are punished extremely harshly in Singapore, and there have been several famous cases where foreigners received the death penalty trying to sell or use drugs in the country.

Behave yourself, use your common sense, and Singapore will likely be the safest and most stress-free destination you ever visit.

Enjoy Singapore!

Bren

Looking for things to do on your trip? Check out these ideas:

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Featured Image

October 27, 2017
City Blueprint: Singapore

Singapore is a bit like the overachieving adopted child of South East Asia – it just really doesn’t fit in. The other countries are ridiculously cheap while Singapore is a tad expensive. The other countries have filthy streets while in Singapore you can lick the pavement. In other countries backpackers find Elysium in the cheap, available drugs while in Singapore chewing gum can add to your criminal record. As soon as you leave the plane it’ll be clear that the third world connotation of South East Asia does not ring true here. Instead you’ll find yourself in one of Asia’s most developed countries, recognised as one of the world’s major financial centres and boasting a quality of living among the best in the world. Oh, and the food is incredible too.

Budget

Bed: The cheapest hostel dorms are around $15 USD. Hotels are around $40 USD upwards.

Food: The hawker centres are incredible. You can feed yourself very comfortably for $3 USD and the options are endless.

Drink: A bottle of water will cost around $1-$2. A beer in a bar will cost upwards of $8.

Transport: Taxi rides will be around $20 USD from the airport into the centre (20 minutes). You can get anywhere in the city on the local metro for around $2. Many choose to catch the bus into Singapore from Malaysia – here’s a great guide on how to do that.

I stayed at…

Vintage Inn. In terms of comfort it’s definitely the best hostel I’ve ever stayed in. It has little pod beds which offer complete privacy, fitted out with lockable draws, universal plugs and reading lights. The wifi is fast and free and each room has internet PC’s available for use. Bathrooms were always clean and showers are strong and hot, although a little small. Breakfast is great too. The only problem is the price. It’s not cheap!

The rack rate is around $40USD per night, but I got it for $20 a night on a last minute Agoda deal. I guess the moral of the story is, check Agoda!

Also if you’re after a party hostel this is definitely not the place. A quiet comfortable hostel to get some work done? Yes.

Read more in my Ultimate Guide To Singapore Accommodation.

One thing you should eat is…

I could not stop eating here. The food is amazing and so cheap, similar to Bangkok, which was surprising considering how expensive the transport and accommodation is. If I’m choosing one thing though, I’m going with the kaya toast.

I landed in Singapore at around 4am and was totally wrecked. The metro wasn’t open yet so I decided to indulge in this Singapore (or Malaysian?) favourite while sitting around the airport. I can see why it’s so popular, it really is a soothing breakfast to start the day.

It seems the standard combo is toast smothered in kaya (coconut jam), a lump of butter, a couple half boiled eggs on the side and a cup of tea or coffee. Simple yet inspiring.

One thing you should drink is…

I had heard about the fabled Singapore Sling cocktail at the Raffles bar numerous times and the ridiculous $25 price tag attached to it. Of course I have to have it so before I head to the airport I decide to go to Raffles and see what the fuss is all about. It’s 10:15 am and as I open the door to the bar they inform me it opens at 11. I’m annoyed and relieved at the same time. I’m not one for waiting so I go look for the nearest hawker centre and after a lengthy search I find one, dripping in sweat. The drinks stall has a big sign for ‘fresh sugar cane juice’, which I later find out is super popular here. It really is fresh – he juices it right in front of you. Damn. It was good. Or was I just dehydrated?

One place you should go to is…

I thought the way Singapore had been laid out was really interesting. A guy in my hostel explained how the country was split into four distinct areas.

Our hostel was in Little India, and he explained that this was the Indian area (obviously), and historically all the Indians in the country lived there.

The Arabs and Muslims lived over in the Arab quarter, the Chinese lived in Chinatown (surprise!), and I guess the British colonists kept the rest of the country to themselves (note: I’m no historian, I’m kinda guessing here).

These distinct areas still exist today and it’s pretty interesting to see how they’ve retained their character. If I’m recommending one area to spend the day at it’s the Arab quarter – lot’s of good food (both cheap and expensive), cool architecture and some quirky stuff for sale. However if you want something a little more touristy, head to the Gardens By The Bay – a popular place for nature and camera fiends! Also Singapore Airport is a tourist attraction in itself.

Haji Lane in the Arab quarter

One place you should party at is…

Apparently Clarke Quay is the place where all the cool kids go. I went during the week and it was still a pretty happening scene, lot’s of neat bars and restaurants where you can listen to live music and various nightclubs are scattered around there too. The catch? It’s soo expensive. The beers run around $12 and the cocktails closer to $15. If you’re planning a night out here make sure you’re feeling flush.

Bren’s Scorecard…

Ease of entry 10/10
No silly visa issues, one of the most accessible places to fly into and easily the greatest airport in the world.

Food 10/10
I love curry, so Little India is about as good as it gets without actually being in India. The Arab quarter has lots of sexy Middle Eastern food. For everything Chinese there’s the outrageously cheap and delicious hawker centres. For everything else, there’s Mastercard.

Weather 4/10
I hope you like to sweat.

Safety 10/10
Whoever made the laws here wasn’t messing around. I was scared to sneeze.

Transport 8/10
Taxis are not that cheap. The metro is excellent though, similar to Hong Kong’s and the country is tiny anyway.

Friendliness 8/10
I asked for directions so many times and everyone wanted to help. Their accent is so friendly too.

Cleanliness 10/10
If you spit on the street you’re going to jail. Kidding. It’s super clean, it’s so clean that I saw cleaners cleaning the already clean streets, no joke.

Daylife 5/10
I’m going to be honest, I was pretty bored after 2 or 3 days. The funnest thing to do was eat.

Nightlife 6/10
I can’t speak with authority on this. Let’s go with a 6.

Affordability 5/10
Even the crappy hotels cost $50 a night, and nightlife prices are not friendly either. The cheap food makes up for it though.

Singapore scores: 76/100

I do my best to give an objective score based on my own experience of the city. If you disagree, I don’t care! Just kidding, I do 🙂 Did your experience differ to mine? Let me know in the comments below!

December 30, 2013
Singapore Airport: A Disneyland For Backpackers
Airports! Don’t you love airports?

I’ve spent my fair share of time sitting in airports, usually in an isolated corner picking my nose and listening to Taylor Swift.

Earlier this year I spent about 12 hours sitting around in Mumbai airport, and a few years before that I was having the time of my life prancing around Nairobi’s airport for 18 hours or so.

Needless to say, sitting in the airport sucks. You probably haven’t showered for over 30 hours, all the good seats are taken, the food is stupid expensive and everyone is in a super shitty mood.

Unless of course you’re in Singapore’s Changi Airport.

Chances are you’ll have more fun in Singapore airport than you’ll have in actual Singapore. I promise, it’s so cool I’m actually looking forward to the next time I have to transit here. The place is like a gigantic big kid’s playground, with more big screen TV’s, video games and computers than Dick Smith Electronics.

Let me show you exactly how much fun you can have while in transit in Singapore.

First of all, there’s a Left Baggage service available. Personally I hate carrying stuff around the airport. Don’t you ever get sick of tying your backpack to your leg while you sleep? Or trying to strategically place your massive suitcase in the cubicle while you poop?

At Changi Airport you can leave your bags with someone else, and it’s cheap. I left two bags with them for about 12 hours and it cost me $5 USD!

This is a big deal because wheeling your bags around Singapore Airport isn’t just a mild inconvenience. Singapore Airport is enormous. It has three terminals (update: It has four now), all connected by the Skytrain. It comes every four minutes or so, and takes about a minute to get between terminals.

While in transit you always need to eat.

Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s not, but in Changi airport your only problem will be trying to choose.

Every type of food is available – pizza, Burger King, chicken laksa, BBQ pork on rice, McDonald’s, wonton noodle soup, fried chicken and chips, vegetarian Indian…whatever you want – it’s here. The food’s not expensive either, this Hainan chicken rice only set me back $4USD! Or $12, cos I had three of them 😀

Then, it’s time to charge up your stuff. But what power plug do they use in Singapore?

Doesn’t matter, because the airport has craploads of universal plugs, including USB’s. 856 of them to be exact.

No more sitting on the floor against a random pillar, waiting for your phone to charge…

What I hate about sitting in the airport is the lack of fresh air. It’s like a big air conditioned greenhouse of zombies breathing recycled oxygen.

Luckily for you, Singapore has a handful of garden areas where you can lay low, breath some real air and chill.

My favourite is the butterfly garden:

The cactus garden and sunflower garden aren’t too shabby either:

Then, just when I start to get bored Singapore brings me back to technology.

Scattered throughout the airport are free internet terminals, and there’s so many of them that they’re never full.

The internet is fast, too.

Then once you’re done stalking your ex on Facebook you’ll probably wanna sit back and relax somewhere.

Head to the free movie theatre and catch one of the latest blockbusters.

If the theatre’s full, don’t worry. Just head to the other one.

And if you don’t like the hush hush of the cinema, you can catch a movie on one of the many flat screens scattered through the terminal:

Once you start feeling weary, get a massage at one of the many health spas.

Prices start at around $20USD, but most will be closer to $40.

Are you getting anxious about what’s happening in the markets?

Just head to the free Bloomberg corner, where you can run rampant on Bloomberg connected computers and watch the market news.

I didn’t even have access to this while working as an accountant!

Bored yet?

Guess you better head to the game zone, where they have 9 free Playstation 3’s hooked up with the latest games.

What!!!!

Once you’re done losing at Fifa, you can head to the sports TV, sit back in your lounge chair and watch the real thing on the big screen.

You probably want more video games now.

You’re in luck, because they also have a free LAN cafe set up with six gaming PC’s, ready for you to Battlefield it up!

OMG!

Getting tired? Take a nap!

You can access a sleeping zone in a lounge for around $25, and around $9 will get you a drink and a hot shower.

After that you can head to the TV zone and relax in your own private television cubicle.

There’s a lot of them, so you should be able to find an empty one 🙂

Walking through this place is always interesting. It’s scattered with fish ponds and gardens which are such a refreshing change to the dull, sterile boxes that airports so often are.

Now you probably need to use the internet again but you’re bored of using a normal computer.

Guess you better have a go with these wall mounted touch screen ones…

Miss your dog? Give him a call using these free internet phones:

Heading to the beach in Thailand or Bali? Be honest, those biceps are still looking kinda small.

Lucky you. There’s always time for one more gym session:

If you really need a decent snooze, there’s a couple of transit hotels you can check into without needing to go through immigration:

And if you ever feel like you’re getting bored of the airport (which is impossible), there’s a free tour of Singapore on offer that will get you out into the real world.

Then came the best surprise of all.

I was so exhausted from running around looking at all this cool stuff when I finally came across a massage chair.

Ready to spend my few remaining dollars on a much needed foot rub, I sat down and twisted myself in circles trying to find the coin hole. Turns out, it was free!

AHHHH!

But what’s even crazier than all this is that this isn’t even half of it! I had about 4 hours in here and I still didn’t get a chance to see the swimming pool, the hair salon, the other gardens, the 4 storey high slide, the Aviation Gallery, the Zone X video arcade (arrgh!), let alone browse through all the amazing duty free shopping on offer.

All I can say is, if you ever need to transit in Singapore don’t get upset. In fact, I’d try and change your flights up so you can make your transit even longer. I could spend 2 days in here and not get bored. LAN party, anyone?

Oh, and I nearly forget the most important part. There’s beer, too 🙂

Truth is, I was actually a little disappointed when it came time to board my flight. I felt like I was Charlie and my time in the chocolate factory was being cut short.

Next time I’ll make sure I get a little more time here 🙂

Heading to Singapore?
- Accommodation is not cheap in Singapore, and even hostels dorm rooms can be pricey, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune. I’ve scoured the country for the best accommodation options – check them out in my Ultimate Guide To Singapore Accommodation.
- To keep your food costs down, eat in the hawker centres. You can get safe and delicious meals at all hours of the day for just a few dollars, and they are everywhere. Don’t be intimidated by the crowds! Just go in and find a seat, it works like any other food court. Many things are expensive in Singapore (at least by Asia standards) but food doesn’t need to be one of them.
- I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel in Singapore is not dangerous but it is can be expensive and you do not want to be left with the bill in the event of an accident. I use World Nomads. They offer coverage in Asia and it’s super simple – you can literally be covered within two minutes. I use them often. For read my beginner’s guide on purchasing travel insurance, click here.
  
  Have fun!
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
December 26, 2013