Stop # 1: Singapore

Unless you have a layover in Singapore to your final destination in Asia, I do not recommend visiting this island country as there's not much to do other than shopping and eating. Spending a day or two here is more than enough time to cross it off your list.

During our layover to India, we spent the day in Singapore eating at hawker centers - very popular food courts serving cheap local food. Each dish costs anywhere from 50 cents to 5 bucks. While Singapore lacks its own distinct culture (as the population is made up of Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, and Arab), it makes up for in the variety of foods. A few must-eat signature Singaporean dishes are chilli crab, hainan chicken, laksa noodle, and all kinds of "exotic" fruits like durian, jackfruit, and longan.

We spent the day walking around in these hawker centers eating no fewer than 5 meals before dinner (and only spent a total of $10). Here are some of the dishes we ate. From left to right: 1) rice cake with unidentified spicy topping and ice coffee; 2) snowcone with soft peanuts, condensed milk, and red bean; 3) hainan chicken with Tiger beer; 4) variety of Japanese desserts like green tea ice cream with mochi; 5) seafood soup.

As a result of such distinct ethnic groups coexisting in Singapore, there are four official languages: English, Chinese Mandarin, Malay, and Timal (South Indian language) as demonstrated by this sign on the subway. Getting around is very easy as Singapore is a modern city that is super clean and safe and everyone speaks "Singlish." Watch out for the occasional porcelain hole in the ground bathroom and carry your own soap to wash your hands. And don't jaywalk or litter as it will cost you hundreds if you get caught.

Fast Facts:

Visa: not needed for entry

Exchange Rate: 1US$ = 1.5 SG$

Climate: very hot and humid year round (it sits right above the equator)