Singapore might look stuffy and flat at first, but there’s a reason why people keep going back there over and over--after all, there has to be more to the city state than insanely clean streets, chilli crab, and the Merlion. Check out what some Manileños (people from Manila) have got to say about Southeast Asia’s smallest nation.

“I love the active nightlife and the fact that you can walk along the city streets feeling safe in this unusually clean Asian country. I love the discipline of the people. If you know where to buy, the prices of electronics are also awesome.” -Stephen Ku, event specialist/hotelier

“On a recent press junket to Singapore, the thing that seemed most real to me was its food. Life in that city can be a bit overplanned and antithetical to the Manila way of doing things, and in terms of progress and efficiency they’ve got a good thing going, but it doesn’t translate well into fun and leisure. So to meet such a varied and delicious cuisine burning it its belly was an awesome counterpoint to the clean, sterile and ultramodern face of the nation. I was introduced to the saucy and spicy, earthy and exotic flavors of the Peranakan, a Chinese-Malaysian ethnic group, and now I’m a believer. Singapore rocks!” -Audrey N Carpio, senior associate editor, Metro magazine

“Right now, I’m loving the cultural vibe at The Old School, a former school estate located on a hilltop. School buildings have been turned into commercial art spaces: artists’ studios, art and photo galleries, a small theatre showing independent movies, and a handful of cafes. It’s easy to dismiss Singapore as a materialistic city that has no soul, but The Old School is proof that this simply is not true.” -James P Ong, lifestyle journalist

“The food is orgasmic, plus there’s a variety of cultures since Singapore used to be a trading port in the olden days. So, you get the best of Indo-Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and of course Singaporean dishes. You have the China town area there, the Indian Area, etc. It’s very progressive and modernized, yet it has maintained its charm--hotels like Raffles have the Old World feel. Sentosa is delightful yet, it’s the Singapore harbour where the spirit of Singapore starts.” -Mikaela Bilbao, owner of Philosophy by Mikaela salon

“I love Singapore because I lived there when I was a baby for our family business, and I feel at home whenever I go back! It’s one of the best places to go shopping and the nightlife is super fun!” -Gretchen Fullido, Showbiz & Sports Anchor and Weathergirl

“I love the fried Mars bars (Mars chocolate deep-fried in butter and served with ice cream) and fish n’ chips from the British fast food joint Chippy at Far East Plaza; local fashion brand Mu’s avant-garde designs at The Heeren; free domestic phone calls from the airport; quaint finds on Arab Street; authentic Indian cuisine at Little India; unique, hand-painted rooms by Singaporean artists at revamped shophouse turned boutique hotel New Majestic Hotel; how the locals are so friendly and polite yet are not afraid to let their hair loose and have a great time at night!” -Cheryl Tiu, associate editor, Lifestyle Asia

“I’m in love with Singapore because after a short three-hour plane ride from Manila, you get to experience an environment very different from here; isn’t that the best escape? Since I am admittedly a shopaholic, it’s heaven for me because they have all the luxury brands I adore. It doesn’t stop there, either. It’s always great to complete your day by dining in the best of the best. A favorite would be Yoishi Nogawa’s restaurant named Nogawa on Orchard road, the finest selection of sushi and sashimi I’ve ever had.

Every time I’m there I always try to squeeze in time to go their museums and my favourite is their National Museum. I like visiting because of the beautiful architecture with a Renaissance feel. And since I love painting, my ultimate favorite is the Singapore Art Museum. I also like to make sure I have time to experience the nightlife in every country and Singapore sure has a lot to offer from Zouk to the Ministry of Sound.” -Princess Violago, actress