Honestly, doesn’t planning a trip sometimes feel like another item on your to-do list? This guide aims to alleviate that burden, providing only factual information without the usual travelogue fluff. Consider the tedious information gathering handled, leaving you free to focus on the actual enjoyment of your trip.
City
Singapore, an island city-state situated off southern Malaysia, functions as a significant global financial hub. It is characterized by a tropical climate and a highly diverse multicultural population. The city is noted for its exceptional cleanliness, operational efficiency, and advanced urban planning, presenting a seamless integration of modern skyscrapers with extensive green spaces.
Mood
In Singapore, there’s a palpable sense of forward momentum; everyone appears to be in motion, and a peculiar pressure exists to keep pace, as if pausing for too long is simply not an option. It’s an interesting phenomenon, observing the city’s relentless pursuit of efficiency, even down to the individual’s stride.
Visa
Currency
Language, English (official), Malay, Mandarin Chinese, Tamil
Singapore boasts four official languages, reflecting its multicultural population. English serves as the primary language of business and government, making it widely understood across the city. Singlish, a unique local creole, is also commonly spoken.
Climate
Northeast Monsoon
December to early March
24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
Inter-Monsoon I
Late March to May
25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F)
Southwest Monsoon
June to September
25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F)
Inter-Monsoon II
October to November
24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
Transportation
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and buses offer efficient and affordable transportation options throughout Singapore. A Singapore Tourist Pass provides unlimited travel, which can be quite cost-effective. Downloading the Citymapper app is recommended for seamless navigation, ensuring one knows the last train time to avoid unexpected, expensive taxi fares.
Singapore’s public transportation system is renowned for its cleanliness, punctuality, and extensive network. While generally affordable, peak hour travel can be crowded. Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available, offering a convenient alternative, albeit at a higher cost.
Attractions
Bird Paradise Tickets | Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Singapore
- Immerse in the symphony of colours across 8 walk-through aviaries that will take you to different biomes and landscapes of the world
- Look in wonder as you are surrounded with over 400 avian species at Asia’s largest bird park
- Related products: Rainforest Wild ASIA, Night Safari, Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Multi-Park Bundles
S.E.A. Aquarium Ticket Sentosa
– **World-Class aquarium:** Explore S.E.A. Aquarium, home to 100,000 marine creatures across 1,000 species and 40 diverse habitats – **Threatened species encounter:** Encounter close to 80 threatened species, including manta rays, Napoleon wrasse, and more, in a pristine aquatic environment – **Interactive learning:** Discover fascinating marine facts and deepen your connection with ocean life through interactive programs and up-close encounters – **Muslim-friendly experience:** Enjoy Muslim-friendly dining and facilities for a comfortable, inclusive visit. Check the “Good to know” section for details
National Orchid Garden Admission Ticket | Singapore
Immerse yourself in a wonderfully designed orchid garden that showcases thousands of stunning species and hybrids! Visit the famous Sembcorp Cool House and the National Orchid Garden and marvel at the stunning collections of orchids.
- Visit the first UNESCO World Heritage Site to be recognised in Singapore
- Discover more than 60,000 spectacular orchids in cleverly coloured zones inspired by the four seasons
- NEW! See incredibly rare orchids in a misty cloud forest, found only at altitudes of 1,000 – 2,000m
Accommodations
Type
Hostels
Hostels cater to budget travelers, providing communal living and basic amenities, ideal for those prioritizing cost-effectiveness.
Mid-range Hotels
Mid-range hotels offer comfortable stays with a balance of amenities and cost, often well-located for convenient city exploration.
Luxury Hotels
Luxury hotels provide premium services, extensive facilities, and frequently boast iconic city views, catering to those seeking an elevated experience.
Price
Hostels
SGD 30-70/night
Mid-range Hotels
SGD 100-250/night
Luxury Hotels
SGD 300+/night
Food
Hainanese Chicken Rice
A staple hawker dish, consisting of poached chicken and fragrant rice, often found at renowned establishments like Tian Tian Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre.
Chili Crab
An iconic seafood dish featuring stir-fried crab in a savory, spicy tomato chili sauce, typically enjoyed at seafood restaurants such as Jumbo Seafood.
Satay
Grilled skewered meats, commonly available at Lau Pa Sat, served with a flavorful peanut sauce and often accompanied by cucumber and onion.
Events
Chinese New Year
January or February (depending on the lunar calendar)
A major celebration transforming areas like Chinatown with vibrant street decorations, lively lion dances, and festive markets.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Varies each year (based on the Islamic calendar)
A Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan, bringing families together for prayers and feasts, with Geylang Serai often being a focal point.
Deepavali
October or November (depending on the Hindu calendar)
The Hindu festival of lights, illuminating Little India with colorful decorations, oil lamps, and traditional sweets, providing a sensory-rich experience.
Shopping
For luxury brands, Orchard Road is the primary destination. Souvenirs and local crafts are best found in Chinatown and Little India. Unique boutiques and independent designers can be explored along Haji Lane. For electronics, Sim Lim Square is a known hub.
Bargaining is generally not expected in most retail establishments, particularly in malls and department stores. Prices are usually fixed. Tax refunds for tourists are available for eligible purchases, typically through the Global Refund Scheme.
Culture
Hawker Centre Dining
A quintessential cultural activity involving dining at a hawker center, where a vast array of affordable local dishes can be sampled, often with the practice of ‘chope’ to reserve seats.
Exploring Local Markets
Visiting markets such as Tekka Centre or Tiong Bahru Market offers a sensory immersion into the local way of life, providing insights into culinary traditions and daily commerce.
River Cruise
A leisurely river cruise along the Singapore River provides a historical perspective of the city’s development, showcasing both its modern skyline and preserved landmarks.
Etiquettes
Chewing Gum
The sale and import of chewing gum are famously banned, and its use is strictly regulated to maintain public cleanliness.
Littering
Littering carries significant fines, underscoring the importance of proper waste disposal to maintain the city’s renowned cleanliness.
Public Intoxication and Drug Offenses
Public intoxication and drug offenses are met with severe penalties, emphasizing the need for responsible behavior and adherence to strict laws.