Singapore
Singapore is a unique and modern country located in Southeast Asia. It may be small in size, but there is a lot to do, see and visit. From its diverse cultural mix to its impressive skyline, there are plenty of reasons why you should add Singapore to your travel bucket list.
Cultural diversity
One of the main attractions of Singapore is its rich cultural diversity. The country is home to various ethnicities such as Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian, resulting in a mix of different traditions and customs. This can be seen through the variety of temples, mosques, and churches scattered throughout the city.
A must-visit destination for anyone interested in culture is Chinatown, where you can find traditional Chinese shops, delicious food stalls, and the stunning Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. For a taste of Indian culture, head to Little India, where you can explore colourful streets and sample authentic Indian cuisine.
Delicious food
Speaking of food, Singapore is a foodie’s paradise. The country is known for its amazing street food scene, with dishes influenced by various cultures. You can find everything from mouthwatering noodles in Chinatown to spicy curries in Little India.
For a unique dining experience, visit one of Singapore’s famous food markets. These markets offer an array of affordable and delicious meals that will satisfy any craving. Don’t forget to try the national dish of Singapore, Hainanese chicken rice!
Modern architecture
Singapore is constantly evolving and expanding, which can be seen through its impressive skyline. The city is home to some of the world’s most iconic modern architecture, including the Marina Bay Sands hotel with its famous rooftop infinity pool.
For a more traditional touch, visit the colonial-style buildings in the Civic District or take a stroll along the colourful shophouses in Tanjong Pagar. You can also visit the futuristic Gardens by the Bay or take a ride on the Singapore Flyer for breathtaking views of the city.
Reading tip: Monumental highlights in Singapore
Festivals
The diversity of festivals is amazing because of the ethnic diversity in Singapore. The Chinese, Malays and Indians each celebrate their own holidays and festivals. Most of the festivals follow the lunar calendars whereby the dates are different each year. I’ve listed a few festivals below to give you an idea. For a complete list of festivals throughout the year check the Festival & Events list of Visit Singapore.
Chinese New Year: celebrated with a parade of dancing dragons and fireworks.
Hari Raya Puasa: the holiday celebrated after the day of the Ramadan. An official holiday in Singapore.
Hari Raya Haji: celebrated on the occasion of the pilgrimage to Mecca. This day is an official holiday in Singapore.
Qingming: A Chinese festival in memory of deceased ancestors. The festival takes places on the 15th day from the Spring Equinox, around 4th ,5th or 6th of April.
Vesak: Buddhists celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
Dragon Boat Festival: celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. The festival is not a public holiday but an admired cultural event.
National Holiday of Singapore: Celebrated on the 9th of August.
Navaratri Festival: celebrated for nine days in October. The festival honours the wives of the Hindu gods Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu.
Diwali: In October or November Hindus celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. They lead Lord Rama home after returning from his exile.
Best time to go
Singapore is a year-round destination, and each season offers unique experiences for visitors. Whether you prefer warm weather or cooler temperatures, there is something for everyone in this Asian city-state. Below I have listed the advantages and disadvantages of visiting Singapore during different seasons.
Spring (March to May)
Advantages:
- Pleasant weather with average temperatures around 25°C
- Blooming flowers such as cherry blossoms at Gardens by the Bay
- Lower tourist crowds compared to peak season
- Affordable prices for accommodation and flights
Disadvantages:
- Occasional rain showers may disrupt outdoor activities
- Limited availability of certain attractions due to maintenance work during off-season
- Higher humidity levels towards the end of spring
Spring is a great time to visit Singapore for those who enjoy milder temperatures and want to avoid the peak season crowds. With pleasant weather and beautiful blooms, it’s the perfect time to explore outdoor attractions like Gardens by the Bay or Sentosa Island.
Summer (June to August)
Advantages:
- Long sunny days with average temperatures of 27°C
- Exciting events such as the Great Singapore Sale and National Day Parade
- Perfect time for beach activities on Sentosa Island
Disadvantages:
- High levels of humidity can make it feel hotter than actual temperature
- Frequent rain showers in the afternoons can disrupt plans
- Peak tourist season with higher prices for accommodation and flights
Summer in Singapore is all about soaking up the sun and enjoying fun events. Visitors should be prepared for high humidity levels and rain showers. Make sure to plan indoor activities or carry an umbrella if you are visiting during this season.
Fall (September to November)
Advantages:
- Lower temperatures with average of 25°C
- Festive atmosphere with preparations for Deepavali and Christmas
- Perfect time for outdoor activities like hiking at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Disadvantages:
- Higher chances of rain from occasional monsoon season
- Increased tourist crowds due to school holidays and festive celebrations
- Higher prices for accommodation and flights towards the end of fall
Fall in Singapore brings cooler temperatures making it a popular time to visit. The festive preparations also add to the charm of this season. Be prepared for occasional monsoon rains and higher prices towards the end of fall.
Winter (December to February)
Advantages:
- Pleasant weather with average temperatures of 24°C
- Christmas festivities and decorations all around the city
- Plenty of shopping opportunities with year-end sales
Disadvantages:
- Higher chances of rain and occasional thunderstorms
- Peak tourist season resulting in crowded attractions and long queues
- Limited availability and higher prices for popular accommodations and flights
Winter is peak season in Singapore with pleasant weather perfect for outdoor activities. Plan ahead to avoid long queues at popular attractions and book accommodations and flights well in advance to avoid high prices.
Practical info
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
ATM: One unique feature of ATMs in Singapore is that they accept multiple currencies. This means that travellers can withdraw local currency using their debit or credit cards from countries around the world. It eliminates the hassle of exchanging money beforehand and allows for immediate access to funds upon arrival in Singapore.
Most ATMs in Singapore offer a wide range of services beyond just withdrawing cash. Some allow users to check account balances, transfer funds between accounts, pay bills, and even top up prepaid mobile phones. This convenience makes ATMs a one-stop shop for all banking needs.
Another interesting aspect of ATM usage in Singapore is the high level of security. Many machines require users to insert their card and then enter a PIN before proceeding with any transactions. Some even have added measures such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition technology for added security.
Official languages: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English
Symbolic National language: Malay
Religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and other religions
Visa:
A Singapore Arrival Card is mandatory for all visitors entering the country. Eligible nationals can obtain an Electronic Arrival Card for Singapore by completing a simple and straightforward online application. For some nationalities it’s also required to get a visa. So the arrival card is not a replacement of a visa. Check the visa requirements at Immigration and Checkpoint Authority.
Note: All travelers arriving in Singapore must submit a health declaration form to pass through immigration checks at the border. The health declaration can be completed online as part of the Arrival Card e-Service.
Local SIM Card:
There are several options for getting an SIM card in Singapore:
- Changi Airport: The most convenient option is to purchase your SIM card at Changi Airport upon arrival. You can find kiosks from major telcos like Singtel, Starhub, and M1 at each terminal. Prices may be slightly higher than if you were to purchase at a local store, but the convenience makes up for it.
- Telco Stores: You can also opt to visit the official stores of Singtel, Starhub, or M1 in shopping malls across Singapore. This allows for more flexibility in choosing your plan and add-ons, and you can also get assistance from staff if needed.
- Mobile Vendors: Another option is to buy an SIM card from mobile vendors like Cheers, 7-Eleven, and Mustafa Centre. These shops are open 24 hours and offer competitive prices. However, they may not have as many plan options compared to telco stores.
Country Code: +65
Time: UTC +8 (Singapore Standard Time)
Official Tourism Website: The Official website for Singapore is Visit Singapore. Check out the site to explore the city, find places to eat, check if there are festivals during your stay in SG or read the latest news.
Cultural travel:
Cultural travel is a type of travel that focuses on immersing yourself in the local culture and way of life. It goes beyond simply visiting popular tourist attractions and instead, offers a deeper understanding and appreciation for the destination.
One of the main reasons people choose to go on cultural adventure is to gain a better understanding of different cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. By experiencing new customs, trying local cuisine, learning more about the regions history and interacting with locals, travellers are able to expand their perspectives.
I try to translate cultural travel into articles that are focused on history, architecture and cultural travel. If you like to know more about cultural immersion I recommend reading this article: Exploring cultural immersion when travelling: the ultimate guide. Or go to the section Cultural travel and browse through the articles. Another way is to search your preferred destination. I hope you enjoy reading the posts as much as I did writing them.
Sustainable travel: I’ve written several articles on sustainable travel, offering insights on increasing the eco-friendliness of your trips and air travel practices. I believe that even the slightest change can make a significant impact.
Public Transport
The public transport system in Singapore is known for its efficiency, cleanliness, and affordability. It’s also a great way to experience the local way of life. Here are some options you can consider:
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
The MRT is an extensive network of underground trains that covers most major areas in Singapore. With over 100 stations, you can easily reach popular tourist spots such as Marina Bay Sands and Universal Studios Singapore. The trains run from 5:30am to midnight daily, with extended hours during weekends and public holidays.
Bus
Buses in Singapore are a cheaper alternative to the MRT and offer more scenic views of the city. They operate 24 hours a day and serve all corners of the island. There are also tourist bus services that cater specifically to visitors, offering convenient routes to top attractions.
Light Rail Transit (LRT)
The LRT is a feeder service that connects residential areas to MRT stations. It’s an excellent option for getting around within certain neighborhoods like Sengkang or Bukit Panjang.
Taxis
Taxis are a popular choice for tourists who prefer more flexibility and privacy in their travels. In Singapore, taxis are readily available and operate 24/7. You can easily hail them on the street or book through various ride-hailing apps like Grab.
