Singapore City Guide

General Information / Guide

Singapore, one of the few city-states in the world, is composed of 40 islets in the Malay Peninsula, with a population of approximately 5,4 million. This city-state, positioned as the jewel of Southeast Asia, has a tranquil atmosphere with its tropical forests. Throughout its history, it was ruled under the occupation of various states but gained independence in 1965. Singapore is known for its extremely warm hospitality, especially for tourists. The population is mostly Chinese, followed by Indian, and Malay, while it is perhaps one of the most orderly and organized places in the world. This is because littering, smoking outside designated areas, chewing gum, and even eating on public transportation are prohibited. There are signs directing people everywhere in the city, and the people are very respectful towards each other. Seeing a Hindu temple and a mosque on the same street, and witnessing people peacefully practicing their worship, is quite common here.
 

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Singapore is dominated by a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity levels. Being just north of the equator, it is possible to say that the weather is particularly hot, especially during the summer months. However, between November and March, heavy rainfall occurs. The consistent average temperatures throughout the year make Singapore open to visits at any time. Nevertheless, the best times to visit are between May and July.

How to Get There

Singapore Changi Airport stands out as one of Asia's busiest and most efficient airports, renowned for its cleanliness. Located 17 kilometers east of the city center, the airport is easily accessible via various transportation means Multiple transportation options are available, including the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, providing an affordable 30-minute journey to City Hall station. Taxis, readily available at the airport, offer a 20-30 minute ride to the city center 24/7. Alternatively, buses take around 45 minutes to an hour. Some hotels provide shuttle bus services, included in the room price. Private car hire and limousine services are also available at Changi Airport. 

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

Singapore offers a rich and diverse culinary experience for tourists who seek to explore various tastes. From Indian and Chinese to Malaysian and Thai, the city hosts a multitude of ethnic flavors. Whether dining at street vendors or luxury restaurants, Singapore caters to every budget, ensuring a satisfying culinary adventure. Start your day with Malaysia's Nasi Lemak, indulge in Indian Chicken Biryani for lunch, savor renowned Chinese herbal teas, and conclude with Singaporean delights where meat and fish shine. With dishes like Hokkien Mee, Satay, Roti Prata, and Bulgogi, you can experience the essence of four different countries in a single day, enjoying unique and unparalleled culinary delights in Singapore.

Important Places / Places to Visit

• Orchard Road: A shopping haven in Singapore, Orchard Road is the city's only one-way street, lined with world-famous brands, numerous malls, cafes, restaurants, and luxury hotels. The vibrant district offers reasonably priced shopping and a variety of unforgettable gifts.
• Little India: In this aptly named neighborhood, experience a taste of India with vendors selling spices, fabrics, jewelry, and silver. The mystical atmosphere is enhanced by Indian fortune tellers, adding to the charm of this unique enclave.
• Chinatown: Immerse yourself in Chinese culture in Chinatown, featuring the Thian Hock Keng Temple. Explore and purchase Chinese medicinal herbs, herbal teas, and massage oils, delving into the richness of Chinese traditions.
• National Orchid Garden: Discover the symbol of Singapore amid orchid trees at the National Orchid Garden, recognized as the world's largest orchid garden. Enjoy tranquility and the beauty of nature in this serene setting.
• Sentosa Island: Singapore's most fascinating holiday destination, Sentosa Island, hosts some of Asia's renowned entertainment areas, providing a diverse and exciting experience for visitors.
• Asian Civilisations Museum: Explore the rich cultures and civilizations of Asia at this museum, showcasing beautiful sculptures, traditional clothing, and the glorious history of Asian culture.
• Arab Street: Witness the influence of Islamic and Arab culture in Singapore at Arab Street. Explore authentic shops and visit the Sultan Mosque, the city's largest mosque with a capacity of 5000 people, making it a must-see destination.

What to Do

Visiting the iconic Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall building and Merlion Park is a must-do if you are interested in culture. Additionally, it's essential not to forget about zoos where you can witness animals in their natural habitats rather than behind cages. Here, you can embark on a tropical journey and delve into the depths of the wild. Also, Singapore has a lively nightlife that visitors can explore. In addition to music and dance performances unique to the Far East, the bars and nightclubs in the city are also worth seeing.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

In Singapore, the vibrant nightlife ensures you'll never struggle to find entertainment venues that add excitement to your nights, as the city is known for its non-stop energy. Don't miss participating in dynamic entertainment that lasts until the first light of the morning, with the Raffles area serving as the pulsating heart of Singapore's nightlife. Here are some noteworthy bars and nightclubs to consider for an unforgettable night out: Long Bar, Rouge, Hideout, Zouk, Harry's Bar, Alley Bar, Loof, Bisous Bar, Bar Opiume, Brewerkz, and Vincent's.

Shopping / What to Buy

The most famous souvenirs in Singapore are Merlion souvenirs, representing the iconic mythical creature, and are available in various forms such as keychains, magnets, statues, and plush toys, with Merlion Park being a prime location for these mementos. Tiger Balm, another renowned medicinal ointment from Singapore, is a popular souvenir known for its healing properties, found in souvenir shops and pharmacies. Bakkwa, a dried meat snack flavored with spices, can be purchased at souvenir shops, markets, and hawker centers. Orchid perfume, crafted from the scent of the Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid, the national flower, is a sought-after souvenir found in both souvenir shops and perfume stores. Other notable Singaporean souvenirs include Batik fabric, and Peranakan tiles, each available in respective shops. 
For shopping, ION Orchard and Paragon offer upscale experiences, Ngee Ann City provides diverse options in the Orchard Road district, and VivoCity, Marina Bay Sands, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Raffles City Shopping Centre, CityLink Mall, and Suntec City Mall cater to various tastes with a mix of international and local brands, dining, and entertainment options.

Festivals/ Events

January: Singapore Art Festival
January: Pongal
January- February: Chinese New Year
February: Thaipusam
February: Lantern Festival
May- June: Dragon Boat Festival
May- June: International Festival Of Arts
August: Singapore Night Festival
August- September: Hungry Ghost Festival
August- September: Singapore Food Festival
 

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

1 January: New Year's Day
Chinese New Year (changes every year)
Good Friday (changes every year)
Hari Raya Puasa (changes every year)
1 May: Labour Day
Vesak Day (changes every year)
Hari Raya Haji (changes every year)
9 August: National Day
Deepavali (changes every year)
25 December: Christmas Day

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

Do not litter.
Do not chew gum.
Do not eat or drink while on public transportation.
Do not jaywalk.
Do not smoke unless you are in a specifically designated area.
Do not use drugs.
Do not forget about alcohol laws.
Make sure you stand and walk on the proper sides.
Join the queues.
Treat the elders respectfully.
Have cash readily available.
Know the climate before you arrive.
You can freely drink the tap water.
Remember the cultural expectations of cleanliness.

Transportation

Singapore has a highly efficient transportation system. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is an underground rail network renowned for its cleanliness and reliability, covering major areas. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) serves specific neighborhoods, providing localized transport in densely populated areas. The extensive bus network reaches all corners of the island, offering a cost-effective and flexible mode of transportation. Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) provide door-to-door service, with taxis available on the street and PHVs exclusively booked through apps. Cycling is gaining popularity, supported by dedicated paths and bike-sharing services. Singapore's pedestrian-friendly environment encourages walking as well. Additionally, a well-developed ferry service connects the main island to others like Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong, offering scenic and convenient transportation options.