SINGAPORE TRAVEL GUIDE: A DREAM DESTINATION
Singapore continues to be crowned as Southeast Asia’s most fascinating city for decades. The Republic of Singapore is an island nation located one degree north of the Equator in Southern Asia. The country encompasses the island of Singapore and 58 other smaller islands. Its capital city, also called Singapore, covers almost one-third of the whole country. It is a unique blend of various cultures and religions. The “little red dot” is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and English cuisines and traditions. Find here my best Singapore travel guide, which will help you when visiting Singapore.
The government of Singapore plays a determining role in making Singapore a considerable tourist and trade attraction. Cultural festivities and celebrations make it an appealing destination for adventurers from all over the world. The infrastructure of the city is excellent, which allows visitors to travel around in a hygienic and secure environment. The melting pot of cultures, traditions, values, and history presents a uniquely exciting experience for travelers looking for amazing new adventures. Several tourist attractions are beautifully clustered in this ever-expanding city. So, let’s start with the ultimate Singapore travel guide.
TABLE OF CONTET:
SINGAPORE PROFILE
- Capital: Singapore
- Main Airports: Singapore Changi Airport “SIN,” Seletar Airport (XSP)
- Official Languages: Malay, also English, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil
- Ethnic Groups: Chinese (74%), Malay (13%), Indian (9%), and others
- Area: 721 km2
- Area: 721 km2
- Population: 5.6 Million (2018)
- Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD) ?Rate
- Time Zone: GMT+8
- Driving Side: Left
- Phone Number Code: +65
- Power plug: Type C (2 Rounded holes), G, and M (same as the UK)
Visa to Singapore
I like to start my Singapore travel guide with the visa policy. Singapore welcomes visitors from all over the world. Entry to Singapore is possible either through a visa-free entry or online electronic visa entry.
Visa Policy of Singapore – By Gorden Cheng – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Visa-Free Entry: the USA, the UK, all citizens of the following countries can enter Singapore without a prior visa: All European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and South Korea.
Visa Required: citizens of the following countries must obtain a visa before entering Singapore. They can apply either at the Singaporean embassy or online through the e-visa system: Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Egypt, Georgia, Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region’ Document of Identity’), Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Macao (Special Administrative Region’ Travel Permit’), Mali, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yemen.
climate in Singapore
Singapore’s overall climate, just like the rest of Southeast Asia, is hot and humid. The daytime temperature often rises above 30 degrees, and nighttime never gets a temperature less than 20 degrees. Typically, the humidity stays as high as a 75% mark. The rainy season continues from November to December. A walk around the city can be really challenging during April-May as the humidity remains an average of 80 %. Furthermore, the timeline of May to June is indeed the hottest in Singapore, which is followed by a dry climate.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SINGAPORE?
The best time to visit the country, only 60 miles above the Equator, is during June-August when the average temperature is 24-31 degrees. However, even during this time, the rain does not stop. The showers are sudden and massive but last for a short duration, so the travelers must carry an umbrella with them. An umbrella will not only protect from the rain but from the Sun as well, which highlights the diverse climatic conditions. The chances to visit the fantastic outdoor sights during the rain vanish. However, it does not mean that a person would have to waste the whole day sitting in the hotel room. The country yet offers several indoor recreational areas like Orchard Road, the shopper’s haven, Cloud Forest, and several others.
Another encouraging part is that the administration tries its best to produce a comfortable environment for the visitors in this hot country. Almost all the buildings, even the taxis, museums, and offices in Singapore, are air-conditioned. For beach lovers, Singapore is heaven as the Sun shines brightly throughout the year. Therefore, they must bring their shades, hates, and relaxed beach attire.
move around Singapore
Singaporean island has an excellent transport system. The system of public transport is the most effective yet economical way to explore Singapore. Moving around the island is very easy, either through buses or underground train. You can pay using your master or Visa card (Check here how to do it?). Another option and maybe saving is to buy ‘Tourist pass’ (Check the packages here?). Here is your Singapore travel guide, the transportation section, and the different options to move around Singapore.
Bus
This is my top choice for you. Because of all buses are air-conditioned. Also, Singaporean buses cover every inch on the island. Another reason is that the two decks bus gives an excellent view to enjoy the trip and street views. On the other hand, the route is indirect, and it looks like it runs into circles. That’s why it may take a long time to reach your destination.
singapore underground metro
Singapore Underground Metro is known in Singapore as MRT (Mass Rapid Transit). It runs over 203 km, and 122 stations cover the whole of Singapore. MRT is practical and affordable, but some stations are not air-conditioned. Also, some routes run underground, so the journey is not enjoyable. Find a detailed map of MRT stations in pdf formate HERE.
hop-on hop-off
The famous two decks city sightseeing red bus is also available in Singapore. Regarding the trip, The price is from 34 USD; it includes two routes, 35 stops with a commentary in 12 languages.
grab
Also available through phone app in Singapore. The price is higher than the bus and MRT, but of course, it is a little bit less than Taxi.
Taxi
Singapore cap is available anywhere anytime. But the price is higher than the bus and MRT. In my opinion, a cab is always my plan B during traveling.
top attractions in Singapore
I always describe my journey to Singapore as a journey to the future. Nevertheless, tons of development has not put a shadow over the historical sights of the city. The historic buildings and traditions are still very much alive, which broadens the sphere of travelers’ experience in Singapore.
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Exploring Singapore is so exciting so, here is Singapore travel guide Top 10 attractions:
1. gardens by the bay
One of the most exquisite gardens in the world. It includes flower dome and Clouds forest where you can enjoy the most beautiful flowers and leaves in the world. Also, you can take a walk between high trees in the skywalk. Google Map location here.
2. marina bay
Marina Bay is the famous waterfront of Singapore, enjoyable walk the top instagrammable spot in the whole Singapore. Google Map location here.
3. singapore botanic gardens & national orchid garden
Enjoy a walk through flowers and orchids, all in Singapore botanic garden & National orchid garden. Google Map location here.
4. sands skypark observation deck
The roof of a luxurious hotel with a great view and sky pool. Google Map location here.
5. chinatown
Chinatown is a food heaven in Singapore. Good to buy some souvenirs and try street food. Google Map location here.
6. UNiversal studios singapore
Meet Hollywood top movie stars at a movie-themed park. My favorite part was when I have a walk in a street that looks like New York City in the 1930s. Google Map location here.
7. national museum of singapore
National Museum of Singapore: I believe it will help you to understand Singapore’s history culture. Google Map location here.
8. sentosa beach (palawan beach)
The white sand beach on Sentosa Island excellent choice for relax and chill out. Google Map location here.
9. merlion park
Merlion Park is the iconic lion of Singapore. Google Map location here.
10. orchard road
Several spots are welcoming for shopping lovers as well. Singapore offers exciting things to people from every frame of life, either it is high technology gadgets or striking designer apparel. In this regard, Orchard Road is a place that no one should miss. It is full of modern stores and restaurants where lights dance and people laugh most beautifully. Google Map location here.
Singapore: Food Heaven
Food is one of the core features of Singaporean culture. The visitors get to enjoy a diverse collection of delicious Malay, Indian and Chinese food. Since the 1800s, the country has seen a rising trend of street food.
Throughout the day, the restaurants are busy with customers and the clacking of dishes. These are the places where life is the most alive. Food variety was limited in the previous years, but the growing international influence in recent years has broadened the horizons of cuisine in Singapore. The tourists and immigrants from Italy, Spain, Lebanon, Turkey, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam add new flavors to the food every day. The country is so food-obsessed that “Have you eaten yet” has become the new hello there.
Food Courts
Food courts, better known as hawker centers, are the popular dining style in Singapore. Shared tables and seats eating style bring people closer and open new experiences for them. In these places, you can find the city’s tastiest and economical food in Singapore. Among these spots, Chinatown Complex Food Centre is one of the largest and busiest hawker centers in Singapore. It serves the delicious Chinese food attracting a vast influx of tourists.
Another tourist favorite hawker center is Old Airport Road Hawker Centre. This spacious arena is Singapore’s oldest center and also a hub of renowned vendors. Chomp Chomp Food Centre is another must-visit place for grilled seafood lovers.
Moreover, other famous food items that are a must for every tourist visiting Singapore are Hainanese chicken rice, Char Kway Teow, Bak Chor Mee, Kaya Toast, Wanton Mee, or Laksa. Hainanese chicken rice is usually known as the national dish of Singapore due to its popularity and taste. Tourists never forget to grab a bite of this aromatic and fluffy chicken dish. Laksa is also another most popular and in-demand food. Furthermore, seafood lovers are commonly found on the east coast, where the aromatic restaurants are lined on the beach.
Travel healthy to Singapore
Water: Singapore is one of the countries where it is safe to drink tap water. Also, locals confirmed that too. This is the reason why mineral water is costly and can cost, on average, 5SGD. So, bring a bottle with you and don’t be scared to drink from tap water.
The Sun: most of the year, the Sun is shining in Singapore, which increases the risk of sunstroke and skin burn. Always bring sunscreen with SPF at least 50. Apply plenty and generous cream on your skin for proper protection.
Health: Singapore is one of the high ranked countries in the field of health. Obviously, you have to be ready with travel insurance because the medical service in Singapore is very expensive. As we all know, Singapore is part of southeast Asia, so don’t forget the medicines that you may need before travel. Don’t forget to check the American center for disease control and prevention ‘CDC’ for any other medical issues.
culture in Singapore
In my Singapore travel guide, I would like to cover the culture in Singapore; it is mainly Chinese. Everywhere I go, I tell myself I am in Singapore and not in china. The people look Chinese, many houses and stores are full of Chinese decoration. In my opinion, Singapore as a mix of Chinese Indian Malay Arab Vietnamese and other southeast cultures
People: People in Singapore are smiling and friendly. They like to laugh and to party. Also, they are helpful if you ask for help.
Language: Everyone in Singapore can speak English fluently. Also, most people can speak chinse and Malay. All traffic and store signs are in English, so you will not get lost in Singapore.
is it safe to visit Singapore?
Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world to visit. There’s an area in Singapore named Geylang. It is a red district, and maybe it is not safe to stay there until late time. Otherwise, you can enjoy everywhere in Singapore even until late time.
in the end
Previously, the country which was considered a “stopover” approaching larger Asian countries has now become a fascinating destination for visitors in search of business and healthy family time. The local community has made the country a huge attraction for people all around the world. Through smart ways, a bunch of revenue is generated from the tourism sector and spent for the welfare for the visitors as well as the community. All things considered, Singapore should be everyone’s next most awaited travel destination for all the right reasons.
I have to confess, I enjoyed my trip to Singapore, and I am sure that you will enjoy it too. In the end, I hope you enjoyed my Singapore travel guide, and by now, you are eager to explore the Asian lion. Kindly let me know in the comments what do you think about my Singapore travel guide. Also, about your experiences and tips about visiting Singapore.
Traveler78
Hello, My name is Yahya. I am 39 years old and soon will be 40. I was born and lived in the historic city of Cairo, Egypt. I Work as a doctor; cardiologist. Traveling is my passion. I am proud to be the owner and creator of Traveler78 website. If you like the material on my website, please subscribe to my website and share it with your friends. Also, you can follow me on your favorite social network. For further information, please contact me either in the comments or via E-mail.
