Travel Guide: Singapore

Over the last few years, Singapore grown in popularity as a tourist destination. Its airport, Changi Airport, is often ranked as one of the cleanest and most efficient airports in the world. As a city, Singapore is truly one of the cleanest, safest, most organized, and culturally advanced city in the world.

Things to Know:

• Singapore is a city state located in Southeast Asia and is often referred to as the “Red Dot.”

• The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar.

• Singapore is made up of reclaimed land (approximately 22%)

• Singapore is a relatively young city, only a bit more than 55 years old

• Singapore is one of the safest countries to visit. There is very little crime in Singapore- however, it also means that the rules are stringent as both a resident and a visitor.

• English is the primary language in Singapore

• The public transportation system (MRT) in Singapore is one of the best in the world. It is incredibly efficient and clean and connects most of the city together. It is the best way to get around Singapore other than the bus.

Best Time to Go:

• Singapore is located at the equator, which means it is HOT…all the time. While the temperature does not vary much month to month, the humidity level can change significantly.

• The hottest month is April and the coldest month is January, but “hot” is all relative

• There are two main rainy seasons in Singapore: December-March and June-September.

• The best time to visit Singapore is December- beginning of March.

• Chinese New Years is a huge holiday in Singapore which usually takes place in February.

• National Day takes place on August 9th, which is the day Singapore gained its independence from Malaysia.

What to Do:

• Tiong Bahru Market is a popular wet market that offers fresh flowers, vegatables, fruits, and meat. Above the market, you can visit a hawker center which is basically a food court with a variety of local cuisine.

• Marina Bay Sands is the major hub of tourist sights within Singapore. Some of the most famous are the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the hotel that looks a bit like a boat, the Flower Dome, the Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay, Arts and Science Museum, and Merlion Statue,

• Eat at a Hawker Center: Singapore is famous for its Hawker Centers which are outdoor food courts that have a variety of different stalls and types of cuisine. Most Singaporeans eat lunch at Hawkers sine the food is incredibly cheap. Some of the most famous Hawkers in Singapore are Lau Pa Sat, Maxwell Hawker, Newton Food Center, and Chinatown Complex Food Center.

• Explore Chinatown: One of interesting museums in Chinatown is the the Chinese Heritage Center. This museum is located in a traditional shop-house and provides historical background on the area/neighborhood.

• Visit Robertson Quay, Clarke Quay: Located along the river, there are a ton of restaurants in Robertson Quay and Clarke Quay. It is the popular destination for expatriates to live but is known for its key location along the Singapore River.

• Visit the Botanic Gardens: Despite being a major city, Singapore has so many different parks, gardens, and green spaces to escape the city life. The Botanic Gardens is one of the most popular and largest parks in Singapore.

• Shop in Orchard: Orchard is the the prime shopping area in Singapore.

• Visit Haji Lane: Haji Lane is a pedestrian only narrow street filled with unique boutiques and small eateries.

• Little India: Little India is located close to Haji Lane and Sultan Mosque. It is one of the most vibrant and colorful neighborhoods in Singapore, and is the traditional Indian neighborhood in Singapore.

• Hike MacRitchie Reservoir: This is a beautiful, nature area in Singapore. A popular walk in MacRitchie Reservoir is the Tree Top Walk, a suspension bridge located high above the trees.

• Sentosa is paradise located in paradise. Sentosa is a beachfront destination with a few beach clubs, beaches, and restaurants to visit while you are in Singapore. If you are looking for more adventure, Universal Studios is located right on Sentosa.

• Night Safari at Singapore Zoo: it is a unique opportunity to see the animals at night.

Singapore is a very unique destination and a great place to visit if you are looking to visit Southeast Asia. Since it is so easy to travel from Singapore, it is an ideal option to visit on your way to another country such as Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand.

For more information on your next trip to Singapore, please do not hesitate to reach out to learn more information.