Singapore is a sovereign city-state in Southeast Asia known to be prosperous, clean and modern. This tiny archipelago is divided into 63 beautiful islands: Singapore (the main island), Jurong, Sentosa, Ubin and Tekong. Some of the 63 are artificial islands, including Jurong Island.

As one of Asia’s top destinations for holiday, Singapore is a tourist magnet in the region. The diverse ethnics in Singapore impacts positively towards its tourism development. In culinary, for instance, you can easily encounter various luxurious as well as budget restaurants offering different food and beverages from all over the world.

Fast Facts

Languages: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, English

Currency: Singapore Dollar

How to Get There

People travelling to Singapore will arrive at Changi International Airport, lauded as the world’s best airport. It is located at the eastern region of Singapore and is highly accessible via the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) or bus.

Riding the MRT and the bus is the cheapest way to go to the city centre. However, it may not be the most comfortable nor the fastest since there might be transfers involved when going to your accommodation. Furthermore, if you take the bus, travel time is approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

The fastest and most convenient way if you want to go directly to your hotel in Singapore would be to get an airport transfer or a taxi. Taxis are available 24 hours daily. Keep in mind that there are surcharges applicable when you are travelling during peak hours or late at night.

Getting Around in Singapore

Singapore has one of the most modern and efficient transport systems in Asia, if not the world. MRT serves routes to all major areas in Singapore. To get in and out of the stations, all tickets are activated through RFID (Radio Frequency Identification, a tracking device).

There are two kinds of smart cards eligible for MRT (and other public transportations in Singapore): EZ-link and NETS FlashPay. These cards can be recharged at all MRT stations. Take note that the MRT operates daily from 05:30 to midnight.

If you are taking the bus, make sure to pay the bus fare with either EZ-link or NETS FlashPay smart cards as they can be cheaper than cash. If you pay with cash, make sure to pay the exact amount (and not more) as the driver does not give change. Bus operates daily from 05:30 to midnight.

Taxi can be the perfect choice if you are traveling in three or need to go far from the Central Business District (CBD). However, it can be pricey. Around CBD, taxis park around shopping centres and other buildings located in Orchard, Bugis, City Hall, Chinatown and Raffles Place.

Things to Do in Singapore

Singapore offers you several interesting tourist destinations whether you are someone who loves history, adventure, arts and culture, and food. Sentosa Island, Singapore’s most popular island resort is home to Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore Butterfly and Insect Kingdom, and Sentosa Golf Club to name a few. Here you can ride cable cars, do exciting animal encounters, relax at the beach, and enjoy a fun-filled day.

In Little India, you can visit several religious areas such as Temple of 1000 Lights, Veeramakaliamman temple, Angullia Mosque, the Central Sikh Gurdwara and many more. Apart from that, Little India is also popular for its culinary offered at Zhujiao Centre. A visit to Chinatown is a must if you’re buying souvenirs, shopping, or trying famous Singaporean cuisines at one of its hawker centres.

If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful area in Singapore, you can visit Swan Lake at Singapore Botanic Garden. This may also be a perfect area for jogging and other exercises.

Where to Stay in Singapore

Searching for the best Singapore hotel to book? Check out the various neighbourhoods downtown where you can stay depending on what you want to do most and your budget. If you’re looking for budget accommodations, you can stay in either Little India or Chinatown. Aside from their interesting attractions and heritage sites, it’s also a shopper’s paradise. You also won’t want to miss the culinary delights located in these areas.

If you want to stay at a luxury hotel in Singapore, Marina Bay and Orchard Road are the neighbourhoods for you. Marina Bay Sands, with its iconic infinity rooftop pool, provides a spectacular view of the city. In addition, the Gardens by the Bay is also nearby. Meanwhile, you can also choose the areas of Clarke Quay and Civic District where you’ll find trendy bars and restaurants.

Meanwhile, if you want to experience a different side of Singapore, you can stay at the West region. It covers areas such as Bukit Batok, Jurong East, Jurong West, Bukit Panjang, Benoi, Jurong Island and Boon Lay. This part of Singapore is known to be the largest and most developed region. Around the area, you can visit TV stations, educational institutions and the popular shopping center, West Mall.

Nightlife in Singapore

Boat Quay and Clarke Quay are two popular after-work hang out areas in Singapore. Most people come here to have dinner, have fun conversations at bars and pubs, or dance at several nightclubs. In the evening, Boat Quay and Clarke Quay may also be the perfect areas for sunset viewing.

Singapore Travel Tips

Familiarize yourself with the dos and don'ts in Singapore. Known as the Fine City, there are many things that are not allowed in the country including feeding the pigeons, jaywalking, and littering.

When you enter or exit the bus stop, do not forget to tap your card/ticket onto the card reader located near the exit. The nominal in your card will automatically be charged based on your travel distance. If you forget to tap your ticket on the card reader, it will charge a higher fare.

Love the nightlife? Prepare to shell out some money since alcoholic beverages are pricey in Singapore.