Travel is an exciting experience for most but for some, the uncertainty and fear that accompanies travel to a foreign destination can be enough to stop them from ever leaving their own backyard!
The idea of arriving into a country that looks different and smells different, where people eat different food, and especially countries where they speak another language, can be very intimidating. Finding a destination that offers a foreign experience but with some soothing home comforts can be difficult but there is such a place – Singapore!
Sitting off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore offers an exotic Asian experience combined with the reassuring notion that many locals speak English, hotel standards are comfortable and western food is readily available.
Having been originally founded as a British trading colony in 1819 there is good reason why British travellers should feel comfortable here but there is more to this special country than first appearances. It’s current status as one of the most vital business hubs in Asia has ensured Singapore’s development into a modern and world class destination for travellers from all over the world.
Singapore is a country where new meets old, historical meets youthful, and tradition meets all things new. Take a look at the Raffles Hotel, first establish in 1887 and still functioning today as a full service luxury hotel, and then compare it to the Marina Bay Sands, opened in February 2011, it offers everything you could ever dream of from a flashy, modern hotel.
Despite being the second smallest country in Asia you are sure to be surprised by the abundance of activities available in this dynamic little island. It is world a famous destination for shopping and cultural events yet in only 20 minutes you can be trekking through the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or Scuba Diving at the popular Pulau Hantu dive site.
Expect sun, sea, sand and shopping… lots of it. This tiny country, found in southeast Asia is jam-packed full of all the goodies. View my guide with information ‘how to’ on everything from a boat tour through the bustling waterways, to throwing away the map and exploring Little Arabia, to shopping in the mall metropolis that is Orchard Road, and partying the night away in Clarke Quay.
Discover the cultural diversity of Singapore which spills into the food, language, history and architecture of this unique island country. Intrigued? Then read on! We’ve put together this handy Singapore travel guide with all you need to know before you head off – visa info, best time to go, places to visit, hints and tips for your stay, handy phrases so you can understand ‘Singlish’, plus HEAPS more!
Singapore Travel Booking Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
Singapore Tours
• Book sightseeing tours & attraction tickets on GetYourGuide or Viator.
• Browse small group adventure tours of Singapore and South East Asia with G Adventures.
Singapore Facts
Population
4,600,000
Languages Spoken
Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, English
Currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD) $
The currencies of the US, Australia, Brunei, Japan and Britain are also accepted in most major shopping centres and big department stores.
Electricity
The electric current in Singapore is 220-240V and the cycle is 50Hz. The power plugs used in Singapore are of the three-pin, square-shaped variety so an adaptor may be required.
Time Zones
GMT + 8
Country Dialling Code
+65
Weights & Measures
Metric
Weather & Best Time to Visit
As a tropical location Singapore gets hot and at its worst it gets unbearably hot and humid! During the wet season (November – January) it may rain every day but this is only for short bursts and then replaced by a throbbing sun. The driest time of the year to visit is May to July but remember to drink plenty of fluids especially if doing any physical activities.
Peak season for travel to Singapore is between December and June. Room rates are at their highest from mid-December through to the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls in January or February. The months of July to August are the months that you’ll find you’ll get the best deals on hotels.
If you’re there during Chinese New Year you’ll get to see the fun street markets, festive decorations, curious traditions and the popular Chingay Parade. Prices during this time will be inflated so be careful what you buy, and be aware that virtually everything closes on the first day of the holiday. Some even choose to stay closed for the full 2 weeks but don’t worry your hotel will still be serving meals, and you can always trek down to Little India or Kampong Gelam for some tasty Indian or Malay dishes.
How to Get to Singapore
Changi Airport is one of the biggest in the world, it’s even got a rainforest inside and a swimming pool on the roof! As it’s so big, an interconnecting train joins all the terminals together, whilst this is easily navigable (everything is in English), make sure you check where your plane will be arriving and leaving from and give yourself plenty of time.
Taxi’s are quite cheap to and from the city, but if you know where you’re headed to why not check if the train stops there, as this is a far cheaper option. If you’re here on a stop over, or getting ready to leave, it’s worth getting to the airport early and stopping for a foot massage from the professionals dotted along the concourse!
If you’re coming from Malaysia there are buses and trains leaving from Kuala Lumpur that take you straight to Singapore and drop you in the heart of the city. The border crossing is simple, although you have to disembark from road transport and cross by foot – so make sure you aren’t left behind!
What to See
Check out our list of places to see/visit in Singapore, including tourist attractions and all the best places to go sightseeing. This is just a taste of what this great country has to offer!
Gardens By the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a beautiful and relaxing park spanning covering an area of 100 hectares located close to the Marina Reservoir. There are waterfront gardens, lots of trees and nature, and at night it looks spectacular all lit up.
Raffles Hotel
The Raffles Hotel is legendary, make time to stop at the bar for a Singapore Sling.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa has a stretch of sheltered beach of more than two kilometres in length on its southern coast, divided into three portions: Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach. These beaches are artificial, reclaimed using sand bought from Indonesia and Malaysia. These fantastic beaches plus beach bars, water parks and shows provide all you could want from a tropical island and more.
Pulau Hantu
Accessible by boat, you can reach the reefs of Pulau Hantu in about half an hour. It’s a peaceful and idyllic getaway complete with swaying palms, white sand and rich reefs. You can go fishing, snorkelling, swimming or just relax on the sand…bliss.
MacRitchie Forest Trails
If you’re into nature then the MacRitchie Forest Trails will be sure to tickle your fancy. Boardwalks skirt the edge of the scenic MacRitchie Reservoir and throughout the forest ranging in distances from 3 km to 11 km, catering to every fitness level. Interpretative signboards along the boardwalks allow for a self-guided tour along the fringes of the MacRitchie forest.
Fort Canning Park – Forbidden Hill
Fort Canning Hill, once known as ‘Forbidden Hill’ is steeped in history dating back over 700 years. Malays in the 19th century believed that it was the seat of royalty for rulers of Temasek (or “ Sea Town”, an old name for Singapore) in the 1300s. Later, Singapore’s colonial leaders made their residences there, and the hill became a military base during the Second World War. Today, ancient relics dating back to the 14th century have been unearthed and the Fort Gate, built in the 1860s, serves as a reminder of Singapore’s colonial past.
Orchard Road
Any holiday in Singapore wouldn’t be complete without a shopping trip, and Orchard Road should definitely be on the itinerary. Consistently ranked the most-visited attraction in Singapore, Orchard Road is synonymous with shopping and is the venue for some of Singapore’s signature annual leisure events such as the Great Singapore Sale, Singapore Fashion Festival, Christmas in the Tropics light-up and Chingay Parade of Dreams.
Dolphin Lagoon
Bond with the pink dolphins at Underwater World’s Dolphin Lagoon. Watch them show off their tail-walking skills and get up close and personal at the interactive ‘Meet the Dolphins’ session. If you’re lucky you might get a peck on the cheek from one of them.
The Singapore Flyer
Ride the Singapore Flyer, the world’s tallest observation wheel, to witness a breathtaking, unobstructed view stretching to 45km in circumference out over the China Sea and the neighbouring countries of Malaysia and Indonesia. The Singapore Flyer is the island’s newest and most visible landmark.
ZoukOut Festival
ZoukOut Festival is Asia’s largest outdoor dance music festival. Set on the pristine palm tree-lined Siloso Beach it brings forth a spectacular voyage of rapturous music, dancing, art and festivities. You can find out more information about ZoukOut Festival and getting tickets here.
Night Safari
At the Night Safari, you can look a rhinoceros in the eye, hear the howls of a pack of striped hyenas or watch giraffes glide serenely across the plain in the still of the night. This premier night zoo houses over 900 animals of 135 exotic species in eight zones.
These zones have been re-created to simulate geographic zones like the Southeast Asian rainforest, African savanna, Nepalese river valley, South American pampas and Burmese jungle. Strike out on your own along the walking trail or relax in a tram ride – whichever you choose, Night Safari is a wild adventure not to be missed.
Transport & Getting Around
Travelling around Singapore is simple! An efficient public transportation network of taxis, buses and the modern Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system ensures that getting from point A to point B is hassle-free and easy on the pocket.
Buses
For maximum freedom, buy an ez-link card and hop onto a bus! The ez-link card can also be used on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT).
MRT
The train system in Singapore is efficient, clean and air-conditioned, with stations all over the island. There are three main lines – the North-South line from Marina Bay to Jurong East, the East-West line from Changi Airport/Pasir Ris to Boon Lay, and the North-East line from Harbour Front to Punggol. Travelling on the MRT is cheap, with rides ranging from 80 cents to $1.70.
SMRT Link
There are three link loops – Outram Park MRT station to Chinatown, Dhoby Ghaut MRT station to Chinatown, and Dhoby Ghaut MRT station to Little India. Pick up points are popular places such as People’s Park Complex, Chinatown Point and Tekka Mall.
Car or Cab
Driving in Singapore is a breeze! Navigating around the island is easy as there are well-marked road signs, all in English. If you’d like to take a cab there are plenty available – over 15,000 in fact. They can be flagged down 24 hours a day on most roads.
Organised Tours
Organised tours are a great way to see the sites and soak up the local culture – especially if you’re travelling alone or are a first-time traveller.
Where to Stay
Whilst the extensive train network ensures that wherever you choose to stay, you’ll be able to get around easily, staying in Lavender, Orchard, or Clarke Quay will make sure you’re right in the centre of the city and can walk to most of the main sites.
There is a massive variety of accommodation available from super cheap hostels in China Town to one of the most luxury and famous hotels in the world.
When you get to Singapore and from almost everywhere in the city you can see this huge ship looming above other high rises on the skyline. After hearing about this a few years ago, I set my heart on going and decided if I got there I’d actually give up the backpacker budget and take a small wad of cash in, with the full knowledge I’d be coming out with nothing (more than likely).
If you’re really flash and you can afford a night in the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, you can sit in the infinity pool at the tip of the bow of the boat, but its gonna cost you some serious cash for the room!
Money & Budget
The currency in Singapore is the dollar, and the exchange rate is approximately $2.44 = £1. Converter.
Sample Prices
Eating and shopping are the two national pastimes of Singapore so get in on the act! Check out the price guide below with some sample prices for food and accommodation in Singapore money to help you budget for your trip:
• Tiger beer = $6
• Fish head soup = $10
• Chilli crab = $10
• Singapore Sling (cocktail) = $25
• Trishaw transport per half hour = $50
• Average room prices = a cheap room will cost anywhere between $30-165, mid range from $165-350 and for a bit of luxury you’re looking at spending $350 and upward.
• Average meal prices = $3-20 for a low-cost meal, $20-35 for a mid-range restaurant, and $35-85 if you’re splashing out!
These prices are in Singapore dollars, and are subject to change.
Tipping
Tipping isn’t usual in Singapore and is generally covered by the 10% service charge that most hotels and restaurants add.
Banking
Banks are open from 10 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday and from 9.30 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. Some branches stay open till 3 pm. There are also some banks in Orchard Road (the main shopping area) which stay open on Sundays from 9.30 am to 3 pm. Major cards are widely accepted in Singapore.
Food & Drink
A haven for foodies, Singapore has everything from fine dining to large food halls rammed with stalls, that cost very little. All the shopping malls and riverside walkways have a large selection of eateries, and if you venture out into the suburbs you can find boutique independent restaurants.
When it comes to cuisine Singapore offers a choice for all taste buds. Many of the tourist restaurants, especially those in hotels or the popular Boat and Clarke Quay, offer modern western dishes in combination with local menu’s including some of the best fresh seafood I have ever tasted!
If you would prefer to get a more traditional experience, there are a number of food courts, food halls and hawker stalls spread across the city that will give you an opportunity to share a meal with local Singapore residents and at a fraction of the price.
Maxwell Food Centre
A stone’s throw away from the city’s fascinating Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and in the heart of Chinatown sits this great indoor street-food style market and perfect for a lunch stop mid-sightseeing. There are numerous stalls to choose from and the centre is always busy with locals. The favourite here is the traditional Singapore or Haianese chicken rice – expect queues for this dish, but it won’t disappoint.
Makansutra Glutton’s Bay
Located in a prime location on Singapore’s harbour front between the Esplanade and Raffles Avenue, this lively hawker area is a feast for the eyes just as much as for our bellies. Makansutra prides itself on cooking up the very best street food and is filled to the brim every night. Dine on Singapore chilli crab, satays, fried delights and oodles of noodles.
Nightlife
Singapore has really lit up of late and the nights in the city and entertainment areas have never been quiet. There is never a dull moment with beautifully dressed people, disco lights, exotic drinks and even more wonderful events that have kept Singaporeans and visitors busy all the way till six in the morning.
Nightlife in Singapore has transformed since the portrait of stars transposed into its map and now its a bright shining sun – one that only reveals itself at night.
Singapore has also opened its doors to more and more foreigners and the overall tastes of the clubber has been refined of late. No more is it a question of just a bar, some music and some lights, but clubbing is now about a brand, an experience, something different and some of these bars and clubs have really stood out.
Places like Clarke Quay is really one huge example of the efforts of the nightlife industry sculpting a name for itself with a landmark to dazzle crowds. Places like IndoChine, with its mystical and alluring theme sit proudly as one of the places that promises an experience like no other.
If you are looking for shows to inspire your entertainment, then look out for clubs like Belini Grand or Azzuca, where acts from Europe and Spain will make you want to move with sultry and exciting dances and singing that will amaze you.
Still in Clarke Quay, there are places that can boast a concert experience with some of the best local and international acts from the region and the world doing a whole medley of genres, covers and even some originals.
Pump Room, a microbrewery that also has one of the best bands in Singapore, Jive Talking, is one such place. Arena, Gotham Penthouse and Le Noir are also just some examples of the nightlife spots you can visit for a concerto experience.
If your palette is yearning for the latest and most creative cocktails in a swanky environment with plush sounds and even plusher seats then cocktail bars and clubs like the Loof, Alley Bar, Geek Terminal and even Harry’s Bar will definitely impress with their wide selection of cocktails that will have been inspired with anything from cakes, desserts to even movie themes.
icrobreweries are also a feature in Singapore with places like Brewerks, Archipelago, Pump Room just some of the names in the vat of ever expanding breweries in Singapore, serving up a foam filled, original and creative concoction in a pint glass.
Dont forget St James Powerhouse, a massive triplex and more like a giant PowerStation converted into a massive club that houses over six different clubs each with their own theme, music and atmosphere. There is no limit to what you can do at night, when the sun goes down the horizon doesn’t turn dark it is lit up with hundreds of potential places to get your groove on, sip on a tiramisu martini or just sit back, relax and enjoy a performance like no other.
If you are looking for cocktails and a view, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel has a view across the bay and over the city. The infamous Raffles Hotel is a must do for a Singapore Sling (it’s also the very place this famous cocktail was invented y’know) and the chance to experience their quirky bar rules. Clarke Quay really is the best hub for all clubs, expect tight dress codes, late closing times and plenty of choice.
Health & Safety
Medical facilities and hospitals in Singapore are of an excellent standard. You’ll find pharmacies at supermarkets, department stores and shopping centres, and many hotels even have their own doctor on-call around the clock. For an ambulance dial 995. You will find the tap water safe to drink in Singapore. Singapore is very calm and stable, and is one of the safest countries in the world to visit.
Places to Visit Nearby to Singapore
Singapore’s geographical position means that it is a great starting place to explore other neighbouring regions such Sumatra and Borneo. There are a number of transport options to get you to these places so there is no excuse why you should restrict yourself to staying just in Singapore. Hopefully you will be a little more travel confident and might just take that next step.