Singapore is one of Asia’s most modern and vibrant countries, with an ethnic mix of Chinese which make up 75%, Malay 15% and Indian 6%. All three cultures now coexist successfully after a difficult past. One of the things are noted when travelling to Singapore was how expensive it was compared to other countries in South east Asia, expect to pay double. It’s a great cosmopolitan city which I enjoyed on my few days stopover before heading to Australia, but there wasn’t enough nature for me truly want to come back.
Best Time to Visit
Singapore is an all year-round destination and stays hot and humid all year round.
Things to do and see
- National Orchid Garden is Singapore’s Botanic Gardens and holds the largest assembly of Orchids in the world.
- Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park on the Sentosa Islands. There are seven themed zones that feature shows attractions and rides.
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is a Hindu temple located in the south of Singapore.
- Chinatown Heritage Centre is a museum about the Chinese community in Singapore.
Food
Singapore has over 30 different cooking styles from all over the world, various Chinese, English, American, French, Indian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian and swiss. The most common are Chinese, Malay and Indian cuisine.
Transportation
Air: Singapore is to small for domestic flights, it’s possible to get a direct flight from London to Singapore.
Roads: The roads in Singapore are well maintained and the drivers drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Rail: There are two railway lines that run to Malaysia from Singapore.
Metro: The metro is modern, comfortable, reliable and a cheap way to travel around Singapore. The metro extends to Changi Airport.
Taxi: Authorised taxis are metered and cannot be flagged down as they stop at designated stop ranks.
Ferry: Ferry services run from the southern Islands of Singapore to the Marina South Pier. You can also take boat tours from several points along the Singapore river.
Bus: Singapore bus service is reliable and extensive and connects passengers around the whole country. The main bus service is SMART.
Visa
Visas are not required by all EU, U.S, Canadian and Australian nationals for stays up to 30days.
Language
The official language spoken in Singapore is Mandarin Chinese. English is also widely spoken in the major cities.
Money
The official currency in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). Foreign credit cards can be used in most ATMs throughout Singapore.
Tipping
10% service charge is included in most restaurant’ bills.
Social etiquette
Singapore imposes some strict social rules into law for example the chewing Gum ban, it is against the law to import sell or manufacture Chewing gum so is Jaywalking and Littering, breaking these laws can lead to fines and prison sentences. There are other rules which are not against the law but socially not excepted like touching the head of an adult or child, the head is considered sacred. You should also never show the bottom of your feet or point it at someone, because the foot is considered unclean.
Adaptor
Singapore has the same plugs as in the U.K
Wifi
There are internet cafes in most towns and resorts. There is also free city wide wifi hotspots. The internet is very fast.
Ruth’s Lonely Planet 