Singapore is a tiny archipelago located around 140 km north of the equator and just south of the tip of the Malay Peninsula. It lies on one of the busiest shipping lanes along the Strait of Malacca to the west and the South China Sea to the east.
Singapore is also known as the Lion City (Singapura). It comprises the main island and 64 smaller islands.
The country has four official languages; English, Tamil, Malay, and Mandarin.
Singapore has a population of around 5.7 million people. It is the second-most densely populated country in the world.
The country’s currency is the Singapore Dollar.
It is one of the most expensive cities to live in in the world.
Travel Tips for First Time Visitors
When to Visit
Singapore has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid throughout the year. Temperatures average 26-27 °C.
The monsoon season is from November and January. It is also the wettest season.
July is an ideal month to visit because the Great Singapore Sale and the Singapore Food Festival are held then.
What to Wear and What to Pack
The weather is warm, and ideally, you should select lightweight and loose-fitting clothes. You might also consider packing some outfits for going out. Swimsuits, sunscreen, and mosquito spray are recommended.
If you are planning to visit around November and January, you should carry a raincoat or an umbrella.
Transport
The fastest way to get around Singapore is via Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). It is an extensive rail network and therefore the city’s main tourist attractions are within a walking distance of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
Singapore also has an efficient and extensive bus system. If you prefer a guided tour, you can opt for the trishaws.
Cycling enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that the city is very cycle-friendly. There are cycling lanes covering the entire island.
Taxis are comfortable and convenient. However, they are not cheap.
Food
Street food is cheap and popular in Singapore. Restaurants and hotels are more expensive, you might prefer street food if you are on a budget. There are Michelin-starred street food stalls. You can find street food all over the island. The most popular places are Newton Food Center and the Old Airport Hawker.
Accommodation
Singapore is very expensive and therefore accommodation is not cheap. Hostels with a bed capacity of 12 to 18 beds are available. They provide free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
Airbnb is available for those who require more privacy. Private rooms are priced at 25 SGD per night. You can lease an apartment or a house for 85 SGD per night.
Things to do in Singapore
Visit Gardens by the Bay
The Gardens by the Bay are one of the most popular tourist attractions. It features the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest conservatories. It has one of the largest indoor waterfalls in the world. It also hosts the iconic Supertrees.
Explore Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Bukit Timah is the country’s premier eco-tourism attraction. The reserve covers an area of 400 acres and is located 30 minutes from the central business district. It features hiking and biking trails.
Eat Street Food
The hawker food scene in Singapore is unrivaled. It is the world’s first Michelin-starred street food. You will get a chance to mingle with the locals as you enjoy satay, chili crab, dim sum (dumplings), or nasi lemak (fried chicken with coconut rice).
Visit Singapore Botanic Gardens
A fascinating thing about Singapore is how green the city is. It is very surprising for a tiny city with 100 percent of an urbanized population.
Entry to the Botanical Gardens is free.
Explore Chinatown
If you want to experience authentic Chinese culture, Chinatown is your best bet. There are numerous restaurants, temples, craft shops, and stalls. The Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle (Hawker Chan), is one of the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants in the world.