Singapore Travel Guide (Southeast Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Singapore
List of Places to Visit in Singapore
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Singapore: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Singapore
Best Things to Do in Singapore: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Singapore
Food and Drink Scene of Singapore
Where to Stay in Singapore: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Singapore: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Singapore
Best Time to Visit Singapore
Do’s and Don’ts of Singapore
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Singapore
- Health in Singapore
Getting to Singapore: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Singapore
Where to Go Next from Singapore: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Singapore

Singapore is a small island nation located in Southeast Asia, known for its iconic landmarks, rich culture, and diverse food scene. It is a vibrant and modern city-state with a dynamic economy and an efficient public transport system. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Singapore offers an array of experiences that cater to all interests and budgets.

List of Places to Visit in Singapore

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

National Museum of Singapore: This museum is the oldest in Singapore and showcases the country’s history through interactive exhibitions, artifacts, and multimedia displays. It is a great place to learn about the different cultures and communities that make up Singapore.
Asian Civilisations Museum: This museum features a vast collection of artifacts from the various civilizations of Asia, including China, India, and Southeast Asia. The exhibits explore the diverse cultures and traditions of the region, from ancient times to the present day.
Chinatown Heritage Centre: This center offers a glimpse into the lives of the early Chinese immigrants in Singapore. Visitors can explore the traditional shophouses and learn about the customs and traditions of the Chinese community.

Natural Attractions of Singapore: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Gardens by the Bay: This nature park features beautifully landscaped gardens and stunning conservatories that showcase a variety of plants and flowers. The highlight of the park is the Supertree Grove, which features towering tree-like structures that light up at night.
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark: Perched on top of the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel, the SkyPark offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and the surrounding bay. Visitors can also take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool or enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar.
Mount Faber Park: This hilltop park offers stunning views of the city skyline and the harbor. It is a popular spot for hiking and nature walks, and visitors can take a cable car ride to the nearby Sentosa Island for more outdoor adventures.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Singapore

MacRitchie Reservoir: This 10 km trail offers a scenic hike through the lush rainforest and around the reservoir. Visitors can enjoy spotting wildlife such as monkeys and birds, and take a break at one of the rest stops around the trail.
Southern Ridges: This 10 km trail connects the various parks and nature reserves in the South of Singapore, offering breathtaking views of the cityscape and the surrounding greenery. The trail includes the Henderson Waves, a stunning pedestrian bridge that overlooks the forest canopy.
Pulau Ubin: This island is located off the northeastern coast of Singapore and is a haven for nature lovers. Visitors can rent a bike and explore the island’s rustic landscapes, including the Chek Jawa wetlands and the Ketam Mountain Bike Park.

Best Things to Do in Singapore: Activities and Tours

Night Safari: One of Singapore’s most popular attractions, the Night Safari offers a unique safari experience in a nocturnal setting. Visitors can spot over 130 species of animals from around the world, including tigers, tapirs, and elephants.
Sentosa Island: This island resort is a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers. It offers a variety of attractions, including a Universal Studios theme park, a water park, a casino, and several beaches.
Singapore Zoo: This award-winning zoo is home to over 300 species of animals, including exotic and endangered species such as white tigers, orangutans, and polar bears. Visitors can enjoy a variety of animal shows and interactive exhibits.

Week-Long Itinerary for Singapore

Day	Activity
1	Visit the National Museum of Singapore
2	Explore the Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands
3	Hike the MacRitchie Reservoir Trail
4	Take a day trip to Pulau Ubin
5	Visit the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
6	Enjoy a day at Sentosa Island
7	Explore the Southern Ridges and Chinatown Heritage Centre

Food and Drink Scene of Singapore

### Must-Try Dishes

Chilli Crab: This iconic seafood dish is a must-try for seafood lovers. It features fresh crabs cooked in a spicy and tangy tomato-based sauce.
Hainanese Chicken Rice: This simple yet delicious dish consists of poached chicken with fragrant rice, served with chili sauce and ginger paste.
Laksa: This spicy noodle soup is a staple in Singaporean cuisine, featuring a rich and creamy coconut milk broth with noodles, vegetables, and seafood or chicken.

### Local Beverages

Teh Tarik: This popular drink is made with black tea and condensed milk, and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Kopi: This traditional coffee is brewed with strong, robusta beans and served with condensed milk and sugar.
Tiger Beer: Singapore’s signature beer is a refreshing and crisp lager that pairs well with spicy and savory dishes.

Where to Stay in Singapore: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Marina Bay Sands: This iconic hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with stunning views of the city and the bay. It also features a rooftop infinity pool, a casino, and several fine dining restaurants.
The Pod @ Beach Road: This trendy hostel features affordable and stylish pod-style beds, with shared facilities such as a lounge, kitchen, and rooftop bar.
Bugis Backpackers: This budget-friendly guesthouse is located in the vibrant Bugis neighborhood, offering comfortable and clean rooms with easy access to public transport and local attractions.

What to Buy in Singapore: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Orchid Perfume: Singapore is known for its beautiful orchids, and visitors can take home a bottle of perfume made with the exotic flower.
Bak Kwa: This sweet and savory meat jerky is a popular snack in Singapore and makes for a delicious souvenir.
Singapore Sling: This iconic cocktail was invented at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, and visitors can bring home a bottle of the pre-mixed drink or a miniature shaker set as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Singapore

Singapore is a diverse and multicultural society, with Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences. The official languages are English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil, and visitors should try to learn a few basic phrases in these languages to show respect for the local culture.

Singaporeans are generally polite and reserved, and visitors should avoid excessive displays of affection or public displays of anger. Tipping is not expected but appreciated in some service industries such as restaurants and hairdressers.

Best Time to Visit Singapore

Singapore has a tropical climate with year-round warm and humid weather. The best time to visit is between February and April, when the weather is generally drier and less humid. However, Singapore is a popular destination all year round, and visitors can enjoy indoor activities such as shopping and dining on rainy days.

Do’s and Don’ts of Singapore

Do:

Carry tissue paper and hand sanitizer as public restrooms may not have them.
Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites or government buildings.
Try the local food and drinks, especially at hawker centers and food courts.

Don’t:

Chew gum in public as it is illegal in Singapore.
Litter or vandalize public property.
Smoke in public areas such as parks and beaches.

Safety and Health

Safety in Singapore

Singapore has a low crime rate and is generally safe for visitors. However, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas such as tourist attractions and public transport.

Health in Singapore

Singapore has a high standard of healthcare and visitors can access quality medical services at private and public hospitals. Tap water is safe to drink in Singapore, and visitors should take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever.

Getting to Singapore: Transportation Options and Logistics

Singapore is well-connected to major cities around the world, with Changi Airport serving as the main hub for international flights. Visitors can also enter Singapore by land from neighboring countries such as Malaysia or by ferry from Indonesia.

Airports Near Singapore

Changi Airport (SIN): Located in the eastern part of Singapore, Changi Airport is the main international gateway to the city-state.
Senai International Airport (JHB): Located across the border in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, this airport serves as an alternative to Changi for visitors traveling from Malaysia.

Bus Stations Near Singapore

Woodlands Checkpoint: Located at the northern end of Singapore, this checkpoint is the main bus terminal for cross-border travel to and from Malaysia.
Golden Mile Complex: Located in the central part of Singapore, this complex is a popular departure point for bus services to Malaysia and Thailand.

Other Options

Visitors can also enter Singapore by train or ferry from neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia.

How to Get Around in Singapore

Singapore has an efficient and affordable public transport system that includes buses, trains, and taxis. Visitors can purchase a stored-value card such as the EZ-Link for convenient and discounted fares on public transport. Bikes and electric scooters are also available for rent in some areas.

Where to Go Next from Singapore: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Singapore is located in a strategic location in Southeast Asia, and visitors can explore other nearby destinations and excursions after their Singapore trip. Some popular options include:

Batam Island, Indonesia: Located just a short ferry ride from Singapore, this island is known for its beaches, spas, and golf courses.
Johor Bahru, Malaysia: Located across the border from Singapore, this city offers a variety of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
Bintan Island, Indonesia: Located near Singapore, this island offers a serene getaway with pristine beaches and lush greenery.

Conclusion

Singapore offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, with a vibrant culture and diverse attractions that cater to all interests and budgets. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Singapore has something to offer you. So, plan your trip to Singapore now and experience the rich culture of Southeast Asia!