Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Are you planning a trip to Singapore? This city-state is known for its contemporary architecture, beautiful gardens and cultural activities. Below are some essential things you should know before going there as well as the top attractions and things to do.
Things You Should Know Before You Travel To Singapore
- Visa Requirements
Singapore doesn’t require visa application from most of the nationalities for short stays. People from countries such as USA, European Union, Australia among other regions can enter without visas either for 30 or 90 days. Nonetheless, it is advisable that you check your nationality’s specific latest visa requirements before heading out.
- Best Time to Visit
Singapore’s climate is tropical throughout making it an all year round destination. The temperatures in this place range between 25°C and 31°C (77°F -88°F), which are usually warm and humid throughout the year. Nevertheless, consider these factors if you want to make your trip worthwhile:
Dry Season (February-April): It is generally considered the best time to visit with less rainfall and plenty of sunshine perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
If you have a thing for shopping then June to August is the time to visit during the Great Singapore Sale and get great discounts all over the city’s shopping zones.
Festive Seasons (December to January): This will be in the form of Christmas and Chinese New Year with many events, however there would be rain at times and higher accommodation prices.
- Currency and Payment Methods
In Singapore, its currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). Also, credit or debit cards are widely acceptable while ATMs are quite numerous. Thus, small purchases need some cash in hand especially when visiting local markets and food stalls.
- Language and Communication
Singapore is one country where English, one of its official languages can be widely spoken hence making it easier for tourists to communicate with locals. The other two official languages include Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.
- Cultural Etiquette
Singapore has a blend of Chinese Malay-Indian-Western influences due to its multicultural society. In addition modestly dress when going into religious sites as well as observe customs of hosts; besides avoid littering, smoking openly or chewing gum due to strict rules governing these areas.
- Health and Safety
Its cleanliness and safety are famous throughout Singapore.It is safe to drink water that comes out of the tap and medical facilities are top notch; however, it could be a good idea to have travel insurance that covers all sorts of medical expenses.
- Transportation
Singapore boasts an efficient and cost-effective public transport system including MRT and buses. Taxis as well as Grab ride-hailing services are also available. The city is small, thus it can easily be explored on foot or by bike.
- Local Cuisine
Singapore is a heaven for food enthusiasts because of its abundant culinary variety. You shouldn’t fail to taste things like Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, Chili Crab, and Satay when you visit this place. Hawker centers are perfect places to eat local food both cheaply and deliciously.
- Dress Code
The tropical climate in Singapore necessitates light-weight breathable clothes while casual clothing is generally acceptable but one should dress conservatively when entering religious premises; smart casuals for fine dining or night life; don’t forget to bring an umbrella or raincoat since there are sudden downpours.
- Power Plugs and Adapters
The standard voltage in Singapore is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. Their power plugs and sockets are type G (similar to those used in United Kingdom). It would be wise to carry along a universal power adapter so that you can charge your electronic devices anywhere you go.
What to do and see when in Singapore.
Whichever kind of traveler you are, Singapore has more than enough activities and attractions to keep you busy. Below is a list of must visit places.
- Marina Bay Sands
This is the famous Marina Bay Sands, which comprises of a posh hotel, an upscale mall, a casino and ArtScience Museum. Don’t fail to visit the SkyPark observation deck which allows you to see the city in every direction.
- Gardens by the Bay
Take a walk through this futuristic park that contains the awe-inspiring Supertree Grove, Flower Dome as well as Cloud Forest. The evening Garden Rhapsody show with light and sound is a highlight.
- Sentosa Island
A place for relaxation that provides Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark and stunning beaches among others making it perfect for families or adventurers.
- Orchard Road
You can engage in street shopping at this buzzing road which houses numerous shops, malls and restaurants.
- Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
Singapore Zoo has an open concept design that enables visitors to have interactive experiences with animals while Night Safari offers an unusual night journey into the wildlife kingdom.
- China Town
The rich heritage of China Town with its traditional vendors selling ice cream on handcarts; temples were shrines are devoted to deities; freshly prepared foodstuffs that attract diners like bees around honey; these are some of the things that make china town one fascinating cultural melting pot not only in Asia but also worldwide., Key attractions include The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple as well as Maryman Hindu Temple .
- Little India Explore the lively neighborhood of Little India, known for its spice stores, meticulous wall paintings and the amazing Sri Veeramakaliamman
- Clarke Quay Feast your senses on a vibrant nightlife at Clarke Quay, a melting pot of restaurants, hawker fare, bars and The city from a river cruise
- Merlion Park See the famous Merlion, which is the symbol of Singapore and takes photos with a background of Marina Bay (S$30 a night).
- Singapore Botanic Gardens A Unesco world heritage site, is best suited for quiet walk among tropical Be sure to visit the National Orchid Garden.
Singaporean Cuisine: What to Try Singapore is the foodie paradise as it is a multicultural country which offers people with countless varieties in cuisine. Some dishes, you should experience:
Hainanese Chicken Rice Probably the most common dish in Singapore, tender chicken accompanied by flavored rice and served with chili sauce, and ginger paste.
Laksa A warm noodle soup made with coconut milk broth from prawns, fish cakes and cockles. The famous and well known type is the Katong laksa.
Chili Crab A spicy crab in a sweet, hot and sour tomato based gravy that is a must order seafood dish. Satay Meat satay which is cooked on skewers, and served with a peanut sauce, and is usually eaten with rice cakes, cucumber and onions.
Char Kway Teow Pad char-kee mao goong moo gai dao, flat noodles stir-fried with prawns, Chinese sausage, egg, bean sprouts and dark soy sauce
Roti Prata A type of flat bread made of refined flour and fried until crisp, eaten with spicy curry, for breakfast or tea time snack.
Hokkien Mee Stir fried egg, prawns and squid, accompanied by a rich prawn broth, lime & sambal chili. Ice Kachang A type of sherbet, made of shaved ice, sweet coloured syrup, red beans and sometimes jelly will be top up with some toppings or garnish.
Kaya Toast A traditional breakfast food, toast with Kaya (a coconut jam) and Butter, usually accompanied with half boiled eggs and kopi from the common kopitam.
Durian
This thorny, tropical fruit is referred to as the “king of fruits” and has a very strong, unique taste. A must for many of the adventurous ones out there.
Key Takeaway
With these tips and attractions, and after eating your way through this beautiful nation, you’ll be more than prepared to take on the melting pot of cultures, the steel and concrete architecture, and the culinary heaven that is Singapore.
So whether you’re off for a short break or a long, well-deserved leave, you’ll discover that Singapore has something for everyone. From landmarks to neighbourhoods to mouthwatering local cuisine, every second spent in Singapore will be an exciting, indelible moment. Happy travels.
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