Singapore is a unique city just off the southern tip of Malaysia, this vibrant city boasts a beautiful blend of Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, Arabic, and British cultures – all of which are Singapore’s unique character. The “Lion City” is filled with exciting dining experiences, modern accommodations, and vibrant nightlife. Our Singapore travel guide today is filled with travel tips to help you plan your own perfect trip!
Table of Contents
When to go to Singapore
The first Singapore travel guide is the weather. The good news is that tourists can visit Singapore any time of the year. With a year-round warm tropical climate, the land boasts daily highs of 20 °C (80 °F). December to June is the busiest time of the year here, attracting the most tourists, especially during the Lunar New Year. February-April is the driest period with the most sunshine and the least amount of rain. Windstorms occur from December to March, which is usually the rainiest month. The weather is windy, cloudy, and quite humid.
Means of transportation in Singapore
- Rail & Bus: Public transport is the fastest way to get around in Singapore. The extensive rail network makes most of the city’s main attractions accessible by metro. Most trips cost around SGD 4, but you can buy a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited travel for one day for 10 SGD, two days for 16 SGD, or three days for 20 SGD. Like the metro, Singapore’s bus system is extensive and efficient. You can also use the Singapore Tourist Card on the bus. It is possible to pay in cash when taking the bus, but note that you should prepare a change to pay. A ride usually costs between 1.40-2.50 SGD.
- Taxi: Taxi are quite a popular means of transport in Singapore thanks to their safety and comfort characteristics. But in return, the price of the taxi is quite expensive. If you go in a group of 5 or more people, the taxi price will be cheaper than going with a few people.
- Bicycle: Singapore is a city with a strong focus on environmental sustainability, so bicycles are highly recommended. Bike paths cover the entire island. If you want to see the city slowly and safely, cycling is a good experience. The average bicycle rental is 45 SGD per day.
Some essential Singapore travel guide
Currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD) is the currency of choice here. Currently, 1 US dollar will be exchanged for 1.33 Singapore dollars. In Singapore, the majority of locations provide fair exchange rates. Even the Changi Airport’s currency exchange desks are decent. However, the Mustafa Foreign Exchange at the Mustafa Center in Little India is an excellent option if you want the greatest exchange rate. They are open round-the-clock and have some of the best deals in the area. Despite the fact that credit cards are frequently accepted, it’s still a good idea to carry some cash when making minor purchases at cafés, restaurants, and other places.
Language
Singapore has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. The majority of Singaporeans are bilingual. However, at least 20 different languages are spoken in Singapore as a whole. Fortunately for most tourists, the majority of Singaporeans speak English, so communication with them shouldn’t be a problem. Language is also a useful Singapore travel guide for you.
Visa requirement
Singapore does not require a visa for travelers from the majority of nations unless they intend to remain for longer than 90 days. Just make sure your passport is still valid when you travel for at least six months. Before boarding, a visa may be necessary for citizens of some Middle Eastern, African, and Asian nations.
Accommodation
Although Singapore’s hotels and hostels are far more expensive than those in many other Asian countries, there are still options for nearly any budget. While finding premium hotels is much simpler, there are less expensive alternatives, like dorms and double rooms.
Starting at about S$65 per night, a modest hotel room with features including air conditioning, a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and TV is available. The majority of the larger chain hotels charge between 80 and 110 SGD a night. Because it frequently boasts stunning city views, Singapore is a terrific spot to unwind in a good and opulent hotel even if you’re on a tight budget. It’s recommended to make reservations in advance if you’re traveling during a holiday or during a busy period.
Food
Singapore’s cultural blend creates an extremely diverse cuisine in this country. Much of the ethnicity that makes up Singapore’s cultural identity is Asian, SO it shouldn’t come as a surprise to indulge in creative dishes with a fusion of Chinese and Malay flavors in them. In addition, a number of Indian spices and curries also feature in many of Singapore’s unique dishes. Your journey is not complete without visiting and enjoying the street stalls. They are very cheap but just as delicious as the restaurant. Some outstanding dishes to try when coming to Singapore are:
- Hainanese Chicken Rice: This simple meal mixes boiled chicken with rice cooked in chicken broth and is sometimes regarded as Singapore’s national cuisine. It may be found with varied recipes at countless eateries and street vendors. Greens that have been cooked and served with the dish.
- Char Kway Teow: This stir-fried noodle dish is a local favorite. Rice vermicelli is stir-fried in a pan with black soy sauce, eggs, chili, and other spices, then served with Chinese sausage. The dish is quite soft, with a sweet and slightly spicy taste.
- Bak Chor Mee: Bar Chor Mee is a fairly simple noodle dish, although actually, this dish is Singaporean, it is quite similar to the dish in Southeast Asia. Egg noodles are topped with minced pork, pork balls, and chili accompanied by a thin sauce. It is usually served with an accompanying broth soup.
The necessary tips about Singapore
Dress appropriately for the weather
One thing to note is that Singapore’s climate is tropical so it feels like summer all year round, with average temperatures ranging from 26–34 degrees Celsius (about 78–93 degrees Fahrenheit). High humidity also means a lot of sweat when outdoors, so prepare light, breathable clothes, skirts or shorts are also a good choice. Plan your outdoor activities for cool mornings and urban walks at night. It is also advisable to prepare an umbrella as this tropical climate can easily change from blazing sun to torrential rain in just a few minutes.
Know the rules clearly
Singapore is renowned for its stringent rules and laws. If you’re caught, you might be fined for things like spitting in the street, flushing cigarette butts down the drain, or putting gum on public property. Tobacco is also expensive in Singapore and smoking has been banned in restaurants, clubs, and most public areas. Look out for the yellow smoker’s box to see where you can smoke. While the majority of rules are self-evident, you should be aware that breaking them can result in serious consequences including jail and fines. For offenses involving drugs, the death sentence may even be applied. Therefore, Singapore is often rated as one of the safest countries in the world.
Don’t need to tip
The next Singapore travel guide is the tipping culture. Tipping culture is not customary in Singapore and waits staff usually don’t expect a tip, although you can reward yourself for being satisfied with the service there. While the goods and services tax is 7 percent for the majority of in-store services, smaller shops and hawker centers often charge an all-inclusive “net” cost. A 10% service fee is frequently added to your bill while dining at cafés, restaurants, and bars.
Eat at street stalls
If you want to save money and still enjoy authentic Singaporean food, visit the street stalls. The stalls with the most people waiting in line will surely have many delicious dishes. Everyone knows that food at street vendors is usually cheaper than in fancy restaurants, but give it a try because you may have a pleasant experience. Rest assured that in Singapore, every hawker stall displays color palettes showing the level of hygiene and safety, ranked from A (best) to D (worst). So remember to pay attention to the color chart before visiting. This is the last Singapore travel guide that we want to recommend to you.
As a result, we have provided you with a Singapore travel guide for those who have been and intend to travel to this country. The article has the necessary information about time and means of transportation, but as tips to keep in mind. Read the article carefully, and pocket good tips to enjoy your memorable vacation on “lion island”. Follow us to not miss the next interesting articles.
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