Singapore – Travel Guide
Singapore is a unique city-state, known for its dynamic and multicultural vibrancy. Explore the vibrant nightlife and fascinating history. Take a walk through the beautiful Gardens by the Bay, and visit its many other attractions. Sample the variety of cuisine from around the world. Experience the breathtaking view of the city from Marina Bay Sands and marvel at the modern architecture. With so much to do and see, Singapore is a must-visit destination. Most visitors often dive into the vibrant atmosphere and discover something new every day.
All about Singapore
Singapore FAQ
What is Singapore known for?
Singapore is known for its stunning skyline, an island and a country with the cleanest streets in the world. Singapore is a city-state and the technology hub of Asia and is known as the `Garden City` with some of the most magnificent iconic buildings and landmarks in the world including Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. Observation towers and sky bars are in abundance with breathtaking views over the sparkling city. Exciting nightlife can be experienced in Singapore at hip hangouts, cool cafes, rooftop bars, and bumping clubs enjoy a night on the sand at Tanjong Beach Club decorated with deck chairs on the golden sand beach.
Vibrant art can be viewed at the National Gallery Singapore, a highly acclaimed asset in the country, Gillman Barracks is an international gallery with fantastic exhibits featuring modern and contemporary art. The National Museum of Singapore provides a deep history of the city-state. Temples and mosques can be seen throughout the city with the Sultan Mosque a golden-domed masterpiece and the Sri Mariamman Temple with its dramatic vibrant tower. There are plenty of green and vibrant areas to get out and explore in Singapore, including the Singapore Botanic Gardens with immaculate lawns, sparkling lakes, and a rainforest. Along with the spectacular Gardens by the Bay, a top attraction in the city, a futuristic park with the famous Skywalk over the gardens.
What are the best places to visit in Singapore?
Singapore is known as The Lion City and the City in a Garden, a multicultural metropolis and the world`s busiest port. A sunny tropical island filled with futuristic attractions and charming, historic neighborhoods, there is a vibrant culinary scene in the food capital of Southeast Asia. The ultra-modern city boasts a picture-perfect skyline filled with soaring skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, world-class shopping, and Michelin-starred restaurants.
How many days should I spend in Singapore?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Singapore?
Whatever your pleasure, transportation in Italy is modern, easy to navigate, and fits a variety of budget ranges. The best way to travel in Italy ultimately depends on your goals: Do you want to travel by train in Italy, or, maybe you want to visit as many cities as possible or explore the tiny villages dotted throughout the country; If so, driving may be the way to go.
By Car: Renting a car in Singapore is not necessary and just not convenient with all the public transportation options and the vast areas covered. You don`t need a car to get around here. It is not a popular option and can cost upwards of S$100 a day for a small car and gas prices are high. A rental company named Smove offers electric cars for rent in the Buona Vista area, There is around an S$19 registration fee and prices vary depending on the length of rental, you can rent an electric vehicle for 15 minutes to a full day. Other major rental car companies can be found at the airport and in the city.
By MRT: The efficient mass rapid transit (MRT) in Singapore is an extensive rail network linking the main attractions in the city, Stations are within walking distance to most major areas and it is one of the most comfortable, fastest, and easiest ways to get around. Trains run every 2-3 minutes from 5:30 am until midnight.
By Bus: The extensive bus system in Singapore provides a convenient way to get around. The bus services are clean, efficient, and prompt, and travel to every corner of the island. The two main companies are SBS Transit and SMRT both offering similar services and offer an online app with information on routes and timetables. Fares are relatively cheap around S$1 – S$2.10.
By Boat: Singapore is an island so getting around on a boat can be a popular option, rides down the Singapore River from point to point can cost approximately S$3 or longer cruises cost about S$13. You can get a shuttle boat to Pulau Ubin from Changi Village for around S$2.50. There are options to visit the Southern Islands of Singapore from the Marina South Pier.
What is the currency of Singapore?
The units of currency in Singapore are the Singapore dollar $, S$ SGD. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Singapore dollars (S$) upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city. For more detailed information, consult our guide by clicking here Tipping in Singapore.
Do people speak English in Singapore?
English is one of the three official languages spoken in Singapore along with Malay and Mandarin the national language is Malay. Most Singaporeans are bilingual and Singaporean English is based on British English and is used in the school systems and business. There is a localized English dialect known as `Singlish`, which can be difficult to understand, it is based on the English language with Malay, Indian, and Chinese influences. We suggest you get a good English-Singapore dictionary and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me, and numbers 1-10.
Best time to visit Singapore
The weather in Singapore is tropical due to its proximity to the equator (85 miles north) with average temperatures in the low to high 80s with lows in the mid 70’s throughout the year, it is humid year-round with the daily average being 84. As a matter of fact, the hottest months are June and July.
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Singapore is also known for monsoons with the Northeast Monsoon season from November until mid-March and the Southwest Monsoon season falling between June and September. Singapore celebrates an array of festivals year-round, weekend music festivals, food festivals, and festive celebrations which are a reflection of the diversity of the city and its multi-ethnic culture with several ethnicities and religions all in one place. The Chinese New Year takes place in January, June offers the Great Singapore Sale for shoppers, July is the Singapore Food Festival, National Singapore Day is August 9th, The F1 Singapore Grand Prix takes place in September, Deepavali the Hindu festival of lights is in October and Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay is a magnificent scene with Christmas markets and amazing light sculptures.
Tipping in Singapore
The questions “when?” and “how much?” can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these “tips” will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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Tipping in Singapore
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Singapore Dollars?
The currency in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (referred to as the S$) US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your US dollars for Singapore Dollars upon arrival. In our culture we can put everything on credit and debit cards, however, in Singapore you will find it useful to always keep a little cash on hand. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
There is often a 10% surcharge added to your bill in most restaurants, but this amount does not go to the service staff it goes to the restaurant. If you leave an extra tip on the table this amount also will not make it to the wait staff, it will go to the restaurant. If you feel that your server went above and beyond it is best to hand the tip/money directly to that person and thank them for their service. It is not necessary to tip above this amount, locals don`t usually leave a tip. Do not tip at airport restaurants or anywhere else at the airport as it is not allowed. Do not tip at Hawker stalls or cafes and bars.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
It is not customary to tip at hotels and is discouraged except for the bellhops, you can give them around S$1 – S$2 per bag. A surcharge of 10% is normally added to your room rates in most Singapore hotels and this amount is said to cover the services of the concierge, doorman, etc.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Taxi drivers in Singapore do not expect a tip if you wish you can round up the fare.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tipping your tour guide is not necessary.
Miscellaneous: Is there anyone I should tip that I would not normally?
A tip is not expected at a spa in Singapore
Final Thoughts:
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. This is also true for hotel staff, however, if you should encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Top cities in Singapore
What to expect while traveling
