The city state of Singapore is considered to be a gateway between the Western and Eastern hemisphere, combining Western urban lifestyles with old East-Asian traditions and a unique mixture of countless other cultural influences from all over the world, brought together by a greatly diverse population. Furthermore, the city is characterized by a very high level of sustainability in almost all areas of urban organization, giving the city a virtually futuristic vibe. Moreover, Singapore is well known for being one of the most expensive places to got. Even by arriving on the city’s airport with its with high class restaurants, a botanic garden and a gigantic waterfall in the middle of a glass roof dome, you will immediately recognize that the city is a place of superlatives. Here, you will experience new levels of luxury. With its architecturally unique buildings, wonderful parks and gardens, clean streets and its multifarious colorful districts of different cultural backgrounds, Singapore is an unique destination in Asia you you should definitely visit on time in your life!
TRAVEL BRIEF:
Currency: The currency is the Singapore Dollar, abbreviated to SGD or S$.
Best time to visit: Singapore enjoys year-round temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius and relatively high humidity. From November to January, there is a light form of monsoon season, with occasional showers and thunderstorms.
Recommended travel duration: A minimum of three nights.
Budget: Unfortunately, Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world. To save money, you should try the cheaper and very delicious street food. Ideally, avoid alcohol, which is particularly expensive. Hotels on the outskirts are cheaper, but thanks to the excellent public transport, they are well connected to the city center.
Languages: Official languages in Singapore are English, Malay, Chinese (Mandarin) and Tamil. You can communicate perfectly well with English anywhere in town.
Public Transportation: Singapore’s public transportation system is one of the most modern and efficient in the world. The subway is the most popular and cheapest mode of transport, connecting large parts of the city. There is also a very well-developed bus network. Tickets are sold at ticket offices and other local outlets and have a credit that can be recharged at any time.
Attention! Violations of the drug law are taken extremely seriously and punished severely! Even the death penalty is a possibility.
History / Backgrounds:
The city’s name originate from the Sanskrit and roughly means “city of lions” (Singha = lion, Pura = city). According to the legend the discoverer of Singapore was an Indian prince, who claims to have seen a lion in the jungle immediately after his arrival in 1299 – thus the name Singapore was created.
Located on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, today Singapore is a global economic powerhouse. The founding of Singapore is closely linked to British colonial history in Southeast Asia. In 1819, British colonial official Sir Stamford Raffles discovered the island and recognized its potential as a strategically important trading position between Europe, China, and India. He concluded a treaty with the Sultan of Johor (present-day Malaysia) that enabled the establishment of a British trading post on the island. Singapore quickly developed from a small fishing village into a major global trading hub. After a period under British colonial rule, Singapore gained independence in 1965.
Culture and People:
As a Tourist you will particularly be impressed by its enormous cultural diversity, ranging from endless culinary offerings to multilingual street signs. Singapore has always been and still is a melting pot of cultures with meanwhile a lot of Western influences. The streets are extremely clean and everyone speaks English. At food stalls, known here as “hawker centers”, locals eat Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, and Malay food. In the Arab, Indian, and Chinese quarters, you can immerse yourself in the culture that you are currently in the mood for.
Sightseeing / Locations:
The Merlion:
The original landmark of the city of Singapore, but meanwhile be replaced by Marina Bay Sands.
Singapore Flyer
The world’s second-tallest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer, is located directly on Marina Bay and is also a landmark of the city. Of course, the view can’t compete with the sky bars of the surrounding hotels, but the view of the bay and Gardens by the Bay is still beautiful – and a ride on the wheel is always an experience.
Little India
One of the most colorful places in the city is Little India. Take a stroll and admire the often beautifully decorated streets – just like in real India – and try the delicious dishes at the world’s only Michelin-starred food stall at the Tekka Center!
Cloud Forest:
The Gardens by the Bay are home to the two striking greenhouses, the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome. If you’re in the city, you should definitely set aside a few hours to visit these attractions.
Kampong Glam
Some of Singapore’s most beautiful sights are hidden in the magnificent streets and alleys of the Kampong Glam district. In tiny Haji Lane, one amazing piece of street art follows the next, and numerous small cafés and restaurants invite you to take a short sightseeing break. You should also definitely visit the Sultan Mosque with its shining golden dome and the lively Arab Street.
Historic Chinatown
Bright red lanterns decorate the alleys of the historic Chinatown district. The old pharmacies, where mysterious powders are displayed in countless glass jars behind the shiny wooden counters, are well worth a visit. On the roof of the beautiful Buddha Tooth Relic Temple you will find a small oasis of peace and in the temple a (supposedly) real tooth of Buddha himself.
Civic District
In the Civic District, you’ll find old colonial buildings, parks, grounds, and other relics of the former British occupation. The famous Raffles Hotel is also located here, serving its delicious Singapore Sling, a cocktail invented here. You can take great photos in front of the beautiful facade of the Old Hill Street Police Station, which is also located in this district.
Plan your trip now!
Needless to say, there’s so much more to discover in Singapore. Great opportunities to experience something new pop up on virtually every corner of the city. Whatever you prefer to do, in Singepore you’ll have an unforgettable time. Experience a charming blend of modernity and technology, green oases, luxurious shopping malls and the diverse cultures from all over the world that join hands in peaceful coexistence in this unique place. Singapore brings together the best of all worlds!