Singapore Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

What is Singapore?

Singapore is both a city and a country. It sits at the bottom of Malaysia. The whole country is about the same size as a small city, but it has a lot to see and do.

Singapore mixes old and new. You’ll see modern buildings next to traditional temples. There are expensive shops and cheap food markets. Everything works well and is very organized.

Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore

Watch the journey

Why Visit Singapore?

Very Safe Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. You can walk around at night without worry. Crime is very low.

Super Clean The streets are very clean. There are big fines for littering. Even chewing gum is not allowed.

Amazing Food Singapore has some of the best food in Asia. You can eat delicious meals for just $3-5.

Many Cultures Singapore has Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western cultures. You can visit different temples, try different foods, and see different neighborhoods all in one day.

Easy to Get Around The train system (MRT) is simple and clean. Signs are in English. Everything runs on time.

Good for Families There are many activities for children – zoos, theme parks, and Gardens by the Bay.

The People and Language

Most people in Singapore are Chinese (75%), Malay (15%), or Indian (7.5%).

English is an official language. Almost everyone speaks English, so tourists don’t have problems communicating.

You might hear “Singlish” – a mix of English with local words. People add “lah” or “leh” to sentences. Don’t worry, everyone will understand your regular English.

People are polite and helpful. They follow rules carefully.

Top Places to Visit

Gardens by the Bay

This is Singapore’s most famous attraction. The Supertrees are huge metal structures covered in plants. They look like something from a science fiction movie.

Visit the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome during the day. These are giant glass buildings with plants from around the world. The Cloud Forest has a tall indoor waterfall.

Come back at night for the free light show at 7:45 PM or 8:45 PM. Music plays while lights dance on the Supertrees.

Entry: Free for outdoor gardens. About $28 for Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.

Marina Bay Sands

This is the famous building with three towers and a boat-shaped top. You can go to the viewing deck on the 57th floor for city views.

The infinity pool is only for hotel guests, but the view from the deck is still amazing.

Entry: About $26 for viewing deck

Sentosa Island

This is Singapore’s fun island with many attractions:

  • Universal Studios Singapore– theme park with rides and shows
  • E.A. Aquarium– one of the world’s biggest aquariums
  • Beaches– man-made beaches for swimming and relaxing
  • Cable car– ride over the water to the island

Getting there: Cable car, train, or bus from the city

Universal Studios, Singapore

Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

The Singapore Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world. Animals live in open spaces that look natural. You can see orangutans, elephants, and many other animals up close.

The Night Safari is special. You visit the zoo at night on a tram to see animals that are active after dark.

Entry: Zoo about $39, Night Safari about $49

Chinatown

Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple to see beautiful Chinese architecture. Walk around the old streets with traditional shops. Try Chinese food at the hawker centers.

The Chinatown Heritage Centre shows the history of Chinese people in Singapore.

Little India

This area feels like India. The streets are colorful and full of energy. Visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. Shop for spices, saris, and Indian items. Eat delicious Indian food.

Arab Street (Kampong Glam)

Sultan Mosque with gold domes is the main attraction. Haji Lane is a small street with cafes, shops, and street art. Good for photos.

This area has Middle Eastern restaurants and shops.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

This is a large, peaceful garden in the middle of the city. The National Orchid Garden has thousands of beautiful orchids.

The main garden is free to enter. Good for morning walks or picnics.

Merlion Park

The Merlion is Singapore’s symbol – a statue that’s half lion, half fish. It’s small but famous. Good place for photos with Marina Bay in the background.

Food in Singapore

Hawker Centers

These are outdoor food courts with many food stalls. The food is cheap and delicious. Local people eat here every day.

Best hawker centers:

  • Maxwell Food Centre
  • Lau Pa Sat
  • Old Airport Road Food Centre
  • Chinatown Complex
Must-Try Foods

Hainanese Chicken Rice – Boiled chicken with special rice. This is Singapore’s most famous dish. About $3-5.

Laksa – Spicy coconut noodle soup. Rich and creamy.

Char Kway Teow – Fried noodles with egg and seafood.

Satay – Grilled meat on sticks with peanut sauce.

Chili Crab – Fresh crab in spicy tomato sauce. About $40-60 for a whole crab.

Roti Prata – Indian flatbread with curry for dipping.

Kaya Toast – Toast with coconut jam and butter. Good for breakfast.

Best Time to Visit

Singapore is hot and humid all year. Temperature is usually 25-31°C (77-88°F).

February to April – Less rain, good weather. More tourists and higher prices.

July to September – Also fairly dry and good for visiting.

November to January – Rainy season. Short heavy rains in afternoon or evening. Fewer tourists and cheaper hotels.

Note: Even during rainy season, it doesn’t rain all day. Most attractions are indoors or covered.

Getting Around

MRT (Train)

The MRT is the best way to travel. It’s cheap, clean, and connects to most tourist areas.

Cost: $1-3 per trip

How to pay:

  • Buy an EZ-Link card (reloadable card)
  • Buy a Singapore Tourist Pass (unlimited rides for 1-3 days)
Buses

Buses go everywhere but can be confusing for tourists. Use Google Maps to plan routes.

Taxis and Grab

Taxis are available but more expensive than trains. Download the Grab app (like Uber) for easier booking.

Walking

Many areas are walkable. Singapore has good sidewalks and is safe for walking.

Tips for Visiting

Book Popular Attractions Early Gardens by the Bay, Zoo, and Universal Studios can be crowded. Book tickets online before you go.

Avoid Peak Hours on Trains Weekday mornings (7-9 AM) and evenings (5-7 PM) are very crowded.

Bring Water It’s hot and humid. Carry a water bottle.

Use Google Maps Download offline maps. Very helpful for finding places and planning routes.

Ask Locals Singaporeans are helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions or recommendations.

Try Everything Don’t be scared of hawker center food. It’s safe, delicious, and the real Singapore food experience.

Final Tips

Singapore is easy to visit. It’s perfect for people who want to see Asia but also want comfort and safety. The food is amazing, the sights are beautiful, and everything is convenient.

Plan at least 3-4 days to see the main attractions. Eat at hawker centers. Take the trains. Follow the rules. And enjoy this unique city-country!

Remember: Singapore is small, so you can see a lot in just a few days. Don’t try to do everything. Choose what interests you most and enjoy it.

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