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Amsterdam
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One day. One city-country. Countless memories. Here is my story ā and everything you need to know aboutĀ Singapore.
I have been living in Malaysia for almost 10 years. And in all that time, I never once visitedĀ Singapore. Can you believe that?Ā SingaporeĀ is so close ā just one hour by flight, or about 4 to 5 hours by bus to Johor Bahru, and then across the border intoĀ Singapore. Yet somehow, I always found a reason to delay.
As an Indian passport holder, applying for aĀ SingaporeĀ visa is not completely straightforward. You cannot apply directly ā you must go through a registered agent approved byĀ Singapore. You also need to show financial documents, a valid passport, and proof of funds in your bank account. I kept putting it off… until I decided enough was enough. Me and my friend Nana were going toĀ SingaporeĀ ā no more excuses.
Before we get into my trip, let us understand what Singapore is really about. When you hear Singapore, think of one of the most remarkable stories in modern history. Singapore was once a small fishing village. In 1819, British statesman Sir Stamford Raffles arrived and built it into a major trading port.
In 1965, Singapore became an independent nation ā separated from Malaysia. With almost no natural resources, Singapore could have struggled. Instead, Singapore became one of the wealthiest and most developed countries in the world in just a few decades. People call it an economic miracle. And when you visit Singapore, you will understand why.
Location: Southeast Asia
Size: 733 sq km
Population: ~6 million
Independence: 1965
Currency: SGD (S$)
Type: City-state
Singapore is unique because it is both a city and a country ā called a city-state. There is only one city in Singapore, and that city IS Singapore. This makes getting around very easy because everything is well connected.
Singapore has four official languages ā English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. The good news? In Singapore, almost everyone speaks English. So as a traveler, you will have no problem communicating anywhere in Singapore.
š¬š§ English
šØš³ Mandarin Chinese
š²š¾ Malay
š®š³ Tamil
You will also hear Singlish ā a fun local mix of English with words from Malay, Chinese dialects, and Tamil. In Singapore, people say things like “lah”, “leh”, “can?”, and “shiok!” (meaning delicious or awesome). It takes getting used to, but it is part of the charm of Singapore.
The visa process for Singapore was what stopped me for years. But once I actually went through it properly, it was not as bad as I feared. Here is what I did for my Singapore visa as an Indian passport holder in Malaysia:
VISA PROCESSĀ
I visited a Travel agency registered by Singapore, submitted my passport, passport-size photos, and financial documents showing the minimum bank balance. The agent sent everything off ā and within just 2 to 3 minutes, my visa was approved. Yes, minutes. I was genuinely shocked at how fast Singapore’s system works.
Did you know? If you hold a valid Singapore visa, you may be able to visit the Philippines without a separate visa. This is a great advantage worth checking before you travel to Singapore!
Getting to Singapore from Malaysia is very easy. Nana and I took a night bus from our city to Johor Bahru (JB), crossed the border, and entered Singapore by early morning. Here are your main options:
āļø By Flight: About 1 hour from Kuala Lumpur. This is the fastest option but also the priciest.
š By Bus: 4ā5 hours to JB, then cross the border. This is both affordable and popular.
š By Train: Take a train from JB into Singapore. It is comfortable and offers a scenic view.
āµ By Boat: Cross from nearby ports. Itās a quick and unique experience.
“We took a night bus, arrived early in the morning, cleared immigration, and we were inside Singapore. The process was smooth and organized ā very much the Singapore way.”
You have probably heard of Changi Airport. Singapore’s Changi Airport is consistently ranked the best airport in the worldāand after experiencing it ourselves, I completely understand why. When we arrived at Changi, I was immediately amazed.
Singapore’s Changi Airport is not just an airport. It has a shopping mall, indoor gardens, a cinema, a rooftop pool, a butterfly garden, and most famouslyāthe HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. We stood and waited for the waterfall display to start, and when it did, it was breathtaking. Everyone around us stopped to stare. No wonder Singapore’s airport is world-famous.
MUST-DO AT CHANGI
Even if you are just transiting through Singapore, spend some time inside Changi Airport. Watch the HSBC Rain Vortex waterfall display. It is free and absolutely worth it!
Transportation in Singapore is one of the best things about visiting. Because Singapore is a city-state, everything is well-connected and easy to reach. You do not need to book taxis or use Grab for most of your travels.
š MRT (Metro): Fast, clean, and air-conditioned. It covers all the major spots in Singapore.
š Public Bus: Affordable and covers areas that the MRT doesn’t reach.
š Grab / Taxi: Available but less necessary. Singapore’s efficient MRT makes these options strictly optional.
š³ Tourist Card: Buy a 1-day or 3-day EZ-Link pass for unlimited MRT and bus rides.
“We bought a one-day tourist card and used the MRT all day. It was so easy ā no stress, no confusion. Singapore makes traveling simple.”
Singapore is located near the equator, which means it is hot and humid all year round. There is no winter and no autumn ā just warm tropical weather every single day.
š”ļø Temperature: 25Ā°C ā 33Ā°C
š§ Humidity: Very High
š§ļø Rainy Season: Nov ā Jan
āļø Best Time to Visit: Feb ā Apr
“Honestly, the weather was my biggest challenge. Singapore is surrounded by sea on all sides ā both natural and man-made islands ā and the humidity is very high. Walking around all day was tiring and I was sweating a lot. If you are going to Singapore, carry a small backpack, wear light clothes, and drink water constantly.”
Do not underestimate the heat in Singapore. Plan your outdoor activities for the early morning or evening, and rest indoors ā in air-conditioned malls or MRT stations ā during the hottest part of the day.
There is so much to see in Singapore. Here are the top places every visitor should know about:
š¦ Merlion Park: The iconic symbol of Singapore ā half lion, half fish. A must-see located by Marina Bay.
šØ Marina Bay Sands: The famous three-tower hotel featuring a rooftop infinity pool and the SkyPark.
š³ Gardens by the Bay: Home to the giant Supertree structures that light up beautifully at night.
šļø Sentosa Island: A hub for beaches, Universal Studios, cable cars, and various theme parks.
š® Chinatown: Featuring colorful streets, historic temples, and some of the best street food in Singapore.
š Kampong Glam: The Malay-Muslim quarter, home to the golden Sultan Mosque and Arab Street.
šŖ Little India: Vibrant colors, stunning Indian temples, unique shops, and the amazing aroma of curry.
āļø Changi Airport: The worldās best airport ā home to the breathtaking Rain Vortex indoor waterfall.
“We walked so much, trying to see everything. We were aiming for the Merlion ā Singapore’s most iconic statue ā but Nana got very tired and we could not make it. It is okay! That just means Singapore is giving me a reason to come back!”
If there is one thing Singapore is absolutely world-famous for, it is the food. Singapore’s hawker centers ā open-air food courts ā serve incredible food at very affordable prices. In fact, Singapore’s hawker culture was recognized by UNESCO in 2020 as a cultural heritage. Do not leave Singapore without trying these:
š Chicken Rice: Singapore’s national dish. Simple, fragrant, and absolutely delicious.
š¦ Chilli Crab: Singapore’s most famous dish. Itās spicy, sweet, and unforgettable.
š Laksa: A rich coconut curry noodle soup. A absolute must-try in Singapore.
š³ Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried flat noodles with egg, prawns, and Chinese sausage.
š« Roti Prata: Crispy Indian flatbread served with a savory curry dipping sauce.
š„„ Nasi Lemak: Fragrant coconut rice served with sambal, egg, anchovies, and peanuts.
š¢ Satay: Grilled meat skewers served with a signature peanut sauce. The perfect street snack.
ā Teh Tarik: “Pulled tea” ā a sweet, frothy milk tea loved by everyone in Singapore.
“We ate at a food court inside a mall ā and the food was really good and affordable. In Singapore, you do not need to eat at expensive restaurants to eat well. The hawker food is the real deal.”
Singapore is impressive. It is clean, safe, organized, and modern. But I want to be honest ā Singapore is not for everyone.
I personally love nature, open spaces, and seeing everyday life. Singapore is very much a city ā all tall buildings, shopping malls, and structured life. If you love urban experiences, great food, and world-class infrastructure, Singapore is perfect for you. If you are like me and prefer nature and a slower pace, Singapore may feel a little too polished and busy.
Yes! If you are based in Malaysia, a one-day trip to Singapore is very doable. We went by bus, spent the full day exploring, and took a night train back to JB. We slept there, had breakfast, and came home the next morning. The total cost is manageable if you plan well. Just be ready for the heat and definitely wear comfortable walking shoes!
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