Singapore
Bursting with life, culture and development, Singapore is truly the hub of Asia. Explore every inch of this country for world-class shopping, chic bars, first-rate zoos and mouthwatering food – all easily accessible by its sophisticated public transport system.
Getting its start as a small and humble country, Singapore has since transformed into the modern city-state that it is today. Significantly more developed than its neighbours, Singapore offers a welcome break from the chaos and challenges that are typical of traveling in Southeast Asia. One of the most densely populated lands in the world, this country still manages to be orderly, clean and green.
Getting There
Most nationals can enter Singapore for up to 30 days without a visa. However, there are still some exceptions. As one of the most advanced aviation hubs in Asia, you will be able to find many flights into the Changi Airport. You can also access the country by road from its closest neighbour, Malaysia, or by boat from both Indonesia and Malaysia.
Money Matters
The official currency in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar. However, both the Singapore and Brunei Dollars can be used interchangeably in both countries. ATMs are everywhere and most major credit cards are widely accepted. In case you need to exchange currencies, just head to any shopping mall within the country and you will find money exchange establishments that offer excellent services.
Language
Although Singapore's national language of Singapore is Malay, English is, in fact, the most widely-spoken language in the country. Do not be surprised to find a local who could hardly speak the national language but could converse in English fluently. Being such a multi-cultural destination, Singapore has four official languages: Malay, English, Tamil, and Mandarin.
Weather
Being so close to the equator, Singapore does not have any clear-cut seasons. The country is subject to tropical rain showers throughout the year though it tends to rain more frequently from November to January.
Food
Singapore has a very strong and diverse food culture. Made of up mainly Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, Singaporean cuisines are extremely varied with many different spices. The best way to experience local food is by visiting hawker centres and food courts peppered all over the country. However, you can also dine in style at many of Singapore’s Michelin star restaurants.
Traveling in Singapore
With a distance of only about 50 kilometres from East to West, Singapore is small but well-connected. Traveling within the country is a breeze and you can easily shuttle between the tourist destinations located in the centre, southern regions like the shopping paradise in Orchard Road, the bustling red-light district in Geylang, and theme parks in Sentosa.
Taxis are cheap but can be in short supply, so the best way to travel within Singapore is via its sophisticated transit system. You can get to almost anywhere in the country with either the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) or Light Rail Transit (LRT) transport systems that are both inexpensive, well-maintained and comfortable.
Singapore stands out as a tourist destination in Southeast Asia by being an incredibly easy and pleasant place to travel in. Unlike its neighbours, getting from one location to another is convenient and comfortable. This is the perfect country if you want to experience the rich Southeast Asian culture without the usual travel challenges that generally comes with it.
