Singapore is known for its mesmerizing views, hyper-modernness, multi-racial heritage, and flavorful cuisine. So, if you have just planned your next holiday there, we can only congratulate you.
This city-state in maritime Southeast Asia has fascinated millions of tourists worldwide, and it is no wonder why. Characterized by a spotless environment and ultra-modern facilities, Singapore is one of the most traveled destinations in the world, with more than 2.7 million international tourists in 2020. “Caters to every type of tourist” has become an overused cliché when describing places; the truth is that only a slight number of destinations manage to appeal to each and every taste, and Singapore is one of them.
Whether you are an adventurer seeker, eco-traveler, food enthusiast, corporate traveler, or eco-tourist, the vibrant city of Singapore will sweep you right off your feet. Here, the Indian, Malaysian, English, and Arab cultures cross-pollinate, adding the Singaporean twist to take visitors’ breath away.
However, if you are a first-time visitor, the depth and diversity of Singapore can overwhelm you. You have surely got questions, and that is why we are here. Check out our Singapore travel guide for a smooth, delightful experience in the “Lion City.”
Singapore at a Glance
Contemporary architecture, imposing skyline, next-level shopping malls, and an ultra-modern subway system – all these make Singapore one of the most prosperous countries in the world. It is not surprising that millions of visitors globally thrive on visiting this island city-state; it is like you enter a futuristic world where modernity harmoniously combines with sustainability.
Commonly referred to as “the melting pot of Asia,” Singapore retains much cultural and ethnic diversity, which is seen in many of its attractions. Supertree Grove and Marina Bay are considered the ethnic pockets within Singapore, preserving each culture’s particular traditions and heritage.
The way in which nature merges with futuristic technology impresses each visitor flying to Singapore. Although 100 percent of its population is urbanized, this country is not filled only with high-rise buildings. On the contrary, more than 50 percent of its area is green.
And while some may think that its status as the second most densely populated country on the globe is a negative aspect, learn that it does not feel crowded at all, thanks to the modern facilities that make the city feel rather spacious than jam-packed.
Interestingly, most people in Singapore are proficient in English, which makes the city-state the most accessible destination to travel to. Thus, if you have ever worried about this aspect, learn there is less of a language barrier in Singapore. Indeed, you will hear other languages like Mandarin Chinese, Tamil, and Malay since a significant number of the country’s citizens are descended from people from various areas of Asia.
After all, Mandarin Chinese is the official language, which is one of the hardest languages to understand for non-Chinese speakers. But there is no need to get discouraged, as residents used to speak English, too.
Best Time to Visit Singapore
When traveling to Singapore, the first thing to consider is, without any doubt, its weather. The city is humid and hot year-round, with humidity consistently exceeding 80 percent. The average temperature is around 21 to 32 degrees Celsius, which is pretty hot, but it is not a surprise since the country is so close to the Equator.
So, how could you avoid the multitude of rainfalls occurring almost daily?
Well, you can avoid the monsoon season, from November to January. However, it usually rains in spurts in Singapore, meaning rainfalls do not last much. This aspect is not a problem for most tourists, which is why the high season is during these months. June and July are also characterized by high traffic thanks to the Great Singapore Sale, where people travel for shopping.
If you want to avoid the crowds from the high season, we highly advise you to visit Singapore in spring, particularly in April. There is no public holiday this month, which is a perfect occasion to explore the botanical gardens and outdoor activities in peace.
On the other hand, you may want to visit the many festivals in this astonishing city. If you wish to attend the Chinese New Year, consider visiting Singapore in January and February.
Other significant festivals include Thaipusam (at the end of January), Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights (from late October to early November), Food Festival (July), and Vesak (in May). Festivals and local events are an excellent way to gain cultural knowledge, so if the desire for learning and experience has brought you to Singapore, it would be a pity to miss these festivals.
Ensure you avoid “the haze” period, in which Singapore is enshrouded in smoke and dark fogs caused by pollution. This usually reaches its peak in September, so if it happens to be in Singapore during this time of the year, be mindful of wearing a mask and check the PSI.
Places of Interest
The most popular attractions include Gardens of the Bay, Universal Studios and Sentosa Island, Singapore Zoo, Marina Bay Sands Skypark, Singapore Flyer, and ArtScience Museum. Visiting Gardens by the Bay is like entering a mind-blowing world, where Supertrees and Cloud Forest are the stars of the place.
Thus, if you have only got one or two days in Singapore, ensure this is the first on your tourist spot list. Singapore is also home to numerous museums, including the National Museum, Art Museum, and ArtScience Museum, perfect to give you that dose of culture everyone is looking for when visiting a country for the first time.
If you are there to stay for at least one week, do not hesitate to adventure into Singapore’s neighborhoods. Chinatown, Little India, Holland Village, Joo Chiat, and Kampong Glam breathe history, so if you are willing to get a real taste of Singapore, it would be a pity not to stroll along Chinatown streets or head over to Clarke Quay for the most nighttime experience.
Singapore’s world is worth exploring, as it is full of surprises and twists that will blow your mind away. The magical greenery combined with hyper-modern architecture is a reason to pack your bags right now.
