Ever dreamed of visiting an ultra-modern city in the heart of Southeast Asia? Look no further than Singapore. This tiny island nation packs a big punch with an eclectic mix of cultural influences, natural beauty, and architectural wonders.Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for the best chili crab, an adventure seeker ready to explore the Singapore Zoo’s open enclosures, or a shopaholic preparing to splurge on Orchard Road, Singapore has something for everyone.
With a vibrant food scene, futuristic skyline, lush parks, and a melting pot of cultures, Singapore is an ideal all-in-one destination for your next getaway. Once you land at Changi Airport, you’ll instantly be transported into the future in this smart, sustainable city. But don’t be fooled by the gleaming facades – you’ll find a rich heritage and history around every corner. From Little India to Kampong Glam, each unique enclave tells the story of how Singapore became the cultural powerhouse it is today. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Singapore will captivate you with its irresistible charm. Ready to start your Singapore adventure? The city awaits!
A Brief History of Singapore Tourism
Singapore’s tourism industry has been booming for decades. This tiny island nation has been attracting visitors from around the globe with its vibrant culture, natural beauty, and reputation for being an ultra-modern and clean destination.
The Early Days
Tourism in Singapore began in the 1960s. The government saw the potential for economic growth through tourism and began actively promoting Singapore as a tourist destination. Some of their first efforts included the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB) which marketed Singapore to the West, and the launch of the “Instant Asia” and “Uniquely Singapore” campaigns.
These early campaigns focused on Singapore’s cultural diversity, with the STPB promoting events like the Chingay Parade, Thaipusam festival, and Chinese New Year celebrations. They also highlighted Singapore’s natural attractions, like the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and Botanic Gardens. Thanks to these marketing efforts, international tourist arrivals grew from just over 91,000 in 1960 to over 1 million in 1970.
Booming Growth
Tourism really took off in the 1980s and 1990s. The government invested heavily in developing world-class attractions like Universal Studios Singapore theme park, Gardens by the Bay nature park, and the Singapore Flyer Ferris wheel. They also hosted major events like the Singapore Grand Prix.
With stunning new attractions and the rise of budget airlines making travel more affordable, tourist arrivals surged. By the late 1990s, Singapore was attracting over 6 million visitors annually. This “tourism boom” led to the diversification of Singapore’s economy beyond manufacturing into service industries like hospitality.
A Global Hub
Today, Singapore remains a premier global tourist destination. It welcomed over 19 million visitors in 2019, contributing significantly to Singapore’s economy. Singapore’s efficient infrastructure, political and economic stability, and reputation for being an ultra-modern yet culturally diverse city have cemented its status as a global hub for both business and leisure travel. After over 50 years of growth, Singapore’s tourism industry remains an incredible success story.
The Best Time to Visit Singapore for Great Weather and Festivals
Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate, hot and humid all year round. But the best times to visit are typically during the dry seasons from December to early April and June to August. During these months, you’ll experience little rainfall, lower humidity, and cooler temperatures – perfect for exploring all the city has to offer.
December to February – Festive Vibes and Cool Weather
If you’re looking to experience Singapore during the holiday season, December through February is a great time to visit. You’ll catch the festive decorations and events like Christmas in the Tropics and Chinese New Year. Plus, temperatures are at their coolest, ranging from 66 to 77 F, making it comfortable to walk around and be outside.
Some events to experience:
- Christmas in the Tropics – Orchard Road dazzles with lights, decorations and events. Shop, dine and soak in the festive cheer.
- Chingay Parade – A vibrant street parade to celebrate Chinese New Year with floats, dancers, and stilt walkers.
- River Hongbao – A popular Lunar New Year fair at Gardens by the Bay with markets, performances and fireworks.
March to May – Summery Weather and Cultural Events
Summers in Singapore from March to May tend to be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 89 F. However, there are fewer chances of rain, and it’s a perfect time to experience cultural events before the mid-year lull.
Some events to catch:
- World Gourmet Summit – A month-long culinary extravaganza featuring masterclasses, wine dinners and gourmet menus prepared by world-renowned chefs.
- Singapore Food Festival – A celebration of local cuisine with food tours, chef collaborations, and night markets offering the best of Singaporean dishes.
- Vesak Day – On the full moon day in May, experience the festivities surrounding Buddha’s birthday with colorful street light-ups, cultural performances and charity events.
June to August – Low Rain and Comfortable Weather
The mid-year months from June to August see little rain, low humidity and comfortably warm weather, ranging from 77 to 86 F. With smaller crowds and hotel rates, it’s an ideal time to enjoy the city’s many attractions.
Some things to experience:
- Singapore Food Trail – An open-air food court set in historic railway yards with hawker fare from different cultural influences.
- Universal Studios Singapore® – Experience world-class rides based on blockbuster films like Transformers The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle and Shrek 4-D Adventure.
- National Orchid Garden – Located within Singapore Botanic Gardens, this is a scenic
Singapore’s Amazing Food Delicacies
Singapore is a food lover’s paradise, with delicious dishes from Chinese, Malay, Indian and other cultures. Some must-try delicacies include:
Chili Crab
Chili crab is Singapore’s most famous dish. Crab meat is stir-fried in a sweet and savory chili sauce, usually made of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, egg, and tomatoes. The crabs most commonly used are mud crabs, which have a distinctive robust flavor and flaky white meat. Chili crab is usually eaten with fried buns to soak up the delicious sauce. No trip to Singapore is complete without tasting this iconic dish.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese chicken rice is Singapore’s unofficial national dish. It consists of tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and chili sauce. The chicken is usually deboned and the rice is infused with the flavor of ginger and garlic. Sprigs of cilantro and sliced cucumbers are served on the side. It is a simple but delicious meal, popular with locals and tourists alike.
Roti Prata
Roti prata is a round flatbread of Indian origin that has become popular in Singapore. It is made from dough that is stretched and cooked on a hot griddle with ghee or butter until golden brown. Roti prata is usually served with curry for dipping and is a popular breakfast dish, though eaten all day. There are many variations, including egg prata, cheese prata, chocolate prata, and banana prata.
Kaya Toast
Kaya toast is a popular Singaporean breakfast and snack consisting of coconut jam or kaya spread over toast, usually with a side of soft boiled eggs. Kaya is a sweet coconut egg jam made from a mixture of coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and sometimes pandan leaves for flavoring and color. The kaya and eggs are a match made in heaven, with the runny egg yolk mixing into the kaya. Kaya toast is a delicious blend of Asian and Western influences.
With an amazing array of food from different cultures, Singapore offers endless opportunities for your taste buds. Spend your time exploring the diverse food scene, from upscale restaurants to hawker centers and food courts. There’s something for every budget and palate in this gastronomic paradise. Bon appetit!
People and Culture
Singapore is a cultural melting pot in Southeast Asia with a diverse, multi-ethnic population. The majority are Chinese, Malay and Indian. This blend of cultures means you’ll experience a vibrant mix of festivals, cuisine, religions and architecture.
The official languages are Malay, English, Chinese and Tamil, but English is commonly spoken. You’ll see all four languages on street signs and products. Buddhism is the most popular religion, but many Singaporeans also practice Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam.
Family and education are very important to locals. Elders and teachers are highly respected. Even though Singapore is very westernized, traditional Asian values still shine through in daily life.
The cuisine reflects the cultural diversity. You’ll find Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan, and international food everywhere. Hawker centers offer lots of delicious, affordable dishes to try. Some must-haves are chili crab, chicken rice, roti prata, and kaya toast.
The major cultural districts showcase colonial buildings alongside modern architecture. Little India and Kampong Glam give a taste of Singapore’s history. Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay are iconic, eco-friendly landmarks.
The Singaporean spirit is a blend of perseverance, pragmatism, and openness to change. Locals take pride in their country’s rapid progress, cleanliness, and safety. There’s a balance of traditional values and an eagerness to embrace globalization.
Spending time exploring the cultural enclaves, tasting the different cuisines, and chatting with locals is the best way to gain insight into this unique society. The diversity may surprise you, but the hospitality and efficiency are quintessentially Singaporean.
Currency and Languages Spoken
When visiting Singapore, there are a couple of things you’ll want to know. For starters, the official currency is the Singapore dollar. ATMs are widely available to withdraw cash, and most places do accept credit cards as well, especially Visa and Mastercard.
Languages
While Malay is the national language, English is the main language of business and education. Nearly everyone speaks English, so you can easily get around speaking only English. Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil are also official languages, reflecting Singapore’s cultural diversity.
Cost of Living and Transportation Cost
Singapore is an expensive city, but with some budgeting you can enjoy your trip without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to keep costs under control:
Cost of Living
Accommodation and food will likely be your biggest expenses. Hotels and hostels average $150-300 SGD per night. Save money by staying a little farther from major attractions, or consider budget hotels like Hotel 81 or Fragrance Hotel chains, which offer rooms for under $150 SGD.
For meals, hawker centers and food courts offer lots of local options for $3-7 SGD. Or grab snacks like curry puffs, roti prata or kaya toast with kopi or teh. Shop for groceries at FairPrice supermarkets and cook some meals yourself. A small haul of rice, noodles and veggies can cost under $20 SGD.
Alcohol and cigarettes are heavily taxed, so avoid if possible. Or consider less pricey alternatives like locally brewed beers and tobacco-free vapes.
Activities like visiting museums, temples and walking around civic districts are budget-friendly at under $20 SGD. Take in free attractions like Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Zoo and Universal Studios Singapore. If on a budget, skip more pricey options like the Singapore Flyer or a riverboat tour.
Transportation
Singapore’s efficient public transit makes it easy to get around cheaply. The MRT subway and public busses cover most of the city. Fares range from $1.40 to $2.50 SGD per ride. The Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited 3-day rides on MRT and bus for $20 SGD.
Taxis and rideshares are available but more expensive, around $3-10 SGD per km. Only use occasionally or for places not easily accessed by transit.
Driving is not recommended as roads are heavily monitored, parking is limited and fuel costs are high due to road taxes. Renting a car will likely cost $70-150 SGD per day.
Following these tips can help reduce your costs in Singapore to around $50-100 per day, making this glamorous city an affordable getaway. With its vibrant culture, verdant parks, historic temples and hyper-modern architecture, Singapore offers a memorable experience for travelers on any budget.
Tourist Rules and Safety Tips
Singapore has some important rules and safety tips for tourists to be aware of. As a visitor in this city-state, it’s important to be respectful of the local culture and laws.
Public Conduct
Singapore has strict laws against littering, vandalism, and public drunkenness. Penalties for some offenses can even include jail time and heavy fines. It’s best to be on your best behavior in public. Some other things to keep in mind:
- Chewing gum is prohibited. Gum is banned in Singapore, so leave it at home.
- Don’t feed wild monkeys. While the macaques can seem friendly, feeding them can make them aggressive.
- Flush public toilets. Failure to flush a public toilet can result in a fine.
- Don’t smoke in public. Smoking is banned in most public places like restaurants, shopping areas, and parks.
Traffic and Transportation
Jaywalking and drunk driving are taken very seriously in Singapore. Only cross streets at designated crosswalks and don’t drive if you’ve been drinking. The public transit system is very efficient, so take advantage of the MRT trains and busses. Some tips for getting around:
- Have your fare card ready before entering MRT stations or busses. Not tapping in and out properly can result in a fine.
- Don’t eat or drink on public transit. Consuming food and beverages is prohibited.
- Stand on the right on escalators. This allows people to pass on the left.
Staying Safe
While Singapore is very safe, exercise normal travel precautions. Be aware of your belongings in crowded places like markets or festivals. Some additional things to keep in mind:
- Don’t buy or sell drugs. Singapore has a strict zero-tolerance policy for illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offenses are severe.
- Stay in designated areas. Don’t enter restricted places like nature reserves or military zones without permission. Trespassing is against the law.
- Be careful of unlicensed taxis. Only take taxis and rideshares from designated areas to avoid potential scams.
Following these rules and tips will help ensure you have a safe, enjoyable visit to Singapore. Be a respectful visitor, mind your manners in public, and exercise caution—then you’ll love your time exploring all this city has to offer!
Singapore’s Diverse Neighbourhoods and Cultures
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, with diverse neighborhoods that showcase its multicultural heritage. Explore the city and experience its vibrant mix of traditions, cuisines, religions, and festivals.
Little India
Little India is the center of Singapore’s Indian community. Start your visit at the colorful Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali. Then walk down Serangoon Road to soak in the atmosphere, with the aroma of spices, incense and jasmine garlands filling the air. Shop for gold jewelry, traditional crafts or a sari at Mustafa Center, which stays open 24 hours. When hunger strikes, grab an authentic Indian meal of roti prata, fish head curry or biryani.
Chinatown
From Little India, head to Chinatown to experience Singapore’s Chinese culture. At the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, see its impressive architecture and massive Buddha statue. Shop at festive night markets or for medicinal herbs and kung fu gear along Pagoda Street and Temple Street. Learn about Chinatown’s history at the Chinatown Heritage Center. And of course, feast on delicious dim sum, roast duck, chili crab and kaya toast at hawker centers like Maxwell Food Center.
Kampong Glam
Just east of Bugis MRT station is Kampong Glam, Singapore’s Malay-Muslim quarter. Walk past shops selling carpets, fabrics and perfumes toward the golden dome of Masjid Sultan, the historic Sultan Mosque. Spot traditional Malay clothing like the baju kurung and songkok hat. Then stroll through the Malay Heritage Center to gain insights into the local Malay community. Refuel at a nasi padang stall with rice and curries, or a mamak restaurant open late into the night.
Little Arabia
In Kampong Glam, you’ll also find traces of Arab influence in Little Arabia, centered on Bussorah Street. Shop for dates, nuts, baklava pastries and aromatic Eastern spices. Learn about Singapore’s Arab traders at the Malay Heritage Center. Or just sit back with a frothy teh tarik or Arabic coffee, and soak in the Middle Eastern ambience.
Singapore’s diverse neighborhoods offer a glimpse into its vibrant mix of cultures. Spend time exploring the sights, sounds and tastes of each community, and appreciate how they blend together to form Singapore’s unique multicultural identity.
Conclusion
You’ve now seen what Singapore has to offer for any type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for an upscale luxury getaway, an exciting foodie adventure, or a family-friendly cultural experience, this tiny island nation packs a big punch. The blend of vibrant neighborhoods, modern infrastructure, lush greenery and historical landmarks provides something for everyone. The food is reason enough to visit with influences from Chinese, Malay, Indian and other cultures merging into a fusion of flavors found nowhere else. And while it may be a long flight to get there, Singapore’s safety, cleanliness and efficient transportation make it an easy place for even novice travelers to navigate. If you’ve never considered Singapore for your next vacation, now you know why you should – your Instagram followers will thank you for all the envy-inducing photos. Start planning your trip and get ready to be wowed by all that Singapore has to offer. You certainly won’t regret it!