Best Serviced Apartments in Singapore

Facts About Singapore

Singapore is officially called the Republic of Singapore and is a well-known sovereign island city-State within Southeast Asia. It is a degree of latitude northwards from the Equator and borders the Straits of Malacca, Indonesia and the South China Sea. There is one main island adjoined by 63 satellites and islets in tandem with the sole outlying islet.

Here are some interesting facts about Singapore:

• The national anthem of Singapore is a micro-text upon the back of the $1,000 note.
• Singapore is amongst the 20 smallest global countries with land area standing at just 682.7 square kilometers.
• Singapore is one out of just three city-states in the whole world along with Vatican City and Monaco.
• Sang Nila Utama, the Palembang prince, witnessed a creature who he considered to be a lion and named the island as Singapura or Lion City in Sanskrit terms.
• The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has a greater number of tree species in comparison to the whole North American continent.
• Buildings are to be a maximum of 280 meters in Singapore by way of height.
• The Guinness Book Record was set in Singapore for the longest human domino chain on the 30th of September, 200. This was formed by a whopping 9, 234 students and covered 4.2 kilometers in total.
• Singapore contains 3,000+ kilometers worth of roads.
• The national language of the sovereign island city-state is Malay. Other official languages include English, Tamil and Chinese.

Singapore has a considerably developed economy and is a major global finance hub. Singapore is one of the few countries to have obtained the AAA credit rating courtesy of the Big Three for several years with a free and highly innovative economy. Singapore draws sizable foreign investments with the second highest GDP per capita as per the World Economic Forum ranking.

Also Read: 12 Big Facts About Singapore

Singapore is a key global transportation hub and the Changi Airport is the major aviation hub for Southeast Asia. Other airports include the Seletar Airport and Kallang Airport. The Singapore Changi Airport has 100+ airlines linking to 300 cities in 70 countries and regions globally. Singapore Airlines is the national carrier.

Cost of Living in Singapore

The average cost of living in Singapore is on the higher side. For a single individual in the island city-state, average expenditure excluding rentals may touch somewhere around 800 SGD or roughly $575 USD every month. This is considerably higher for a family or four for instance. They will require close to $3,200 (USD) or 4, 400 SGD.

Most people have to earn 6,000 SGD for leading a comfortable life in Singapore. Rentals are quite costly with 3 bedroom apartment units going for 7,000 SGD per month in the Orchard Road and Central District. A similar apartment in the Woodlands neighborhood in the North District, will come for 2, 600 SGD every month in comparison.

Tips for Visiting Singapore

Here are some helpful tips for visiting Singapore:

• Use the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system in Singapore. Get a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited travel.
• Make sure you try local delicacies in Singapore in areas like Marina Bay and China Town. Do not miss Chili Crab, Chicken Rice and Laksa.
• Visit Gardens by the Bay early with the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest opening from 9 AM. Visit 15 minutes early to get tickets without any hassles. The Gardens and Supertree Grove are free to visit throughout the day.
• Water is absolutely safe to drink in Singapore.
• Alcohol is on the costlier side; tap into the benefits of Happy Hour between 5-9 PM.
• Most cafes and restaurants offer Wi-Fi in Singapore.
• Tipping is not a part of local culture in Singapore.
• Keep a rain jacket handy while wearing lightweight apparel.

Things to Do in Singapore

Singapore has a plethora of activities and attractions for travelers in several categories. Here’s taking a look at the same.

Q1. What are the most popular things to do in Singapore?

There are several popular things to do including visiting Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Chinatown, Orchard Road, Singapore Zoo and Merlion Park.

Q2. What are some free things to do in Singapore?

Some free things to do include the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, viewing wild dolphins at the Sisters Islands Marine Park, hiking at Mount Faber, biking at Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail and more.

Q3. Does Singapore have many romantic attractions?

Singapore has numerous romantic attractions including Universal Studios, River Safari, Gardens by the Bay, Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Cable Car, Sentosa Island, The Trick Eye Museum and more.

Q4. What are some family-friendly things to do in Singapore? 

Family-friendly things to do in Singapore include Sentosa Island, Changi Jurassic Mile, Sing Under the Sea at the SEA Aquarium, Jewel’s Canopy Park, Universal Studios and the Singapore Sports Hub. 

Q5. What are the more unusual things to do in Singapore?

Some unusual things to do in Singapore include sidecar city tours, selfie coffee at the Selfie Coffee Café and visiting the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Pulau Ubin bumboat cruises are also unique experiences.

Places to Visit in Singapore

There are several places to visit in Singapore including the following:

• Gardens by the Bay – Gardens by the Bay is a major tourist landmark with the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest among other attractions. There is a lovely promenade that is worth visiting here.
• Little India and Arab Street – Little India and Arab Street are hugely popular for their cafes, shops and iconic buildings. The latter is popular for authentic Arabian cuisine and other lip-smacking delicacies. Little India has numerous shopping zones, eateries and famous temples.
• Singapore Flyer – Singapore Flyer is a massive observation wheel that goes till 165 meters and is the biggest giant wheel in Asia. Experience stunning views of the Singapore skyline and Gardens by the Bay.
• Universal Studios – Universal Studios is located within Sentosa Island. It is home to numerous cafes, shopping zones and restaurants. Attractions include the Walk of Fame, Sci-Fi City, Lost World of Dinosaurs, Battlestar Galactica and Ancient Egypt Zone.

Also Read: Fun & Free Things to Do in Singapore

Places to Eat in Singapore

The New Ubin Seafood offers an extensive menu of favorites including Biryani, fried rice and more. Rang Mahal serves up fascinating dishes like Tandoori Portobello mushrooms. Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck restaurant is worth visiting along with Odette, the iconic Michelin-starred restaurant spearheaded by Chef Julien Royer.

Also Read: Top 10 Restaurants in Singapore

Street Food in Singapore

Noted street food joints in Singapore include Wee Naam Kee, Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee, Tai Wah Pork Noodle and Tai Hwa Pork Noodles. Other top options include Tong Ah Eating House, Chin Mee Chin Confectionery and more.

Shopping in Singapore

Going shopping in Singapore? Try Orchard Road for high-end fashion stores and budget options alike. Top malls here include ION Orchard, Far East Plaza and Orchard Central among many others. Other shopping zones include Marina Bay, Chinatown and Little India.

Also Read: 7 Best Shopping Centre & Malls in Orchard Road

Transportation in Singapore

Singapore has a network of LRT/MRT trains along with buses and taxis. The SBS Transit and SMRT Corporation are in charge of train networks. Public buses are run by Tower-Transit, Go-Ahead, SMRT Corporation and SBS Transit. The Changi Airport is the major international airport along with the tertiary Seletar Airport.

Weather in Singapore

Singapore has mostly hot and overcast weather with temperatures varying from 76-89 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit is between early January and late March. You can visit from late July to early October as well.