Singapore Travel Guide

Despite the often heard criticism of Singapore as a “Big Brother State” reputation, the city has loads to offer. Beneath the graffiti-free façade of Singapore’s sterility lies a hectic infusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Western culture. The exciting atmosphere created is entirely unique. For many years, few travellers ventured beyond the vast corridors of the airport, however, the Singapore Government’s pro-development policies and the nation’s growing wealth have inspired an artistic and architectural rejuvenation, luring more and more visitors annually.

Singapore is bustling. As home to over 5 million inhabitants, who somehow squeeze into about 700 square kilometres, it is second only to Monaco in terms of population density. Fortunately, half of the nation is covered in lush green parks and forests. Strategically placed at the southernmost tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore hosts one of the world’s busiest ports and was formerly a British stronghold.

Catch it while you can: sizzling Singapore is on the move.

See and do

Singapore’s Asian Civilisations Museum offers a superb exposition of ten primary Asian cultures. The individually themed galleries encompass all aspects of successful societies in well organised displays. The gruesome weapons of warfare are particularly frightening. The exhibitions also share a previously unseen perspective: the strong influence of Islam upon the Asian continent.

The museum itself occupies an architectural relic of the colonial years, a splendid white construction dating from 1865. Nearby is another gem of the British Era: The Raffles Hotel. Raffles has been Singapore’s number one place to stay for well over a century and the hotel’s bar is the original home of the Singapore Sling cocktail.
Singapore’s striking Esplanade Theatre cascades into the bay, a sprawling collection of rehearsal rooms and concert venues. The Esplanade stages the internationally renowned Singapore Symphony Orchestra as well as being one of Asia’s venues of choice for big name bands. Tickets sell out fast so it’s best to get in early.

Little India is an authentic pocket of Delhi on the streets of Singapore, the epicentre of the sizeable sub-continental community. Roadside chefs fry up delicious chapattis on upturned oil drums and the air is thick with incense. Wall to wall shops of imported Indian goods and inexpensive curry houses line the lively streets. 

Singapore Zoo is one of the world’s finest.  Designed according to a free ranging philosophy, there are no cages and the animals roam wildly over a 28 hectare expanse. The zoo’s highlight is The Singapore Night Safari. After dark, all the creatures of the night come out to play and can be easily spotted from the open sided train.

Local flavours

Eating is a national sport in Singapore. The rich and varied cuisine reflects the multicultural makeup of the population. Singapore has spawned some international favourites such as Laksa, a fragrant noodle soup in a coconut curry broth. Another Singapore special is Chilli Crab. Consuming a whole boiled mud crab is a messy and time consuming yet delicious experience: you’re bound to leave chunks of crustacean all over the table and chilli sauce all over your face.  There is a good reason for them offering a bib with the meal!

Most of the action happens in the city’s many open air or indoor food courts. Usually, these play host to at least a dozen hawkers offering Chinese, Indian and Malay dishes, Singapore’s main three culinary streams. Forget greasy food court deep-fried fare, the food here is excellent.

Thanks to the nation’s wealth and significance as a corporate centre, five star restaurants are in plentiful supply. Even more are on the way with some of the world’s celebrity chefs soon to open a Singapore franchise.

Getting in and around

Changi Airport is one of the planet’s mega airports, servicing not only the nation but the entire region. The layout is slightly confusing with three freestanding terminals, however, they are conveniently linked by the complimentary Sky Train. Singapore Airlines, a top class carrier, offers flights to Singapore from all corners of the globe. The government owned low cost provider Tiger Airways offers some exceptionally cheap fares however is currently limited to the Australasian region. The bus and subway from Changi Airport are very good value, connecting to the city centre in less than half an hour.

For a bizarre experience, take a taxi from Malaysia to Singapore. This border is one of the few places in the world where a country can be entered by cab. Within the city itself, taxis are an inexpensive and effective way to get around. Unfortunately, they are very hard to come by during the rush hours. In addition, the bus, train and subway networks are comprehensive and easy to use.

Weather

Singapore lies only 1.5 degrees north of the Equator. Consequently, Singapore experiences no distinct seasons and the tropical climate is fierce. Rain is an almost daily, short-lived occurrence but the bulk of the precipitation falls during typhoon season, from November to January. Temperatures are reliably around 30°C (90°F) and the air is oppressively humid. Fortunately, everywhere, we repeat, everywhere, is air-conditioned.   

Good to know

Keep an eye out for public art installations popping up all over the city. The government’s liberal development policies and generous grants to the artistic sector have attracted some of the world’s foremost artists. There are also frequent temporary exhibitions in a range of public and private galleries. Check the listings when you are in town.

Sunday night is Bollywood night in Little India. The fragrant quarter explodes into a vibrant street party, complete with spontaneous Bhangra dance floors where men gyrate to the infectiously bouncy movie hits.

Shopping is a centrepiece of Singapore’s consumerist society. The city is an excellent place to find discounted electronics, watches and clothing in massive, mind-boggling malls. On the other hand, alcohol is very expensive.  

Staying here

By South East Asian standards, Hotels in Singapore are highly priced, however, they will not hit your pocket as hard as most big city accommodation. The dirt cheap rates of neighbouring nations are not present yet affordable rooms are still readily available. At the upper end of the spectrum, Singapore offers some of the cheapest genuine five star options around. The selection of lavish lodging is vast and the service very speedy.