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Singapore is one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia, and it's no wonder why so many people choose to travel there. Singapore is a destination like no other, from its vibrant culture and stunning architecture to its delicious cuisine and lush green spaces. Besides, this travel guide will help you make the most of your time in the city. We'll cover everything from the best places to stay and the must-see attractions to the best foods to eat. So, let's get started planning your perfect Singapore trip!

History 

Singapore is a city-state at the Malay Peninsula's southern tip, approximately 85 miles (137 km) north of the Equator. It comprises Singapore Island, a diamond-shaped shape, and 60 smaller islands. Johor Strait separates the main island from Peninsular Malaysia to its north. This narrow channel is crossed by a road or rail causeway more than half a mile in length. Singapore Strait is the southern limit of the state. 

Singapore was once a British colony. It became a member of the Commonwealth in 1963. However, it succeeded in forming an independent state in 1965. Singapore is a prosperous nation, and its economy continues to grow. It is also a busy port. The population was 5.7 million in 2020. 

Best Time to Visit 

Singapore is always a great place to visit! It is warm all year with tropical temperatures. However, the busiest season to visit the island is December through June. February to April is the driest time, with the least rain and the most sunshine.

Also, monsoons are usually between December and March, with December being stormy. It is also humid, windy, and cloudy. But if you want to avoid the tourist crowds, late summer and early autumn (July-October) are good times to visit.

Things to Do and Places to See 

These are some of the best things to do and places to visit in Singapore.

Hawker Centers 

Hungry? When you visit this Southeast Asian culinary center, you will want to be there. Although there are many excellent restaurants throughout Singapore, the most famous are its hawker center. These food courts are central to Singaporean life. You can tap into Singapore's soul by enjoying a delicious dish from one of the 100 hawker centers.

Museums 

With its growing cultural institutions, Singapore is now a top-ranked museum city. The Asian Civilizations Museum is a fascinating ode to Asia's cultural connections. There are also the National Gallery Singapore and the National Museum Singapore. These museums have the most extensive public collections of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art worldwide.

You can also find many smaller museums that are more quirky, such as the Peranakan Museum, which celebrates the rich heritage that arose out of the meeting between Chinese and Malay peoples. Or the Changi Museum & Chapel, which tells the stories of POWs and civilians held in Changi Prison under Japanese occupation.

Historic Neighborhoods 

Singapore's historical neighborhoods provide a fascinating insight into the country's early days. Begin in Little India. This is where you will find many shops selling colorful saris and aromatic spices. Besides, the Colonial District has a mix of elegant temples, hip bars, and restaurants in bustling Chinatown.

The wealthy elite of the late 19th and mid-20th centuries lived in Katong, an east-coast village. It is home to some of the most beautiful shophouses in the city. There is also Tiong Bahru, a 1920s-era housing estate, which is now a trendy haven for boutiques and cafes. You will find it tucked behind Chinatown. There are many other fascinating neighborhoods that you can explore.

Pulau Ubin 

This idyllic island escape is between Peninsular Malaysia and mainland Singapore. It offers a glimpse into the kampong (village) life in the past. Moreover, you can take a bumboat (motorized sampan) from Changi to Pulau Ubin. There you can rent a bike and explore this small island. You'll pass mangrove swamps and lotus-covered lakes. Tin-roof shacks and ramshackle shrines are all part of the ride. 

Rifle Range Nature Park 

This new park is 66 hectares south of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. The Central Nature Park Network also includes boardwalks and animal crossings, making it easy for humans and animals to use.

Highlights include the Quarry Wetland, created from the Sin Seng Quarry. It is now a peaceful habitat for wetland wildlife. Besides, head up to Coluga Deck for a bird's-eye view of the park. You might also see Sunda colugos or long-tailed macaques soaring across the rope bridges.

Culture and Customs 

Singapore's crowning glory is its diversity. Singapore is home to 40% of the world's immigrants. It also has the highest level of religious diversity in the world. Moreover, it is not unusual to find churches, mosques, and temples of Hinduism and Chinese in Singapore. Sometimes, the houses of worship are located on the same street. Popular holidays include Thaipusam (a Hindu Festival) and Chinese New Year. Vesak Day is a Buddhist holiday.

It is also important to remember that many people of Malay or Indian descent associate the left side with the bathroom. Therefore, using your right hand to wave, greet, or eat when you visit is best. In addition, some cultures consider people sacred, so avoiding touching their heads when interacting with them is essential.

Also, despite strong Asian ties to Singapore, English is a significant part of Singapore's culture. Although the country was once a British colony in Asia, English is still widely spoken. In addition, English has been considered the "working language" of the country, so it is unlikely you will run into anyone who doesn't speak English.

Singapore is a destination where it's essential to Singapore is a country that welcomes people from diverse backgrounds. However, it requires all citizens to maintain order and cleanliness. It also has strict regulations against jaywalking, smoking, littering, and eating at the MRT. It is also illegal to sell or import gum or not flush the toilet. You could face arrest or a heavy fine if they catch you doing either of these things.

Singapore's official currency (SGD) equals almost three-fourths the value of a U.S. Dollar. Also, tipping is not an accepted practice in Singapore. This is partly due to a 10-percent service fee at most restaurants and hotels.

What to Eat 

Singaporean cuisine combines Malay and Indian influences with Chinese and Indonesian. It is as eye-opening and delicious as the food at the hawker centers or food courts in shopping malls.

Ban Mian 

You can describe Ban Mian as a simple dish of homemade noodles. It is typically cooked in soup and added with minced pork, anchovies, and mushrooms. You Mian fans are different from Mee Hoon Kway – one is smaller and flatter, and the other is thicker. These dry versions are also gaining popularity.

China Whampoa HomeMade Noodles made in Whampoa Food Center are made from small batches of noodles with various delicious ingredients, such as fish slices and abalone. The light, clear broth is then seasoned with mani cui for a touch of sweetness.

Chilli Crab 

This is Hard-shell crab prepared in thick gravy and a tomato chili sauce. After being partially cracked, the steamed crabs can be stir-fried lightly in a sauce of chili sauce and ketchup. However, chili crab isn't very spicy. You can also order bread to soak up the gravy.

Bak Kut Teh 

Bak kut Teh means pork bone tea in Chinese. It is a popular dish in Malaysia and Singapore. Although it would seem that the pork is cooked with tea, the tea is not part of the recipe.

Bak kut Teh is pork ribs. First, they cook it in water with lots of garlic and white pepper until it becomes tender. Next, mix all the flavors of the peppers and garlic into the pork bones to make a delicious, comfortingly tasty soup. They then serve Bak kut Teh with rice and sometimes other Chinese side dishes such as braised tofu or mustard greens. You should also drink hot Chinese tea when you eat bak kut teh.

Hokkien Mee 

Hokkien Mee is a popular Singapore fried noodle hawker dish. This dish is a traditional Chinese dish that originated in Fujian Province. Singapore and Malaysia adopted it.

Hokkien Mee is a combination of white and yellow rice noodles. They fry it in a wok, with eggs and sometimes seafood (usually shrimp and squid). Different hawkers can prepare it. Some stir-fry it dry, while others add a gravy sauce. They typically serve it with sambal chili sauce and a calamansi on top.

Chicken Rice 

Hainanese Chicken Rice is poached chicken and fluffy white rice. They serve it with cucumber, chili sauce, dark sauce, and minced garlic. Tian Tian Maxwell Food Centre is Singapore's most well-known stall selling chicken rice. However, it seems more tourists than local customers.

Curry Puff 

Deep-fried pastries (or baked) with curried fillings like potatoes, chicken, and potatoes make a tremendously comforting and satisfying treat.

Old Chang Kee's, Polar's, and A1 are the most popular ones in Singapore. However, some hawker stalls make great ones with many styles. It's a comforting meal with fillings of chicken chunks, spicy curried potatoes, slices of boiled egg, and spices and herbs.

Where to Stay 

These are some of the best areas to stay in Singapore. Several award-winning hotels are waiting for you. In the heart of Singapore, interior designers have developed hotels with floor-to-ceiling windows, swimming pools, or even lap pools, and incredible views of the city. However, do not miss to have a Singapore Sling at the lobby lounge of the Raffles hotel. 

Orchard Road 

Orchard Road has some of the best upscale shopping in the world. The wide Orchard Road is lined with modern shopping centers. You might not find it elsewhere if you don't find it here. Orchard is the ultimate destination for shoppers, with everything from luxury clothing brands to camera shops.

However, Orchard is not just about shopping. If you venture down the side streets, you'll find many excellent bars and restaurants in a relaxed setting. Of course, you will also find multiplexes in the shopping centers and plenty of food courts, restaurants, and cafes.

Marina Bay 

Marina Bay is a great place to stay if you're looking for a more family-friendly area in Singapore. It is home to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. You can also access the Gardens by the Bay from the same place. In addition, Marina Bay is the ideal neighborhood if you are looking for a location with water and nearby skyscrapers. This makes it an outstanding perfecto live.

Downtown 

You will find skyscrapers and other important buildings in the Downtown area. You will also find expensive hotels here. Plus there are other options for accommodation. These hotels may be worth the investment, especially if you want to see the city's new glamorous façade. The area is bustling with tourists and people walking or shopping during the day. This area also comes alive at night.

The Marina Sands Building is the starting point for a light show. This structure, with its sci-fi appearance, will be easy to recognize. Moreover, Merlion Park has the best views. You can see the legendary Merlion statue in the park. Sky Park is also in the same area. It sits on top of Marina Sands and offers breathtaking views.

Chinatown 

You don't always have to spend much money to live in Singapore's neighborhoods. Chinatown is a great place to visit for everyone. It is located in the Outram District's Central Area.

Because it is rich in cultural elements, you will instantly recognize it. Chinatown has been home to a large population for many decades. It is famous for its beautiful decor and intriguing shophouses. This area is popular in Singapore because it is alive with people and offers excellent food stalls. The site also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant where you can dine in style.

Little India 

Little India is another popular option for foodies. It is located to the east of the Singapore River. This means that it is right across from Chinatown.

It is the Indian community that makes this neighborhood so striking. The vibrant culture and the great shopping will instantly make you feel at home. This neighborhood is a great place to visit if you're a foodie who loves to be involved in the city's culture.

Bugis 

Bugis is just below Kampong Glam. It has the same vibe as the other neighborhoods. It is also near Bras Basah but is famous for its arts. If you are staying in this area of the country, Bugis has museums and monuments. It is a popular destination for tourists. There are also many options for transporting, shopping, and dining. This area also has luxurious hostels.

How to Get Around 

It is the best way to travel around Singapore using the Mass Rapid Transit and subway system. The underground network runs throughout the city and has many lines. However, walking is the best way to get around once you are in your desired area. MRT also has bus routes that will take you almost anywhere on the island. Avoid car rentals as they can be expensive and slow. But you can take a taxi if you don't want to drive.

How to Stay Safe 

Singapore is a safe country for travelers, even solo. It's one of the most secure countries in the world. Solo female travelers will feel at ease here. However, observe the usual precautions (don't walk alone home at night, refuse to drink from strangers, etc.). 

Singapore is strict with drugs. You could be sentenced for even possessing marijuana in your system. Therefore, say no to drugs! Also, trust your gut instinct always. Stop the taxi and get out if you feel the driver is shady. Keep a copy of all your documents, including your ID and passport. Additionally, send your itinerary to family members, so they know where you are.