planning a trip to
Singapore
Here is what you need to know:
Singapore is a vibrant, multicultural country where diverse nationalities, cultures, traditions, and religions coexist harmoniously.
This modern metropolis seamlessly blends with nature, and we were truly amazed by how much greenery, parks, and nature are integrated into the urban landscape.
As one of Asia’s biggest financial hubs, Singapore offers high-quality living standards, exceptional education, healthcare, safety, and housing. However, it’s important to note that this comes with a high cost of living, making it one of the most expensive cities in the world.
About
Singapore is a sovereign island nation located in Southeast Asia, consisting of 63 satellite islands. Despite its small size (751 km²), it functions much like a large city.
Home to approximately 5.7 million people, 61% of whom are Singaporean citizens, the country has a diverse and growing population.
Founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles as a trading post for the British Empire, Singapore has undergone significant transformations. After World War II, it gained self-governance in 1945.
Today, it is recognized as one of the Four Asian Tigers, known for its rapid economic growth and its status as one of the most developed countries in the world.
The red color on the flag of Singapore symbolizes universal brotherhood and equality of man.
White represents pervading and everlasting purity and virtue.
The waxing crescent moon represents a young nation on the ascendant, symbolizing growth and progress.
The five stars stand for the nation’s ideals: democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality.
The Merlion is the official mascot of Singapore.
This mythical creature, with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, is a prominent symbol of both the city-state and its people. The Merlion is widely used to represent Singapore in various contexts, including sports teams, advertising, branding, tourism, and as a national personification. It serves as a reminder of Singapore’s heritage, with the lion symbolizing the city’s name (“Singapura,” meaning “Lion City”) and the fish representing Singapore’s origins as a fishing port.
The Gardens by the Bay is a stunning nature park located in Singapore, spanning 101 hectares in the Central Region, next to the Marina Reservoir.
The park is made up of three main gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden. Each offers its own unique landscapes and features, with the Bay South Garden being the largest and most popular, home to the iconic Supertree Grove and the Flower Dome. This urban oasis is a symbol of Singapore’s commitment to integrating nature into the city.
Marina Bay Sands is an iconic integrated resort located at Marina Bay in Singapore. Owned by Las Vegas Sands, it opened in 2010 and was touted as the world’s most expensive standalone casino property, with a cost of $5.88 billion USD.
The resort features a luxurious 2,561-room hotel, a 120,000 m² convention and exhibition center, a 74,000 m² shopping mall, a museum, a theater, a variety of restaurants, and two floating Crystal Pavilions. Additionally, it houses art-science exhibits and boasts the world’s largest atrium casino, making it a must-visit destination for both leisure and business travelers.
What to expect?
Language: The official languages of Singapore are English, Malay, Chinese, and Tamil, with English serving as the common lingua franca.
Food: Singaporean cuisine is diverse, with five main categories: meat, seafood, rice, noodles, and desserts/snacks. The country is particularly famous for its seafood, including specialties like chili crab, black pepper crab, and sambal stingray.
Transportation: The primary modes of public transport in Singapore include the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, buses, and taxis, all offering efficient and convenient travel options.
Money: The official currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). At the time of our visit, 1€ was worth approximately 1.57 SGD. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are easily accessible throughout the country.
Plugs: The plugs used in Singapore are type I, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz.
Safety: Singapore is renowned for being one of the safest and cleanest countries in the world, offering a high standard of safety for both residents and tourists.
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