Singapore is a small island in Southeast Asia with 64 satellite islets. Although small, it is densely populated with 5.6 million citizens. Singapore is known for its extensive land reclamation projects with a 25% increase in its land area, which makes it look like a science fiction movie scenery. It is a highly developed country and has one of the largest and busiest ports in the world and also the world’s best airport. Its population is multicultural and multiracial. As in nearby Malaysia, the main ethnic groups that comprise its population are the Chinese, the Malays, and the Indians. Its education, healthcare, and quality of life systems are efficient as well.
This is why it is a popular tourist destination; it has lots of “firsts”. Tourists who love trying new tastes, exploring, collecting, socializing and learning about different cultures will have the best time in Singapore, as it creates new experiences every day for them. Singapore is by no means as interesting as other cities in South East Asia, for example Bangkok, but still has a lot to offer to the visitor. There are a lot of people who become enchanted by the city’s cleanliness, safety, organization, and high tech applications.
When to visit Singapore
The best time to visit Singapore is literally anytime, as the high season stands from November to July! You can choose the period you want to travel taking into consideration your ideal way of vacations.
For the best weather, choose June, July, and August, as the weather is the driest during these months. However, this time period the fires from Sumatra might bring haze and smoke through the air. This is when the locals wear protective masks that they buy from the pharmacy or stay indoors.
From May until July, Singapore hosts some fun events, like the Singapore Food Festival, which is a month-long culinary celebration, and the Great Singapore Sale, ideal for shopping of any kind –even of clothes by famous designers!
For fewer crowds, choose September until November. More specifically, early fall is when the tourist traffic is being a bit reduced.
November until January is the time period with the most rainfalls and thunderstorms. Nonetheless, it rains very often in Singapore, so the indoor activities offer a diverse course of action for the tourists and the locals. Even then, Singapore has a high tourist season due to the Chinese New Year celebrations, though.
How to go to Singapore
Singapore is in the center of Southeast Asia and that means that it is one of the easiest countries to travel to. Fortunately, many low-budget airlines travel to Singapore, so it won’t be difficult to choose it either directly or with a stop in the middle. Changi Airport is considered the world’s best airport and it is a major travel hub between Asia and the rest of the world.
If you are in Southeast Asia and want to go to Singapore, there are trains and buses that can take you, and also boats and ferries.
What to see in Singapore
There are quite a few city landmarks that you have to see when you travel to Singapore. Here we review five of them.
#1. National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore is the nation’s oldest museum, which opened in 1894. It has many amenities, as also an app that you can download if you need some guidance and more information on the museum. Its exhibits relate to the history of Singapore and contemporary life in the country. It has a large (2,800 m²) gallery space, a smaller one and an auditorium, among others. Check it out for history and culture, but also know that you might not be very impressed.
#2. Marina Bay
Marina Bay is one of the most modern and stylish areas in the city of Singapore, where tourists can dine and enjoy the amazing sunsets. It is surrounded by some distinctive architectural icons, like the Marina Bay Sands with the shopping boutiques and the world-famous infinity pool, the Merlion and the durian-shaped Esplanade. It is an ideal pathway to walk onto eating your ice-cream or taking photos. It has everything: gardens, skyscrapers, art statues, and luxurious boats.
#3. Gardens by the Bay
Near Marina Bay you can find the Gardens by the Bay. It is no. 1 attraction in Singapore on TripAdvisor and contains more than 1,5 million plants. These are some facts you need to know before you enter the 250 acres of the Gardens with your friends, family or partner. It is a nature park, which consists of three gardens, the largest glass greenhouse in the world, an observatory, restaurants and some recreation spaces for the kids. It has hosted many movies and tv shows scenes. Give yourself a lot of time to walk through it all and catch the Supertree Grove at night with all the beautiful lights.
#4. Fort Canning Park
It was once the estate of the 14th century Kings of Singapore, but now the Fort Canning Park is a special tourist attraction on the hill. In the Malay language it means “Forbidden Hill” because it was believed that this is where the former kings rested and haunted. Like the Museum, it has an app that makes interactive trail paths, which helps you learn more about the eight gardens, the hill, the trail and the history of every corner. Sometimes it hosts theatre productions, concerts, festivals, weddings, and parties.
#5. Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay is a famous attraction in Singapore for its waterside restaurants, traditional pubs, and exciting bars and dancing clubs. It has more to offer, though. A stroll along the Singapore River or even a small boat trip can be the best choice if you want to explore more of the city. There are museums, galleries, and historical statues, as well. Near it you can find the Raffle’s Place where all the business and finance skyscrapers are gathered. If you consider staying there, just do it. It is a very convenient location but bear in mind that the cost of your accommodation will not be so low.
