Singapore

Singapore lies almost on the equator and is an ideal place to relax for a few days, in a city renowned for its efficiency and high standard of service. Singapore also has some of the best restaurants in Asia, as well as some beautiful parks, many colonial buildings and interesting areas to visit.

The city is very compact and has an excellent transport system, so it is easy to explore the different districts, such as Chinatown, Little India and the redeveloped quay areas, including the striking new Esplanade theatre and entertainment complex. The landmark Raffles hotel, birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail, is worth a visit to experience the ambience of the famous Long Bar.

A Singapore tour holds much in store for you. The country boasts an ancient past with roots connected to the Malay Peninsula and China as well as a colonial era that has left a permanent imprint of Anglicism. It is during this time that the city really gained global popularity, as the British set up a tax-free port here in 1819. Even today, the port is central to its economy, though the tech and finance industries are what have helped it thrive in more recent times. Coupled with perhaps the world’s most efficient planning, infrastructure and public services, it is little wonder that people from around the world have migrated here. And it is this coming together of cultures that really makes this one of the top destinations to visit.

History of Singapore

Back to its history, the island at the end of peninsula got inhabited in between 1298 and 1299 AD. Later, in the 14th century a prince of Palembang named it Singapore while acknowledging an animal at the time of hunting. However, it’s only in the 19th century that the modern city was founded by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. After getting conquered by Britishers and other powerful hands, the country finally got its independence in 1959.  

Language in Singapore

Being a potpourri of inhabitants from different religions, here many languages like: English, Tamil and MAlay are widely spoken. However, English tops the list of spoken languages there.

What to see in Singapore

1. Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool

Situated at the top of the ultimate luxury resort of Singapore, Marina Bay Sands, the Infinity Pool is a one-of-its-kind attraction of Sentosa Island, Singapore. Among the many reasons this integrated resort complex is famous, Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool is definitely one.

Located 191-meters (627-ft) above ground, Marina Bay Sands pool is the world’s longest elevated swimming pool. It has a 146-meter (479-ft) vanishing edge, an architectural design where the water from one pool edges over to another lower surface, thus creating an optical illusion that the pool is one with the sky.

Marina Bay Sands swimming pool offers you an opportunity to experience the scintillating Singapore skyline as you relax in the calming and temperature-regulated water of the pool. At 57 levels high, nowhere else in Singapore you will find a more spectacular view of the city. After finishing your swim, stretch out on the poolside loungers for a sunbath and relax under the cool shades of the rooftop garden of palms. Enjoy a magnificent sunset from a sky-high level while sipping on your favourite cocktail or a glass of champagne.

2. Gardens by the Bay

Nestled in Central Singapore, Gardens by the Bay is the botanic gardens of the future, the land of next-gen Super trees groves, high-tech space-domes and outlandish sculptures. Home to almost 4, 00,000 plants, Gardens by the Bay is famous for the awe-inspiring contemporary architecture and the hypnotic Garden Rhapsody, the light and sound show.

The vast and colourful super park conservatories are spread across 250 acres of reclaimed land along the waterfront. Its famous Super tree structures, which are futuristic botanical giants connected by a commanding Skyway, offer a mesmerizing view as one traverse the skywalk over the gardens. The over-sized seashell-shaped greenhouse of Gardens by the Bay, called the Flower Dome, is the largest glass greenhouse in the world recreating chilly mountain climates.

The garden is divided into three sections namely: Bay East, Bay South, and Bay Central, a garden that connects to the other two made along the waterfront. Of these sections, Bay South is the largest. The world's tallest indoor waterfall in the Cloud Forest conservatory is another major spot to admire. A walk around Gardens by the Bay also offers an expedition to the climate-controlled conservatories and the Super trees that are worth visiting.

3. Universal Studios

The Universal Studios in Singapore is a theme park in Singapore which attracts multitudinous tourists as well as locals every year. The events at Universal Studio Singapore and attractions make the place one of the best to visit with friends and family. With over 25 feature rides and 7 different theme zones, Universal Studios (Singapore) is one of the largest theme parks in Asia.

With a Universal Studio Singapore map in hand, one can enjoy the various events and unique places that the theme constitutes. The Universal Studio Singapore attractions include ‘The Lost World,’ ‘Ancient Egypt,’ ‘Far Far Away,’ ‘Madagascar,’ ‘Hollywood,’ ‘New York’, and ‘Sci-fi City.’ All these places have different types of events and shows that one can enjoy. Each of them has a different entrance which goes well with their respective themes.

4. Merlion Park

The picturesque Merlion Park, located near One Fullerton in the CBD (Central Business District) area, is an iconic Singapore sight, housing two Merlion statues. Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish and is considered an icon of the Lion City.

Spouting water from the mouth, the larger of the two statues measure 8.6 metres, which was later joined by a Merlion cub, measuring 2 metres and located near the main Merlion. While visiting the concrete structure isn't in itself worth the time, the Marina Bay views make the trip worthwhile.

The 70-tonne concrete statue was first unveiled in 1972 and became one of the must-visit tourist spots of Singapore. The original Merlion statue and the cub is one of the seven approved Merlion sculptures in the metropolitan. The best time to enjoy this half-lion, half-fish structure is either early in the morning or late at night when the crowd is less and view from across the Marina Bay is breathtaking.

5. SEA Aquarium

Part of the vibrant Resorts Sentosa World, the South East Asia Aquarium or the SEA Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world, home to more than 800 species of aquatic wildlife. The chief draw of SEA Aquarium is the Open Ocean Tank - world's largest viewing panel at 36-m long and 8.3m high. This is also the only aquarium in the world to house the giant oceanic manta ray.

6. Singapore Flyer

Standing at a magnificent height of 165 metres, the Singapore Flyer is Asia's largest giant observation wheel. Offering a 360-degree breathtaking panoramic view of the Lion City, the huge Ferris wheel is built on a 3-story terminal building at the Marina Bay.

An icon of Singapore, the stunning view from the flyer is best experienced at dusk - view the iconic attractions like Singapore River, Raffles Place, Merlion Park lit up spectacularly at night. The major attraction of the Singapore Flyer is the 28 city-bus-sized air-conditioned capsules, designed to carry 28 passengers through a 30-minute mind-stirring journey of Singapore's skyline.

What to eat in Singapore

Cuisine is an important part of tourism and Singapore trip guide suggests the same. Though there are similarities, it is entirely different than the Malaysian or Indonesian cuisines. Crabs, octopus, squid, prawns, lobsters and other seafood and crustaceans dominate the palate in most places, along with noodles and rice as staples. Chinese and Indian foods are at large as well, thanks to the large community presence. Among locals, fried carrot cake, Wanton Mee, Bak Kut Teh are some of the popular choices. Dim sums are quite loved too. Kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs is a traditional breakfast dish of Singapore that one must try.

Shopping in Singapore

Shopping is the highlight of Singapore attractions guide by all means. Once the site seeing and partying and beach activities are done, it is shopping that captivates the travellers into the streets, markets and malls of Singapore. From the shacks of China Town to the arcades of Little India to the quirky boutiques of Haji Lane to the high-end shops of Marina Bay Sands – shopping scene in Singapore is never boring and always inclusive. It has something for everyone’s taste, everyone’s culture, and everyone’s budget.

Best Time to Visit Singapore

The best time to visit Singapore is during the months of February to April. During this time the temperature ranges from 24°C to 32°C. The duration between this month can be termed as the peak season to visit Singapore. Tourists can experience beautiful weather during this time along with the festivities of Chinese New Year, Singapore International Jazz Festival (March), Affordable Art Fair and World Gourmet Summit (April).

How to reach Singapore

By Air

Most Indian airports have direct nonstop flights to Changi Airport in Singapore. The frequency of flights is owed to the rising tourism between the two countries. India to Singapore distance by air is around 3440 km, and the nonstop flights usually cover it in 5 hours and 35 minutes. Both Air India and Singapore Airlines have direct flights, along with many other carriers. The best part about reaching Singapore is that most of the Indonesia-bound flights usually take a layover in Singapore, which increases the number of flights one can take to Singapore.

By Road

Going from India to Singapore by road is not impossible but a just time-consuming long process. From India, one has to take the India-Myanmar Friendship road. Then drive through Thailand via Bangkok to Malaysia. From Malaysia, one can either rent a car or ride a bus to Singapore. Car renting has the advantage of not going through customs or immigration. There are specially licensed taxis from Larkin Bus Terminal in Johor Bahru, the borderline area between Singapore and Malay land. There are state bus services running to and fro the causeway link that joins downtown Johor Bahru with Singapore. But travelling by bus has the disadvantage of waiting in queue for passport checking and customs just like airports.