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Plan the perfect trip to Singapore | Singapore Holiday Guide
Many of the people who travel often have the same problem. What will be the next destination? In most cases, they always choose the same countries, the same destinations, and do not get to see wonderful places because they are not known as typical trips. However, this time we bring you something different, an adventure that you cannot miss! Singapore.
This country has gotten many adjectives over time, cleanest, best planned, quite possible, and most entertaining. With more than 5 million inhabitants, Singapore is an island country located in the South of the Malay Peninsula in Asia. This exotic state has the largest rooftop infinity pool in the world, a safari park for nocturnal animals, temples, delicious food, and much more. Keep reading and discover all the fantastic things you can do in Singapore!
How to get there
Singapore is a country full of amazing infrastructure, and airports in this country are not the exception. Here we will show you the best two airports to arrive in the country.
The first on the list is the Singapore Changi Airport. This airport is considered the best airport in the world and one of the busiest airports, because the last year (2019) it served more than 68.3 million passengers, especially in Asia. If you are traveling to the east region, then this is a perfect option for you.
The next recommendation is the Seletar Airport located in the northeast region. It has served to the Asian region since 1928, and it is accessible by bus and taxi. You can find cafes and a seating area there to wait comfortably for your flight.
Traveling with these airports will make your travel easier and more comfortable, while you enjoy your first sight of this beautiful country.
Visa Information
Something very important to know while planning our trip to a new destination is to check whether or not we need a visa to enter the country. Remember that a visa is nothing more than a permit that allows us to enter and stay in the corresponding country for a certain period.
According to Singapore policy, the vast majority of countries in the world (excluding Asia and the northern part of Africa) do not need a visa to enter the country. This group is divided into two, those that can stay up to 30 days and those that can stay up to 90 days.
However, in all cases you must meet the following requirements: have a return ticket and have a valid passport for at least six months after your departure date. For more information, we recommend visiting the corresponding consulate.
Best time to visit the country
Despite not being a very common travel destination, Singapore has a lot to offer throughout the year. There is no perfect time to visit this country because throughout the year a humid and hot climate is maintained, ideal for outdoor activities. The average temperature is 27°C, and each season of the year has something new to offer.
From December to March, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere and fireworks in Christmas and New Year. The temperatures vary from 24°C to 30°.
Traveling from June to September is also a good idea to visit the country. With less rainfall and wind, you can go outside and go to the popular food festivals that are hosted there. Among other outdoor activities, you can choose between visiting the Singapore Zoo or Jurong Bird Park during the day, and go shopping or window-shopping to malls in the afternoon.
Safety
In general, Singapore is a safe country to travel to. The crime rates are low, and you will feel that the environment is very friendly. As in any other country where you travel, it is important to follow your common sense while being in public places. Just remember to keep your items with you and not unattended, and always respect the culture, religion, and traditions of Singapore.
Budget
Traveling to Singapore is a unique experience, however, planning the whole trip is an important part, and the budget is essential. In Singapore, you could spend around SG$164 ($119) per day, including accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. That means that for a week you will need SG$1,145 ($) and for two weeks a total of SG$2,289 ($1,668).
Let’s see how much you can afford with SG$164 ($119) per day:
- Hotel or Hostel: SG$102 ($74.49)
- Food: SG$30 ($21.91)
- Local transportation (taxis, buses, subway): SG$11 ($8.03)
- Entertainment (shows, movie tickets): SG$35 ($25.56)
Let’s break down some more specific food and drinks prices:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: SG$2 ($1.46) – Fried rice or noodles.
- Mid-range restaurant: SG$35 ($25.56) – Three-course meal.
- Soft Drink: SG$1.86 ($1.36) – 0.33-liter bottle.
- Beer: SG$10 ($7.30) – 0.5-liter draught.
Currency
The Singapore Dollar (SGD) is the currency used in Singapore. One Singapore Dollar is equivalent to 0.73 USD. US Dollars are not accepted so if you have some with you, then you can change your money at the airport.
This Asian country is a center for commerce and finance, so you do not need to worry about the common payment methods. The cash is commonly used for smaller payments; you can get some by the ATMs distributed throughout the country. The major credit cards are widely accepted in most stores (Visa and MasterCard). However, it is more efficient to open a local bank account so you can easily withdraw the cash at the ATMs.
Interesting facts about the culture
Singapore is a country located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula. It is considered an efficient nation, and a model for developing countries. It has one of the best airports in the world (Changi Airport), delicious cuisine, an efficient transportation system, and excellent infrastructure. All these aspects and more, prove that this country is worth visiting.
The national language in the country is Malay, however, the main spoken language is English, and Chinese and Tamil are also spoken widely. There is something called “Singlish”, which is no more than the English language spoken uniquely by Singaporean people.
Singapore is known for being super clean. You should not chew gum or smoke everywhere if you want to avoid getting a fine. This and other government rules make this country eco-friendly, which helps to maintain the country clean and hygienic.
People in this country are a mixture of Chinese, Malay, and Indian, that is why it is also a mixture of cultures that we are sure you will enjoy during your trip!
What to do in Singapore
Singapore is a beautiful country with a great architectural design of its structures, such as the modern skyscrapers and beautiful gardens in Marina Bay. Besides, this Asian country has endless sights where you can do different activities. There will be no room for boredom!
The best sights
- Marina Bay Sands, in 10 Bayfront Avenue: It is a complex of three hotel towers of 55 floors, joined by a platform supported by the towers. This complex has a convention center, a shopping center, an art and science museum, two arenas theaters, six restaurants, two floating pavilions, and a casino.
- Sands Skypark, in Marina Bay Sands: The terrace that covers the three towers of the Marina Bay Sands. This 340-meter long deck, presenting a gorgeous view of Marina South Pier out to the Singapore Strait, and there is the rooftop infinity pool.
- Gardens by the Bay, in Downtown Core: A natural park that consists of a network of modern greenhouses and coastal parks with super trees covered with solar panels.
- National Gallery Singapore, in Central Singapore: It is an art museum with the largest public art collection in Singapore and Southeast Asia, comprising more than 8000 works of art.
In Singapore, it is not only seeing the attractions, but there are also many activities from which you can take unforgettable moments. Here you can visit both land and marine animals, go shopping; eat delicious food, and so much more.
The best activities
- Vising nocturnal animals in the Night Safari, in 80 Mandai Lake Rd: The first night zoo (open from 7 pm) in Singapore and the world. You can see animals like tigers, alligators, fishing cats, and others up close.
- S.E.A Aquarium, in Resorts World Sentosa: The world´s largest aquarium, with more than 49 marine habitats and more than 800 marine species.
- Ride the Singapore Flyer, in 30 Raffles Ave: It is the second-highest observation wheel in the world with a height of 165 meters. Take a ride and enjoy the beautiful views of the city.
- Go shopping on Orchard Road, in Central Area: It is a popular mall for shopping, with department stores and luxury boutiques. This mall has restaurants and outdoors bars lining the nearby Cuppage Terrance that offers everything from grilled seafood and meats to traditional desserts.
How to get around in Singapore
Singapore’s transportation system is efficient, and the best transport is the subway, the Mass Rapid System (MRS). The distribution of the stations is found throughout the island. People prefer the subway due to the low fares and the speed.
Another transport you can use is a car, but driving in Singapore can be a huge hassle, and the parking cost is very expensive, but if you want to go in a car through the city, the best option is to call a taxi.
However, another great transport system used in this country is the bus. Buses traverse the entire country and can take you everywhere you need to go, but you must be attentive to which you should take since the numerous routes can confuse anyone who is going to ride one for the first time.
How to stay connected in Singapore
There is more than one option to stay connected in Singapore. Depending on your budget and on how much you need to use your phone, you could consider the following methods: First, you can rent a Pocket Wi-Fi, which is a small device that works as a portable Wi-Fi, or you can also depend on the free public Wi-Fi. There is free Wi-Fi access in the Changi Airport and some Shopping Centers and Malls.
The next option is the one that we recommend: buy a prepaid SIM card. The main mobile networks in Singapore are M1, Singtel, StarHub, and TPG. Those providers offer a variety of plans with different amounts of services, so you can choose depending on your needs.
Another option is to order an international prepaid SIM card from a company like SimOptions. They offer a SIM card for Singapore that also works in other countries of the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rent a car?
It is not a good idea because of the traffic. It is much better to use the subway.
Which airports can I fly to?
The best airports are the Singapore Changi Airport and the Seletar Airport
What are the most popular types of hotels?
The most popular accommodation types are hotels, resorts, and boutique hostels.
How much does a holiday cost?
You can spend around SG$164 ($119), including standard accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.
What are the best things to do?
If you are traveling to Singapore, you have to visit the Marina Bay Sands, go shopping, and visit the resorts.
