Singapore

ENJOY YOUR VISIT TO THIS WONDERFUL CITY

Singapore is an island nation that has defied its small size to become an economic powerhouse. In this most modern city in Southeast Asia, skyscrapers, luxury hotels and mega shopping malls stand alongside reminders of Singapore's colonial past such as the iconic Raffles Hotel.

Shop for souvenirs in the crowded streets of Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street, or in designer stores on Orchard Road. Dine at street stalls or at the swankiest restaurants. Enjoy world-class arts at the Esplanade. Its unique multi-ethnic heritage and vibrant cosmopolitan lifestyle make Singapore a fascinating destination to explore.

Scroll down to read our brief introduction to the city, or for superb and comprehensive guides to all that is on offer, you can use the following comprehensive resources from Visit Singapore:

Where passion and possibilities meet. Invaluable online guide - click here

Handy pocket guide to the key precincts you cannot miss - download here

The Visit Singapore app is your travel guide to discover Singapore on the go -install here

USEFUL INFORMATION

Culture & language: thanks to Singapore's strategic location and beginnings as a bustling port of call, its immigrant past has given rise to a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-lingual society where Malay, Chinese, Indian and European heritages mix harmoniously. This ethnic diversity is an integral part of the Singapore identity with each ethnic group retaining its individual traditions, practices and festivals. The four official languages of Singapore are Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. While Malay is the national language, English is the language that unites the different ethnic groups and is used in schools, government and business.
Currency: Singapore Dollars. The currency of Brunei is also legal tender: 1 Brunei Dollar = 1 Singapore Dollar.
Tipping and taxes: tipping is not practised in Singapore as a 10% service charge is usually added on to bills at most hotels, bars and restaurants. GST (Goods and Services Tax) is 7% and visitors can apply for a GST refund on purchases above S100 (incl. GST) made at retailers participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme.
Time Zone: Singapore's time zone is GMT +8.
Weather: Singapore lies almost on the equator and, like most of Southeast Asia, is generally hot and humid all year round. Temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 89°F), and relative humidity averages around 70% - 80%. Most buildings are air-conditioned, but it's advisable to wear light, cotton clothing to beat the heat. Rainfall occurs all year round too, mostly as quick showers that are refreshing in the midst of the heat. The rainfall is more abundant though during the rainy season from November to January, when it's a good idea to have an umbrella handy whenever you go out.
Food: Singapore is often referred to as a food paradise for its sheer variety and quality of culinary fare. For as little as a few dollars, you can dine on local favourites such as chicken rice, laksa and satay at one of the many hawker centres and coffee shops that dot almost every street. Or treat yourself to gourmet experiences at countless restaurants serving up the best of Chinese, Indian and Malay cuisines as well as a myriad of other Asian and international flavours.

Kampong Glam neighbourhood

SINGAPORE DISTRICTS

Chinatown: a vibrant and bustling enclave of Chinese culture and tradition. Designated conservation areas present an intriguing blend of past and present in old temples, markets and traditional trades alongside eclectic cafes, chic restaurants and boutique hotels.
Little India: a cacophony of colourful sights and sounds, and the intoxicating aroma of spices arouse the senses in Little India. Taste some of the best Indian fare here. Shop all night long at the 24-hour Mustafa Centre emporium.
Arab Street: situated in Kampong Glam, Singapore's Malay-Muslim quarter, Arab Street draws people from all walks of life with its eclectic mix of shops selling everything from spices and sweet perfumes to basketware, carpets and curios.

Little India

MUSEUMS, ARTS & CULTURE

National Museum of Singapore: opened in 1887, Singapore's oldest museum is custodian of its national treasures. Its cutting-edge presentations of history and culture create a dynamic exploratory experience.
Asian Civilisations Museum: showcasing the rich pan-Asian cultures and civilizations that contribute to the make-up of Singapore's multi-ethnic society, the museum's 11 galleries present over 1300 artefacts from the civilisations of China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and West Asia/Islamic.
Chinatown Heritage Centre: Chinatown's colourful past is brought to life within three beautifully restored shophouses in the heart of the bustling Chinatown district, told through the real stories of the original tenants, such as the tailor, the coolies and Sumsui women
Esplanade (Theatres on the Bay): take in dinner and a performance or tow at this magnificent performing arts venue (more below). Throughout the year, the Esplanade's world-class theatre and concert hall hose some of the world's best shows and virtuoso performers.

Chinatown

ICONIC LANDMARKS

Singapore is a modern-day metropolis with an abundance of skyscrapers and iconic landmarks - come and see Singapore through some of its most famous destinations, and gain insight into the stories behind them. Read on below, or visit: https://www.visitsingapore.com.

CHIJMES: now home to an array of shops, bars and restaurants, CHIJMES used to be a Catholic convent school way back in the 1800s. The compound houses several buildings of varying architectural styles and set up during different points in history, such as an orphanage, a dormitory and a Gothic Chapel. The complex was renamed CHIJMES in 1990, a reference to the convent’s acronym and the sound of its tower bells. After redevelopment work, CHIJMES has grown into the well-loved dining and nightlife enclave that it is today.

30 Victoria Street, Singapore 18796, daily 9.30am-6.30pm. Opening hours vary for individual businesses.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay: originally named after its neighbouring Esplanade Park, one of the oldest public parks in Singapore, the iconic 60,000-square-metre Performing Arts centre is affectionately dubbed ‘The Durian’ by locals due to its spiky architectural exterior. Having been in the works since the 1970s, the Esplanade was set up as a hub where Singaporeans can engage with and be inspired by the local arts and culture scene.

Since opening its doors in 2002, the Esplanade has revolutionised the Arts in Singapore and grown into a bustling hub for shopping, dining and entertainment. The venue showcases a range of performances all year round, from free shows held by the bay, to yearly festivals such as Baybeats, da:ns festival, Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts, and many more.

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981. Information counter opens daily noon-8.30pm.
Merlion Park: catch a glimpse of Singapore’s most majestic icon, the Merlion, a mythical creature that’s half-fish and half-lion. The Merlion combines two elements of Singapore’s identity—its body symbolises the fishing villages of Singapore’s past, while its lion head is a symbol of Singapura (“lion city” in Sanskrit). Built by local craftsman Lim Nang Seng, it was unveiled on 15 September 1972 by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. The icon was originally positioned at the mouth of the Singapore River, but was later moved to its current spot overlooking the bay at the Merlion Park.

Merlion Park. One Fullerton, Singapore 049213. Daily 24 hours.
Singapore Flyer: standing at 165 metres above ground is Asia’s largest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer. Launched in 2008, the wheel is a favourite tourist attraction due to its vantage point offering stunning panoramic views of Marina Bay and the city. Over the years, the Singapore Flyer has also become a significant feature in the backdrop of the FORMULA ONE Singapore Grand Prix Marina Bay Street Circuit.

Singapore Flyer. 30 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039803. Daily 8.30am-10.30pm.
Old Parliament House: now known as The Arts House, the Old Parliament House is probably the oldest surviving colonial structure in Singapore. In 1826, the original building was designed and built by architect G.D. Coleman as a neo-Palladian residence. The former Parliament House was gazetted as a national monument in 1992 and in 2003, was converted to The Arts House—which has been a polestar for the Arts in Singapore since.

Old Parliament House.1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429. Daily 10am-10pm.
National Gallery Singapore: what is now the National Gallery Singapore used to be two national monuments: the former Supreme Court and City Hall. Located in the heart of the civic district, both buildings have borne witness to several of Singapore’s historical milestones. First constructed in the 1920s and 30s, both the former Supreme Court and City Hall are now home to Singapore’s largest museum, housing a vast collection of artwork within its historically rich halls.

National Gallery Singapore. 1 Supreme Court Lane, Singapore 178879. Mon-Thu & Sun 10am-7pm; Fri & Sat 10am-10pm.

The Istana: meaning ‘palace’ in Malay, The Istana is the official residence and office of the President of Singapore. The iconic venue is where the President receives and entertains state guests, and is also home to the Prime Minister’s office. Standing on what used to be a nutmeg plantation, the Istana grounds are a sanctuary of flora and fauna amidst the bustle of the city. Be sure to time your trip to The Istana, as its grounds are only open to the public on selected days each year.

Istana. Orchard Road, Singapore 238823.
The Fullerton Hotel: now a five-star establishment known for its stately seat overlooking the Singapore River - but it wasn’t always the address of luxury. Originally built as a fort in 1829, the building later also became home to the country’s General Post Office in 1928. This now 400-room heritage hotel has a grandeur that speaks to its rich history, with its imposing neo-classical facade and elegantly sky-lit central atrium.

Fullerton Hotel Singapore. 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178.
Helix Bridge: opened in 2010, the Helix Bridge is the longest pedestrian bridge in Singapore and serves as a link way between Marina Centre and the Bayfront area. Its unique form is modelled after the double helix DNA, symbolising “life and continuity, renewal and growth”. Look out for the pairs of coloured letters ‘c’ and ‘g’, as well as ‘a’ and ‘t’ on the bridge, which represent the four bases of DNA—a fun detail that will please the science geeks among us.

Helix Bridge. Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 038981. Daily 24 hours.

Parkview Square: designed by Singapore’s DP Architects and James Adams Design of USA, it is especially significant due to its Art Deco-inspired design. The exterior of Parkview Square is a majestic amalgam of bronze and glass, and its distinct architectural style has led locals to refer to it as ‘the Gotham building’. Aptly so, as the façade bears an uncanny resemblance to Batman’s fictional hometown. The Art Deco interiors have also inspired a bar that has taken residence in the building’s lobby: Atlas. The bar is dedicated to gin, and stocks hundreds of rare or limited edition varieties within a three-storey-tall tower that dominates the space.

Parkview Square. 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778. Building: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm. Atlas: Mon-Thu 10-1am; Fri 10-2am; Sat 3pm-2am.
The Cenotaph: in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District stands the Cenotaph, a war memorial built in memory of the British soldiers who fought and died in World War I and World War II. The memorial was unveiled on 31 March 1922 and has stood in the Esplanade Park since, with a sobering inscription at its base which reads, ‘They died that we might live.’

The Cenotaph. Connaught Drive, Singapore 179682. Daily 24 hours.

Marina Bay Sands: first opened in 2011, Marina Bay Sands has established itself as one of Singapore’s most versatile attractions. You can opt for a luxury stay at their 55-storey hotel, shop till you drop at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, or soak up a little art and culture at the ArtScience Museum. Marina Bay Sands’ sloping towers and sky-high Infinity Pool have interesting stories behind them, too - Tower 1 of the hotel has a 26-degree slope, which is considered prosperous since the individual digits add up to 8, a lucky number in Chinese culture; and the Infinity Pool is an auspicious symbol of a lake at the top of a mountain.

Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 01895.10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 01895.

For more information on Singapore's iconic landmarks, click here.