Singapore, Singapore
How much does it cost ?
For a comfortable trip, expect to spend around $150-$250 per day including accommodations, meals, sightseeing, and other expenses. This could change depending on your lifestyle and the type of accommodations you prefer.
How many days would be recommended?
Spend at least 3-4 days to fully experience the city, although a week would allow for a more relaxed pace and time for day trips to nearby attractions.
The Basics
Singapore is a city-state and island country in Southeast Asia. Known for its multicultural population, Singapore is a melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian cultures. The country has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. Singapore is renowned for its cleanliness, safety, and efficient public transport system. The city is also famous for its diverse culinary scene, shopping, and futuristic architecture.
Fun facts
Singapore is often referred to as the 'Lion City' due to its name's origin, which comes from the Malay words 'Singa' (lion) and 'Pura' (city). However, it's believed that lions never lived in Singapore. The animal spotted by Sang Nila Utama, a prince who named the city, was likely a Malayan tiger. Singapore is one of only three surviving city-states in the world, along with Monaco and Vatican City. The national icon of Singapore is the Merlion, a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish.
What is the best time to visit?
The best times to visit Singapore are from February to April and from July to September when the weather is warm and relatively dry. The months of November to January usually experience more rainfall.
Hot Tips
- Visit Gardens by the Bay for a glimpse of Singapore's futuristic green spaces.
- Try a variety of local dishes at hawker centers like Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell Food Centre.
- Don't miss the spectacular light show at Marina Bay Sands.
- Explore the colorful neighborhoods of Little India, Chinatown, and Kampong Glam.
- Visit the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari for an up-close encounter with wildlife.
A bit of History
Singapore's history dates back to the 14th century when it was known as Temasek, a trading port in the region. In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles established a British trading post on the island, marking the beginning of modern Singapore. The city-state gained independence from Britain in 1963, briefly joining Malaysia before becoming an independent republic in 1965. Since then, Singapore has developed rapidly into a global financial hub and a popular tourist destination.