PIXEL VISA

SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE AT A GLANCE

CITY

Singapore

COUNTRY

Singapore

TIMEZONE

UTC+8 (SGT)

TRAIN

SBS Transit and SMRT Corporation ($2 SGD / $1.49 USD)

BUS

SBS Transit, SMRT Corporation, and Tower Transit Singapore ($2 SGD / $1.49 USD)

TERRAIN

Metropolitan Tropics

WEATHER

75ºF - 95ºF Year Round, Heavy Rainfall November to January and May to September

AVERAGE HOSTEL COST

$35 SGD / $26.12 USD

LAST UPDATED

17/07/2024

LANDSCAPE

NOTABLE FEATURES

Singapore is renowned for its dynamic blend of modernity, efficiency, and cultural diversity. As a global financial hub, it attracts businesses and investors from around the world, bolstered by its strategic location and robust infrastructure. Singapore is celebrated for its cleanliness, safety, and efficient public transport system, exemplified by Changi Airport, consistently ranked among the best in the world. The city-state is also known for its culinary scene, offering a rich tapestry of flavors influenced by its multicultural population. Beyond its economic prowess, Singapore is recognized for its green spaces, iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, and a commitment to sustainability and urban planning. With a strong emphasis on education and innovation, Singapore continues to position itself as a leader in technology, research, and development in Asia and globally.

ACTIVITIES

Popular Activities

Marina Bay Sands: Visit the iconic Marina Bay Sands complex, including the Skypark Observation Deck with stunning city views.
Gardens by the Bay: Explore the futuristic gardens featuring the Supertree Grove, Flower Dome, and Cloud Forest.
Sentosa Island: Spend a day at Sentosa Island enjoying attractions like Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Waterpark.
Singapore Zoo and Night Safari: Visit the award-winning Singapore Zoo during the day and experience the Night Safari, one of the world's first nocturnal wildlife parks.
Singapore Botanic Gardens: Wander through the UNESCO-listed gardens, including the National Orchid Garden renowned for its orchid collection.
Chinatown and Little India: Explore Singapore's cultural heritage in Chinatown with its temples and food, and Little India for vibrant markets and Indian cuisine.
Hawker Centers: Sample local food at hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, and Tiong Bahru Market.
Singapore River: Take a river cruise along the Singapore River, passing by historic landmarks like Clarke Quay and Boat Quay.
ArtScience Museum: Visit the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands for its interactive exhibitions blending art, science, and technology.
Peranakan Culture: Learn about Peranakan culture at the Peranakan Museum and explore Katong, known for its Peranakan heritage and cuisine.=
Shopping: Shop along Orchard Road for luxury boutiques and malls like ION Orchard, or visit local markets and boutique stores in Haji Lane.
Cultural Performances: Attend cultural performances such as traditional Chinese opera at the Yueh Hai Ching Temple or Malay dance performances at Kampong Glam.

Underrated Destinations

Pulau Ubin: Take a bumboat to Pulau Ubin, a rustic island off Singapore's northeastern coast. Explore the island's natural beauty with cycling or walking trails through mangroves, forests, and traditional villages. It offers a glimpse into Singapore's past and a peaceful retreat from the city.
Kampong Buangkok: Visit Kampong Buangkok, Singapore's last surviving traditional village. Located in the midst of modern developments, this village preserves the old kampong (village) lifestyle with wooden houses, gardens, and a sense of community. It provides a nostalgic contrast to Singapore's urban landscape.
Singapore's Street Art: Discover Singapore's burgeoning street art scene beyond the well-known murals of Haji Lane. Areas like Joo Chiat, Tiong Bahru, and Everton Park feature vibrant murals and graffiti that reflect local culture, history, and social commentary. It's a great way to explore hidden artistic gems in the city.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Marina Bay: Located in the central area, Marina Bay is Singapore's modern financial district and home to iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and the ArtScience Museum. It offers stunning views, luxury shopping, and waterfront dining.
Chinatown: Situated in the south of the Singapore River, Chinatown is a cultural enclave known for its historic temples, traditional shophouses, and bustling markets. It offers authentic Chinese cuisine, souvenir shopping, and cultural tours.
Little India: Located north of the Singapore River, Little India is a vibrant ethnic district with colorful streets, Hindu temples, and bustling markets selling spices, textiles, and jewelry. It offers authentic Indian cuisine, cultural experiences, and lively festivals.
Bugis: Positioned near the city center, Bugis is a lively area known for its shopping malls like Bugis Junction and Bugis Street, which offer affordable fashion, street food, and cultural performances. It's also close to Arab Street, known for its Middle Eastern and Malay heritage.
Tiong Bahru: Situated west of the city center, Tiong Bahru is a historic neighborhood with art deco architecture, indie boutiques, and trendy cafes. It offers a relaxed atmosphere, local food markets, and a glimpse into Singapore's past.
Orchard Road: Located in the central area, Orchard Road is Singapore's premier shopping district lined with upscale boutiques, department stores, and luxury hotels. It offers world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Sentosa Island: Located off the southern coast, Sentosa Island is a resort island known for its theme parks like Universal Studios Singapore, beaches, golf courses, and luxury resorts. It offers family-friendly attractions, adventure activities, and relaxation.
East Coast: Situated along the eastern coast of Singapore, the East Coast is known for its beaches, parks, and recreational activities like cycling, rollerblading, and watersports. It offers seafood dining, BBQ pits, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle.
Katong and Joo Chiat: Located in the east, Katong and Joo Chiat are Peranakan heritage districts known for their colorful shophouses, traditional eateries (Peranakan cuisine), and nostalgic charm. They offer cultural tours, historical sites, and unique shopping experiences.
Holland Village: Situated in the west, Holland Village is a bohemian enclave known for its indie boutiques, cafes, and international restaurants. It offers a vibrant nightlife, artsy vibe, and expat community atmosphere.

HOW TO GET HERE

Plane

Arriving in Singapore by plane is the most common and convenient option for international travelers. Singapore is served by Changi Airport (SIN), one of the busiest airports in the world with connections to major cities across all continents. Changi Airport has three passenger terminals and a budget terminal, handling a wide range of airlines including Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and budget carriers like AirAsia and Jetstar Asia. Flight prices vary widely depending on the origin city, airline, and booking time. For instance, flights from nearby Southeast Asian cities might cost between $50 to $300 USD, while long-haul flights from Europe or the Americas could range from $500 to over $1,500 USD. Changi Airport offers efficient transport links to the city center via MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), taxis, ride-sharing services like Grab, and airport shuttles, making air travel the most efficient way to arrive in Singapore.

Bus/Van

Travelers arriving in Singapore by bus or van typically do so from neighboring Malaysia or other parts of Peninsular Malaysia. There are several bus terminals in Singapore such as the Golden Mile Complex, Queen Street Bus Terminal, and Woodlands Checkpoint, which serve as hubs for long-distance and regional bus services. Operators like Transtar Travel and Causeway Link run frequent services between Singapore and cities like Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, and Johor Bahru. The journey duration and ticket prices vary depending on the departure city and route. For example, a one-way bus ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore ranges from $20 to $50 USD, with travel times averaging around 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and border crossing times.

Train

Traveling to Singapore by train is possible via Malaysia, where the Malaysian KTM train service connects cities like Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru to Singapore. The train journey typically involves crossing the Malaysia-Singapore border at Woodlands or Johor Bahru. The main train station in Singapore is Woodlands Train Checkpoint for Malaysian trains, while Tanjong Pagar Railway Station serves as a historical terminal for trains from Malaysia (currently undergoing redevelopment). Train services from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore are operated by KTM Berhad, offering both overnight and day trains. Prices vary depending on the class of service and time of booking, with tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore ranging from $15 to $50 USD for standard seats.

Boat

Arriving in Singapore by boat is possible via cruise ships or ferries from nearby Indonesian islands like Batam and Bintan. Singapore Cruise Centre at HarbourFront serves as the main terminal for cruise ships, while Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal handles ferries from nearby Indonesian islands. Ferries operated by companies like BatamFast and Sindo Ferry provide frequent services between Batam and Singapore, with travel times ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the route. Prices vary based on the ferry operator, seating class, and time of booking, with fares typically starting from $20 to $50 USD for one-way trips.