There’s no place like Singapore. Located just off the southern tip of Malaysia, this vibrant city-state boasts an eclectic blend of Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, Arab and English cultures, all within its own unique and extraordinary twist. The “Lion City”, as it’s often referred to, is filled with incredible culinary experiences, state of the art accommodations and exciting nightlife. If you are planning a trip to Singapore, here is everything you need to know about this magical city:
Best time to visit Singapore
When planning a trip to Singapore, you never need to worry about weather, as it is quite consistent all year round, with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F). However, it can feel much hotter due to the humidity, and the rain can, unfortunately, hardly be avoided. Singapore is a massive hub for business and finance, so there is never a down time for hotels. The prices remain consistent throughout the year, but there are a few peak times you might want to avoid – from November to early January, June and July.
Where to stay in Singapore
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Singapore has various options for accommodation, ranging from the highest end of luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and Airbnb options. And thanks to the MRT Rail System, traveling from neighborhood to neighborhood is very quick and easy, so you’ll have no problem booking accommodation in any part of this incredible city. If you are on a budget, or you are looking to go where travelers usually go, neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Little India are great options. If you are planning your trip well in advance and you have a little room to work within your budget, you can find great Singapore hotel packages that perfectly suit your needs.
How to get around Singapore
One of the most elaborate and efficient subway systems in the world, the MRT is the pride and joy of Singapore, and is undoubtedly the best and cheapest way to get from one point to another. An app called Grab, which works just like Uber, is very popular here, as the prices are much cheaper than what a traditional taxi ride would cost. Singapore is also a walker’s delight, with plenty of pathways for people travelling by foot, as well as those that opt for a bike.
Where to eat in Singapore
If you want to see the vibrancy of Singapore, you should grab a bite at any of the roadside food joints. With bars and restaurants along the river, Clarke Quay is always a tourist favorite – from the weird to the wonderful, you can find any cuisine you desire there. The Shiraz is a must if you are craving Mediterranean food, while you can never go wrong with popular fast food chains if nothing else is to your liking. If you are traveling on a budget, food courts, known in Singapore as ‘hawker centers’, are spread all over the city and offer a wide variety of food, from Western and Chinese to Thai and Indian and of course many Vegan options!
Things to do in Singapore
From the UNESCO Heritage Botanical Gardens and the McRitchie Park to the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore boasts some of the most beautifully preserved flora and fauna in the world. Singapore is also a photographer’s delight – from Arab Street to Chinatown, you’ll be left in awe by the colorful buildings and exquisite murals and paintings. If you want to observe local culture, you can visit the many temples, mosques and churches scattered around the city, or you can simply sit on the river edge, enjoy the fireworks or the light show and immerse yourself in the multiculturalism of Singapore.
Nightlife in Singapore
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While Singapore is known for its expensive alcohol, there are still some ways around it. If you are looking to party within the limits of your wallet, Clark Quay is the best place to be. It is packed with bars and pubs, and more often than not, there’s a discount offer or two available somewhere. If you are visiting this part of the city, always be on the lookout for concerts, which you can often enjoy free of charge.
Even though Singapore can be a bit more costly than the rest of Asia, it will provide you with a completely unique and wonderful experience, different from anything you could expect anywhere else in the world.
