Singapore

 

Why Visit Singapore 

Singapore is among the most iconic urban tourist destinations in Asia. More than one and a half times the population of Singapore travel in and out of the country annually and it derives almost 80% of its economy through tourism and its allied services. 

The port city of Singapore was once also called the Maritime Silk Trade Route, Singapore has a rich history of maritime trade and today's famous tourist hub has been through years of historic revolution ,invasions, wars and turmoil before it reached its present distinct state. So why visit Singapore? Because the more you explore this country, the more it is bound to share its deepest secrets! In a bid to supplement the tourism better, Singapore has put in lot of efforts to create the best of the tourism infrastructure. Its unique idea of interconnected and inter-extendable travel services makes its the best choice of moving within the country with comfort and convenience. For example, you can use the same MRT Metro card in the rail as well as city bus network. So, there is no requirement of buying the services separately for every type of transportation network. 

The Singapore MRT originates from the basement of the Singapore International Airport at the exit and one can immediately avail the metro rail services the moment he walks out into the country. The entire country is a Free Wi-Fi connected system that can also be accessed while traveling inside the train. The Singapore river connects the major parts of the city through the continuously running hop-on-hop-off ferry services starting from the picturesque Clarke Quay area. 

The road networks have been designed keeping in mind the weather patterns and makes sure that the drainage systems running all along the road network filters out the rain water in minutes to make the road reusable again. you can also explore the city and enjoy its breathtaking views on the City Bus Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour ($31- $35).

Quick Fact: The taxi drivers in Singapore are mostly retired personnel and more than 55 years age. This makes sure that the drivers do not rash drive and it is also the best post-retirement settlement solution for the citizens. The taxis are provided with GPS and generates constant alerts whenever the speed limits are exceeded or the wrong lanes are taken. 

When to Visit Singapore

Singapore has a sultry weather with torrential rainfall all the year round. The best time to visit Singapore is between February and April when the weather is pleasant and at its best for outdoors. The time after summers and short of winters is the wettest, with high showers between November and January. The months between July and September are festival seasons especially when the Singapore Food Festival is celebrated here. 

Visa Requirements

Like most of the popular tourist destinations in Asia, Singapore too, is quite liberal about their tourist visas. You can easily get a single or multiple entry visas with a 2 years validity to visit Singapore. However, Singapore has become quite stringent about work Visa in the recent years and seeking opportunities other than traveling the country for the purpose of tourism is limited. Singapore Embassy also issues electronic Visa which can also be issued for both single and multiple entry into the country. Check out where you fit in your Visa requirements here.

Currency  

The currency of Singapore (Singapore dollars SGD) is among the most competing currencies in the International Forex Market, and is among the most preferred trading currencies after USD, Euro,JPY and Chinese Yen. Much of it has been contributed due to the evergreen tourist economy of the country and Singapore never seems to go out of choice for most of the travelers due to several conveniences in terms of traveling to this country. 

Flight Options

The major airline of Singapore is Singapore Airlines but there are other convenient and cheaper airlines as well, flying in and out of Singapore. If you are looking for low-cost airline options, the Air Asia, SilkAir and Scoot. 

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Where to Stay in Singapore 

Due to its erstwhile colonial influence for a long time, the post -independence Singapore is more of a destination for business tourism, apart from its other tourism options. Singapore has a wide range of hotels from budget to luxury hotels that fits the needs of every kind of traveler. We have been in and out of the elegant lanes of Singapore and know how the price and budget of hotels apart from location influence the choices of different travelers. So we have handpicked some of the varied range of hotels from luxury to budget for you, in the top locations of Singapore. More Hotels in Singapore

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Fits your budget

Things to do in Singapore  

Singapore engages it travelers with its multi-faceted travel infrastructure the country has developed especially for promoting the tourism in the country. The country has some of the finest and well maintained national parks, animal and bird sanctuaries, museums and architectural buildings that are an epitome of how a country should preserve and extend its national heritage to the rest of the world.  

Best of Singapore 

Singapore has certain activities that are unique to the country. The country has created an eclectic blend of the present day ultra-modern infrastructure to recreate its rich heritage and served it to the rest of the world. The best way to experience it is to hop on the Singapore Cable Car ($50 - $60). It is the best and the most recommended way to connect with the Sentosa Islands, the most visited tourist sight in Singapore. 

Another way to get the most phenomenal views of the country is by taking a tour of the infinity pool on the roof top of Marina Bay Sands Hotels Singapore.($50-$70). The iconic Marina Bay Sands is the highest tower in the country and fills up the skyline with it majestic views during the night time. 

From the top of the Marina Bay Sands building, you will also witness the glitter of the giant wheels along the Singapore River. Hop in for a memorable dinner night on the Singapore Wheel ($50-$75), as it rotates slowly while you take a 360° views of Singapore at night. 

Culture and Theme Tours 

With its rich and varied past comes a well preserved heritage of Singapore. Singapore has picturesquely sculpted temples, Pagodas, art and historic buildings and museums that have seamlessly blended itself with the fast-paced modern culture. The country proudly showcases and shares its rich history with the rest of the world in unique ways. 

The Changi WW-II museum beautifully preserves the stories of the war heroes of its nation and has a huge collection of WW-II war antiques. Singapore also has been liberal to accommodate the other cultures of the world, such as the Indian and Chinese. Almost a third of the population in Singapore come from South India especially Tamil Nadu who migrated to Singapore during the early 1960's after the Singapore officially declared its independence. The glimpses of a mix of Indian and Chinese cultures thriving within the narrow lanes can be enjoyed with a tour of Little India and China Town Markets. 

The ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui is also prevalent and adopted in Singapore and can be experienced with a visit to the orchard road. Escape to the underground Command Center constructed during the Colonial Period, on the Fort Canning Hill in the year 1930 and was used as a military command center for almost 2 decades known as the historic Battlebox.

National Parks 

Singapore has well-preserved and protected national parks nestled within the city and meets the best standards of providing a natural habitat to the protected global wild life species. In 2010, Singapore inaugurated the World's Largest Man Made Aquarium (now the second largest, being taken over by China) called the S.E.A Aquarium, with a habitat for more than 500,000 different marine species from microscopic fishes and coral reefs to the macroscopic sharks and sting rays. The aquarium has a large theater with a 300 mm glass screen for a film strip view of the fishes. 

The Jurong Bird Park is also another place where you can enjoy viewing the bird species conserved in a protected environment and is home to more than 5000 birds of 400 different species including the Icelandic penguins which have been kept in a simulated environment. 

Walking and Biking Tours

The historic city of Singapore is also best experienced if you take it one day at a time. If you are one of those who savour the experiences of a place slow and steady, then walk or cycle through the historic lanes of Singapore and live through the time-warped experiences.of this country at your own pace.  

Sample souvenirs through the shopping lanes of Little India and Chinatown Markets. Take a foodie trail and check out the hidden unspoken lanes of the country that help you taste some delectable local recipes of Singapore($71 - $75) or try out the morning food experiences at Katong ($65 - $70). 

Cruises

The Singapore River reflects the spectacular views of the evening skylights on the Singapore City horizon. The best way to experience them is to get aboard one of the Singapore Sunset Cruises. The Singapore River Night Boat Cruise takes you on a magnificent journey along the Singapore River from Clarke Quay area that also introduces you the historic structures such as the Gardens of the Bay, the outskirts of Fullerton Bay Hotel, the Singapore Giant Wheel, and the sparkling triple towers of the Marina Bay Sands building reflecting lights from the tower top. 

Luxury and Spa

When we speak of luxury, Singapore has its own ways of sharing one. With most of its culture influenced by Oriental Philosophy, Singapore is a country that is home to the finest oriental treatments coupled with its serendipitous Zen Gardens. You can escape to one of the luxury spas in Katong area and treat yourself with choices of rejuvenating treatments such as ultrasonic foot massage, aroma and oxygen therapy ($45- $50).

Singapore Food Guide 

Well, not many will be able to grasp the hidden tastes of Singapore in one go, and we like it that way. we have sampled through various local restaurants in search of unique recipes and preparations to bring to you the most sensual culinary experiences of the city. 

The best way we have always learnt to rejoice our escapades is by learning the culinary arts of the countries and food forms the best way to share cultural experiences. Learn Singaporean recipes from a local household and also teach them recipes from your country with one of the Singaporean Cooking Trails ($75 -$80). 

If wild life excites you, why not start your day with a breakfast in the wild with the animals sharing food from your platter? Take a morning detour to the Singapore Zoo ($40 -$50) and let the animals share the table with you for breakfast.