Singapore
A city-state smaller than Seoul, holding rainforest, high-rise towers and four official languages on one island.
Icons
Almost everything here was planned into place.
- Steel structures shaped like treesGardens by the BayMarina Bay
Vertical gardens on metal frames that light up to music each evening. Two glass conservatories hold plants from different climates.
- Three towers joined by a shipMarina Bay SandsMarina Bay
A boat-shaped deck and pool laid across the roof. The pool is for hotel guests; the observation deck is ticketed separately.
- A lion’s head on a fishMerlionMarina Bay
The city emblem, spouting water into the bay. There is a set spot for photographing it against the skyline.
- Street stalls gathered under one roofHawker centresThroughout
Public food halls with hygiene grades posted, and the centre of local eating culture. They are inscribed as intangible heritage.
- An island one bridge awaySentosaSouth
A built resort island of theme parks and beaches. Reached by cable car or monorail.
- Three districts, three charactersChinatown, Little India, Kampong GlamCentral
Chinese, Indian and Malay quarters, each with its own temples and markets. They sit a few metro stops apart.
World Heritage
There is exactly one listing: the botanic gardens.
- A tropical botanic gardenSingapore Botanic GardensCentral
A nineteenth-century tropical garden where rubber tree research was carried out. Only the orchid garden charges entry; the rest is free.
- Thousands of orchidsNational Orchid GardenInside the gardens
A collection of the national flower, with a tradition of naming hybrids after visiting dignitaries. Ticketed separately within the gardens.
Where to go
The city itself is a set of districts.
- Marina BayThe face of modern SingaporeSouthern waterfront
Observation decks, gardens and galleries strung along the water. There is a light show after dark.
- ChinatownTemples and food stallsCentral
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple sits among old shophouses. The hawker centre nearby is well known.
- Little IndiaThe most colourful streetsNorth of centre
Hindu temples, spice shops and bright murals together. Sundays are the busiest.
- Kampong GlamThe Muslim quarterEast of centre
Cafes and boutiques around the Sultan Mosque. Its mural lane is a fixture on every itinerary.
- MacRitchie ReservoirRainforest inside the cityCentral
A walking route with a suspension bridge through the canopy. Monkeys are common, so keep food out of sight.
When to go
Near the equator: hot and humid all year.
- Drier monthsFebruary to AprilThroughout
It rains all year, but less in this window. The heat does not change.
- Northeast monsoonNovember to JanuaryThroughout
The rainiest stretch, with long afternoon downpours. Not a problem for an indoor-heavy itinerary.
- HazePossible June to SeptemberThroughout
Air quality suffers in some years from fires in the region. Check the air quality index if you travel then.
- FestivalsSpread across the yearThroughout
Lunar New Year, Hari Raya and Deepavali fall at different times. Particular districts get very crowded during each.
Before you go
The rules are strict, but there are only a few to learn.
- EntryVisa-free short stay for Korean passports, with an electronic arrival cardThroughout
An online arrival card must be submitted before you land. There is a deadline for filing it, so check before departure.
- RulesRestricted chewing gum, no eating on the metroThroughout
Food and drink are banned on the metro and fines are genuinely issued. Drug offences carry extremely severe penalties.
- MoneySingapore dollar, cards widely acceptedThroughout
Some hawker stalls still take cash only. Prices are high by Southeast Asian standards.
- Getting aroundMetro and busesThroughout
Foreign contactless cards work directly at the gate. The metro beats taxis on most routes.
- LanguageEnglish is the working languageThroughout
English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil are all official, and English works everywhere. Signage defaults to English.
- Emergency numbers999 police, 995 ambulance and fireThroughout
English is answered immediately and response is fast. Dehydration in the heat is the most common visitor problem.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change from year to year and by season. Check the official guidance for each site and operator before you travel.