Singapore
“A high-efficiency, hyper-modern city-state where futuristic skylines meet lush tropical greenery and a world-class food scene.”
Survival Kit
Best Time
Spring / Fall
Currency
SGD
Language
Local Language
Jan
24°C - 30°CWaterproof shoes, compact umbrella, light jacket for AC
Slightly cooler temperatures
Heavy, prolonged rainfall
Feb
25°C - 31°CLinen or cotton fabrics, sunglasses, sunblock
Lowest annual rainfall
Humidity remains high
Mar
25°C - 32°CBreathable sneakers, moisture-wicking synthetics
Consistent sunshine
Midday heat intensifies
Apr
25°C - 32°CNatural fibers, handheld fan
End of the dry window
Sweat levels are high
May
26°C - 33°CLightweight shorts, t-shirts, hydration kit
Long sunny mornings
Peak annual temperatures
Jun
26°C - 33°CSPF clothing, airy fabrics, light shawl for indoors
Great for indoor museum crawls
Extreme midday heat
Jul
26°C - 31°CSandals, waterproof bag cover
Sumatra Squalls cool the air
Heavy morning thunderstorms
Aug
26°C - 31°CComfortable walking shoes, red/white attire for National Day
National Day celebrations
Frequent morning rain
Sep
25°C - 31°CSmart casual for nightlife, moisture-wicking shirts
F1 Grand Prix excitement
Road closures in CBD
Oct
25°C - 32°CLight cotton clothing, umbrella
Vibrant Deepavali lights
Rising humidity
Nov
24°C - 30°CWaterproof jacket, extra socks, hoodie for AC
Lower temperatures
Start of wettest period
Dec
24°C - 30°CHeavy-duty umbrella, light layers, non-suede shoes
Orchard Road Christmas lights
Wettest month (heavy rain)
Chinatown
A mix of traditional temples, historic shophouses, and vibrant markets. It's the soul of the Chinese immigrant story in Singapore.
Kampong Gelam
The historic Malay and Arab quarter where golden-domed mosques sit alongside trendy graffiti-lined alleys and indie boutiques.
Tiong Bahru
The city's first public housing estate, now a leafy enclave of Streamline Moderne architecture, indie bookstores, and cozy cafes.
Katong & Joo Chiat
The eastern heartland of Peranakan culture, famous for its pastel-colored shophouses and intense local food rivalries.
Dos & Don'ts
- The Tray Return Rule: It is legally mandatory to return your used trays and crockery at hawker centers and food courts. First-time offenders get a warning, but repeat offenders face a $300 fine. Keep it clean!
- Halal vs Non-Halal: Always check the signs at tray return stations. Mixing non-halal plates into a halal station is culturally insensitive and a big no-no.
- The 'Choping' Ritual: If you see a packet of tissue paper on an empty table at a hawker center, that table is reserved! Respect this local system to avoid social friction.
- Escalator Discipline: Stand on the LEFT, walk on the RIGHT. This is a strictly observed rule in MRT stations and malls. Don't be the person blocking the fast lane!
- No Chewing Gum: The sale and import of chewing gum is banned. While having some for personal use isn't strictly illegal, spitting it out is a major offense. Best to leave it at home.
- Tipping Reality: Tipping is not customary. Most restaurants add a 10% service charge and 9% GST automatically. At hawker stalls, tipping is non-existent and might just confuse the uncle or auntie.
- Indoor Winter: Singapore loves air conditioning! While it's 30°C outside, malls and cinemas are often kept at a freezing 20°C. Always carry a light cardigan or shawl.
- Water is Safe: You can drink straight from the tap here! The water is strictly treated and perfectly safe, so save your money and the environment by skipping bottled water.
- Queue Culture: Singaporeans love a good queue. Whether it's for the latest gadget or a famous chicken rice stall, always join the back and wait your turn patiently.
- Mind Your Singlish: You'll hear plenty of 'Lah', 'Leh', and 'Lor'. It's a unique local creole. While you don't need to speak it, understanding that it's about efficiency rather than slang will help you navigate better.
Key Phrases
Gardens by the Bay
滨海湾花园
A futuristic nature park featuring massive Supertrees, cloud forests with indoor waterfalls, and the world's largest glass greenhouse. It's a miracle of sustainable design.
Jewel Changi Airport
星耀樟宜
A nature-themed entertainment and retail complex connected to the airport terminals. It features the HSBC Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall.
Singapore Night Safari
夜间野生动物园
The world's first nocturnal zoo. It uses subtle lighting to simulate moonlight, allowing you to observe animals in their most active state without bars or glass.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
新加坡植物园
Singapore's first UNESCO World Heritage site. A 160-year-old tropical garden that is home to the stunning National Orchid Garden.
🎒Travel Essentials for Singapore
Curated gear recommended by locals to make your trip smoother.
UK Travel Adapter (Type G)
Why you need it:Singapore uses the UK-style three-pin plug. You'll need this for almost all your devices.
Portable Handheld Fan
Why you need it:The humidity is real. A small fan is a common local accessory that makes waiting for buses much more bearable.
Moisture-Wicking T-Shirts
Why you need it:You will sweat. Natural fibers are good, but high-tech sweat-wicking shirts are the real MVP in this climate.
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Hainanese Chicken Rice
海南鸡饭 / Nasi Ayam Hainan
Poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken fat and ginger. It's arguably the national dish of Singapore. The chicken should be silky and tender, served with a punchy chili-garlic sauce and dark soy. Pure comfort on a plate.
Katong Laksa
叻沙 / Laksa
A rich, spicy coconut milk broth filled with thick vermicelli, prawns, cockles, and fishcake. In the Katong style, the noodles are cut short so you can eat the whole thing with just a spoon—no chopsticks required!
Pork Rib Tea
肉骨茶 / Bak Kut Teh
Pork ribs simmered in a clear, peppery broth with plenty of garlic. Despite the name, there is no tea in the soup—it's actually the tea you drink alongside the meal to cut through the richness of the pork lard.
Roti Prata
Roti Prata / ரோட்டி பிராட்டா
A crispy, flaky South Indian flatbread made by flipping and stretching dough. It's fried until golden and served with a side of savory fish or mutton curry. It's the ultimate breakfast or late-night supper for locals.
Char Kway Teow
炒粿条
Flat rice noodles stir-fried over high heat with dark soy sauce, chili, cockles, lap cheong (sausage), and pork lard. It's smoky, greasy, and incredibly addictive, known for its 'wok hei' (breath of the wok).
Local Coffee Culture
Kopi
A unique way of ordering coffee using a mix of Malay and Hokkien terms. Whether you like it with condensed milk (Kopi), evaporated milk (Kopi C), or black (Kopi O), there's a specific code for every preference.
The Perfect 24 Hours in Singapore
Traditional Breakfast at Far East Square
"Start your day like a local at Ya Kun Kaya Toast. Order Set A: crispy toast with kaya (coconut jam), soft-boiled eggs, and a hot Kopi. Mix the eggs with soy sauce and pepper, then dip your toast. It's the perfect fuel for a long day of exploring."
Street Art & Murals in Tiong Bahru
"Head to Singapore's oldest public housing estate. Walk through the back alleys to find the heritage murals by Yip Yew Chong. They show scenes of old Singapore and are perfect for photos. Grab a famous croissant from Tiong Bahru Bakery while you're there."
Maxwell Food Centre Lunch
"It's time for the big one: Chicken Rice. Join the queue at Tian Tian or Ah Tai. Grab a fresh lime juice or a sugarcane drink to stay cool in the open-air market. For dessert, look for the 'Ondeh Ondeh' (palm sugar balls) at a nearby stall."
Skyline Views from National Gallery
"Escape the heat inside the beautiful National Gallery. Even if you don't buy a ticket for the art, take the lift to the Padang Deck on the roof. It's free and offers one of the best unobstructed views of the city skyline and Marina Bay."
Sunset at Gardens by the Bay
"Stroll through the Cloud Forest dome just before the sun goes down to see the waterfall in the evening light. Then, head out to the Supertree Grove to grab a spot on the grass for the 7:45pm light and sound show. It's magical."
Satay Street Dinner
"Walk over to Lau Pa Sat in the heart of the CBD. At night, Boon Tat Street closes to cars and turns into 'Satay Street'. Order a plate of 20 skewers (mutton, chicken, and beef) and eat outside at a plastic table surrounded by lit-up skyscrapers."