DESTINATION GUIDE TO
SINGAPORE
Singapore, is officially known as the Republic of Singapore and is the only city-island-nation in the world. It is a merger of one main island, Pulau Ujong, along with 62 other islets within its inland waters.
Featuring a tropical climate, it’s location has aided the citystate to become the largest port in the region, and one of the busiest in the world.
Despite its size, it is home to a population of over 5.5 million people making it a very crowded city, third only to Monaco and Hong Kong. However, Singapore’s high population density does not stop it from achieving the goal of turning itself into “A city in the Garden” (according to the National
Parks Board).
Singapore has more than 50% of its area covered by greenery and with over 50 major parks and four nature reserves.
FLIGHTS
One can fly to Singapore from various cities in India. There are direct flights offered to Singapore by a handful of airline companies, and the choices increase if you choose to fly with a stop-over.
There are approximately 8-12 non-stop flights per day from India to Singapore. The frequency of flights is more from New Delhi and Mumbai with an average of 15 non-stop flights in a day. It’s lesser from regions like Chennai and Bengaluru with an average of 3-4 flights per day.
The flight tickets cost you somewhere around 20,000 INR if the flight is from Delhi, but are costlier from Mumbai (around 25,000 INR).
CURRENCY
The official currency of Singapore is called the Singapore Dollar. It is usually abbreviated using a dollar sign $, or S$ to distinguish it from other dollar denominated currencies. Just like many
other currencies in the world, Singapore too has the face of its first leader on the notes.
People usually make the mistake of getting INR exchanged to USD and then USD to SGR going through two exchange rates. What the travellers should prefer instead is getting INR exchanged to SGD once they reach Singapore Changi Airport.
VISA
According to Singapore’s visa policy, the citizens of 15 countries qualify for an eVisa for Singapore, and India is on that list too.
There are two kinds of Visas if you are travelling to Singapore: Multiple entry Visa : If you plan to stay for more than 30 days in Singapore, this is the kind of visa you should get. Also, it allows multiple entries and exits to/from the country. It costs you approximately 3500 INR.
Single entry Visa : As the name itself suggests, according to a single entry visa, you are only allowed to enter & exit Singapore once. It costs you approximately 2500 INR.
*NOTE : You can apply for a Visa to Singapore 30 days prior to your departure date.
TIME:
8 hours ahead of GMT.
INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE CODE:
+65
ELECTRICITY:
230 VOLTS
LANGUAGES:
Akin to the place’s culture, the languages in Singapore are also fairly diverse.
Singapore has listed four official languages in its constitution: Malay,
Mandarin, Tamil, and English.
Malay is Singapore’s national language as a reflection of its aboriginal
culture. Mandarin is another official language of Singapore and is also called
Singaporean Chinese or Huayu.
Indian natives in Singapore widely use Tamil which has gained one of the
four places in the list of official languages. English is a widely spoken
language, and is used almost everywhere making it hassle-free for the
travellers to communicate.
CLOTHING:
Due to its maritime location and proximity to the equator, Singapore is marked by a sultry weather accompanied with copious rainfall. Thunderstorms are frequent, occurring on
roughly 40% of all days year round.
The climate can broadly be categorized as : The Northeast Monsoon and the Southwest Monsoon. The former occurs from December to early March, and the latter from June to
September.
⦁ 29.5°C (85.1°F) daytime, 22.5°C (72.5°F) at night in December and January. An occasional low of 21°C (69.8°F) can also be expected.
⦁ 32°C (89.6°F) daytime, 24°C (82.4°F) at night for the rest of the year. The temperature usually hovers around the 28°C
(82.4°F) mark.
IMPORTANT: Between May and October, forest fires in neighbouring Sumatra cause dense haze that regularly reach unhealthy levels. Thus, Singapore is best avoided from June to October if you have chronic heart or lung conditions or you simply don’t want to suffer due to unhealthy pollution. This is
however, unpredictable and may come and go rapidly.
RELIGION & CULTURE
PROHIBITIONS IN SINGAPORE
CHEWING GUM
Unless it’s a nicotine gum, even the simple act of
chewing gum can cost you a pretty penny or might
even land you up in a prison cell! Trading gum is also
equally illegal.
SMOKING
To guard both the environment and the residents, Singapore’s government has imposed strict laws prohibiting smoking in several areas of the nation.
This means that smokers are now only allowed to
smoke in designated areas or be fined.
DRUGS
Possession of drugs or proof of consumption is a crime in
Singapore. The Singaporean authority has the right to conduct
random drug tests and penalties for drug possession in Singapore
range from fines as high as $20,000 to 10 years in prison.
EATING OUT IN PUBLIC OR FEEDING PIGEONS
OR MONKEYS
As weird as it may sound, feeding pigeons or monkeys can cost
you way more than the worth of those leftovers that you toss to them! Also, if you are travelling by public trains, avoid eating or
drinking as a fine of $500 will be imposed if you get caught. It is alright to pop a mint or take a sip of water however. Due to the
terrible smell of the fruit called Durian, it is banned in certain public spaces and on public transport.
MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE
RIVER CRUISE
The Singapore River Cruise is just the experience you need to look at the city through a different lens. This 40- minute boat ride offers the opportunity to explore the rich history behind the sites along the river including Raffles Landing Site, The Merlion, The Esplanade, the modern
skyscrapers of the Central Business District and Marina Bay.
SINGAPORE FLYER
Just like the sands skypark observation deck the Singapore Flyer also has a lot to offer when it comes to breathtaking panaromic view of the city. You might get lucky and even get a view that stretches to parts of Malaysia and Indonesia on a clear day. Standing at a stunning 165 meters from the ground, it is Asia’s largest observation wheel.
GARDENS BY THE BAY
One of the most iconic attractions in Singapore, Gardens by the Bay unveils nature like never before!
This structure with its pristine orchards is definitely a sight for sore eyes. Spread across about 100 hectares, this place has earned great recognition breaking the Guinness World Record as the World’s Largest Glass Greenhouse in 2015. There is also an evening light show that takes place at the gardens.
SEA AQUARIUM
SEA Aquarium is where you can get an up -close personal experience and explore the marine realm, with more than 100,000 marine animals of over 1,000 species and across 50 different habitats. Holding titles like the “Largest Aquarium” in Southeast Asia and the world’s largest underwater acrylic dome at 9m in diameter, it offers an experience you’ll never forget!
TRICK EYE MUSEUM
The Trick Eye Museum is definitely a treat to the eyes and we mean in the literal sense. This place is certain to leave you bewitched with its 3D exhibits and Augmented Reality add-ons. With the Museum’s very own Augmented Reality Technology (ART) implemented onto the installations, you can be engrossed with the action-packed sound, lights and other effects that create realistic illusions.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Universal Studios is situated in the heart of Resorts World Sentosa, with 28 thrilling rides and seven themed zones. It is a place fit for all ages where you can choose between thrill rides or attractions based on your favorite television series or movie.
FOODS
CHINESE
Chinese food as eaten in Singapore
commonly originates from regions of
southern China, particularly Fujian
and Guangdong. Dishes have evolved
over time after being influenced by
Singaporean ingredients.
MALAY
The Malay Cuisine will introduce you to the rich history and culture of Singapore and is a must to try.
Characterized by heavy use of spices, most Malay dishes are curries, stews or dips of one kind or another and nasi padang restaurants, offering a wide
variety of these to ladle onto your rice, are very popular.
INDIAN
Being the smallest of the area’s three ethnic groups, the Indians have had proportionally a small impact on the local culinary scene.
But there is no shortage of Indian food even at many hawker centres. Major part of Indian
food includes Tamil cuisine, although North Indian food has become more visible recently.
MUST TRY DISHES
-Bak Kut Teh (Meat bone tea)
-Sambal Stingray (Ikan Bakar)
-Hainanese Chicken Rice
-Curry Laksa
-Chilli crab
-Char Kway Teow
-Satay
-Kaya Toast
-Oyster Omelette
-Tau Huay (for Dessert)
