SINGAPORE – History & Culture
Our communities are vibrant and diverse
A group of friends of different races eating together at a hawker centre
Since our days as a colony in the 19th and 20th centuries, immigrants from India, China and all around the Malay Archipelago have flocked to the island in search of a better life—and they’ve formed the bedrock upon which this city was built.
Today, Singapore’s resident ethnic makeup predominantly comprises the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian and Peranakan* communities. While we live, work and play together, there remain traditional ethnic enclaves that you can explore to learn more about each community—for example, Katong-Joo Chiat is a historic Peranakan neighbourhood, while the earliest Indian settlers laid their roots in what is known today as Little India. And the indigenous people of the land, the Malays, have long considered Kampong Gelam as the ancestral seat of their sultans, well before Singapore became a colony.
These ethnicities have their own mother tongues that most Singaporeans still speak today; yet we aren’t divided by them. In fact, these languages have coalesced into the local lingo of Singlish—besides English, Singlish is the other main language we use with our friends, family and even co-workers.
To hear Singlish in all its glory, you won’t find a better place than a hawker centre, where our communities gather and interact with one another.
*The term is an Indonesian/Malay word that means “local born”, which generally refers to people of Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage.
Our ‘local food’ comes from around the world
A plate of local chicken rice, served with clear soup in the background
We don’t go to the hawker centres to speak Singlish, of course. We go to feast. Like our ethnic tapestry, ‘Singaporean food’ comprises many cuisines, and, at a hawker centre, you can sample them all under one roof.
These cuisines predominantly come from the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities, with dishes that range from the humble roti prata (traditional Indian flatbread) to fiery Malay currys and the famous Hainanese chicken rice.
You can even find fusion versions of these traditional cuisines: For example, Fifth Season Tangra Chinese Restaurant whips up Indian-Chinese plates such as Sichuan-style curries and fried basmati rice.
History
History
A long, long time ago…
While the earliest known historical records of Singapore are shrouded in time, a third century Chinese account describes it as “Pu-luo-chung”, referring to “Pulau Ujong” which means the “island at the end of a peninsula” in the Malay language. Later, the city was known as Temasek (“Sea Town”), when the first settlements were established from AD 1298-1299.
During the 14th century, this small but strategically-located island earned a new name. According to legend, Sang Nila Utama, a Prince from Palembang (the capital of Srivijaya), was out on a hunting trip when he caught sight of an animal he had never seen before. Taking it to be a good sign, he founded a city where the animal had been spotted, naming it “The Lion City” or Singapura, from the Sanskrit words “simha” (lion) and “pura” (city).
The city was then ruled by the five kings of ancient Singapura. Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, the natural meeting point of sea routes, the city flourished as a trading post for vessels such as Chinese junks, Arab dhows, Portuguese battleships, and Buginese schooners.
The Raffles Effect
Modern Singapore was founded in the 19th century, thanks to politics, trade and a man known as Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.
During this time, the British empire was eyeing a port of call in this region to base its merchant fleet, and to forestall any advance made by the Dutch. Singapore, already an up-and-coming trading post along the Malacca Straits, seemed ideal.
Raffles, then the Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen (now Bengkulu) in Sumatra, landed in Singapore on 29 January 1819. Recognising the immense potential of the swamp-covered island, he helped negotiate a treaty with the local rulers and established Singapore as a trading station. The city quickly grew as an entrepot trade hub, attracting immigrants from China, India, the Malay Archipelago and beyond.
In 1822, Raffles implemented the Raffles Town Plan, also known as the Jackson Plan, to address the issue of growing disorderliness in the colony. Ethnic residential areas were segregated into four areas. The European Town had residents made up of European traders, Eurasians and rich Asians, while the ethnic Chinese were located in present-day Chinatown and south-east of the Singapore River. Ethnic Indians resided at Chulia Kampong north of Chinatown, and Kampong Gelam consisted of Muslims, ethnic Malays and Arabs who had migrated to Singapore. Singapore continued to develop as a trading post, with the establishment of several key banks, commercial associations and Chambers of Commerce. In 1924, a causeway opened linking the northern part of Singapore to Johor Bahru.
War and Peace
British soldiers signing the document to surrender Singapore over to the Japanese on 15 February 1942
Allied forces surrendering in 1942.
Singapore’s prosperity suffered a major blow during World War II, when it was attacked by the Japanese on 8 December 1941. The invaders arrived from the north, confounding the British military commanders who had expected an attack by sea from the south. Despite their superior numbers, the Allied forces surrendered to the Japanese on Chinese New Year, 15 February 1942. It was the largest surrender of British-led forces in history. The island, once feted as an “impregnable fortress”, was renamed Syonan-to (or “Light of the South Island” in Japanese).
When the Japanese surrendered in 1945, the island was handed over to the British Military Administration, which remained in power until the dissolution of the Straits Settlement comprising Penang, Melaka and Singapore. In April 1946, Singapore became a British Crown Colony.
The Road to Independence
A group of soldiers marching in celebration of Singapore’s Independence Day on 9 August 1965
Singapore has come a long way to become what it is today.
In 1959, the growth of nationalism led to self-government, and the country’s first general election. The People’s Action Party (PAP) won a majority of 43 seats and Lee Kuan Yew became the first prime minister of Singapore.
In 1963, Malaysia was formed, comprising of the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and North Borneo (now Sabah). The move was meant to foster closer ties. However, Singapore’s merger proved unsuccessful, and less than two years later on 9 August 1965, it left Malaysia to become an independent and sovereign democratic nation.
Today, many slices of Singapore’s multi-cultural, colonial and wartime past are preserved in and around the city. You can visit monuments, museums and memorials, or for a real trip through time, take a walk along a heritage trail.
SINGAPORE – VISAS & ENTRY
Visa requirements for traveling to Singapore are determined by factors such as your nationality, duration of stay, and purpose of visit. To determine if you need a visa or to apply for one, please refer to the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) website, where you can find a list of countries that require a visa to enter Singapore.
Travellers are to submit the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) and the necessary Physical Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments (CBNI) declarations electronically if you are carrying more than S$20,000 in total value of CBNI, or its equivalent in a foreign currency.
Submission of SGAC is free and can be done via the SGAC e-Service or MyICA Mobile app. Please refer to SGAC with Electronic Health Declaration for more information. As for more information on CBNI, please refer to ICA’s website.
Visitors can use iris, facial and fingerprint biometrics for swift immigration at airport terminals or land checkpoints once enrolled at manual counters.
Upon clearing immigration, an electronic visit pass (e-pass) will be sent to the email address registered in your SGAC submission. This e-Pass has replaced the arrival stamp endorsement issued to visitors.
SINGAPORE – Flora & Fauna
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, escape from the city and explore Singapore’s green spaces for some tranquillity.
There’s a park or garden to explore no matter where you are in the country, so we’ve made things easy by sectioning this guide into the four main areas for you to get your fix of fresh air and lush greenery.
Swan Lake at Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Central Region
Replete with rare flowers, vertical gardens (aka Supertrees), and intriguing sculptures from around the world, Gardens by the Bay is a stunning park consisting of three waterfront gardens.
Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from the 22-metre-high aerial walkway that links two Supertrees together, visit the world’s largest glass greenhouse or marvel at a 35-metre-tall indoor waterfall. For an unforgettable view of the Marina Bay district, be sure to check out the Supertree Observatory, located atop the tallest structure of the Supertree Grove.
From one iconic spot to another, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a must-visit. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, this green space, which is more than 150 years old, features highlights such as National Orchid Garden, a gorgeous swan lake and heaps of tropical trees to please every plant enthusiast out there.
Travelling with the little ones? Take them to the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, which houses a farm, orchard and grove with its own streams and ponds.
SuperTrees at the Gardens by the Bay.
Photo by Afur Wong
Heliconia flowers at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Up for a hike? Visit the MacRitchie Nature Trail & Reservoir Park. Complete the 11-kilometre-long nature trail and don’t miss the Treetop Walk, a 250-metre high suspension bridge that connects two of the park’s highest points.
History buffs, make a beeline for Fort Canning Park. Conveniently located in the heart of town, this site is home to numerous historical landmarks, such as Fort Gate, a remnant of a fortress that was built in the 19th century, and other highlights like the Spice Garden.
Just a little outside of the central area are venues like Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Take on the challenge and hike the Summit Trail to climb Singapore’s tallest hill (it’s 164-metres high) in this lush ASEAN Heritage Park.
Southern Region
A wall with different greenery at HortPark.
Further south of Singapore, there’s Mount Faber and HortPark. These two green spots are part of a 10-kilometre-long trail called the Southern Ridges, which features structures like the Henderson Waves, the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore, and bridges such as the Forest Walk and Canopy Walk.
North Eastern Region
Seletar Reservoir is split into two areas: Lower Seletar Reservoir Park and Upper Seletar Reservoir Park.
Lower Seletar Reservoir Park has highlights like the Family Bay, which consists of a performance stage, a Heritage Bridge, a bioswale rain garden, and a water play area for the young ones. There’s also a fishing jetty that’s usually packed with anglers hoping to catch a tilapia or two.
Popular with runners, Upper Seletar Reservoir Park features several trails and landmarks such as the rocket-shaped tower, which you can climb to the top of and take in breathtaking views of the park.
Aerial view of the coastal walkway in Punggol Waterway.
There’s something for everyone at Punggol Waterway, which is segmented into four zones: Nature Cove, Recreation Zone, Heritage Zone, and Green Gallery. Rent a bicycle and cycle around the park, let the kids have fun at the water playground, look out for unique birds along the waterway, or simply snap landscape photos in the evening to capture the beauty of this green heartland destination.
Western Region
The Observation Pod at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
Photo by Vincent Chong
The 87-hectare Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is bound to impress nature lovers with its incredible biodiversity. First discovered by a group of birdwatchers from the Malayan Nature Society in 1986, this site is home to migratory birds, crabs, mud lobsters and even crocodiles and otters.
Take a stroll along the boardwalk to look at the mangroves at low tide or park yourself at one of the many observation posts found throughout the reserve to watch familiar critters in their natural habitats.
To immerse yourself in nature, pay a visit to Jurong Lake Gardens, a 90-hectare green sanctuary that comprises Lakeside Garden, the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden and Promenade.
The latter three spaces are slated to open in 2021, but nature lovers and their families can still enjoy the great outdoors at Lakeside Garden. This verdant space is filled with play spaces like Crab Play and Heron Play, which take inspiration from various animal species. Tidal and sand play areas are bound to keep your little ones occupied, while couples looking for a quiet stroll can take a meander along into lalang (a species of grass traditionally used to thatch roofs in Southeast Asia) fields, or along scenic waterside boardwalks.
SINGAPORE – General Informations
By Public Transport
An incoming Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train on the rail track
Singapore’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and bus systems have an extensive network of routes that will help you zip around the city.
Most of our popular attractions are just a short walk away from an MRT station, making our trains a great way to get around.
Our bus routes are also some of the most scenic, allowing you to indulge in the lush greenery and beautiful architecture of our ‘city in a garden’. All public buses are wheelchair accessible and open strollers are allowed. Please approach our friendly bus captains if you need assistance. Do take note that you may be required to fold your stroller if the bus has too many passengers. You can refer to the the SBS Transit, SMRT, Go-Ahead Singapore, and Tower Transit Singapore websites for more information and guidelines.
Visitors can use the following payment options for their respective MRT or bus journeys:
MRT Bus1
The Pass can be bought at the SimplyGo Ticket Office at selected MRT stations listed here.
2Admin fees apply for foreign-issued bank cards.
Children below 0.9m in height accompanied by a fare-paying commuter can automatically travel for free. For more information on Child Concession Cards, please visit SimplyGo website.
Click here for information on payment options for public transport.
For more useful information—including traffic news, journey planning and nearby transport services—download the MyTransport app (available for iOS and Android).
1For non-cash payments on buses, remember to tap in and out on the reader located at the front and rear exits of the bus when you board and alight respectively.
Couple looking at their mobile phone
Maps, Apps & City Guides
Explore Singapore and its attraction is a breeze with our recommended guides.
Find out more
Infographic for Singapore Tourist Pass
Singapore Tourist Pass
Looking to explore as many attractions as you can? Purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass— a special EZ-Link stored-value card—for unlimited travel between one and three days.
Visit official website
By taxi or ride-hailing apps
Cross junction at Chinatown neighbourhood
Taxis are comfortable and especially handy if you want to go to places not accessible by the bus or MRT. Cabs here are metered, but there may be surcharges depending on when, where and which company’s taxi you board.
To get a rough idea of the final fare, check with the driver on the surcharges and ask for a receipt at the end of the trip. You can also check out this website for a quick and easy comparison.
You can hail a taxi by the roadside at most places, or by queuing for one at a taxi stand, which you’ll find at most malls, hotels and attractions.
Alternatively, you may use one of the ride-hailing applications available in Singapore to book a ride from your preferred pick-up point to your desired destination. Some options available include Grab, Gojek, Ryde and TADA.
Taxi Touting & Overcharging
Touting and overcharging is illegal in Singapore. Tourists are advised to book point-to-point trips via licenced ride-hail or street hail operators. Should you encounter incidents of touting, overcharging or drivers refusing to use the taximeter (for taxis that are flagged on the road), you may report them to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) through feedback@LTA.gov.sg.
By Bicycle
A man with a bicycle on the cycling path
Cycling around our sunny island is a great way to get your dose of Vitamin D and enjoy the green spaces that dot our city.
Singapore boasts a well-connected network of cycling paths, and you can rent shared bicycles from licensed operators.
Feel free to bring your foldable bike onboard our trains and buses, but check if they’re too bulky. You can find guidelines for cycling in Singapore here.
Singapore Visitor Centre
Singapore Visitor Centre opposite Orchard Gateway
If you need assistance or have any queries, drop by one of any of the seven Singapore Visitor Centres.
The visitor centres boast a range of helpful services and information. You’ll be able to plan your itinerary, get tips on must-see attractions, purchase tickets for sightseeing, book accommodation and even pick up a souvenir (or two).
Find Out More
Visit Singapore Travel Guide App
Visit Singapore Travel Guide App
Made for exploring the city with ease, The Visit Singapore Travel Guide app offers everything you need to know in a bite-sized format.
Whether it’s information on first-time travel, transportation, or local recommendations, our app ensures the most up-to-date essentials are at your fingertups for a pleasant Singapore experience.
Internet
With an Internet penetration of 92% in 2022 and multiple options to get online, finding a way to connect in Singapore is bound to be a breeze. Portable WiFi options are available the moment you touch down in Singapore, and access to the Internet is never more than a few clicks away.
From public hotspots to prepaid data plans, here are some ways to access the Internet.
Prepaid SIM card
If you wish to continue making calls and sending messages on your mobile phone, purchase a Singapore prepaid SIM card. Veteran local telcos—like M1, Singtel and Starhub—offer a wide variety of packages and travel sim cards, so take a little time to decide which plan best suits your needs.
You can choose from bundles that cover local and international calls, SMSes and varying amounts of local mobile data. Durations typically range from five to 30 or more days.
Prepaid SIM cards are easily purchased at the telcos’ retail counters and islandwide convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Cheers, as well as at Singapore Changi Airport’s Changi Recommends booths and telco retail counters.
You will have to produce your passport for registration when purchasing a prepaid SIM card.
Royal Plaza’s free mobile WiFi device
Pocket Wi-Fi
You can also choose to connect to the Internet from multiple devices with a pocket WiFi device.
This mobile hotspot provides islandwide data access for your laptop, tablet and/or smartphone. This is recommended if you carry a few devices, desire WiFi connectivity and do not intend to make many phone calls.
Pocket WiFi devices are available for rental at the Changi Recommends counters at Singapore Changi Airport, and you can conveniently drop off the devices at the Changi Recommends counters just before your return flight.
Alternatively, there are other pocket WiFi rental companies available in Singapore. If you prefer to search and pre-register online, these companies—like Y5Buddy and Rentafi—often offer affordable courier services for both delivery and return of these devices.
Façade shot of the National Gallery of Singapore
Free Public Wi-Fi
WiFi hotspots are also widely available at various public areas and businesses across the island. Here are some options.
Wireless@SGx
This is a free public Wi-Fi service right across Singapore. You’ll find hotspots in malls, museums, MRT stations, public libraries and more.
Simply download the Wireless@SGx App, configure your mobile device and you’ll be automatically connected through your stay. The App not only shows you where Wi-Fi hotspots are, but also includes a speed test, diagnostics and feedback. Set-up guidelines can be found here.
Changi Airport
Free WiFi service is available in the public and transit areas of Changi Airport with #WiFi@Changi. Find out more here.
Shopping Malls
Free WiFi service is offered at some shopping malls, restaurants and cafes in Singapore.
This service is usually displayed prominently for customers but do feel free to enquire directly at the malls’ information counters for WiFi access.
5G Networks
Singapore has become one of the first countries in the world to be covered by standalone 5G, with over 95% standalone 5G network coverage. If you’re a traveller in Singapore, you can gain access to increased download speeds with 5G prepaid sim cards, such as the Hi!Tourist 5G Sim Cards from Singtel.
The provision of 2G network services have not been available in Singapore since 2017. As such, visitors are advised to bring along a 3G or 4G enabled mobile device when visiting Singapore.
If your existing operator does not support 3G or 4G roaming, be sure to purchase a prepaid SIM card on arrival so you can be instantly connected..
Singapore – Weather & Climate
Singapore is a year-round destination.
The best time to visit Singapore is during the months of February, March, April, May, June, July, August and September.
You can expect temperatures with highs of up to 32 degrees Celsius and an average of 6 hours of sunshine per day. The lows will be 24-25 degrees Celsius.
In the winter months, the northeast monsoon awaits you, which brings a lot of rain, but you can also spend a wonderful holiday in Singapore at this time. Temperatures are settling around 30 degrees Celsius and are still very high. With only four hours of sunshine per day, you can expect cloudier days than in the summer months.
Due to the hot average temperatures, the sea water remains at a steady 27 degrees Celsius.
We would be happy to advise you personally, in order to get a better and faster insight into your wishes. Our travel examples can be designed in exactly the same way, combined, shorter, longer or according to your own wishes. Our travel specialists will (based on their own experience) present you with optimal travel routes and transparent prices for your planned dream trip.
After we know your wishes, the responsible travel specialists will send you a corresponding offer as soon as possible, of course non-binding and without obligation. We will then discuss this offer with you and will be happy to make changes according to your wishes. You decide when to start and how long you want to travel.
We concentrate 100% on your stay in your destination, receive you wherever and whenever you arrive, adapt the itinerary to your individual flight times and wishes, and are also available to you personally during the trip via email and WhatsApp 24 / 7 available for a smooth and relaxing trip. This enables us to respond promptly and personally to all eventualities, such as flight delays, extra requests on site, etc.
As an individual tour operator, we do not have fixed travel dates like many package tour operators.
With us, you as a customer decide when you want to fly and how long you want to stay, and therefore ideally you can also book the most cost-effective flight connection for yourself using the popular online search engines such as Kayak, Skyscanner, etc.
We will be happy to help you find the best international flight for you. Domestic flights are already included in our trips.
Only when you are 100% satisfied with our travel planning will your written booking be made with us and you can lean back and look forward to a dream trip according to your individual wishes. We will make all bookings for you in the destination and then send you our travel confirmation / invoice. Your deposit is 20% when booking, the balance is due 30 days before departure.
Owner & Managing Director
Meisara Tungga Dewi & Matthias Vogel
Sombomerten Demangan RT006/RW021
Maguwoharjo, Depok
Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55282
Yogyakarta
Indonesia
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