South-Eastern AsiaSingapore is a small city-state in Southeast Asia. It combines modern buildings, many Asian cultures, tropical gardens, busy food centres and lively nightlife.
Why go
Try affordable food from across Asia at hawker centres and coffee shops.
Explore Chinatown, Little India and Geylang Serai for different cultures and food.
Visit the Botanic Gardens, Gardens by the Bay and Singapore's nature reserves.
Shop along Orchard Road or explore the waterfront around Marina Bay.
Getting there
By air
- Flying is usually the easiest way to arrive unless you are coming from Peninsular Malaysia or nearby Indonesian islands.
- Singapore Airlines and low-cost airline Scoot are based here. Many other airlines offer regional and long-distance flights.
- Flights to Johor Bahru, Batam or Tanjung Pinang may cost less. You must arrange onward transport and pass through customs and immigration twice.
By land
- The Shuttle Tebrau train connects JB Sentral in Johor Bahru with Woodlands Train Checkpoint. Allow 30–60 minutes including border checks, and book early because tickets sell out quickly.
- Your passport acts as your Shuttle Tebrau ticket. Woodlands Train Checkpoint is a different place from Woodlands MRT, the urban train station.
- Long-distance coaches arrive from Malaysia and Hat Yai in Thailand. The journey takes about 5 hours from Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore has no central coach terminal.
By sea
- Ferries connect Singapore with Indonesia's Riau Islands and Malaysia's Johor state. International ferries use HarbourFront and Tanah Merah terminals.
- HarbourFront Ferry Terminal is inside HarbourFront Centre shopping mall, beside HarbourFront MRT station. Do not confuse the mall with neighbouring VivoCity.
Customs
- Singapore has very strict drug laws, including the death penalty for drug trafficking. These laws also apply to passengers in transit, and poppy seeds are prohibited.
- Do not bring weapons into Singapore. Bringing firearms or explosives without a permit can carry the death penalty.
- Carry prescriptions for prescribed medicines. More than three months' supply, sedatives, strong painkillers or medicines containing cannabidiol require Health Sciences Authority approval at least 10 working days before arrival.
Getting around
Urban trains
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) networks are cheap, fast and reliable. They cover most visitor attractions. Eating and drinking, including water, are prohibited in stations and trains. The fine can be S$500. Stand on the left of escalators so people can pass on the right. Stations have free toilets and platform safety barriers.
Public buses
Buses can get you closer to your destination than trains, but may be much slower. All public buses are air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. Signal to the driver when you want to board. Press the stop button before your stop. Most services run every 5–15 minutes. Express services run less often and charge higher fares. Eating and drinking are prohibited, with a possible S$500 fine.
Taxis and app-booked rides
Taxis and app-booked rides are reasonably priced. Apps make them easy to request. CityMapper, Google Maps and Apple Maps can estimate fares. Road charges may already be included in the final taxi fare. Tipping is not expected. All taxis must display a complaint hotline.
Boats
Small tourist boats called bumboats offer Singapore River rides from S$3 and sightseeing cruises from S$13. Boats from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to Pulau Ubin cost S$4 one way. These are the only way to reach the island without your own vessel. Ferries to Sisters' Islands, Kusu Island and St John's Island leave from Marina South Pier. Pulau Hantu requires a chartered boat.
What to see and do
Chinatown, Little India and Geylang Serai
Explore Chinese, Indian and Malay culture and food.
Botanic Gardens
These gardens are Singapore's only World Heritage Site recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Gardens by the Bay
See futuristic gardens behind Marina Bay Sands.
Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Visit Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Bird Paradise or River Wonders. The Mandai Boardwalk offers a free scenic walk beside Upper Seletar Reservoir.
Bras Basah
Explore historical buildings and museums in Singapore's colonial centre. Visitors pay admission at government-run museums.
Sentosa and the East Coast
Sentosa has three beaches, and the East Coast has more beaches.
Food and drink
Hawker centres
These busy food centres offer affordable meals from across Asia. Generous servings can cost under S$5.
Chinatown
Explore Chinese food and treats.
Little India
Visit for Indian flavours.
Geylang Serai
Explore Malay food and culture.
East Coast seafood
Try the area's seafood, including chilli crab and black pepper crab.
Coffee shops
Singapore has 24-hour coffee shops serving affordable food.
Money
Singapore dollar (SGD), written as S$ or $. One dollar is divided into 100 cents.
- Unless another currency is named, dollar prices refer to Singapore dollars.
- Avoid S$1,000 and S$10,000 notes because few everyday businesses can use them.
- A price marked '++' excludes service charge and Goods and Services Tax (GST). A price marked 'nett' includes both.
- Hotels and restaurants commonly add a 10% service charge, followed by 9% GST on the amount including that charge.
Tipping: Tipping is generally not practised, though hotel porters expect about S$2 per bag. Tipping is prohibited at the airport, and offering money to government employees can be treated as bribery.
Typical costs
- A basic backpacker budget is about S$50 a day. Around twice that allows more comfort.
- A generous hawker-centre meal can cost under S$5.
- A hostel bed can cost under S$30, and a cheap hotel room can cost under S$150.
- Branded business hotels generally cost S$200–500 a night. Luxury accommodation can exceed S$500.
- A meal with a soft drink is classed as budget below S$10, mid-range at S$10–30 and expensive above S$30.
Language
- English is the most commonly used language.
- Mandarin Chinese is an official language.
- Malay is the national language and an official language.
- Tamil is an official language.
- Singlish is a local form of English that includes words and sentence patterns from other languages.
- Makan
- Eat, in Malay.
- You wan beer or not?
- Do you want a beer?
- Ok, steady lah!
- OK, good!
Staying safe
- Ambulance and fire emergency995
- Ambulance and fire emergency text messages for deaf people70995
- Singapore General Hospital+65 6222 3322
- Police emergency999
- Police emergency text messages71999
- Police scam enquiries1799
- Non-emergency ambulance1777
- Drug and Poison Information Centre+65 6423 9119
- Singapore is very safe, including for many people walking alone at night. Still watch for pickpockets in crowded places.
- Report crimes to the police promptly. Officers working out of uniform must show their police identification card when carrying out their duties.
- Jaywalking, spitting, littering and smoking in non-smoking areas are prohibited. Heavy fines can apply.
- Do not put your feet on public transport seats or play loud music from your phone. These actions can lead to a S$500 fine.
Local customs
Do
- Start conversations in standard English. Ask people how they would like to be addressed.
- Cover your shoulders and midriff at places of worship, and wear clothing that reaches the knees. Remove shoes where required.
- Use your right hand if eating with your hands. You can ask for a fork and spoon instead.
- Ask about dietary needs before sharing a meal. Some people are vegetarian, most Malays eat halal food permitted by Islam, and most Hindus avoid beef.
- Use your thumb or an open palm facing upward when indicating statues in Chinese temples.
Don't
- Do not add Singlish words just to imitate local speech. Using them badly can sound patronising.
- Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice.
- Do not kiss passionately in public. Holding hands is acceptable.
- Do not go topless as a woman, including at the beach.
- Do not sit in the front row at Hungry Ghost Festival street performances. These seats are traditionally reserved for spirits.
- Do not assume swastikas in Buddhist or Hindu temples refer to Nazism. They are ancient religious symbols.
Staying healthy
- Tap water is safe to drink. Drink plenty of water in the hot, humid weather.
- Heat can make even moderate exercise exhausting. Plan outdoor time early in the morning or at night and take breaks in air-conditioned places.
- Carry an umbrella for sun protection and sudden heavy rain. Thunderstorms can occur throughout the year.
- Dengue fever occurs in the region, and there are occasional Zika cases. Bring mosquito repellent when hiking in nature reserves.
Where to stay
- The Riverside is a good base unless your main aim is shopping on Orchard Road.
- Accommodation can sell out during major events such as the Formula One race and large conventions. Lower-cost hotels and hostels remain available throughout the year.
- Check whether the advertised price includes the 10% service charge and 9% Goods and Services Tax. The tax applies to the amount including the service charge.
- Hotels check every guest's passport and electronic visit pass at check-in. Save your visit pass offline or have working mobile data so you can show it.
Trips to Singapore
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Outdoor adventures in Singapore
Singapore offers nature reserves, wildlife parks, beaches and water sports on its reservoirs and rivers. Outdoor exercise can be tiring in the heat and humidity, so plan for early mornings or evenings. Rain falls throughout the year, with the wettest period from November to January.
Sentosa beaches
BeacheSentosanear Singapore
Head to Sentosa and visit one of its three beaches.
- Drink plenty of water in the heat and humidity.
- Thunderstorms can occur throughout the year.
Singapore Zoo
WildlifeMandai Wildlife Reservenear Singapore
Visit Singapore Zoo in Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
- Do not feed wildlife.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
HikeBukit Timahnear Singapore
Early morning or evening to avoid the strongest heat.Visit Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to explore its natural surroundings.
- Bring mosquito repellent for hiking.
- Drink plenty of water.
Night Safari
SafariMandai Wildlife Reservenear Singapore
Visit Night Safari in Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
- Do not feed wildlife.
Pulau Ubin nature visit
More to doPulau Ubinnear Singapore
Visit Pulau Ubin, an island off Changi Village in eastern Singapore.
- Drink plenty of water in the heat and humidity.
- Do not feed wildlife.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
More to donear Singapore
Early morning or evening to avoid the strongest heat.Visit the Botanic Gardens to see trees and plants.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Carry an umbrella for sun and sudden rain.
Bird Paradise
WildlifeMandai Wildlife Reservenear Singapore
Visit Bird Paradise in Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
- Do not feed wildlife.
River Wonders
WildlifeMandai Wildlife Reservenear Singapore
Visit River Wonders in Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
- Do not feed wildlife.
East Coast beaches
BeacheEast Coastnear Singapore
Head to Singapore's East Coast for beaches.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Thunderstorms can occur at any time of day.
Mandai Boardwalk
HikeUpper Seletar Reservoir, Mandai Wildlife Reservenear Singapore
Early morning or evening to avoid the strongest heat.Walk along the Mandai Boardwalk beside Upper Seletar Reservoir.
- Cost: Free
- Drink plenty of water.
- Carry an umbrella for sun and sudden rain.
Kallang River otter watching
WildlifeKallang River, including Gardens by the Baynear Singapore
Dawn and dusk, when otters are most active.Look for smooth-coated otters around the Kallang River, including Gardens by the Bay. Check OtterWatch on Facebook for recent sightings.
- Keep your distance. Otters have sharp teeth and protect their young.
- Do not feed wildlife.
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park otter watching
WildlifeBishan-Ang Mo Kio Parknear Singapore
Dawn and dusk, when otters are most active.Visit Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and look for smooth-coated otters. Check OtterWatch on Facebook for recent sightings.
- Keep your distance. Otters have sharp teeth and protect their young.
- Do not feed wildlife.
MacRitchie Reservoir canoeing and dragon boating
More to doMacRitchie Reservoirnear Singapore
Check the canoeing and dragon-boating options at MacRitchie Reservoir.
- Thunderstorms can occur throughout the year.
- Drink plenty of water during outdoor exercise.
Kallang River canoeing and dragon boating
More to doKallang Rivernear Singapore
Check the canoeing and dragon-boating options on the Kallang River.
- Thunderstorms can occur throughout the year.
- Drink plenty of water during outdoor exercise.
Marina Bay canoeing and dragon boating
More to doMarina Baynear Singapore
Check the canoeing and dragon-boating options at Marina Bay.
- Thunderstorms can occur throughout the year.
- Drink plenty of water during outdoor exercise.
Airports, metros and trains in Singapore
Airports with scheduled flights
- SINSingapore Changi AirportSingaporeMain international airport
Metro and subway
- SingaporeMass Rapid Transit146 stations246.6 kmsince 1987
Trains
- Rail network
- 285 km
- Electrified
- 284 km
People and safety in Singapore
Religion
No single faith is a majority. Very mixed.
- Buddhist31%
- No religion20%
- Christian19%
- Muslim16%
- Other9%
- Hindu5%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal
- Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
- Legal gender change is recognised.
- Some laws protect against discrimination.
Women travellers
Ranked #17 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
97% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 163 of 198 countries can visit Singapore easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required163
- eVisa19
- Visa required16
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Americas35 of 35 countries
- Oceania14 of 14 countries
- Europe41 of 46 countries
- Africa44 of 54 countries
- Asia29 of 49 countries
Questions
Can I get by with English?
Yes. English is the most commonly used language, though local Singlish can take time to understand.
What is the easiest way to get around?
The Mass Rapid Transit urban train system is cheap, fast and reliable, and reaches most visitor attractions. Buses cover more stops but can be slower.
Can I drink the tap water?
Yes. Tap water is safe to drink, and drinking plenty of water is advisable in the heat.
What weather should I prepare for?
Expect hot, humid weather and sudden rain throughout the year. November to January is the rainiest period, and an umbrella is useful year-round.
Where can I find inexpensive food?
Hawker centres offer generous meals for under S$5. Singapore also has 24-hour coffee shops serving affordable food.
Do I need to tip?
Tipping is generally not practised, although hotel porters expect about S$2 per bag. Hotels and restaurants commonly add a service charge.
What does '++' mean beside a price?
It means a 10% service charge and 9% Goods and Services Tax will be added. Prices marked 'nett' already include taxes and service charges.
What documents will my hotel need?
Hotels check every guest's passport and electronic visit pass. Save the pass offline or have working mobile data to show it at check-in.
Is Singapore safe to walk around at night?
Most visitors, including female travellers, have no problems walking alone at night. Still watch your belongings in crowded areas.
What should I wear to a temple or mosque?
Cover your shoulders and midriff, and avoid shorts or skirts above the knees. Many places of worship also require you to remove your shoes.
Reviewed by @snuck