Singapur

Singapore has a long and rich history. The island was first mentioned in the 3rd century in Chinese records. From the 7th to the 13th centuries, the island was under the rule of the Buddhist Srivijaya Empire. After that, for a long time the island had no permanent authority. Only in the 16th century did the Sultanate of Malacca take hold here. Later, Singapore fell under British influence and in 1832 became the administrative center of its colonies in the region. The island also went through Japanese occupation and accession to Malaysia. In 1965, Singapore became an independent city-state.

Today it is a place of progress. The number of futuristic buildings and structures here is simply off the charts. In Singapore, modernity and the traditions of ancient Asia blend in a remarkable way. It’s worth finding and booking a tour to Singapore online for this unforgettable mix and warm hospitality.

A few official facts

Capital: Singapore.

Official languages: English, Malay, Chinese, Tamil.

Currency: Singapore dollar.

Religion: Buddhism, Islam, Christianity.

Online search and selection of tours to Singapore — reasons to buy a tour or package

Tourism plays an important role in the country’s economy. After finally gaining independence, the city began to develop rapidly. The authorities recognized the state’s tourism potential in time and invested in the relevant infrastructure. 

You should buy a tour to Singapore in order to:

• Enjoy the futuristic vibe. The city itself is an open-air museum. Urban landscapes amaze with unusual contemporary architecture. The most famous of these is the Marina Bay Sands hotel: three 55-story towers topped by a terrace shaped like a gondola. On it are the “Sky Gardens” and the famous infinity pool with a mesmerizing panorama of the city. Enjoy beautiful views from a height of 91 m at the “Tiger Sky Tower” observation deck and from 165 m on the giant observation wheel.
• Explore different cultures. Singapore has districts devoted to several countries. You can immerse yourself in Chinese, Indian, and Arab atmospheres.
• Have fun on attractions. It’s a real paradise for thrill-seekers. On Sentosa Island you’ll find Universal Studios, tracks for the Skyline Luge and Skyride, and a rope park. Many different attractions deliver bright emotions to both children and adults.
• Relax in nature. Although Singapore may seem like a place of purely urban landscapes, that’s far from true. The country has a zoo that’s among the best in the world, where animals live in conditions that closely resemble their natural habitats. In the Botanic Gardens you can discover plants from different corners of the world and climate zones. Enjoy the beauty of the underwater world at the aquarium, and observe around 400 species of birds at Jurong Bird Park. An exciting adventure awaits in the “Night Safari” and “River Safari” parks, where you can explore the worlds of nocturnal and river-dwelling creatures.

A weekend tour to Singapore is an optimal option if you’re vacationing in this part of the world. If you plan to vacation only in this city-state, it’s better to choose a longer package. Besides the activities listed, there are plenty of other interesting pursuits — museum visits, beach holidays, shopping, restaurant-hopping food tours, and more. 

✔️ Types of entertainment by area

Due to its small size, Singapore doesn’t have many regions. You can single out:

• Sentosa Island — a concentration of tourist luxury and diverse fun.
• The city of Singapore itself — a captivating fusion of civilization and nature, modernity and antiquity, spiced with a vivid mix of different cultures, peoples, and religions.

✔️ Climate and seasons

The island lies in the equatorial climate zone. The weather hardly changes. The average air temperature is +26 ℃ year-round. Tourist seasons depend on the monsoons. The period from November to January is not very favorable for traveling to Singapore. Spring is best for strolls and beach vacations, while summer is ideal for city entertainment. 

✔️ Currency

The national currency is the Singapore dollar. Bring euros or US dollars for exchange, since other currencies are not accepted. You can get local currency at banks and exchange offices located in shopping malls, hotels, and at some MRT stations. It’s best to look for moneychangers in the Little India area — the rates are the most favorable there.

Cards of international payment systems are accepted almost everywhere. You can even pay by card in taxis; however, a surcharge will be added to the fare.

✔️ Major holidays

Singapore’s small size doesn’t mean that people here don’t love large-scale, colorful celebrations. By visiting any event, you can better feel the spirit of the country. 

Festivals with vibrant national flavor:

• Chinese New Year with its costumed parades and lively events, and the Dragon Boat Festival — traditional races in boats decorated like fire-breathing dragons.
• Indian Pongal — a harvest festival with street festivities, and the Chettar Temple Festival with traditional dances and music.
• Hindu Thaipusam and Navaratri — religious events with traditional dances, music, and observance of rituals. 

Secular events worth attention:

• Gourmets can visit the Singapore Food Festival, the World Food Fair, Yummy Food Expo, and Michelin Guide Street festivals.
• Fans of the fashion industry should check out the Singapore Fashion Festival.
• Connoisseurs of jewelry will enjoy the Singapore Jewellery Arts Festival.
• Racing enthusiasts and thrill-seekers will be delighted by the Formula 1 competitions and the night Formula 1 race.

✔️ Healthcare

Singapore’s entry rules include having insurance. A policy not only fulfills an important entry requirement but also protects your budget in case of an insured event. You can feel confident about your finances and health, as with a policy you will definitely receive the necessary assistance.

✔️ Useful tips

In every country, beyond commonly accepted rules, there are local nuances. Keeping them in mind can make your trip much more comfortable and help you avoid unpleasant situations.

• Singapore is one of the safest places to travel. There are many police officers in the city. You can ask them to help you orient yourself and point the way to a desired attraction.
• In areas with large crowds of tourists you should still be cautious, as petty theft and fraud occasionally occur. 
• You must keep your metro ticket until you exit the system. Fares are not fixed and depend on the length of the journey.
• Tipping is not customary here and is often included in the bill. However, you can thank staff with a small amount if you wish.
• The left hand is considered “unclean,” so you should greet or shake hands only with your right hand.
• Do not touch strangers, as this may be regarded as harassment, which can lead to a fine or even imprisonment.
• When visiting temples, choose clothing that covers your legs and arms. You may enter mosques and Indian temples only after removing your shoes. In Buddhist temples, you may not photograph the Buddha.
• The country has strict rules of conduct, and violations are punishable by fines. It is forbidden to litter, to smoke in non-designated places, to cross the street in undesignated areas, to eat and drink on the go or in public places, and to ride in a car without wearing a seatbelt.