Singapore
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
The official name is the Republic of Singapore. However it's nickname is the Lion City. Singapore was named Singapura in the 14th century, which means Lion City in Sanskrit. "The Garden City" is another nickname for Singapore because of its tropical flora, parks, and gardens due to the nations greening policy. A third famous nickname for Singapore is the Little Red dot. This is because the nation emerges on many maps as a red dot. Singapore only has a total land area of no more than 713.3 square kilometers, hence the red dot.
WHERE ABOUT?
Singapore lies in South East Asia, 137 km north of the equator, at the southern tip of peninsular Malaysia. Consequently, Indonesia’s Riau Islands lie to the south of Singapore.
MUST SEES IN THE CITY OF SINGAPORE:
- The marina bay, of which Marina Bay Sands complex is the focal point, has the world's highest 495-foot rooftop pool which is truly magnificent.
- Also, there is a spectacular light show, which illuminates the water as well as several icon landmarks. One of which is the Merlion statute in which a fish and lion are merged, depicting the Singapura Lion and at the same time representing the humble descent of Singapore as a fisherman's village.
- Furthermore, there is the impressive concert hall that is shaped like a durian fruit and an astonishing art science museum that looks like a split banana.
- In addition to great architecture buildings, the Gardens by the Bay are simply magnificent. It is a huge, colorful, futuristic park, with famous Supertree structures that offer an impressive skywalk over the gardens that are shaped vertically.
- Clarke Quay and Boat Quay are the go to place for some of the city’s most picturesque eating and drinking spots on the riverside. There are bars, restaurants, boutique shops and pumping nightclubs.
- Formula 1:KF1 Karting circuit at Kranji. Singapore hosts the first Formula One night race in the world. The event lasts 3 days. The Grand Prix itself takes place on a circuit that goes through the heart of the city. Therefore, the rooftop bars especially offer a stunning view on the race.
OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST:
- There are impressive theme and waterparks on the mainland and there are
- the impressive zoo and bird park as well. Do not miss the special night safari.
- Sentosa Island offers sandy beaches, beach and yacht clubs, adventure parks, golf, shopping and is therefore the perfect place for some leisure time. Conveniently, the island is reachable by bridge, either by car or mrt from mainland Singapore.
Singapore is a very clean nation due to it’s strict laws about littering and graffiti. The public transport is very well organized and both the public transport, streets and public sanitary are immaculate. Crime rates are extremely low.
Have a look here for more information on what to see and do while in Singapore.
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Langauge
The four official languages of Singapore are: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.
Airport
Singapore’s international airport, Changi Singapore Airport is one of the best in the world and the 5th biggest in Asia. It is located 17 km northeast of the city centre. Easy to reach by car, taxi and MRT. Seletar airport (often used for private jets), also located in the northeastern region of Singapore is managed by the Changi Airport.
Time Zone
GMT+8
Weather
Singapore is situated near the equator and has a typically tropical climate with abundant rainfall, high and uniform temperatures and high humidity all year round. Have a look at the current weather forecast.
Visa
A visa may be required to enter Singapore. Find out here if you need one.
Currency
The official unit of currency in Singapore is the Singaporese dollar (SGD), also referred to as "sing-dollar".