Singapore is a former British colony which has developed into one of Southeast Asia's most prosperous places. This compact 'Garden City' is sometimes described as Southeast Asia's answer to Switzerland because of its multicultural population, strong economy, and squeaky clean streets. Over 27 flights travel the 1,829 km between Bangkok and Singapore every day, a trip of less than two and a half hours.
Don’t MissTropical Singapore's average temperature is a hot and humid 31°C throughout the year. Singapore is usually drier between July and August than during its two monsoon seasons. November and December are the rainiest months of Singapore's northeast monsoon season. Singapore's busiest tourism season begins during the November Indian Divali festival and lasts until Chinese New Year in January or February.
More than 50 per cent of this Garden City's landscape consists of four nature reserves and over 300 parks. Southeast Asia's first Universal Studios complex is situated in one of Singapore's most popular weekend getaways, Sentosa Island, a family-friendly island that also includes a Madame Tussaud's wax museum. The Gardens by the Bay domed conservatories and the modern Marina Bay Sands Casino are among the sights Singapore Flyer Ferris wheel riders can see while soaring 165 m above the ground.
Restaurants and BarsHawker centres and kopitiams (coffee shops) are located in virtually every Singapore neighbourhood and are the cheapest places to sample chilli crab, chicken rice, and other Singapore staples. Singapore dining experience is high tea served at hotels with scones, dim sum, and Singaporean dishes, while Little India and Chinatown are the easiest places to find good quality Indian and Chinese food. Riverside, Orchard Road, and Chinatown offer the liveliest nightlife in sedate Singapore.
ActivitiesThe Treetop Walk is the highest of the hiking trails surrounding the MacRitchie Reservoir, while another hiking trail here leads to Singapore's highest point, Bukit Timah. Punggol is a northeast Singapore area where people can cycle or use fishing rods to catch prawns. Most Singapore beaches are situated on Sentosa Island. Jurong's Snow City is the only place where people can experience winter sports in Singapore and is also home to the world’s largest bird park, which boasts over 400 separate species and about 8,000 birds in a lush tropical setting.
ShoppingIt costs more to shop in Singapore than anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Far East Plaza and Lucky Plaza are among the most affordable of Orchard Road's numerous shopping centres, while other popular shopping areas include Bugis, Kampong Glam, and the 350 Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Little India and Chinatown's converted shop houses are the best places to buy jewellery, silk, and other authentic handicrafts.