Singapore - Crown Jewel Of South East Asia!
If you are thinking about wanting to visit Asia specifically Southeast Asia then Singapore will always be in contention and for good reasons.
Singapore’s location is very strategic in Southeast Asia and often travelers uses Singapore as a transit point. We can say with conviction that Singapore is one of the best place as a transit point whether you’re going to Indonesia, Australia or any other countries in the region. We will try to cover as much as we can in this blog and hopefully it can be helpful to you and others.
Singapore are famous for a lot of things but the top 3 things that we always hear from people, Singapore are:
Very strict, clean and safe country
Awesome cuisine such as hawkers and Michelin starred restaurants
Singapore airlines that is always ranked top in the world consistently
To start below are some general information that is good to know and will help you get a pleasant vacation time in Singapore whether you’re going solo, with friends or families.
Language
A few of our friends or co-workers or acquaintances from time to time asked us which country in Southeast Asia that they can go visit and travel around the country without having any issues while not knowing any other language beside English, if this sounds like you then it’s a very quick answer and that is SINGAPORE!
Quite a few people in the United States do not know that English is one of the four official languages that are commonly used day to day in Singapore and some that we spoke with were surprised about that fact.
Singapore is culturally rich as Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and religions with the four official languages as a testament. Aside from English they also speak Malay, Tamil and Mandarin. Most of their citizens speaks 2 languages or more so you will not any issues with just speaking English there
Laws
Singapore is a very strict country and they do not play around, the punishment can be from a simple fine to a death penalty so if you do plan to visit Singapore then make sure you do not break any.
If you get scared to visit by the sound of this, don’t be! Most of these are common sense and the same goes with other countries but here are some that you may not know that is OK to do in United States or your country but not in Singapore.
Here are the some of them:
Chewing Gum - Chewing gum is a big no no in Singapore. Whether you’re chewing it or bringing it to the country, it is banned there so if your next stop is Singapore make sure not to bring any.
Jaywalking - Jaywalking is also an offense in Singapore
Littering - Littering is a serious offense in Singapore so please make sure not to throw your trash on the street or any where but the trash bin
Public Display of Affection - You should avoid doing this in public in Singapore, you can hold hands but no more than that. If you want to do more then please wait until you’re back in your hotel room or apartment just not in public.
Public Singing - Sometimes you get excited and it makes you want to sing, just don’t do it in public especially singing songs that has vulgar or offensive lyrics.
Smoking - Smoking is banned in public places in Singapore but they do have a few designated areas where you can smoke so please do not smoke at any other place.
Queues - Please get in line properly and orderly, do not cut other people’s line as this is very rude thing to do.
Transportation
Singapore has one of the best public transportation in the world, whether you go by bus or MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) which is their subway system.
Singapore's MRT Map
The MRT will pretty much can take you anywhere you want to go, they are very punctual and also very clean. They are also very easy to navigate and if you're having issues or have questions the staff at the station are always very helpful. We will post a more detailed information on how to use the MRT that will definitely help you in the near future, so make sure to check back from time to time.
Inside Singapore's MRT
Taxi is also available and normally it is decently priced but do note that most of the cars are very compact in size unless you got the SUV ones. If you do take a taxi then you will notice that the road are very smooth and well maintained so big kudos to their transportation department. 😎
Currency
Singapore’s currency is Singapore Dollar, if you’re bringing USD (United States Dollar) make sure to bring the ones that is the latest print release design and crisps as well. $100 bill is a much preferred note when exchanging in Singapore, you can exchange smaller notes but it will be at a lower rate than $100 bill. Some exchanges will not accept $100 bill unless it is with the latest print design and the ones that do accept will accept it at a lower rate. Any bills that is not crisp also may not be accepted and just like the others if it does it will be at a lower rate
This is why we love to use our Wise card which we will give a more detail information in another blog
Weather
Singapore’s is located near the equator and has a tropical weather throughout the year, they also have plenty of rainfall and very humid as well. Make sure to bring clothing that are suitable for this kind of weather otherwise you’re going to sweat like crazy.
There are so much more to tell about Singapore and we’re very excited to be able to share this with you, however it is not possible to do so in just one writing. We will continue the next part in our next blog about Singapore and we hope that you find our blog useful.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blogs!