Overview of Singapore

Much of Singapore’s fascination ultimately comes from its multicultural population, a mixture of Chinese, Malay and Indian, which can make a short walk across town feel somewhat disjointed. Instead of blending together to become one fluid personality, it can often feel like you’re travelling from one country to another in a span of minutes. As Singapore developed and grew from its colonial roots, full of Eastern exoticism and chaos, it transformed into a pristine, controlled shrine to modernism and shopping. As a result, the country earned an unfortunate reputation of being dull, sterile and somewhat soulless. These days, that reputation can be tossed out the door as the country has let loose a little and relaxed from the uniform ways of life from a few decades ago. There is now a solid balance between Western-influenced ideas and modernity and the cultures and traditions of years past.

Best Experiences in Singapore

Walking the City Streets

If you are in Singapore City, then put on your most comfortable shoes and start exploring the narrow lanes and alleys of Singapore’s neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Some of the best insights to the country are only seen on a personal level as you walk through the towns, so don’t forget your camera and keep your eyes peeled for the little details that make this country unique, like old-timers playing checkers in the park, handmade flower garlands in local markets or small art galleries full of counterculture artwork.

Getting a Little Retail Therapy

Head to Orchard Road for a solid dose of retail therapy. Here, the scenery has changed from a quaint little road lined with bamboo and nutmeg trees into a truly materialistic spot. There are huge shopping malls and busy bars and restaurants and high-quality hotels all throughout the area. While designer names shine from storefronts all over, there are plenty of places to window shop or buy a little something for yourself without spending a fortune.

Witnessing Ceremonial Gore at Thaipusam Festival

Hindus in this area celebrate Thaipusam every January into February and this festival expresses gratitude to Lord Subramanian for granting their wishes in the previous year and how they show this appreciation isn’t for the easily queasy. A parade of people come together to walk through the streets of Little India to the Sri Thandayuthapani Temple. They carry their intricate displays of gratitude, by supporting the racks on their bodies, anchored by skewers and hooks that pierce the skin. This painful-looking parade and ceremony is an important part of the festival and tourists are welcome to come and respectfully observe the festivals and celebrations.

Seasonality

You can’t get any simpler with a climate than in Singapore: it is always hot and humid. The island experiences two different monsoons—one comes from the southwest from May through September and the second comes from the northeast from November through March. December and January tend to measure the most rainfall, though it can be rainy any time of the year. If you are travelling in April or October, be aware that it can get stiflingly hot, without rain or a breeze to cool you off. Preparing for the weather in this region is about as easy as guessing the weather itself. If you bring plenty of sunscreen and an umbrella, you’ll be set for any day in Singapore.

Travel Tips

• Singapore is a very safe country to travel through and it has very low crime rates. This is unsurprising when you see how harsh the penalties are for committing crimes. Smoking in public places, jaywalking and littering can all set you back some S$50-500.
• Visitors to Singapore must have a valid passport or internationally recognized travel document to gain entry into Singapore.
• When you travel from Australia, you will automatically receive a 30-day tourist visa when you arrive by air. If you come into this country by land or sea, you’ll be issued a 14-day visa instead.

Many countries in Asia are a dizzying combination of different cultures that have evolved and grown into a distinct place and personality as a result of traditional, colonial and modern influences. Singapore is no different and completely different all at the same time. There is more than enough here to captivate any visitor and as you experience the culture and day-to-day life for yourself, you may just fall in love with the country and its people. This holiday will be more than you bargained for (in a good way), so pack your bags, buy a travel insurance policy and dive into the wholesome and welcoming and exciting adventures waiting for you in Singapore.