Singapore

Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia, a former British colony that has become one of the world's most prosperous countries. It offers legendary food at hawker centres, a mix of Asian cultures, good shopping, vibrant nightlife, and a tropical climate.

Singapore has a tropical climate with little seasonal variation. Rain falls almost daily, with the heaviest rainfall during the northeast monsoon (November to January). Between May and October, forest fires in Sumatra can cause haze. Temperatures average 31°C daytime and 24.5°C at night from December to January, and 32.5°C/25.5°C the rest of the year.

English is the most common language, though the local patois 'Singlish' includes slang from Chinese dialects, Malay, and Tamil. Other official languages are Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Most younger Singaporeans can speak standard English when needed.

Singapore's public transport network is easy to use, affordable, and extensive. The MRT and buses cover most areas. Taxis and rideshares are reasonably priced and can be hailed via apps. CityMapper, Google Maps, and Apple Maps can plan routes and estimate fares.

Sights include beaches on Sentosa, cultural districts like Chinatown, Little India, and Geylang Serai, museums in the colonial core, nature at Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Botanic Gardens, Gardens by the Bay, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and Pulau Ubin for a rural glimpse.

Activities include visiting the zoo, night safari, bird park, and botanic gardens. For watersports, many head to nearby islands like Pulau Tioman or Bintan. Cooking classes are available. The nightlife scene is vibrant, especially along the quays and at clubs like Zouk.

Singapore is a food paradise with cuisines from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and more. Hawker centres and coffee shops offer affordable meals. Must-try dishes include chilli crab, kaya toast, and laksa. The legal drinking age is 18, and nightlife is concentrated along Boat, Clarke, and Robertson Quays.

Accommodation in Singapore is expensive by regional standards. Lower-end hotels and hostels are available year-round. The Riverside area is a good base. Hotels often advertise rates excluding GST and service charge, adding 19%. Budget chains include Hotel 81 and Fragrance Hotel.

Singapore has well-regarded universities like NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, and SUSS, as well as international campuses of business schools. There are also cooking academies like at-Sunrice offering public classes.

Singapore has a vibrant economy with many opportunities for skilled workers. Work permits and employment passes are required, with minimum salary thresholds. The Working Holiday Programme allows recent graduates to stay up to 6 months. Permanent residency is possible after some years.

Singapore is one of the safest major cities. Low crime, but pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Bans include littering, smoking in non-smoking areas, non-medical chewing gum, and feeding wildlife. Penalties are strict.

Tap water is safe to drink. Dengue fever and Zika virus are present, so mosquito repellent is advisable, especially in nature reserves. Heat and humidity can be exhausting; stay hydrated and take breaks in air conditioning.

Singaporeans are socially conservative; public displays of affection beyond holding hands are frowned upon. Dress conservatively at places of worship. Remove shoes before entering temples. Use your right hand for eating Malay and Indian food. Avoid pointing at deities in Chinese temples.

Singapore is a great base for Southeast Asia. Popular day or weekend trips include Batam, Bintan, Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, and Pulau Tioman. Further destinations like Bangkok, Bali, and Phuket are short flights away.