Asia// admin

Singapore

Singapore is called the city of parks and skyscrapers. The majority of tourists come here for a few days from Thailand or as part of a tour of Southeast Asian countries. However, green and well-kept Singapore is worth staying here.

The city is interesting to visit with the whole family: walk through Japanese-Chinese parks, visit the oceanarium, watch the light show, ride the huge Ferris wheel. A visit to the zoo and a trip to the “amusement island” Sentosa, where a visit to the amusement park can be combined with a beach holiday, make an indelible impression on children and adults.

The main thing about the country

  • The minimum daily budget for a stay in Singapore in January 2022 was USD 45 (about SGD 61), which is enough for an overnight stay in a well-located hostel, public transport, and meals in inexpensive cafes. The cost of flights and medical insurance is not included.
  • The time difference with Moscow is +5 hours.
  • The Republic of Singapore is a city-state, a former British colony. Situated on islands separated from Malacca by the Strait of Johor. It has common borders with the Sultanate of Johor (Malaysia) and the Riau Islands (Indonesia).
  • Four languages ​​are spoken in the city: Chinese, Malay, Tamil and English, which unites the multinational population of Singapore. Many residents speak the so-called Singlish – a Creole variation of English, but the educated part of the population speaks the correct speech.
  • The state is multi-confessional, more than 30% of the population profess Buddhism. The second largest group is Christians, and Muslims are in third place. All religions coexist peacefully with each other, and there are no radical movements.
  • Singapore is a multinational country. In addition to the indigenous Malay population, there are people from China, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The principle of harmony prevails in the country, thanks to which the government has managed to completely eradicate interethnic conflicts.
  • There are many prohibitions and restrictions in the country. In Singapore, it is forbidden to smoke and litter on the streets, feed animals and birds, eat in transport, and demonstrate nudity. Violators of laws will face severe punishment: high fines and even imprisonment.
  • The country has an equatorial climate, characterized by minimal temperature fluctuations, weak winds, and high humidity. It is summer all year round, and the thermometer usually shows from +25 to +31 °C. Extreme heat in Singapore is rare, the temperature minimum of +19 °C was observed in 1925.
  • The city is built on islands, the largest of which is called Singapore. The highest point of the country is Bukit Timah Hill, where there is a reserve with exotic ferns and giant trees. Small areas of tropical forests are concentrated on the islands in the northern part of the country. The rest of the area is covered by urban development.
  • Singaporeans are reserved, calm and friendly towards tourists. It is impossible to get lost here – they will show you the way, explain how to use the metro, help you pay for your ride. At the same time, tourists are expected to strictly follow the laws, so carefully study the rules of conduct before your trip.

Visa and entry

Visas are issued by the Singapore Immigration Service. Since 2009, the country’s embassy deals only with service and diplomatic visas; tourists apply for the service to an authorized visa agent. The visa is issued electronically for a period of 5 weeks to 2 years and gives the right to multiple entries into the country. Continuous stay is limited to 30 days. 

When entering Singapore, you must present your passport, visa and  immigration card .

If during transit the traveler does not need to leave the airport’s clean zone (to collect baggage, check in for a connecting flight), then a visa is not required. It is recommended to check with the airline in advance whether it will be necessary to leave the transit zone.

For Russian citizens, a visa-free transit regime (VFTF) applies when transiting to a third country or back for up to 96 hours by plane. This regime is suitable for travelers who need to collect baggage or check in for a flight. You can also go out into the city. With this type of transit, you must have printed copies of electronic air tickets to a third country and a completed  immigration card . Important: some airlines refuse to board passengers on a plane to Singapore even if all the conditions for visa-free transit are met.

Visa-free entry is permitted for tourists transiting to another country. For example, if you are traveling to Bali, you can stop in Singapore for no more than 96 hours. To enter, you must register your trip and print out your electronic air tickets. Travel by bus or ferry does not fall under the transit rules.

Customs

Chewing tobacco, hookah smoking mixtures and electronic cigarettes are strictly prohibited from being imported. In addition, it is strictly forbidden to import chewing gum (except for medical), imitation pistol lighters, fireworks, pornography and materials made in violation of copyright. Violation of the requirements is a criminal offense.

When to go

The high season in Singapore lasts from February to October, although the country is suitable for travel throughout the year. Late autumn and winter are warm, but rainy and stuffy, which can be uncomfortable. The best time to visit is spring. During this period, clear weather sets in, and the water warms up to +27 °C. In June, the heat intensifies and the sun becomes active, so at this time you need to be careful with tanning.

Singaporeans prefer simple and comfortable clothes, not too revealing. Bring your usual summer wardrobe and shoes suitable for long walks. Warm clothes and capes will come in handy for cool nights and visiting shopping malls with air conditioning. In premium restaurants, casinos and nightclubs, the dress code is smart casual, that is, simple elegant clothes without a hint of the beach or sports. If you are afraid of rain, take an umbrella. Short showers and thunderstorms are possible in Singapore even in summer.

Holidays and non-working days:

  • January 1 – New Year;
  • 2 days in January or February – Chinese New Year;
  • May 1 – Labor Day;
  • August 9 – Singapore National Day;
  • December 25 – Christmas;
  • April – Easter;
  • April-May – Buddhist holiday Vesak;
  • Hari Raya Puasa (end of Ramadan);
  • Hari Raya Haji (end of Hajj to Mecca);
  • October-November – Deepavali (Diwali), the Hindu Festival of Lights.

Currency

The country’s currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD). There are paper and plastic banknotes in circulation in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 1000 and 10,000 SGD, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 SGD. You will not have any problems with the exchange: points operate at the airport and shopping centers, you can find them by the sign Licensed money changer. Dollars and euros are exchanged at the market rate. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere. Cash is useful for buying goods at markets and tents, paying for taxi fares. There are terminals in cars, but a commission of 10-15% of the cost of the trip is charged for payment.

Prices

Singapore is considered an expensive country for tourism. The average price for a comfortable 3* hotel is about 90 USD per night. A ride on the metro will cost from 1 to 3 SGD, lunch at the food court – 7 SGD per person. A visit to a mid-range restaurant will cost $55-70 SGD for two. It is more profitable to buy products in chain supermarkets, in small shops prices are usually twice as high.

Entrance tickets to attractions are easier and more affordable to buy online. Price range: Marina Bay observation deck visit — 23 SGD, Singapore Flyer Ferris wheel — 33 SGD, river safari — 31 SGD.

All prices are valid as of January 2022.

Beaches

Changi is a sparsely populated brown sand beach in Changi Park. The coastline is 3.3 km long. People rarely swim here, but rather ride watercraft and have barbecues, for which there is a separate area. Tall coconut palms grow along the perimeter of the beach, and awnings are installed to protect against sudden rain.

East Coast Park is a favorite place for tourists and locals to relax. The sandy beach is located on the park’s territory. On the coast you can swim, play beach volleyball, go windsurfing, there is a water skiing attraction on the lake. Camping sites are organized.

Resorts

Sentosa Island is the main resort of Singapore. On the territory of Resort World Sentosa there are fashionable hotels, a spa center, a casino, an amusement park of the Universal film company and an oceanarium. Tourists can use several equipped beaches, where you can find a children’s town, sports grounds, water transport rental points, cafes and restaurants.

Sentosa is a great place for a family holiday. It is home to the largest amusement park in Southeast Asia, Universal Studios Singapore, divided into themed zones with rides and daily shows. Children and adults can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of famous Hollywood films and cartoons: The Lost World, Transformers, Shrek, Madagascar and others.

Attractions

The Merlion statue, the symbol of Singapore, a mythical creature with the body of a fish and the head of a lion. The concrete sculpture is located opposite the Fullerton Hotel and is a majestic sight against the backdrop of futuristic skyscrapers.

The Mandai Zoo is located on the shore of a reservoir and occupies 28 hectares of territory planted with exotic trees. The park was created according to a modern concept – animals live here in natural conditions in open enclosures. They are separated from the spectators by strong glass partitions. Various shows are held here, in which monkeys, elephants, seals and dolphins participate.

Gardens by the Bay is a must-see attraction in the country. Here you can admire blooming orchids, look at giant trees, and attend light shows. Visitors to the Cloud Forest will get an idea of ​​the climate of the mountainous tropical regions, and at the same time see the city from a height of 42 meters.

Jurong Bird Park was built as a place to relax in close contact with nature. It provides natural habitats for many species of birds, from Antarctic penguins and ostriches to toucans and hummingbirds. Visitors have the complete illusion that the birds are living in freedom and flying right above the heads of tourists.

The Singapore Ferris Wheel rises 165 m above the city and is the second largest in the world after the one in Las Vegas. Visitors can enjoy views of the city and its surroundings covering an area of ​​more than 45 km. A full rotation takes about 28 minutes.

Entertainment

Singapore is interesting to visit during the celebration of the Eastern New Year, when the extravaganza of entertainment continues for two weeks. During this period, the city hosts the traditional Chingay Parade, which spectators can watch from the stands, and light installations and festive performances with fireworks are held in the Marina Bay. The festivities end with the Lantern Festival.

In January and February, the Indian festival of Thaipusam is celebrated to honor the god Muruga, and in the spring, Singaporeans celebrate Visakh, the birthday, epiphany, and death of Buddha. Of special note is the Boat Festival, which attracts visitors from all over the world to watch dragon-headed boat races.

However, even outside of the holidays, Singapore offers plenty of entertainment. There is a laser show every day, and tourists can walk along the path with figures of mythical creatures that suddenly spew water at the Merlion statue. Gambling enthusiasts travel to the country to visit the numerous casinos, which are considered to be among the most profitable in the world.

Kitchen

Singapore’s culinary traditions are determined by its multinationality. Since most of the population is from China, Chinese cuisine rules the roost, having been transformed to suit local tastes. Many dishes are prepared on the basis of fried chow-men noodles, fresh fish and seafood.

The city is home to popular “medicinal” Chinese cafes, where visitors are offered ginseng root soup with bitter tangerine peel, which increases energy and stimulates appetite. All types of Chinese cuisine are represented in Singapore, including Cantonese, Sichuan and Beijing.

Malay cuisine here is more authentic than in its homeland of Malaysia. We recommend trying rendang, a spicy meat dish served with rice and lots of spices: cinnamon, curry, cardamom and sambal paste. People love satays, miniature skewers of lamb, beef or chicken. Of the traditional desserts, the most famous is penang chendol, made from rice flour, ice, coconut milk and palm sugar.

Indian cuisine in Singapore is close to the original, although it has a certain flavor, but the local seafood is definitely worth trying. In small restaurants on the coast, you can try the freshest sea cucumbers, giant shrimp, crabs and langoustes combined with a variety of East Asian spices. Locals prefer to have a snack in hawker centers, where the dishes are distinguished by excellent taste and low prices.

The most famous alcoholic cocktail is the Singapore Sling, made with liqueur, burnt sugar and grape juice.

Souvenirs

The top ten most popular Singapore souvenirs include:

  • Kaya jam, which tastes vaguely like coconut oil and is used as an additive to toast, waffles and cookies;
  • Durian confectionery: chips, chocolates with filling, marmalade;
  • cookies and chocolates in the shape of Merlion figures, the symbol of Singapore;
  • Chili Crab Paste;
  • bakkwa – dried meat in thin slices;
  • Singapore Sling in cans;
  • East Asian seasonings and spices;
  • Matcha tea and latte;
  • purple gold jewelry;
  • silk scarves with wax painting.

In addition to the usual souvenirs, in Singapore it is profitable to buy new products from Apple, Lenovo and Acer, which appear here earlier than in Russia. The prices for equipment are lower, and in stores you can apply for Tax Free and save additionally on your purchase.

Transport

Singapore has excellent public transportation. The most convenient and fastest way to travel is the subway. Inside you will find a detailed map of the stations, and buying and checking tickets is automated. Buses run regularly and on schedule. The most convenient way to use the EazyLink travel card is the same for both the bus and the subway.

The cost of a taxi ride depends on the distance, payment is collected by the meter. Boarding and the first kilometer of the journey costs from 2.5 to 3.5 SGD, then every 440 m will cost 20 Singaporean cents. At night and during rush hours, the price increases.

Safety

Global Finance magazine ranked Singapore as the fourth safest country in the world in 2021. Strict criminal laws and the complete eradication of corruption have led to a record low crime rate in the country. Even pickpocketing is rare here, but you should not completely relax and keep your wallet in plain sight.

Medicine

Singapore is one of the centers of “medical tourism”. People come to the country to treat spinal diseases, oncology, cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Medical care in the country is paid, in a commercial clinic the cost of staying in the ward is added to the price of treatment, so the final bill can be very impressive. In public hospitals, the price of services is known in advance. When visiting Singapore, it is strongly recommended to purchase an insurance policy.

Emergency care is provided by state hospitals, the ambulance number is 995. A private ambulance can be called by dialing 1777. Medicines in pharmacies are sold only with a doctor’s prescription, so tourists should take a minimum set of drugs with them: antipyretics and painkillers, tablets for upset stomach, etc.

Traditions

Singapore is one of the cleanest and quietest cities in the world. The government has achieved this by enforcing strict law and order requirements. Fines for minor offenses are very high. Smoking in unauthorized places can result in a fine of up to 1,000 SGD, and eating a pie or drinking a cola in the subway – 500 SGD. Crossing the road in an unauthorized place, throwing away a cigarette butt, candy wrapper or chewing gum will cost you just as much. Singaporeans respect the laws of their country and expect the same from tourists.

Internet

Free Wi-Fi in Singapore is available in the metro, museums and amusement parks, as well as in cafes and restaurants. Local SIM cards are sold at the airport, communication shops and even at currency exchange offices. The standard package of M1, Singtel and Starhub operators includes 100 GB of traffic. The quality of communication is the same for all, prices start from 12 SGD. If necessary, you can rent a Wi-Fi router at the airport for 36 USD per month.

Interesting facts

  • The mains voltage is 220 V. The sockets are designed for British plugs with three flat pins.
  • Tax Free for domestic purchases over SGD 100 can be obtained at Changi Airport. To apply, you must present the packaged goods and a document issued in the store.
  • The working hours of the institutions are from 8.00 to 17.30. Some companies are open on Saturday until 12.30. Sunday is a day off.
  • There is a separate metro line to the airport, as well as buses and minibuses.

Local laws

Foreigners in Singapore must maintain public order, obey laws, rules and visa regulations. Otherwise, they may be fined, deported and denied re-entry. There are some unusual restrictions in Singapore that you should know about before traveling. The following are prohibited in Singapore:

  • chewing gum, as well as bringing it into the territory;
  • feed the birds;
  • littering (including throwing away candy wrappers);
  • spitting in a public place;
  • use someone else’s Wi-Fi, even if the network has no password;
  • crossing the road in the wrong place;
  • available in public transport.