Singapore is a multiracial and multicultural city in Asia. Known as Asia’s “garden city”, Singapore is where east meets west, a cosmopolitan melting pot of languages, races, cultures, cuisines and lifestyles. With its political and social stability and low crime rate, it is a safe country with zero tolerance to drugs.
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Climate
Singapore has a tropical climate so the island is warm and humid throughout the year. The average temperature is around 31°C and does not usually fall below 23°C.
Rain falls throughout the year but it is more consistent during the monsoon season (November to January). The showers are usually sudden and heavy – but also brief and refreshing, as they provide respite from the sun.
Language
The official languages are Mandarin, English, Malay and Tamil. Most Singaporeans are bilingual and speak English, which is used as the main language of communication. Singaporeans also speak a local brand of English called Singlish, which is a hybrid of mainly English, Malay and Chinese dialects.
Currency
The Singapore Dollar is the official currency of Singapore. The Singapore dollar comes in coins of 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, and 1 dollar. Banknotes are available for the value of SGD 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 1,000, and even SGD 10,000.The largest denomination of the Singapore dollars is SGD 10,000. You can easily exchange your foreign currency for Singapore dollars at banks or moneychangers.
Transportation
Singapore has an excellent public transportation system that makes getting around a breeze. The three main modes of public transport are the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), buses and taxis.
MRT subway system is the easiest, fastest and most comfortable way to get around Singapore within minutes. The maps are comprehensive and the maps in and around the MRT stations are in English. The trains starts operating at 05:30 to 0000 daily.
Public buses serve almost every part of Singapore, making it the most extensive form of public transportation. Most buses in Singapore have air-conditioning – a welcome comfort in a tropical city. Most buses are also wheelchair friendly.
Taxis are also available throughout Singapore and are metered. The fare for a ride is manageable but are subject to different surcharges such as peak hours and ERP (Electronic Road Pricing).
Housing
Housing in Singapore is readily available with a vast selection to meet your choice of location, budget, facilities, nearby amenities and other personal preferences.
Foreigners have the choice of renting public HDB (Housing and Development Board) apartments or private housing (landed property or condominiums).
HDB flats, where 90% of Singaporeans live, do not come with the luxury amenities like swimming pools or gym and are a less expensive option. They typically offer very reasonable rental rates, from SGD 400 a month for a room upwards to about SGD 3,000 for an executive apartment.
Most of the condominiums have amenities such as pools, playgrounds, gyms and function rooms included on site. Landed homes include terraced house, semi-detached house, detached house, and bungalows. Approximate rental cost for condominiums to landed homes are from $2500 onwards.
Food
One of the most unique features of living in Singapore is the rich variety of cuisines that makes up the local food culture. From hawker centre and food courts to cafes and fine dining in restaurants, there is never a shortage of places to dine in Singapore.
Hawker centres can be found across the island and offer all kinds of food and snacks at very reasonable prices. Food Courts are usually found in shopping malls and are air-conditioned and thus more expensive. The choice of food is also more cosmopolitan, with some food courts even offering Italian, Korean, Japanese and Greek cuisine all in the same place. Cafes serve Western food like sandwiches, pizzas and pasta whilst restaurants are usually more costly.
Education
One of the most unique features of living in Singapore is the rich variety of cuisines that makes up the local food culture. From hawker centre and food courts to cafes and fine dining in restaurants, there is never a shortage of places to dine in Singapore.
Hawker centres can be found across the island and offer all kinds of food and snacks at very reasonable prices. Food Courts are usually found in shopping malls and are air-conditioned and thus more expensive. The choice of food is also more cosmopolitan, with some food courts even offering Italian, Korean, Japanese and Greek cuisine all in the same place. Cafes serve Western food like sandwiches, pizzas and pasta whilst restaurants are usually more costly.
Shopping
Orchard Road, home to some of the flashiest malls and stores is the main shopping belt in Singapore and is flanked by pedestrian malls, upmarket restaurants, coffee chains, nightclubs and hotels. The choice of shops is enormous and you can find every style of Eastern and Western fashion, homeware, jewellery and accessories. Most shops are open until 10 pm.
Grocery shopping in Singapore is rather convenient with a variety of local markets, convenience stores and upscale supermarkets as well.
Attractions
Living up to its fame as a “Garden City”, you can enjoy the wondrous allures of nature in the likes of Botanical Gardens, Gardens by the Bay, Fort Canning Park, Hort park and Labrador Park. You can also explore the historical traditional Singapore like Chinatown, Little India, Arab Street and Geylang Serai Malay Village, visit the world-renowned Singapore Zoo, which is set in an “open-concept” rainforest environment and Night Safari, the world’s first wildlife park for nocturnal animals. For a full day of fun away from the main island, you can make a day trip out to Sentosa, an idyllic resort island with pristine beaches, world-class attractions such as Universal Studios, top facilities for sea sports, golf and retreats.
Festivals and Events
Whether it is festive celebrations, cultural celebrations, exhibitions or musical concerts, the city has it all.
Chinese Festivals are the most-valued here with Chinese being the largest ethnic group in. While their traditional culture has since been blended with other local ethnicities and Western influences, the festival of Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival are still celebrated with much gusto.
Indian festivals here are colourful, upbeat affairs. Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights, is the main Indian festival, while Thaipusam, where devotees pierce themselves in an act of cleansing, is a fascinating spectacle.
The majority of Malays are Muslims, and the key festivals of Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji see this close-knit community come together in a colourful celebration of their culture and religion. Bustling local bazaars can be found islandwide.
Other festivals such as New Year’s Day, with a glorious display of fireworks visible from many parts of Singapore and all-night celebrations taking place across the island and throngs of revellers participating in the countdown, Christmas Day where streets are decked out in sparkling silver or gold and decorated with every symbol of Yuletide and National Day where the island goes into overdrive as entire neighbourhoods are bedecked in eye-catching red and white.
There are also many international festivals such as Fashion Festival in March, World Gourmet Summit in April, Singapore Arts Festival in June and Food Festival in July.