Spanning a mere 728 square kilometres, Singapore may be modest in size, but it certainly packs plenty in to the space it does have. With so much on offer for tourists, it can be hard to know what’s worth including on your itinerary. 

If you want the full Singapore experience, here are a few favourite activities and attractions that are well worth sampling while in Singapore: 

• Enjoy a meal at an authentic hawker centre – Hawker-style dining courts are popping up in trendy locations across the globe, but they originated in Singapore. To get a taste of an authentic Singaporean hawker centre, head to places like Newton Food Hall, Amoy Street Food Centre, Maxwell Food Centre or Tekka Centre. Lau Pa Sat is another popular hawker centre, and if you head there after 7pm, you’ll also be able to enjoy the vibrant Satay Street food market that sets up next to the centre each evening!  

• Sip on a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel – With it’s pretty pink hue, Singapore’s signature cocktail, the Singapore Sling, first gained popularity back in 1915 as a way to make it socially acceptable for women to drink alcohol in public. Ever since, sampling the cocktail has become a must for every visitor to Singapore, and where better to do it than in the very place the drink was invented, the Long Bar at the impressive Colonial-era Raffles Hotel. 

• Stroll through Gardens by the Bay – Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore’s most iconic and instantly recognisable landmarks. With the towering tree-like structures of Supertree Grove and other impressive micro-climate greenhouses such as the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome to explore, it’s sure to be a memorable experience. It’s also sure to be a favourite with kids!  

• Shop till you drop – In Singapore, shopping is considered more of a sport than anything else, so it only makes sense that you give it try. While Orchard Road is undeniably the home of shopping in Singapore, you’ll find various shopping experiences almost anywhere you go, from The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands to the Chinatown Street Market, VivoCity, Haji Lane, the Bugis Street Market or Raffles City Shopping Centre. 

Climate 

With its equatorial location, Singapore known for is it’s very hot and muggy tropical climate. 

While the temperature generally averages between 25 to 31 degrees celsius, it’s typically humid year-round. Heavy rainfall is an almost daily occurrence, however it usually only rains in short bursts and provides some welcome relief from the heat. Expect to encounter very heavy rain and strong winds during the monsoon seasons from December to March and June to September. 

Culture and language 

Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures and that’s reflected by the number of languages spoken there. With four official languages which include Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English, most Singaporean’s will speak more than one language.  

All hotels and hospitality providers are comfortable communicating in English and most Singaporeans will also speak some English, which makes it very easy for Australians to communicate almost anywhere they travel.  

One thing Singapore is known for is its strict rules and regulations, which are very important to abide by while visiting. Things that might only cause minor offence in Australia such as littering, spitting, chewing gum, jaywalking, photographing official buildings or smoking in public places are heavily frowned upon in Singapore, and can even attract strict penalties. Singapore also upholds very severe penalties for serious crimes (such as drug offences), including the death sentence.  

Getting around 

Public transport in Singapore is clean, efficient and affordable and will allow you to reach almost any location with its extensive MRT subway and bus networks. Most services are air conditioned and also have signs in English, making it relatively easy to navigate.  

Taxis and ride sharing services such as Grab are also very popular and easy ways to get around while in Singapore.  

Accommodation 

If you love luxury hotels, you’ll find plenty of them to choose from in Singapore. However, you can also find a range of other more affordable accommodation options such as boutique hotel, serviced apartment and budget hostel accommodation. 

Accommodation costs will surge during peak tourism seasons (such as when the Formula One Grand Prix is on), so you may want to time your trip accordingly. 

Entry requirements 

Australian’s can travel to Singapore for up to 90 days without needing to obtain a visa, however, you will need to complete a SG Arrival Card (SGAC) prior to your arrival in Singapore.  

It’s a good idea to visit the Australian government’s Smartraveller website or contact your nearest embassy or consulate of Singapore before your trip for the latest information and updates about travelling to Singapore. 

All set for your trip to Singapore? Here are some helpful tips to ensure your trip is as enjoyable as possible: 

• Check your passport is valid with at least 6 months of validity left from the date you plan to depart Singapore 

• Ensure you meet the visitor entry requirements for Singapore 

• Speak to your doctor to check if you’ll need any vaccinations. Some travellers will need to provide evidence of vaccination against yellow fever upon arrival in Singapore 

• Notify your financial institution of your plans to travel and arrange a travel currency card or another method of payment to cover expenses while you’re away 

• Contact your phone provider to ensure your phone plan will cover you while you’re away or purchase a pre-paid international sim card 

• Arrange your accommodation in advance for each location you plan to stay in 

• Consider booking any trips, tours or activities you want to do in advance, particularly if you will be visiting during peak tourism seasons when things can get very busy 

• Provide details of your travel plans to a family member or close friend not travelling with you so you can be contacted in case of an emergency 

• Save the details of how to access emergency consular assistance in case you need it 

• Organise your travel insurance with PassportCard.