Basic information

What time zone is Singapore is?

Singapore operates on Singapore Standard Time (SST, UTC+8) and does not observe daylight saving time.

When is the best time to visit Singapore?

Singapore can be visited year-round; however, the most pleasant period is generally considered to be the dry season between February and April, when there is less rainfall and temperatures are somewhat more manageable.

The period from February to April is considered the most ideal. Although temperatures hover around 25–32 °C throughout the year, the chance of heavy downpours is lower during these months, making sightseeing more comfortable.

The rainy season from November to January is the period of the northeast monsoon, when the most rainfall occurs. The rains typically arrive as short but intense showers and usually pass quickly.

One of Singapore’s most special periods is Chinese New Year, usually celebrated in late January or early February. During this time, the Chinatown district and the entire city are adorned with festive lights, and numerous cultural programmes are held.

How many days is it worth spending in Singapore?

Singapore, as a city-state, is relatively compact but offers a wealth of attractions. For most travellers, at least 3–4 days are recommended to explore the main sights.

In 3 days, it is generally possible to fit in the Marina Bay Sands observation deck, Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, and the Chinatown and Little India districts.

With a 4–5 day stay, there is time to explore the Singapore Zoo, the Arab Street quarter, the stunning Jewel building at Changi Airport, and the less touristy parts of the island.

What is the official currency in Singapore?

The official currency of Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), which is accepted throughout the city-state.

Card payments are accepted in most places; hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, and larger shops generally accept Visa and Mastercard. However, it is advisable to keep some cash on hand at smaller street restaurants and markets. ATMs are widely available across the city.

Here is a currency converter where you can check the current exchange rate!

Do people speak English in Singapore?

Yes, English is one of the official languages of Singapore, so you can make yourself understood in English almost everywhere in the city.

Locals generally speak English fluently, so communication is usually not a problem for tourists. In addition, a local English dialect called Singlish is widely spoken, which blends Malay, Chinese, and Tamil elements. Transport signs, menus, and official notices are all available in English as well.

What type of plug/socket is used in Singapore?

Singapore uses British-type, three-pronged Type G sockets. Therefore, a travel adapter will be needed for European devices.

The mains voltage is 230 Volts, 50 Hz, which matches the European standard, so most electronic devices can be connected with just an adapter, without a voltage converter.

How does internet and SIM card usage work in Singapore?

Singapore has excellent internet connectivity, and free Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere in the city. If you need continuous mobile internet access, it is worth purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM.

Singapore is one of the best-connected countries in the world: 5G networks and free Wi-Fi are available at metro stations, the airport, many restaurants, and public areas. A local SIM card can easily be purchased at the airport or convenience stores in the city centre (e.g. 7-Eleven) with a subscriber ID. eSIM cards are also becoming increasingly popular and can be activated online before the trip.

Is tipping customary in Singapore?

Tipping is generally not expected in Singapore, and this is completely accepted. In most restaurants and hotels, a service charge is included in the final bill, so leaving a separate tip is not customary.

In larger restaurants, a 10% service charge is usually automatically added and appears on the bill. At hawker centres and smaller food stalls, tipping is almost never expected. If someone wishes to express gratitude for exceptional service, a small amount is perfectly acceptable but is by no means obligatory.

Travel and transportation

How do I get from the airport to the centre of Singapore?

Singapore’s Changi Airport is located approximately 20 kilometres east of the city centre and can be reached quickly by several modes of transport.

The cheapest option is the MRT metro (Mass Rapid Transit), whose East-West line directly connects the airport to the city centre. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.

Taxis and ride-sharing services (e.g. Grab) are also available at the airport, offering a convenient but somewhat more expensive alternative. The city can also be reached by bus, but this journey takes considerably longer.

What is the most convenient mode of transport in Singapore?

Singapore’s public transport system is one of the most advanced and reliable in the world. For tourists, the best solution is a combination of the MRT metro network, buses, and the Grab app.

The MRT metro network efficiently covers all the main attractions of the city-state. It is clean, air-conditioned, punctual, and affordable – clearly the best choice for sightseeing.

It is worth getting an EZ-Link card, which allows simple payment on both the metro and buses, and offers cheaper fares than purchasing individual tickets each time.

Accommodation and safety

Is Singapore a safe city?

Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world. Public safety is excellent, street crime is extremely low, and tourists can travel almost anywhere confidently, both day and night.

Due to strict laws and effective policing, the crime rate in Singapore is very low. It is important to know that the city-state takes many behavioural rules seriously: chewing gum in public is prohibited, littering is banned, and smoking regulations are strictly enforced. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with local regulations to avoid fines.

Which neighbourhood is best to stay in Singapore?

Among the best accommodation districts in Singapore are Marina Bay, Orchard Road, Chinatown, Clarke Quay, and the Bugis district. Each offers a different atmosphere, but all have excellent public transport connections.

Marina Bay boasts the most impressive views and is close to the main attractions. Hotels here are the most expensive but offer a premium experience.

Orchard Road is the heart of Singapore’s shopping parade, lined with luxury brands, restaurants, and well-located hotels.

Chinatown and Clarke Quay are the lively, nightlife-filled areas where a rich selection of hotels and hostels at various price ranges can be found.

Health information

Are mandatory vaccinations required to travel to Singapore?

There are generally no mandatory vaccinations required for Hungarian travellers to Singapore, unless the traveller has been in a yellow fever-endemic area within the previous 6 days.

Singapore is a city-state with a modern, well-developed healthcare infrastructure, so risks are low. However, it is recommended to update routine vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid) and to seek information about the possible risk of dengue fever, as this mosquito-borne disease can occasionally occur.

Is tap water safe to drink in Singapore?

Yes, tap water in Singapore is safe to drink and healthy. Singapore’s drinking water is among the cleanest in the world, and the authorities continuously monitor water quality.

Singapore’s water supply comes from multiple sources, including rainwater harvesting systems, water reclamation technology (NEWater), and desalination. The quality of tap water meets WHO standards, so there is no need to buy bottled water – although hotels often offer bottled water as a courtesy.

Experiences

What are the must-see attractions in Singapore?

Singapore’s most famous attractions include Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, the Merlion statue, and the Chinatown district. These places beautifully showcase the city-state’s stunning architecture, natural beauty, and diverse culture.

Marina Bay Sands has become a symbol of Singapore. The SkyPark observation terrace on top of the iconic hotel complex offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the city.

Gardens by the Bay is a futuristic botanical garden where the giant metal trees called Supertrees put on a light show in the evening. The Cloud Forest and Flower Dome greenhouses also offer breathtaking views.

Sentosa Island is the capital of entertainment: beaches, theme parks, the Universal Studios Singapore amusement park, and luxury resorts await visitors.

The Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street quarters reflect Singapore’s cultural diversity, with unique food, temples, and bazaars.

What are the most popular foods and drinks in Singapore?

Singapore is world-famous for its food culture. The best-known local dishes include Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chilli Crab, Laksa, and Char Kway Teow, while popular drinks include Teh Tarik and fresh coconut juice.

Hainanese Chicken Rice is Singapore’s national dish: a combination of slowly poached chicken, fragrant rice, and special sauces, available almost everywhere.

Chilli Crab is the pride of Singaporean cuisine: crab served in a spicy tomato-chilli sauce, accompanied by bread or steamed buns.

Laksa is a spicy coconut curry noodle soup, a masterpiece of the Malay-Chinese Peranakan cuisine.

Local hawker centres are covered food courts where dozens of different dishes are available at very affordable prices. These have received UNESCO heritage status and are an inseparable part of Singaporean life.

What are the important holidays and festivals in Singapore?

Singapore celebrates numerous holidays and festivals throughout the year, reflecting the city-state’s multicultural character. The most well-known include Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya, and Singapore National Day.

Chinese New Year (late January – early February) is one of the most colourful celebrations in the city-state. Chinatown is dressed in special decorations, with light shows, parades, and fireworks making the holiday unforgettable.

Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights, celebrated in October–November. Little India is adorned with thousands of colourful lanterns and decorations, creating a true carnival atmosphere.

Singapore National Day (9 August) is one of the biggest events, celebrated with a grand military parade, air shows, and fireworks along the Marina Bay waterfront.

A Singapore travel guide bejegyzés először Tips for journey-én jelent meg.

Singapore is a city-state bordering the southern part of Malaysia, which has rapidly developed since its independence in the 1960s. Today, it has grown into one of the most modern cities, from where many other Asian destinations are easily accessible.

Singapore attractions

Marina Bay Sands

This building, one of Singapore’s symbols, houses a hotel, shops, a casino, a museum, restaurants, and even a theater!

The Marina Bay Sands has a unique appearance: its three towers are connected at the top by a boat-shaped structure. On the 57th floor, there is an observation deck, the Sands Skypark, offering fantastic views of the city. It is especially worth visiting at sunset when the city buildings start to light up.

Next to the observation deck is the iconic pool, which is accompanied by a bar. Only guests staying at the hotel can use it.

All information can be found here!

Singapore Flyer

Located in the Marina Sands area, this giant Ferris wheel is another iconic structure of Singapore.

Opened in 2008, its 165-meter height makes it one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world. The wheel consists of 28 air-conditioned cabins, each capable of holding 28 people. Below it is a three-story shopping center.

The Formula 1 track also runs next to the Ferris wheel, with open access allowing walks in the pit lane and the pits.

Gardens by the Bay

Situated behind Marina Bay Sands, this 101-hectare garden features over 1.5 million plants in the public park.

The tree-like structures covered with plants are characteristic, providing a stunning environment when illuminated at night.

There is also a glasshouse called Cloud Forest, showcasing plants found at higher altitudes. An elevator takes you to a mountain from where a waterfall cascades down. The Flower Dome glasshouse is filled with plants from Mediterranean regions.

The newest attraction is the Flora Fantasy, where „creations” made from plants are displayed. Additionally, there is a 4D presentation included in this garden section.

All information can be found here!

Merlion Statue

This 8.5-meter high statue with a fish body and a lion’s head spouting water from its mouth is one of the city’s landmarks.

It is also the emblem of Singapore. Located along the Marina Bay waterfront, it offers a beautiful panorama of the bay.

ArtScience Museum

Next to Marina Bay Sands, this lotus-shaped museum combines science and art.

The building consists of 21 „petals”, each housing different galleries or exhibition spaces. The design of the building is not only aesthetic but also functional: the petals are shaped to allow natural light into the galleries, and rainwater is collected into a central reservoir for recycling. The building is also innovative in terms of sustainability.

Exhibition themes include digital art, technological innovations, historical artworks, and future scientific developments.

All information can be found here!

Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade

The promenade around Marina Bay features the Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion statue. It’s especially worth walking here in the evening, not just for the view.

In the evenings, you can watch a laser show in front of Marina Bay Sands, enjoying a fantastic performance!

Clarke Quay

Located by the Singapore River, this quay was the city’s commercial center in the late 19th century. Today, it boasts a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a true tourist hub.

It was named after Sir Andrew Clarke, a former governor of Singapore, who greatly contributed to the city’s development in the 19th century. In the 1980s, the area was renovated and transformed into a tourist destination.

Orchard Road

Singapore’s famous shopping street is in the centre, stretching for 3 km.

In addition to the many shopping malls, there are also cinemas and restaurants. Be sure to walk around!

Southern Ridges

A 9-km-long walkway often running at the height of the tree canopies, offering fantastic views of the city in several spots.

The route connects Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, and Kent Ridge Park, allowing visitors to get a closer look at the local flora and fauna.

The Henderson Waves bridge, Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge, is a standout attraction on the route, famous for its undulating shape.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

This beautiful temple is located in Chinatown. It is stunning both inside and out.

The walls feature various Buddha statues, and there are three gold-plated Buddha statues at the altar. There is a garden on the roof offering great views.

A piece of Buddha’s tooth is kept here in a 350-kilogram gold stupa, though tourists are not allowed to see it.

Sultan Mosque

Located in the Kampong Glam district, this is one of Singapore’s most significant and spectacular Islamic religious buildings.

Sultan Hussein Shah, the city’s first sultan, ordered the construction of the mosque in 1824. It was completely rebuilt in its current form in the late 1920s. The new mosque was designed by Denis Santry, an architect of Irish descent.

Its architectural style reflects Arab and Mughal influences, with rich decorations and impressive proportions. The building’s most distinctive features are the two large golden domes, easily recognizable from afar. The domes are unique in that their bases are made up of empty glass bottles.

Chinatown

This area is filled with numerous food stalls and vendors. It’s worth returning in the evening because the night market under the lanterns provides a really charming atmosphere for walking and shopping.

I had lunch in this area myself, and you can find a variety of foods, from chicken to oddly shaped birds.

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

This is one of the oldest and most significant Hindu temples in the city-state.

The temple is dedicated to Kali, the Hindu goddess of destruction and rebirth. Its architecture is typically South Indian, with a richly decorated facade and colorful statues depicting Hindu deities and mythological scenes.

The entrance is adorned with an impressive gopuram (gateway tower), a characteristic element of Hindu temple architecture. The interior houses the main shrine with a statue of Kali, as well as other shrines dedicated to various deities.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

The world’s only tropical garden to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden covers a vast area with nature trails to explore.

One of its most famous sections is the garden showcasing all varieties of ginger.

There’s also the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, designed to educate children about plants, their roles, and their care through interactive exhibits.

The National Orchid Garden features thousands of orchids, some named after world leaders.

All the information can be found here!

Zoo and Night Safari

There are few zoos in the world as beautifully and professionally designed as this one. Animals can be seen up close in pleasant, natural-looking environments, with few cage-like enclosures.

The night safari is an organized program where tourists are taken around in a small train of about 8-10 cars. The route is the same as during the day, but the nighttime lighting makes it exceptionally atmospheric.

All the information can be found here!

Sentosa Island – Singapore’s Entertainment Hub

This island located south of Singapore is a mix of entertainment and relaxation.

Universal Studios Singapore

Part of the Universal Parks & Resorts chain, it is Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park.

It is divided into seven thematic areas, each offering different film themes and experiences. These include Hollywood Boulevard, New York Cityscape, Lost World, and Madagascar.

There are numerous amusement park-like attractions to try. The most popular is Transformers: The Ride, a 3D simulator that brings the world of the popular Transformers movies to life. Additionally, there are roller coasters and water rides.

Adventure Cove Waterpark

This water park is unique because it not only offers exciting slides and pools but also interactive marine experiences for visitors.

One of its most popular spots is Ray Bay, a unique pool where visitors can meet and swim with rays, even petting them.

The Riptide Rocket is Asia’s first hydro-magnetic water coaster, combining the experience of traditional roller coasters with the excitement of water slides. There is also a snorkeling pool, adrenaline-pumping slides, and a large wave pool.

S.E.A. Aquarium

One of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the world, showcasing over 100,000 marine creatures representing more than 1,000 species.

The centerpiece of the aquarium is a massive tank holding millions of liters of water. This tank features open ocean marine life, including sharks, rays, and various fish. Through the enormous panoramic glass wall, visitors can see the animals up close.

Dolphin Island

Located next to the Aquarium, this park is dedicated to dolphins.

Visitors can participate in dolphin shows and swim and take photos with the gentle mammals.

Tickets and information for the above attractions can be purchased and found online here!

Madame Tussauds Museum

The museum features lifelike wax figures of famous personalities, historical figures, movie stars, athletes, and musicians.

You can take photos next to life-sized statues of celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Angelina Jolie, and the Singaporean star Phua Chu Kang.

Tickets and information are available online here!

Mega Adventure

An adventure park offering various entertainment options for visitors.

Its most popular attraction is the MegaZip, a 450-meter-long zipline starting from the top of Imbiah Hill and ending at Siloso Beach, allowing participants to speed down at up to 60 km/h.

Additionally, there are rope courses, climbing walls, free fall simulators, and trampolines.

All the information can be found here!

Beaches

There are three main beach areas on the southern coast: Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong.

All three are charming beaches with imported sand.

Southernmost Point of Continental Asia

From Palawan Beach, you can cross a suspension bridge to Palawan Island, which claims to be the southernmost point of continental Asia.

There is a small lookout tower offering stunning views of the sea and the island.

Getting to the Island

There are several ways to get here. The simplest way is on foot or by bus. There are also two additional options:

• A monorail (Sentosa Express) runs across the bridge to the southern coast of the island, ending at Beach Station. There are two intermediate stops as well. A separate ticket is required.
• The most scenic option is taking a cable car (Mount Faber Line) to the island.

More information about getting there (including cable car and monorail prices) can be found here!

Within the island, there is also the option of taking a cable car. On the southern coast, a beach tram operates, which is free to use. Information about transportation within the island is available here.

Singapore travel guide

A Singapore attractions bejegyzés először Tips for journey-én jelent meg.