The history of Singapore dates back hundreds of years. The island was originally a small settlement called Tumasek, which means "sea city" in Malay, but in the 14th century, the settlement developed into an important trading center and became known as Singapore, which means "lion city" in Sanskrit.
This name is associated with a legend according to which the founder of Singapore, Prince Sanja Phangan, saw a lion with a fish tail on the island. The tail disappeared from the name, but the lion "singa" remained. "Pura" means "city".
In the 19th century, Singapore became a British colony and was a key trading port between East and West. After World War II, Singapore became part of Malaysia, but two years later it seceded and declared independence. Today, Singapore is one of the most developed city-states in the world, with a high level of prosperity and modern infrastructure. Thanks to its innovations, Singapore occupies a leading position among the tourist places in the world. We will tell you about the most interesting places in this city-state!
Jewel Changi
Singapore begins to surprise from the airport. Upon arrival in the country, you almost immediately find yourself in Jewel Changi, an innovative shopping and entertainment complex located inside Changi Airport. Opened in 2019, this complex immediately became one of the most popular attractions in Singapore.
Jewel Changi offers visitors a huge selection of shops, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, many entertainment areas: here you can buy everything you need for a trip, enjoy a variety of cuisine from different parts of the world. One of the most impressive elements of Jewel Changi is the 40-meter-high Rain Vortex Waterfall, which is illuminated at night with colorful lights – it is one of the world's tallest indoor waterfalls. And on the five floors of the Forest Valley complex, thousands of trees and shrubs grow.
National Gallery
It is the largest gallery in Southeast Asia. It is located in the old building of the Supreme Court of Singapore, which has been restored and transformed into a modern art center. Here you can see a rich collection of works of art from different parts of the world.
In one of the rooms, a time capsule is stored, which will be opened only in the year 3000.
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay of Singapore, also known as Gardens by the Bay, occupy 100 hectares of territory and include huge park compositions. There are many squares and recreation areas, magnificent high-rise vertical gardens and glass domes, inside which there are thematic flower meadows. The supertrees of the gardens by the bay reach a height of 50 meters - in the evening, a futuristic light show begins here, literally on them. On top of one tree there is a restaurant with the best view, and in the domes there are giant greenhouses with their own microclimate.
The park is thought out to the smallest detail: special panels are installed on the trees that convert sunlight into electricity, a rainwater collection system allows you to irrigate the vegetation of the park.
The gardens are open from 5 am to 2 am, paid facilities are open from 9:00 to 21:00 - the schedule allows you to visit one of the main wonders of Singapore with a long transfer.
Marina Bay Sands
You will see this luxury hotel, casino and entertainment complex from afar. The building impresses with its architecture - three towers of the same type are connected at the top by a 340-meter glass platform with a swimming pool and a garden. This symbol of Singapore has become one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.
The Marina Bay Sands complex offers guests luxurious rooms, luxury restaurants, a SPA center, a shopping center, a casino and much more. On the roof of the luxury hotel is a swimming pool with stunning views, which has long been one of the most popular places for photo shoots in Singapore.
Chinatown
Chinatown in Singapore is one of the most colorful areas of the city. Here you will find colorful Chinese temples, amazing arches, shops, and restaurants with authentic Chinese cuisine. Various holidays and festivals are also held in Chinatown, including Chinese New Year, when the area is filled with vibrant street performances, parades and fireworks.
After strolling through the narrow streets and alleys of Chinatown, try local delicacies in the evening here for dinner at one of the many restaurants.
Little India
Walking around Singapore, you can unexpectedly find yourself in the heart of India! The Little India area is inhabited by Indians, saturated with aromas of spices, bright colors and a lively atmosphere. Little India in Singapore is a place where you can try delicious Indian cuisine in local restaurants, be sure to try traditional dishes such as roti and curry. Here it is pleasant to walk along the narrow streets with stalls, and in the Mustafa shopping center you can buy a variety of goods - from clothes and jewelry to spices and souvenirs.
Sentosa
Sentosa Island in Singapore is a popular tourist area for beach holidays: there is a large water park, an aquarium, a Universal amusement park and a casino - Sentosa offers a wide variety of leisure activities. Mostly tourists relax on the beaches, among the locals it is not customary to sunbathe at the sea. Sentosa is easily accessible from the city centre – on foot or by train for S$5. The sea in Singapore is warm, about 29 degrees, the beaches are sandy and pebbly.
Merlion Statue
A lion with a fish tail is one of the symbols of the city-state of Singapore. The "main" Merlion is located in the heart of the city and is a 15-meter statue with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, from which a fountain gushes.
According to legend, the Merlion has long protected fishermen from storms and bad weather, destroying enemies with a glance.
Bukit Timah
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is one of the last islands of nature in Singapore. The reserve is located on a hill and is a jungle with waterfalls, rare species of birds and butterflies. Once upon a time, tigers were found here, but now Bukit Timah is completely safe to visit.
Palau Ubín
Palau Ubin is the only island in Singapore that has remained virtually untouched, preserving its natural beauty and wealth of biodiversity. The island can be reached by ship or ferry from the mainland of Singapore: Palau Ubin is a popular destination for travelers who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the island. Here you can rent a bicycle or walk along beautiful tropical trails, enjoying the views of the jungle and the sea coast. There are several villages on the island where locals live with a traditional lifestyle.
The main (and almost the only) disadvantage of the island is the huge number of mosquitoes, so take repellents with you.
How to get a visa to Singapore?
To obtain a visa, you need to apply to the embassy or consulate of Singapore in Moscow, St. Petersburg or Vladivostok. The list of documents includes a questionnaire, an application, a passport valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip, photographs, confirmation of hotel reservation or an invitation from a sponsor in Singapore, round-trip tickets, insurance in the amount of at least $20,000 . Usually, the visa process takes from 5 to 10 working days.
There are also three agencies accredited by the government of Singapore, through which you can also apply for a visa: MyVisa.World, Globalsingapore and Sentosa tour. Visa and service fees will be about 4200 rubles (at the beginning of 2024). 3 days before arrival, a migration card must be issued on the ICA website.
But there is a way to visit this beautiful country without a visa! To do this, you need to arrange a transit flight with a transfer in Singapore.
What currency to take?
It is better to take dollars or euros in cash, which can be exchanged in local banks. If you travel with a card, then only UnionPay issued by banks that are not subject to international sanctions will work in Singapore.
The official currency is the Singapore dollar, one local dollar is approximately equivalent to 69 rubles (as of April 2024). It is difficult to exchange rubles for dollars here, so it is better to take care of the money issue in advance.
Singapore Bans
In Singapore, there are many prohibitions and restrictions for both tourists and locals:
- Do not collect flowers, leaves, and other plants in public parks and gardens.
- Do not smoke in public places.
- It is forbidden to drink and eat on public transport and at metro stations.
- You cannot throw garbage on the streets - fines for garbage on the streets can be very high.
- It is forbidden to swim topless on beaches and in public pools.
- You cannot use drugs - this is generally punishable by death.
- You cannot drink alcohol outside from 22:30 to 7:00.
- You can't jump the line!
- You cannot fish within the city.
- Do not feed birds and animals.
If you are going to this country, then you should know that chewing gum is prohibited in Singapore - both its import and consumption. Chewing gum is poorly cleaned from surfaces, and cleanliness in the city is a priority here. In addition, the import of chewing tobacco, electronic cigarettes, hookah mixtures, fireworks, lighters in the form of weapons and pornography is prohibited.
Let's summarize
Traveling to Singapore can be both budget and expensive. Tour operators offer tours from 240-250 thousand rubles, but you can save up to 150,000 rubles on your own, including flights. Tickets from Moscow with a transfer cost about 65,000 rubles.
The country is great for families with children due to its diverse entertainment.
During peak season, accommodation prices can be high, but you can always find budget options. The climate here is equatorial, hot, rains are frequent, so it is worth taking appropriate clothing with you, as well as reliable protection from insects.
And be sure to try the local cuisine - such a mixture of traditions of different peoples and countries can be found in few places!
