Unlocking Singapore’s Secrets: 10 Local Tips for an Unforgettable Trip

Singapore is now recognized as one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Besides being one of the most travelled nations it is also a role model for many countries. This country has a treasure collection of hidden gems that travellers must consider exploring. By unveiling these secrets will make your travel experience memorable and you will get overwhelmed by what Singapore has to offer you. 

This blog will comprehend valuable tips and suggestions to make your trip unforgettable. Additionally, if you are planning to travel to Singapore, consider applying for a Singapore visa from Dubai with Akira Tourism.

The Insider’s Guide

• Understand your entry criteria for Singapore: Tavel criteria are getting modified every now and then, knowing country-specific travel requirements is the first step in making the travel experience memorable. 
• Do Thorough Research: After completing all the necessary travel formalities such as; obtaining a visa, commence a thorough research for the best hotels or stays. Picking the right locality to stay in near the places you want to visit will set your vibe for your vacations in Singapore. 
• Prepare Itinerary: If you do not want to get last minute blunder, create a perfect itinerary for yourself by considering the days you want to stay in Singapore. A well-planned itinerary provides clarity in exploring places, so customize your schedule and reflect your interests and preferences. 

Places To Visit in Singapore

A land of lions, Singapore has been the epitome of modernity and progress; it has enormous skyscrapers, extravagant shopping malls, world-class food and adventurous spots, and whatnot. This nation is packed with surprises. 

Here is a list of some famous places in Singapore:

• Universal Studios Singapore: How can anyone miss Singapore’s only movie theme park called Universal Studios Singapore? This theme park is the best to experience thrill, adventure, and fun. You can experience a themed dining and ultimate shopping experience here.
• Marina Bay: If you love to experience luxury, shopping in extravagant malls and staying in luxurious hotels then this place is your perfect match. 
• Gardens by the Bay: It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature with family. This botanical wonderland is the flower dome and the world’s largest glass greenhouse in the world. 

Among all the famous places, these are some hidden gems mentioned:

• Pulau Ubin: Pulau Ubin is a paradise for nature lovers. It is like a time machine that takes you to the time of a peaceful era, this place is a sharp contrast to the busy and glamorous life of Singapore. You must rent a bicycle to explore relaxing and peaceful beaches, beautiful woods and bridges, and traditional kampongs. Climbing on Puaka Hill will offer a breathtaking panoramic view which should not be missed.
• Lazarus Island: If you are looking for a peaceful beach away from the bustling life, then Lazarus Island should be your ultimate destination. This place is just a boat ride away, a perfect spot for picnics, swimming, or just a simple yet relaxing time under sunlight. It has a serene, untouched shoreline and gorgeous turquoise seas that will make your visit worth it.

• Jurong Bird Park: Whether you are a bird lover or just want to enjoy some fun time with your family, Jurong Bird Park should be on your bucket list. This is one of the wide-ranging bird sanctuaries and is home to 400 types of bird species. 
• Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: Those who love spending time in nature will be delighted by Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, a hidden gem of Singapore. It is a paradise of flora and fauna, extensive wildlife, and stunning landscapes. The focal point of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is that it is situated at the highest point of Singapore. However, all the struggle of reaching out to here is all worth it. 
• Haw Par Villa: This peculiar place is often underrated by visitors, however with little scary sculptures and dioramas this theme park represents Chinese culture and mythology. Haw Par Villa is a peculiar and memorable visit even though this park could be a bit scary.
• National Orchid Garden: With the fusion of Arab and Malay influence this district is considered the heart of the city. Glorious mosques of sultans are one of the contemporary attractions of this place, they represent the multicultural history of Singapore. 
• Fort Canning Park: This is situated right in the middle of the city holding a richness of heritage, royal palaces, and a graveyard of many prominent peoples of Singapore. This park is the focal point for many cultural activities, and film and music festivals. 

Culinary Delights

Singapore is a hub of taste and delights, people take food very seriously here, and you will find coffee shops and hawker centres where you find the best taste this island has to offer. Here are some of the must-try options: 

• Hainanese Chicken Rice: You will find this dish in almost every restaurant as it is an unofficial dish of  Singapore. 
• Chilli Crab: If you are a seafood lover then this dish will serve your taste buds a little more. Covered in sweet, savoury, and spicy sources, this dish is known as the king of crab dishes, listed in CNN Go and ranked as the 35th most delicious food.
• Laksa: It is one of the most comforting foods in Singapore. Rice noodles are served in spicy coconut curry along with shrimp, fish cakes, egg and chicken meat.
• Kaya Toast: This is one of the most popular and staple breakfasts in Singapore and comes in various variants. 
• Dim Sum: In Singapore, Dim Sum is the most comforting and popular dish.  It is a set of many Chinese dishes; BBQ Pork Buns, Xiao Long Bao, Siew Mai, Chee Cheong Fun.
• Durian: It is a native Malaysian fruit that smells like jungle honey and is popular among Singaporeans. This fruit looks spiky and tastes sweet, rich, buttery, and creamy.
• Wanton Mee: This popular yet flavourful dish is the perfect combination of Dumplings and noodles. Other than classic Wanton Mee, there are many variations of this dish; Malaysian, Thai, and Hong Kong.
• Fried Carrot Cake: A most famous and staple Singapore delight, Fried Carrot Cake does not look orange, it is a black and white dish made with white carrot( radish).

Cultural Experiences

Singapore is vibrant with diverse cultures and ethnicities including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and others. For travellers and visitors, it is easy to communicate with Singaporeans as English is their first language, and the rest of the languages spoken here represent cultural influence. The festivals celebrated in Singapore originated from China, Malay, Indian, etc. 

These festivals allow you to explore the diverse blend of cultural performances, food, music, ritual practices, and art. The key venues to experience theatre, music, art, dance, culture, and performances include; Esplanade which conducts concerts and operas, Singapore Conference Hall for Singapore Chinese Orchestra, Indian Heritage Centre and Sri Warisan Som Said Performing Arts Ltd for Indian Classical arts.

Popular Adventures

Singapore is such an interesting place for everyone, this is full of joy and full of life. To add some extra thrill to your experience here: consider these adventurous activities; Freefall adventure, Water Adventure, Night Safari, Indoor Surfing, Indoor Skydiving, Scuba Diving, Reverse Bungy, Eye The Sky, River Safari Singapore etc.

Local Etiquette

Singapore takes immense pride in maintaining religious and ethnic peace regardless of multicultural and diversity. Some popular behaviours and traditions in Singapore include; Shaking hands firmly professionally or casually with a slight bow considered as a sign of respect. Whenever visiting any temple, mosque, or anyone’s house, it is mandatory to take off your shoes. Additionally, while eating with chopsticks, make sure you do not place them upright as this is considered as a sign of bad luck. In Singapore, there are many places where casual attire is accepted, however carrying some formal attire is a good idea.   

Transportation Tips

Singapore has so much to offer and the list in your itinerary is long. So, opting for local transportation such as bus, train, and cabs will help you save a lot of money, and help you reach to destination on time. Additionally, always keep original and photocopies of your passports and visas with you all the time. This is important for your security in foreign nations as well. Sometimes this helps in identity verification for entry access to certain places like Marina Bay Sands Casino.

Budget-Friendly Options

In Singapore, several hotels provide complimentary mobile phones with local sims, using this will save you from roaming charges. To avoid any last-minute hustle with these local devices, make sure you inquire with the hotels you are staying in beforehand about the device’s availability. When you are shopping in the local market, exploring street food, or travelling by local transport carrying local cash is the smart option. You will come across various situations where instead of cards online payment and Forex cards, cash is the most suitable payment option in Singapore. 

Eating in Hawker Centres is slightly pocket-friendly; it should be on your list if you want to explore certain budget-friendly options. Shopping in local markets is the smart option in Singapore. It provides a wide range of options in handcrafted jewellery, purses, etc. Singapore has tons of opportunities to explore; you do not have to spend so much on attraction site visits. Activities like; going to free attractions and amenities, even visiting, open-air- movie theatres, etc should be considered. Additionally, as per the Public Utilities Board (PUB), Singapore’s tap water is safe to drink. 

Seasonal Events

Discovering the cultural festivals and events of Singapore is one of the finest ways to get to know the country. Singapore celebrates some festivals that are influenced by many cultures. The festivities are divided into four groups, as follows:

• January to March: Harvest Festival (Pongal), Thaipusam, Chinese New Year, Singapore Art Week, and Singapore Cocktail Festival
• April to June: Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Vesak Day, Wellness Festival Singapore, Dragon Boat Festival
• July to September: iLight Singapore, Singapore Food Festival, Singapore Grand Prix, Hari Raya Haji, Singapore National Day, Singapore Night Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival
• October to December: Deepavali, World Gourmet Summit (WGS) Singapore, Halloween Horror Nights, HypeWorld, Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, Christmas Wonderland, Marina Bay Singapore Countdown

Personal Experiences

Singapore highly considers and values etiquette, education, safety, ethnicity, modernity, and diversity and expects visitors to cooperate with the country’s norms. Singapore enforces strict rules on trash, jaywalking, gender discrimination, hate speech, general offences, etc. 

Takeaway

Singapore has plenty of affordable options for budget travel; it’s a treasure trove of undiscovered attractions. An itinerary that is well-thought-out will be of great advice, as will your thorough research into the activities you have in mind. Now that you are aware of the most crucial local advice to ensure that your vacation to Singapore is memorable. Select the time of year for your trip to Singapore that works best for you. It is nevertheless strongly advised to obtain a visa from Akira Tourism in order to simplify the process of travelling without sacrificing your fun.

For More Posts On Singapore, Check these out.

• 10 Must Things to do in Singapore with Kids
• Singapore Things To See & Do in 3 Days