Singapore is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with its unique mix of cultures, beautiful architecture, delicious food, and fantastic attractions. If you’re visiting Singapore for the first time, there are some things you should keep in mind to ensure that you have the best possible experience. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips for touring in Singapore for first-timers.
Learn about the culture
Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures, with influences from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western cultures. To fully appreciate your visit to Singapore, take some time to learn about the local culture. For example, Singaporeans often greet each other by saying “hello” or “hi,” and it’s considered rude to point with your feet. You can also visit cultural landmarks such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple or the Sultan Mosque to learn more about local religious practices.
Dress appropriately
Singapore is a conservative country, so it’s important to dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, shorts, or tank tops when visiting temples or mosques. If you’re not sure what to wear, follow the locals’ lead and dress modestly. Additionally, Singapore is hot and humid year-round, so dress in light, breathable clothing to stay comfortable.
Get an EZ-Link card
The public transportation system in Singapore is convenient and affordable, but it can be confusing for first-time visitors. To make things easier, get an EZ-Link card, which is a reloadable card that you can use to pay for public transportation, as well as for purchases at convenience stores and vending machines. The card can be purchased at MRT stations, bus interchanges, and 7-Eleven stores, among other locations.
Try the local food
Singapore is known for its delicious food, which is a unique blend of different cuisines. Be sure to try some local dishes such as Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and chili crab. You can find these dishes at hawker centers, which are open-air food courts where you can sample a wide variety of local foods at affordable prices. Some popular hawker centers include Newton Food Centre and Maxwell Food Centre.
Visit the major attractions
Singapore has plenty of attractions to keep you busy for days, if not weeks. Some must-visit attractions include:
Marina Bay Sands: This iconic hotel features a rooftop infinity pool, a shopping mall, and a casino.
Gardens by the Bay: These stunning gardens feature giant supertrees, flower domes, and a skywalk.
Sentosa Island: This island resort offers attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore, the S.E.A. Aquarium, and the Adventure Cove Waterpark.
Merlion Park: This park is home to the iconic Merlion statue, which is half lion, half fish and is a symbol of Singapore.
Take advantage of free activities
While there are plenty of paid attractions in Singapore, there are also many free things to do. For example, you can take a stroll through the Botanic Gardens, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is free to enter. You can also visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple or the Sri Mariamman Temple, which are both free to enter. Additionally, many museums in Singapore offer free admission on certain days of the week.
Stay hydrated
Singapore’s hot and humid climate can be taxing, especially if you’re not used to it. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. You can buy bottled water at convenience stores or bring a refillable water bottle and fill it up at water coolers located throughout the city.
Be respectful
One of the most important tips for touring in Singapore for first-timers is to be respectful. This means following local customs, such as removing your shoes before entering a home or temple, covering your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites, and not littering. It also means being aware of your behavior in public, such as not smoking in designated non-smoking areas and not shouting or being excessively loud. By being respectful, you’ll not only have a more pleasant experience, but you’ll also show appreciation for the local culture.