Singapore Travel Guide

Singapore is located just south of Peninsular Malaysia on the other side of the narrow Johor Strait. It is an island nation of around 700 square kilometres (270 sq miles) but with a population of just over 5 million residents it's one of the most densely populated nations on Earth. However, even with this crushing mass of humanity all around Singapore feels far from overcrowded and its remarkably clean city streets lack the chaos and litter that afflict many other cities of similar size. Singapore seems to be a city that is not only looking far into the future but also seems to be content with itself in the here and now.

One of the first things to strike visitors to Singapore is the overwhelming cleanliness and sense of order. Even on the twenty minute drive from the airport the sides of the highway are lined with manicured flowering shrubs of equal height, shape and brilliance, and the other drivers seem totally aware of whats around them so the traffic flows smoothly to its own rhythm.

Another striking feature of Singapore is the proliferation of high rise buildings. Wherever you look the city seems to have grown skyward and not only are the commercial buildings monolithic but even residential apartment blocks would put the larger buildings of many other major cities to shame. This expansion skyward has allowed the Singapore government to utilise the remaining land for parks and gardens and the city has four substantial nature reserves and around 300 parks and gardens. In fact more than half of the country's total area is covered in greenery with the largest nature reserve located right in the centre of the island. However the only remaining pocket of original vegetation on the whole island is in the 400 acre Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, just to the west of the main reserve area.

Singapore is also famous for it's shopping and visitors who've come here to shop will rarely run out options no matter how long they stay for. There is an abundance of shopping malls and even in the smaller stores or roadside markets the goods are of at least reasonable quality, and the prices are generally quite cheap.

Eating is like a national past time in Singapore and the cuisines on offer are virtually limitless with foods from all over the world. Indian, Malay and Chinese food are staples but other cuisines such as Thai, French, Italian, Japanese and many others can easily be found.

Getting around Singapore is both easy and pleasant. The public transport system is comprised of trains, a light rail network and buses. The rail network is simple and easy to use but buses can be a little more confusing. However they are cheaper and do allow you to enjoy the view as you travel.  Taxis are safe and reasonably priced but can be difficult to find, especially in peak hour. Probably the best way to get around Singapore is a combination of light rail and on foot. Driving and cycling are best avoided unless this is something you really want to do.

Generally Singaporean locals are well educated, friendly, extremely polite and always happy to help. A high proportion of locals speaks English and virtually everyone involved in the service industry speaks it fluently making the pleasant task of exploring this great city even more enjoyable.