Countries that Require a Visa for Singapore Passport Holders

• A valid international travel passport
• A completed visa application form
• The applicable visa fee
• Evidence of permission to enter the destination country
• A photocopy of your passport data page
• Financial proof — an original bank statement
• A letter of invitation, where one is required

Exact requirements vary by destination and visa type — always confirm what your destination needs before you apply.

Singapore consists of 63 islands. Singapore is also its own capital city, as it is a city-state. It was called Singapura meaning Lion City in Sanskrit by a Malayan Prince after he thought he saw a lion on the island. It was probably a Malayan tiger.

Is there ever a best time to travel to Singapore? Yes and No. It depends on what you want. If you are looking to get a good bargain on hotel and accommodation with lesser crowds, it is best to avoid holidays and festivals which attract a lot of tourists. Especially the lunar new year. However, if you want to experience the holiday and festivals in Singapore, you must be ready to embrace the crowds as it is usually the peak season and also the hike in the price of hotels and accommodation.

There is no distinct wet or dry season. Rain is encountered every month. In the evenings and early night times. So get your umbrellas ready!

Singapore has two monsoon seasons. The Northeast monsoon(December - March) and Southwest monsoon(June - September). You can expect moderate to heavy rainfall if you travel in the early northeast monsoon from December to early January. Late January to early March is the Late northeast monsoon which is the dry phase. Southwest monsoon which spans June and September experiences “Sumatra Squalls” between predawn and midday. Also, light showers in the afternoon are common.

The two seasons are separated by inter-monsoonal periods. Late March-May and October-November, which encounters showers in the evenings and early nights. It is generally hot and dry between Late March-May and more successive rain spells happen amid November-January.

Singapore is a culturally diverse country with an ethnic make-up of Chinese, Malay, and Indians. Regardless of its small size, it is home to 10 religions. Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Baha'i, Sikhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and Jainism.

As a culturally diverse population, there is a variety of cuisine. Singaporean dishes are known globally. Tourists always have an eye out for the local food. Some of these local foods have been described as a “must eat before you die”. They are Hainanese Chicken rice (Singapore’s national food) , Char Kway Teow, Chilli Crab, Laksa, Roti prata, Bak Kut Teh, Sambal Stingray, chai tow kway(carrot cake), wanton mee, rojak, and fish bee hoon. As a traveler, if you need to get local food, you have to talk in their dialect or in a dialect they understand. Singapore has four official languages, English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. Although Malay is the national language, English is the main language in Singapore.

Singapore’s public transport system is efficient. You can get to your destination quickly and without any hassle. The fastest means is by train - Singapore’s mass rapid transit (MRT). You can purchase tickets for single trips. If you plan to utilize the MRT a lot, you can purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) . This also works for the bus system. You can also use their metered taxis to go to places that an MRT or a bus will not be able to get to. Singapore is very safe. So you can explore the country at any time of the day without worry.

Festival lovers can visit Singapore during:

• Lunar New Year in Chinatown. There is also a dragon dance and Chingay parade at marina bay
• Singapore River Festival.
• Thaipusam. This may be on the extreme side because it involves sharp skewers pierced through cheeks, bodies, and tongue.
• The Lantern Festival
• Singapore Art Festival for the art lovers
• Hari Raya. This is for Muslims. It is celebrated at the end of Ramadan fasting.
• National Day
• Christmas

There are many tourist attractions in Singapore such as:

• Sentosa: Singapore’s top tourist attraction is Sentosa. Sentosa is “an array of themed attractions, spa retreats, rainforests, sandy beaches, golf courses, a yachting marina, and luxurious residences.
• Gardens by the bay: Are you a lover of gardens, beautiful flowers, greenhouses, and waterfront parks? Gardens by the bay should be on the top of your list.
• Marina Bay: For a luxurious time and also a bit on the high side, Marina Bay Sands will make you feel like you rule a kingdom. Figuratively!
• Universal Studios: Universal Studios Singapore is a movie and TV-themed amusement park with rides shows and attractions.
• You can also visit Chinatown, Singapore zoo, Take a night safari or a river safari, and visit the museums.

For the budget and luxury travelers, there are many hotels in Singapore, ranging from affordable to luxurious. You just have to find the right one that fits your requirements.