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General information about Singapore
Singapore, also means lion city (Singha=lion, Pura=city). Together with New York, it is the most expensive city in the world but also the 6th safest in the world. It is also world-famous for Changi Airport, which is said to be the most beautiful in the world. This is not unfounded, as it has a lot to offer both in the transit area and outside in the public area, which is why it is also worthwhile for day trips. In the Jewel, the famous waterfall is surrounded by numerous trees and plants. Even at the airport, you notice that everything is very neat and clean, which is also reflected in the city.
Cleanliness is very important in Singapore, which is why cleaning robots drive around, chewing gum is strictly forbidden (even with prison sentences if you sell any) and eating and drinking in the train stations is also prohibited. Many buildings look very futuristic and signs also show that Singapore is already further ahead in some respects. There are sunscreen vending machines on beaches and the subway system is highly sophisticated. Pedestrian walkways are mostly built underground so that pedestrians have their own path and vehicles can use the road.
Singapore has a tropical climate with high humidity.
In the months from December to March and from June to September, monsoon-like rainfall and typhoons can occur, causing flooding, landslides and traffic disruptions.
The population is very diverse and many different cultures are represented. There are even entire neighborhoods like Little India and China Town. In these neighborhoods you have the feeling that you are entering another country, because everything from the clothing, to the buildings, the language and the local food seems very realistic.
Language
English is the main language spoken here and many signs are also in English. In the subway stations, you can often hear Mandarin, Tamil and Malay over the announcements.
Since it is important to us as travelers in a foreign country to immerse ourselves in the language, we like to look at the most important terms in advance and use them in everyday life, which also builds a good relationship with the locals because you show interest in the culture and the country. They are also always happy to help you with pronunciation and teach you other words. Here is a small list of words in English for beginners.
- Hallo – Hello
- Danke – Thank you
- Auf Wiedersehen – Goodbye
- Nein – No
- Ja – Yes
- Bitte – Please
- Entschuldigung – Sorry
- Wie geht es dir? – How are you?
- Guten Morgen – Good morning
- Guten Tag – Good afternoon
- Wo ist…? – Where is…?
- Wie viel kostet das? – How much is this?
- Lecker – Delicious
- Wasser – Water
- Essen – Food
- Badezimmer/Toilette – Bathroom/Toilet
- Ohne – Without
- Fleisch – Meat
- Fisch – Fish
- Vegetarier – Vegetarian
Time difference
The time difference to Germany CET is 7 hours ahead in winter and 6 hours ahead in summer.
Visa
German nationals do not require a visa to enter the country for up to 90 days. A corresponding 90-day residence permit is issued upon entry; this is done electronically and no stamp is placed in the passport.
All travelers must complete a health declaration (SG Arrival Card) online before the start of the trip.
Currency
In Singapore you pay with the so-called Singapore Dollar.
1 SGDollar is about 70 cents. There are numerous ATM machines everywhere on the streets or in stores, often guarded by cameras or even a security service. You can even withdraw money there 24/7 in some cases. The ATMs often charge a fee, which must be quoted when withdrawing money. However, there are also numerous banks that do not charge a fee. These include, among others: UOB. On site you usually pay by card, except in Hawker Centers for food and small stores cash is necessary.
Food
There is a wide variety of food options in Singapore. There is a particularly wide choice for vegetarians. In addition to tofu, there is also tempeh as a meat substitute. Restaurants are very expensive here and a meal can quickly cost up to 30 SGD / 20 to 30 €. However, there are also many so-called hawker centers here. In these you will find many small snack bars with a large selection of food. The prices for drinks there often start at SGD 1.50 and food costs an average of SGD 5. This makes it much more worthwhile to eat out there. It is also very interesting as there is different food from different cultures. There is authentic Indian food in Little India and Chinese food in Chinatown. Takeaway food is sometimes more expensive as there is a charge for packaging.
Tap water is drinkable almost everywhere in Singapore and there are numerous drinking stations where you can fill up your water bottle.There is a wide variety of food options in Singapore. There is a particularly wide choice for vegetarians. In addition to tofu, there is also tempeh as a meat substitute. Restaurants are very expensive here and a meal can quickly cost up to 30 SGD / 20 to 30 €. However, there are also many so-called hawker centers here. In these you will find many small snack bars with a large selection of food. The prices for drinks there often start at SGD 1.50 and food costs an average of SGD 5. This makes it much more worthwhile to eat out there. It is also very interesting as there is different food from different cultures. There is authentic Indian food in Little India and Chinese food in Chinatown. Takeaway food is sometimes more expensive as there is a charge for packaging.
Tap water is drinkable almost everywhere in Singapore and there are numerous drinking stations where you can fill up your water bottle.
Means of transportation
There are many different means of transportation. The choice usually depends on where you want to go, how much you want to spend and how long the route is. Singapore has left-hand traffic.
App Grab: It‘ s best to download the app in advance and then you can call a cab from anywhere. Comparable to Uber. The difference to regular cabs is that the price is already fixed in advance and is paid directly when booking via the app. This means you don’t need cash and the price doesn’t change during the journey. You get the verified name of the driver, the license plate number, the type of car and can share the location or the ride with someone, so you feel really safe.
Taxi: There you will find a taximeter and the actual price will only become clear at the end of the journey.
Flight: Singapore is a comparatively small country and the large airport means there is a good selection of onward flights.
On foot: To save money and work on our fitness, we always wanted to walk as much as possible. This is also easy in the city center, but there is so much to discover here that it is worth investing in a metro ticket.
Metro: The train system is highly sophisticated and therefore well worth using. If you are on site for a long time, you can buy an EZ Link card, similar to a plastic credit card, for a non-refundable fee of SGD 5 and top it up with cash as often as you like. There are also ATMs, but these only accept local bank cards. For a few days, it is worth buying a tourist pass for 1 to 3 days. Alternatively, one-off or single journeys can also be easily paid for with a credit card. The billing works in such a way that there are machines at the station entrances where the card must be scanned and when leaving the last stop, the card is presented again and automatically charges the fee for the route taken.
Bus: Buses can also be used with the EZ Link ticket. There are also sensors at the entrances where the card must be presented.
Sim card
You can buy your sim card at the airport for a higher price with an eSim app like Airalo or Nomad. Due to the good Wi-Fi and frequent wifi, we bought my eSim for this time.
Excursions and activities
Klook is an app that allows you to book various activities at a lower price. It is particularly well known and popular in Asia.
GetYourGuide is also a globally known and popular app for booking excursions. These can almost always be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. We ourselves have tested GetYourGuide in several countries, including France, the Netherlands, Tenerife, Turkey, Egypt and the Dominican Republic, and have never been disappointed.
There are many free shows, sightseeing stops and hiking trails on site.
Here is a list of our free highlights:
Little India
- Street Art: Discover the colorful murals and graffiti in the side streets of Little India.
- Temple visits: Visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of the oldest and most impressive Hindu temples in Singapore.
Chinatown
- Explore the lively streets of Chinatown and visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Enjoy the unique atmosphere and the many small stores and markets.Explore the lively streets of Chinatown and visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Enjoy the unique atmosphere and the many small stores and markets.
Arab Quarter (Kampong Glam)
- Stroll through the district and visit the Sultan Mosque. Admire the stylish street art and traditional stores along Haji Lane.
Sentosa Island
- Palawan Beach: Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on this family-friendly beach. It is also home to the Most Southern Point of Central Asia.
- Siloso Beach: Ideal for beach activities and beach volleyball.
- Tanjong Beach: Perfect for a quieter day at the beach.
MacRitchie Reservoir Park
- Hike along the well-signposted paths and enjoy nature. The TreeTop Walk offers an impressive view of the surrounding rainforest. We were lucky enough to spot a Paradise snake.
Marina Bay
- Water show: Experience the spectacular “Spectra” light and water show in front of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The show takes place twice a day in the evening and is free of charge. At 20:00 and 21:00.
Merlion Park
- Visit the iconic Merlion, the symbol of Singapore. The park offers great views of Marina Bay and the city skyline.
Gardens by the Bay
- The highlight of the Gardens by the Bay are the Supertrees. Not only are they a real eye-catcher in daylight, but they really come to life at night.
- Garden Rhapsody: Enjoy the free light and music show at the Supertree Grove. The show takes place twice a day in the evening. The first takes place at 19:45 and 20:45. At weekends and on Mondays, there is a second additional show “Borealis”, which covers the trees with fog and imitates the northern lights. The show does not take place in the rain and starts at 9 pm. It lasts half an hour. There is a new show every month.
Hawker Centres
- There are several hawker centers scattered around Singapore. Often close to typical sightseeing spots such as Little India, China Town and many more. These are entire centers with several food stalls and tables to sit at. Unlike restaurants, the food and drinks here only cost a few dollars and are run by locals. There are often fruit and vegetable stalls in the basement.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers beautiful gardens and lakes. Entry to the main garden is free, but the orchid garden costs a small entrance fee.
- We saw many banded monitor lizards, dragonflies, turtles and otters here.
Changi Airport
- Jewel Changi Airport: This impressive building complex is directly connected to the airport and offers numerous free attractions:
- HSBC Rain Vortex: Der weltweit größte Indoor-Wasserfall, der besonders abends mit einer Licht- und Soundshow beeindruckt. Täglich um 11 Uhr (Wochenends um 10 Uhr) können Besucher beim Anschalten des Wassers zuschauen. Abends gibt es mehrere Lichtshows im Jewel am Wasserfall. Diese sind von montags bis donnerstags um 20:00 und 21:00 Uhr und freitags bis sonntags sowie an Feiertagen um 20:00, 21:00 und 22:00 Uhr.
- Shiseido Forest Valley: Ein riesiger Indoor-Garten mit Wanderwegen und üppiger Vegetation.
- HSBC Rain Vortex: the world’s largest indoor waterfall, which is particularly impressive in the evening with a light and sound show. Every day at 11 am (weekends at 10 am), visitors can watch the water turn on. In the evening there are several light shows in the Jewel by the waterfall. These are from Mondays to Thursdays at 20:00 and 21:00 and Fridays to Sundays and on public holidays at 20:00, 21:00 and 22:00.
- Shiseido Forest Valley: A huge indoor garden with walking paths and lush vegetation.
- Cactus Garden (Terminal 1): An outdoor garden with different types of cacti and a view of the tarmac.
- Butterfly garden (Terminal 3): The world’s first airport butterfly garden with over 1,000 butterflies.
- Sun deck (Terminal 1): A relaxing outdoor area with loungers and plants.
- Enchanted Garden (Terminal 2): An interactive garden with vibrant plants and flowers.
- Sunflower Garden (Terminal 2): A beautiful garden with sunflowers and a view of the runway.
- Orchid garden (Terminal 2): A beautiful garden with a variety of orchid species.
- Koi ponds (Terminal 3): Soothing ponds with koi that are great for relaxing.
- Social Tree (Terminal 1): An interactive, digital installation where travelers can take photos and share them on a giant, cylindrical screen.
- Playgrounds and leisure facilities: Several play areas for children, including the Family Zone in Terminal 2 and the Slide@T3, a slide that spans four floors (use of the slide itself requires a small purchase in the terminal, but watching and taking photos is free).
- Wonderfall (Terminal 2): The Wonderfall is a digital waterfall spanning four floors. It consists of a 14 meter high and 17 meter wide LED wall. A total of 892 LED panels are installed, surrounded by vertical gardens to the left and right.
- Raindrops (Terminal 1): Consisting of 1,216 bronze drops, the Kinetic Rain sculpture in Terminal 1 is one of the favorites among Changi Airport’s art installations and displays. Measuring 9.8 by 4 meters, each sculpture can form 16 different shapes, ranging from abstract to familiar forms, such as an airplane, a hot air balloon and even a dragon. Each shape illustrates the motion of flight through deliberate, fluid movements.
Visit the Singapore Changi Airport website for full times and details.
Changi Airport is not just an airport, but also a destination in itself with many free attractions and activities that appeal to travelers and visitors alike. It is open to the public, but some activities are chargeable and/or only accessible in the transit area.
Other free highlights:
East Coast Park
- Walk or cycle along the coast, enjoy the sea breeze and visit one of the many barbecue areas for a relaxed picnic on the beach.
Southern Ridges
- A 10 km long path that connects various parks and offers spectacular views of the city and the sea. Visit the Henderson Waves, a wave-shaped pedestrian bridge.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
- Watch the free performances, which often take place in the Outdoor Theater or the Concourse.
Fort Canning Park
- A historical park with walking trails, archaeological remains and a beautiful garden. Visit the Battlebox, an underground military command post (some parts may cost an entrance fee, but the park itself is free).
Changi Point Coastal Walk
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coast with beautiful views of the sea and the surrounding islands.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
- Hike through the dense rainforest and climb the highest natural point in Singapore. A paradise for nature and hiking lovers.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
- Singapore’s first recognized nature reserve. Above all, an important starting point for migratory birds. Crocodiles can also be found here.
East Coast Park
- A large park along the coast, ideal for cycling tours, barbecues or simply relaxing on the beach.
These highlights offer a wonderful way to experience Singapore without spending a lot of money.
Accomondations
We usually book our accommodation either via Booking.com or Airbnb. If you make several bookings with Booking.com, you get different Genius levels and therefore discounts or other benefits. These often include free breakfast and special offers. However, we often compared the prices with Agoda.
We were lucky enough to look after a relaxed cat in Singapore and were able to live in an apartment for 8 days for free thanks to TrustedHousesitters.
Our itinerary
Statement of costs
We always keep our costs up to date in an Excel spreadsheet and divide them into 6 different areas. This means we always know exactly what we have spent and when and can work out retrospectively how much we have spent on what. For 9 days in Singapore, we spent a total of €287.87 including the outward flight for 2 people. The activities were mostly free and thanks to TrustedHousesitters we didn’t spend a cent on our accommodation. Thanks to Trusted Housesitters, we only paid €16 per day per person. And almost half of that was the outward flight.
If you want to learn more about Trusted Housesitters you can find a post from us here, where we provide a link where you can save 25% on your membership booking and support us at the same time.
Our conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that Singapore surprised us. There is something to see and discover all over the city, so it never gets boring. We were very lucky to see some special events like the iLight Festival at Marina Bay. There, artists displayed their works and at night they were brought to life by the lighting. At the Gardens by the Bay, there was a special screening of the Disney film Inside Out 2 and next to the Marina Bay Shopping Mall there was the Gastro Beats Festival with numerous live acts and various food stalls.
In the 8 days we really had enough time to see everything and we even went to some shows or places twice. That’s why it’s enough if you’re only there for 1 to 3 days. The main attractions are the water show at Marina Bay and the Gardens by the Bay Rhapsody. The fact that both places are close to each other and are connected above and below ground makes it easy to see both shows, as there are two shows of both in the evening.
Next time we would like to take a day trip by boat to the nearby islands and visit Universal Studios, the Aquarium and River Wonders on Sentosa Island. We would also go to the SungeiBuloh Wetland Reserve to see wild crocodiles, eagles and other rare bird species.
We are very grateful that Trusted Housesitters gave us the unique opportunity to have been in the most expensive city in the world for free and to have looked after the sweet cat Pixie!