What is Singapore Best Known For

From cocktails to cleanliness, we've rounded up Singapore's most famous associations.

By Adam Fraiel
Published: July 18, 2024
Singapore Marina Bay Sands hotel

All who visit admire the vibrant city of Singapore. From the city’s stunning skyline to iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore is jam-packed with iconic attractions.

The seamless mix of technology, innovation, and natural beauty makes visiting Singapore an unforgettable experience. We’ll look at what Singapore’s best known for, including the landmarks, attractions, and cultural events that make this city-state such a unique destination.

  • Safety
  • Cleanliness
  • Technology meets nature
  • An unforgettable airport
  • Internationally renowned events
  • The Singapore Sling
  • Learn to speak Singlish

Singapore is one of the safest cities on earth

What is Singapore Best Known For

The “Lion City” is known worldwide as a safe destination for travelers. The country has a low crime rate and a low murder rate compared to other countries. However, if you dig deeper and look at the statistics of crimes per 100,000 people, there are a few countries that are safer than Singapore. Here are some of the safest cities in the world.

Singapore comes top of the list in the 2022 Safety Perceptions Index, plus ranks in the top 10 most peaceful countries, according to the 2022 Global Peace Index.

 

Singapore is one of the cleanest cities in the world

Singapore is clean because of strict policies in place to ensure that the city remains that way. Here are some ways Singapore keeps the streets clean.

Littering in Singapore is an offense carrying a substantial fine or even imprisonment. You’re not allowed to litter any kind of food packaging or containers, and they also banned chewing gum.

Spitting in public is an offense that could land you a hefty fine

Smoking is prohibited in all public buses, trains, and taxis.

The city has also invested heavily in a workforce of cleaning and sanitation workers who patrol the city 24/7. The city’s cleanliness is a source of national pride, and they encourage everyone to take an active role in maintaining it.

 

The fusion between technology and nature makes Singapore truly unique

What is Singapore Best Known For

Singapore is constantly innovating, blending its traditional roots with contemporary technology. Singapore’s rich heritage is clearly visible in its architecture, monuments, and cultural heritage sites. Yet, it sits seamlessly alongside state-of-the-art buildings, vibrant nightlife, and world-class shopping destinations.

In some countries, new buildings and attractions are purposely built to stand out and be noticed, often to the detriment of the overall aesthetic. Not so in Singapore. There’s. a vision and theme that runs throughout, from the airport to downtown.

Admittedly, that’s easier to do in a small city like Singapore compared to London or New York, but they do it and do it well.

 

Changi Airport is one of the best in the world

What is Singapore Best Known For

When you think of the word airport, what comes to mind? Long queues, expensive shops, and stressed-out travelers?

Changi Airport has won over 600 awards to date, including 11 times for World’s Best Airport, the Best Airport Staff in Asia, and the best airport in the world in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.

Why? Because of the stunning design, level of comfort, and facilities available to the public. There’s no time for boredom here, with a children’s play area, cinema, and game console stations all available for free. There’s also a tropical rainforest vivarium, water lily garden, and giant waterfalls for those looking for a more chilled experience.

You can even have your wedding at Changi Airport! With a spa, Butterfly Garden, and giant slide all accessible to the public, it’d be a ceremony to remember.

 

Singapore has a calendar full of world-class cultural events

Singapore is a thriving city that hosts a variety of world-class cultural events every year. Here are a few that you’ll not want to miss:

Singapore Arts Festival

Held every year in January and February, the festival showcases over 100 performances and art exhibits from local and international artists, many of which are free to the public. Singapore Arts Festival is a platform that celebrates local arts and provides a platform for cultural exchanges.

Singapore Food Festival

Spanning an entire month through June and July, Singapore’s incredible cuisine comes to the forefront, with workshops, cooking classes, and competitions springing up all over the city. Shop around for amazing deals in restaurants and sample a multitude of mouth-watering meals.

Lantern Festival

Marking the last day of Chinese New Year, the spring lantern festival is one of the most popular festivals in Singapore. Thousands of paper lanterns are lit and released into the air, creating a magical atmosphere and an incredible photo opportunity.

 

Enjoy a Singapore Sling cocktail

What is Singapore Best Known For

Singapore Sling cocktails are famous worldwide and they’re a must-try during your visit. Invented in 1915 at the Long Bar inside the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, the Singapore Sling cocktail’s made with gin, cherry brandy, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and sugar syrup, and garnished with a slice of lime and cherry.

This refreshing drink became an instant classic and its popularity spread throughout the world. Today, you can find the Singapore Sling cocktail in bars all over the world, and in all the local bars.

An authentic Singapore Sling cocktail in Raffles will set you back around $30, but it’s worth it for the nostalgia and history.

 

Learn to speak Singlish

Singlish is Singapore’s very own local language. It is a unique blend of English, Chinese and Malay. Singlish has its own distinct grammar and vocabulary, and learning a little will help you communicate better with the locals.

Here are a few Singlish words to practice.

Onz (on-z) -Yes

Bo - No

Can - Used to mean, “Yes I can”, or “Can you?”

Shiok (she-oak) - Excellent or very good

If you want to learn more, don’t be afraid to ask the locals. As with most countries, locals appreciate you making the effort and you’ll be rewarded with a much richer travel experience.

 

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Adam Fraiel
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Friends having fun on a rollercoaster.
Blog

The Best Theme Parks in Singapore

Looking for high-octane thrills in Singapore? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got rollercoasters! We’ve got bungee jumps! We’ve got hair-raising rainforest luge rides! Heck, we’ve even got a great big swing that soars 40 meters above the beach! Add to that water parks and plenty more kid-friendly fun and you’ve got everything you need for a fun-packed Singapore vacation. Here’s our adrenaline-fueled guide to the very best theme parks in Singapore... Universal Studios There’s hours of fun to be had at Universal Studios Singapore (USS), the first and indeed only Universal Studios in all of Southeast Asia, with a whopping six themed zones to explore. We’re talking everything from kid-friendly meet and greets with the Minions, SpongeBob and Sesame Street pals to white-knuckle rollercoasters like Revenge of the Mummy and the Accelerator for teens and grown-ups. Adrenaline heads should make straight for Sci-Fi City, an imagined metropolis of the future where the dueling Human and Cylon Battlestar Galactica rollercoasters are among the tallest of their kind in the world and are all but guaranteed to trigger your fight or flight response. For something a teeny tiny bit more sedate, hop aboard the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure in The Lost World zone for a white-knuckle white-water adventure pursued by hungry dinosaurs. Or join the kids in Far Far Away, a vast Shrek-inspired zone with family friendly fun featuring all your favorite characters, including a Puss in Boots rollercoaster and a live show starring Donkey himself. Though hands-down the best theme park in all of Singapore, USS is just one of many amusements designed to attract thrill seekers across the bay to Sentosa. Read on to discover what else you can do on this diminutive island... Adventure Cove Water Park A hop and a skip from USS, Adventure Cove offers yet more heart-pounding rides for adrenaline junkies. Spiral Washout is every bit as exhilarating as its name sounds: brave souls are fired down a giant flume with only a rubber dinghy to cling to for dear life, before being unceremoniously ejected into a pool, at very high speed. Then there’s the terrifying-sounding Riptide Rocket with its gravity defying loops and twists and stomach-churning drops. Once again, there are also plenty of rather more tranquil entertainments for the faint of heart to enjoy. Drift along the Adventure River in a huge donut, meandering gently through 14 different zones, including a flourishing jungle garden and peaceful grotto. There’s even an underwater tunnel full of colorful tropical marine life, like something from a particularly psychedelic dream. You can ogle many more such eye-popping critters while snorkeling the Rainbow Reef, home to over 20,000 fish. Or kick back with the kids in the wave pool at Bluwater Bay or at Big Bucket Treehouse, where avoiding a drenching is the (near-impossible) name of the game. AJ Hackett Sentosa Set on the golden sands of Sentosa’s palm-strewn Siloso beach, AJ Hackett provides ideal entertainment for those with a head for heights, or indeed anyone who just fancies scaring themselves silly. Experience crazy highs on the SkyBridge, 47 meters above terra firma before testing your mettle on the bungee rope or giant swing. Big enough to hold two people, the swing soars over Siloso’s treetops at nerve-jangling speeds of up to 120kph, so maybe not one to attempt too soon after lunch. Skyline Luge This one’s a corker for anyone who feels the need... for speed. First though, the Skyline cable car carries you gently up, up and away over the jungle treetops to the top of the hill, where four different luge tracks – each over 600 meters in length – allow you to choose your thrill-a-second downhill adventure. Don your helmet, strap in and get ready to burn some rubber on your track of choice, be it the Expedition Trail through the twists, turns and tunnels of Sentosa’s rainforest, the Dragon Trail where mythical fire-breathing beasts lie in wait for you, or the Jungle Trail’s terrifyingly tight hairpins. Jewel Changi Airport Is it an airport? Is it a theme park? You decide! In any case, it's easily among the best entertainment destinations in Singapore. Alongside the great many shops and restaurants housed inside this architectural masterpiece, you’ll find epic indoor waterfalls, unique art installations, and a lush garden that spans five floors. And that’s just for starters! Go on a Jewel-rassic dinosaur hunt in the Shiseido Forest Valley and Canopy Park, where your augmented-reality TimeLens reveals Jurassic behemoths lurking in the undergrowth. Bounce yourself silly on the huge Bouncing Net, lose yourself in the kaleidoscopic Mirror Maze and interact with art in the giant sculpture playground that is Discovery Slides. Or, if you just want to let loose, The Slide@T3 may be for you. This four-story slide whizzes willing victims participants from level one all the way down to basement level three in just a few thrilling seconds. Pororo Park Themed around the animated series Pororo the Little Penguin, this indoor amusement park is strictly for the kids. It’s a technicolor explosion of fun, where infants and toddlers can meet Pororo and other pals including Crong the baby dino, Rody the robot and Popo and Pipi the... well, we’re not quite sure what Popo and Pipi are. Gentle activities here include a sensory Hinoki Pit filled with tiny wooden cubes, Poby’s Jungle Gym, Pororo’s House and, perhaps best of all, the Pororo Express Train, ably piloted around the park by Pororo and Eddy the fox. Haw Par Villa No rides here, but what Haw Par Villa lacks in adrenaline rushes it more than makes up for in hallucinatory historical dioramas. Make no mistake: this is one of the weirdest theme parks you’ll ever visit, containing hundreds of statues depicting Chinese folk tales and lessons in Buddhist morality. If you think that’s given you some idea of what to expect, think again. Some of the dioramas look like the kind of thing you might expect to encounter in a fever dream. Rat taking a phonecall? Sure, why not! Tortoise serving tea to a deer? Completely normal! Giant crab with a grinning human head? Oh, go on then! As fascinating and memorable as a trip to Haw Par Villa undoubtedly is, do note that the hellish and macabre nature of many of the exhibits mean parental discretion is advised if you’re planning on taking the kids along. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Best Markets in Singapore
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Best Markets in Singapore

Nothing invigorates the soul quite like a bargain. Finding something of true value and getting it for a steal is a high many of us chase throughout the year. Discounts and deals are just in our blood. But stumbling upon one yourself gives you a rush like no other. So, if you're visiting Singapore this year and have an itch for bargain hunting, you're in luck. You'll find plenty of markets there. But which are the best? Rather than force yourself to delve into the tomes, documents, and online hearsay, we've done all the legwork for you. Read on, and discover our picks of the best markets in Singapore, and go hunt down some sweet, sweet bargains. Including: Chinatown Street Market Bugis Street Market So Gelam Market Little India Arcade Far East Plaza and more! Chinatown Street Market Let's kick things off in the Far East. Chinatown, to be exact, where you'll find the eponymous Chinatown street market. It's most famous for its delicious food offerings, with plenty of authentic Chinese and Singaporean dishes cooked fresh every day. If you have a taste for satay chicken, dim sum, duck, or laksa, you're bound to be in heaven as you wander the market, surrounded by all the brilliant smells. But that's not the only thing you'll find here. You can also pick up plenty of souvenirs to take back home, interesting nicknacks, and even clothes should you need an item or two. Bugis Street Market Looking to steal a bargain during your market travels? Then Bugis street market is one of the best in Singapore. You'll find plenty of bits and pieces around the place you can pick up for under a buck. Need some keepsakes to remember your trip, or want some presents to bring back for your friends? Bugis has got you covered. But it isn't all bargains - you can even find quality clothing and accessories if you comb the place hard enough. You might be surprised at the labels you'll find in tucked-away corners. And you certainly won't be paying high street prices for them, so what's stopping you? So Gelam Market So Gelam is the king of flea markets, but it's also a fickle beast. It only runs over the final weekend of the month, so if you're in town before that, you may miss out. However, if you're lucky enough to be around when the market's on, you're in for a real treat. Anything goes at So Gelam. You might find beautiful prints in one stall, and the next may be stacked with old electronics. If you're a collector of older, forgotten things, you'll have a field day here. But that's not all, because you'll also find freshly squeezed juice stalls, produce stalls, and even fresh food prepared on-site if you're feeling famished. Little India Arcade If you're in the market for Indian trinkets, spices, and shawls, then Little India Arcade is the perfect market for you. Given Singapore's large Indian contingent, it's hardly surprising there's a market dedicated to South Asian splendor. You'll find everything among its stalls, from traditional herbs and spices to incense, jewelry, and pashminas. Unlike some of the markets on this list, Little India Arcade is an indoor affair, so no matter rain or shine, you'll be more than welcome to brave its streets and find the perfect item! Image courtesy of pac_aleks/Shutterstock Far East Plaza Welcome to one of Singapore's oldest markets! Well, not a market in a traditional sense, at least. This ancient commerce site is now home to a six-story shopping complex replete with over 800 shops, stalls, and sellers. If you're looking for bargains on electronics, clothes, and accessories, then Far East Plaza is the place to be. It's so well known throughout the city that thousands descend on it every weekend to seek out bargains and go home happy. And alongside all those sweet bargains, they also have plenty of beauty shops where you can get a massage, mani/pedi, or facial. After an entire day of bargain hunting, you've earned some R&R. Haji Lane Jonesing for some up-market shopping? Haji Lane's got you covered. Journey through its myriad shops, and you'll find designer labels, unique boutiques, and even high-end homeware. Even visitors of a less permanent disposition will find things to take home with them. Craft jewelry has made a big splash in Haji Lane, with sellers offering exotic pieces you won't find anywhere else on Earth. And, if you need to take a load off, you'll also find cafes and bars to sit down and refuel before you head further into high-street heaven. Image courtesy of ZDL/Shutterstock Holland Village If you're visiting Singapore to escape the high-street bubble back home, head to Holland Village for some truly authentic fresh produce and cooked meals. Discover dozens of stalls filled with fresh fruit, veg, meats, and seafood. Perfect if you're staying in an Airbnb or a place with a kitchen. But, of course, with so much street food on offer, you may end up leaving full to the brim! Noodles, chicken, and rice dishes are the name of the game here, all soaked in authentic sauces and paired with Singapore beers and cocktails. You could even spend an evening exploring all of Holland Village's delights. Arab Street And finally, if you're in the market for Middle-Eastern treats, then Arab Market is one of the best markets in Singapore. Nestled in the Kampong Glam neighborhood, you'll find this bright lane flanked by small shops selling authentic Middle-Eastern food, garments, accessories, and pretty much anything else you could want. And those are our picks of the best markets in Singapore! Whatever your heart desires - and your wallet can afford - is bound to be found somewhere within the above! After all that shopping, you might be wondering what else Singapore has to offer. Don't worry; we've got you covered. Check out Go City and visit some of the best attractions in Singapore! With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can pick and choose the city's best bits for one low price.
Dom Bewley
Sentosa Cable Car
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A Full Guide to Sentosa Island, Singapore

Sentosa is Singapore’s playground: a tiny island resort just off the main island’s south coast with enough attractions and activities packed into its two square miles to keep you occupied for at least a week. Read on for our full guide to Sentosa Island, Singapore. Getting to Sentosa Island Getting yourself over to Sentosa is all part of the fun, with several different ways to cross Keppel Harbour. Quickest and easiest of these is the inexpensive Sentosa Express monorail. Board on level three of the VivoCity mall above HarbourFront MRT station and you’ll be at your destination (Resorts World, Imbiah or Beach station) in just 3–5 minutes. There’s also a pedestrian boardwalk with a separate lane for cyclists, and a road link means you can even arrive by cab or hire car. But it’s the Sentosa cable car that’s hands-down the most fun (and most scenic) way to arrive on Sentosa, and definitely worth doing at least once, assuming you have a head for heights. The 30-minute ride departs HarbourFront cable car station and cruises across the harbor at heights of around 200 feet above sea level. After arriving on Sentosa, you can easily walk to Imbiah station for cable car connections to the beaches. You’ll find that the monorail and cable car stations drop you close to the majority of Sentosa’s main attractions. A free beach shuttle also operates between the sandy Palawan, Tanjong and Siloso beaches along the island's southwest coast. Resorts World Sentosa There are so many things to do on Sentosa that it can be difficult for a newbie to know where to start. The sprawling Resorts World complex is as good a place as any though, encompassing several of the island’s best attractions, plus luxury hotels, restaurants and more. Undisputed star of the show here is Universal Studios Singapore (USS), where a whole bunch of themed zones offer entertainment for kids and grown-ups alike. Even the most difficult-to-please teen won’t fail to be charmed (and soaked) by The Lost World zone’s Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, in which friendly families of stegosauruses and gently meandering rivers may well lull you into a false sense of security before you hit the rapids, stalked by hissing velociraptors and a hungry escaped T-rex. Yikes! The most adrenaline-pumping rides are to be found in Sci-Fi City, where the dueling Battlestar Galactica rollercoaster is the tallest of its kind on the planet, and the 3D Transformers ride is guaranteed to leave your heart pumping and nerves jangling. The popular Far Far Away zone offers an altogether calmer (but no less fun!) experience for younger kids, featuring rides based on characters from the Shrek movie series. Take flight over the forests aboard Donkey’s beloved Dragon on the Enchanted Airways ride, and go in search of Mother Goose’s golden eggs on Puss in Boots’ Giant Journey. No less thrilling is Adventure Cove water park, where heart-stopping rides include the Riptide Rocket and Spiral Washout, both every bit as terrifying as they sound. Brave souls grip their floats for dear life as they enjoy/endure gravity defying loops, hairpin bends and hair-raising drops before being flushed out (at very high speeds) into a huge pool at the bottom. For those who like their water-based entertainment a tad more sedate there’s the Adventure River, where you can drift oh-so-gently through 14 different zones in your enormous donut, taking in tranquil grottoes, verdant jungle gardens and marine life along the way. Don your snorkel and get even closer to native tropical critters at Rainbow Reef, home to over 20,000 colorful fish, or pop to the resort’s S.E.A. Aquarium, home to over 100,000 marine creatures including manta rays, bottlenose dolphins and a giant Pacific octopus. Sentosa Beaches The trio of man made beaches along Sentosa’s southwest coast offer opportunities for the lazy sunbather and adrenaline junkie alike. Siloso is the liveliest and most popular of the three, with opportunities for history buffs, adventurers and sun seekers along its sandy, palm-lined length. Fort Siloso saw action in the Battle of Singapore during World War II and is now a museum that provides a fascinating glimpse into the country’s military history. The fort can be reached via an elevated walkway that’s easily accessed from the beach and takes you on an epic adventure through the treetops, with bird-eye views of the fort. Siloso is also home to thrilling luge tracks, a bungee rope and a huge swing that soars high above the beach. Or, you know, you could always just enjoy the feeling of the warm sand between your toes and indulge in a little gentle snorkeling in the emerald-green waters that lap the shores of all three beaches. Sentosa Restaurants Thanks to the proliferation of attractions and hotels here, there are plenty of dining options available, whether you’re after a romantic fine-dining banquet for two, or something much more casual with the kids. On Siloso Beach, Coastes is a relaxed beach bar that’s all rustic woods in marine blues and sandy tones. Kids can play in the sand while grown-ups linger over a languid weekend brunch of fruit-laden waffles, fluffy pancakes and smoked salmon with poached eggs and avocado. Yum! Just along the coast, FOC Sentosa serves up chilled Mediterranean vibes on laidback Palawan Beach. Resorts World Sentosa is the hub for some of the best big-name brands and fast food joints on the island. We’re talking the Hard Rock Café, Krispy Kreme, McDonalds, Starbucks and more. In other words: plenty to keep the kids happy. Hit up Din Tai Fung to make all your dumpling and dim sum dreams come true, or make for the underwater Ocean Restaurant, where the magnificent rays and other marine creatures peering in at you may make you reconsider that fish starter. Date night is best enjoyed at the W Hotel in Sentosa Cove, where Woobar provides a sultry setting for pre-dinner cocktails including the rum-laced Seaside Queen with mangosteen and the zingy Lesser Known Spice, shot through with tequila and mace from the Sentosa forests. Your resulting double vision will likely do nothing to help you decide whether to opt for a rare grilled steak with all the trimmings at Skirt, or international cuisine at The Kitchen Table. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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