Singapore at a Glance

Singapore is one of the world’s major commercial hubs; with the fourth-biggest financial centre. Officially, The Republic of Singapore is a sovereign city-state and island country in Southeast Asia. It lies off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and is 137 kilometres north of the equator. Though physically small, Singapore is an economic giant. It has been Southeast Asia’s most modern city for over a century. The city blends Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and English cultures and religion.

Established by Thomas Stamford Raffles as a trading post on 29th January 1819, the small sea town of Singapore soon attracted migrants and merchants from China, The Indian subcontinent, Indonesia, the Malay Peninsula and Middle East. The other thing that will strike you most about Singapore is its offering of food. With a range of dining options from Peranakan to Chinese, Indian to Malay, fusion and more, you will be spoilt for choice.

Area710 Square KilometersCapitalSingapore CityPopulation5.4 MillionOfficial LanguagesEnglish, Malay, Mandarin, TamilCurrencySingapore dollarTime DifferenceIndia is 2 hours 30 minutes behind Singapore. (IST+2:30hrs)ISD Code+65BoundaryMalaysia
  • Visa Reqirement

    sing_visa.jpg

    Indian citizens need a visa to visit Singapore. Visa exemption or visa-free access does not apply to India. A visa allows a stay of up to 30 days. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months on the date of return journey.

  • Overview

    culture-and-festivals-in-singapore.jpg

    The mix and match of culture is what makes Singapore so fascinating. But what makes it more captivating is how different cultures like Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians and many other small ethnic groups come together and make it a society. The Chinese group form 74.2% of the total Singapore population, being the country’s original residents, followed by the Malays at 13.3%, the Indians being 9.2% and the Eurasians making up 3.3%. As a result of the variety of culture, Singapore has adopted one indicative language for each group i.e., English, Malay, Tamil and Mandarin. Malay being the national language.

  • Overview

    cuisine_3.jpg

    Singaporean cuisine represents the ethnic diversity of the culture of Singapore. The food here is influenced by Malay, Indonesian, Indian, Peranakan and Western traditions. Despite being a small city, Singapore offers an incredible range of cuisines and dining choices. Whether one is looking for small centres or fine dining, Singapore surely has a range of eatery at every corner. Some of the famous local food to eat in Singapore is: Rojak, Dumpling noodles, Kaya toast, Fish head curry, Fried carrot cake and Tau Huay.

  • Fried Carrot Cake

    whitecarrotcake.jpg

    It’s been a local favourite for many years. Carrot cake is also known as chai tow kueh and actually consists of cubes of steamed rice flour and white radish, fried in egg-like an omelette and garnished with spring onions.

  • Rojak

    rojak.jpg

    This is a traditional fruit and vegetable salad dish. Built on a varied assortment of fruits and vegetables, there are two variations of this local dish available in Singapore. The best rojak stalls are found outside the city.

  • Kaya Toast

    a_best-kaya-toast.jpg

    It is the perfect snack that goes very well with a cup of coffee or tea. Kaya, a traditional jam made from coconut and eggs is spread over grilled toasts. Some eat this toasted sandwich for breakfast, others prefer it for tea.

  • Chinese New Year

    CHINESE-NEW-YEAR.jpg

    Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival is one of the most eagerly anticipated occasions each year. This is the biggest and most significant event of the Chinese community and it is observed by Singaporeans. The festival begins on the first day of the first month and ends on the 15th day of the Chinese calendar.

  • Hungry Ghost Festival

    hungry_ghost.jpg

    The Hungry Ghost Festival is celebrated by the Singapore Chinese community on the 7th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The Chinese believe that the gates of hell are opened during this month and the spirits of the dead are released to roam the earth. The Chinese also believe that the deceased family members return to visit their relatives.

  • Dragon Boat Festival

    DragonBoat_Boat.jpeg

    It’s a sport that has its roots in ancient China. Like numerous ancient Asian sports, dragon boat racing also has a rich and mystifying heritage. The teams consist of 22 members who show their rowing skills against one another for the ultimate glory. Dragon Boat Racing in Singapore is a must for all sports fans, as it is a competitive, vigorous sport with lots of action, thrills, fun and entertainment.

  • Vesak Day

    vesak_day.jpg

    In Singapore, Vesak Day usually falls in the month of May, on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. It is also known as Buddha Purnima, and is a holy day observed traditionally by Buddhists. This day actually commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha.

  • Hari Raya Puasa

    hari_raya_puasa.jpg

    Marking the end of Ramadan with a month long period where fasting takes place from sunrise to sunset, is the biggest event of the Muslim calendar. Geylang Serai and Kampong Glam – the Muslim areas of town, come alive with festive decorations, street lighting, bustling roadside bazaars and a mouth-watering array of traditional Malay foodstuffs, similar to the Chinese during Chinese New Year.

  • Deepavali

    Deepavali.jpg

    Diwali or The Festival of Lights, symbolises the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. It is a major Hindu festival where the little India in Singapore is filled with lights, music, scents and performances. During this festival, new clothes are worn, vibrant and colourful lights brighten up the streets of Little India. At this time, you will be able to feast on Indian delicacies and enjoy cultural heritage, crafts more in Singapore.