Why visit Singapore?
Singapore is a small country, but despite its size, it is no less multifacetedThe city-state is a true melting pot, a melting pot of Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities, not to mention the many foreigners who have come to work in this prosperous country. This cultural mix is found everywhere: in temples, neighborhoods, cuisines, and festivals.
Located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, separated from Malaysia by the Johor Strait, Singapore was already an important trading post as early as the 14th century. At that time, the island was known as Tumasik and was influenced by Javanese culture.
It was at the end of the 14th century that a prince of Sumatra, taking refuge on the island, gave it its current name: Singapore, derived from Sanskrit Singapore, “city of the lion”. Ironically, there were never any lions here, but rather tigers — a likely confusion on the part of the explorers of the time…
After tensions with the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Singapore became a haven for pirates before being almost abandoned. The Dutch then settled there at the end of the 17th century, and the island was part of the Dutch colonial empire between 1684 and 1811, until Dutch rule faltered when the Netherlands came under Napoleonic control.
In 1819, history took a dramatic turn: Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles purchased the island from the Sultan of Johor for 33,000 Spanish dollars and established a British trading post there. His objective was clear: to prevent the Dutch from dominating regional trade. Singapore then became a strategic naval base, controlling the passage through the Strait of Malacca, before establishing itself as a leading port. Even today, its port is among the busiest in the world in terms of export tonnage.
After World War II and a brief period within the Federation of Malaysia, Singapore became definitively independent in 1965. The city-state then built its unique economic model, based on political stability, rapid development and very strict management of society.
The city is also known for its environmental commitment and for its strict rules, which sometimes earn it a reputation as a "rigid" destination (sometimes referred to as "authoritarian democracy" or "benevolent dictatorship").
The country practices a strong form of economic liberalism, but a much more limited form of political liberalism, as the same family has been in power since independence. Nevertheless, Singapore is today one of the most prosperous countries in Asia and one of the safest in the world.
And despite its extremely dense urbanization—the highest in Asia and one of the highest in the world—Singapore is surprisingly green. Lush vegetation adorns the city center, earning it the nickname of "garden city"The equatorial climate contributes significantly to this: hot, humid and punctuated by almost daily showers.
- Ease of movement
- Culinary variety thanks to the diversity of communities
- Cultural richness: several religions and traditions coexist
- Landscapes more varied than you might imagine (Singapore is not just a city!)
- A clean and very well-maintained city
- There's a certain rigidity to the society and its rules (although there has been an improvement in the overall reception).
- A cost much higher than in neighboring countries
For a tourist stay, French nationals are visa exemptUpon arrival, you will generally receive a residence permit. up to 30 days (renewable on site in some cases).
Some countries, like Canada, also benefit from 30 days. Other nationalities must apply for a e-Visa before their arrival, but the majority of my readers should not be affected. However, if you are of Algerian, Moroccan, or Tunisian nationality, a prior visa application is required (the procedure remains relatively simple through a specialized service).
Important:
- Singapore is very strict on entry requirements: absolutely avoid exceeding the permitted date.
- Your passport must be valid at least 6 month at the time of your departure from the country.
- You may be asked for a ticket to leave the country and proof of accommodation (this is rare, but possible).
- Since 2023, it has been necessary to fill out a SG Arrival Card online Before the arrival (free, to be done within 3 days prior to entry into the country).
Located just 160 km from the equator, Singapore benefits from a equatorial climate Hot, humid, and stormy all year round. Temperatures generally vary between 24 ° C at night and 31-32°C during the day, with very little seasonal variation.
Rainfall is more pronounced during the northeast monsoon, November to JanuaryThen, from June to SeptemberThe southwest monsoon brings phenomena locally called "Sumatran blows" : rapid but sometimes violent morning thunderstorms. The rest of the year, thunderstorms are more likely to occur in the late afternoon or evening.
Because rain is frequent throughout the year, Singapore doesn't really have distinct seasons. It's a regular climate, but one that changes dramatically from hour to hour—sometimes even from one neighborhood to another.
Best time to visit Singapore
Singapore has a fairly consistent climate and is worth visiting. all yearHowever, to minimize episodes of heavy rainfall, it is best to avoid the months ofOctober to January, the period when rainfall is heaviest.
Conversely, the months of february and June to September generally offer slightly drier weather, or at least shorter showers.
Personally, I've been there in January and March: in both cases, I experienced both beautiful days and rain in the late afternoon. Weather contrasts are frequent.
| Month | Jan. | Feb. | Mars | Apr. | Mai | June | Jul. | August | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | Avoid — heavy rain | Ideal | mixed | mixed | Very hot | mixed | mixed | mixed | mixed | To avoid | To avoid | To avoid |
Singapore sometimes suffers from a somewhat reductive image: a city that is too modern, too expensive, too focused on shopping… Yet, if you scratch the surface a little, the city-state reveals surprising contrasts.
Between futuristic gardens, cultural districts, tropical forests and small offshore islands, Singapore is not just three towers and a shopping mall.
1. The essential must-haves
Gardens by the Bay It remains one of Singapore's most iconic creations. The air-conditioned domes and their plant collections, the "supertrees" linked by a panoramic walkway, and the themed gardens have become a symbol of the garden city that Singapore claims to be.
Right next door, the skyline of Marina Bay It stands out with its iconic hotel dominating the entire district. The building is best known for its infinity pool, but the main attraction for visitors remains the promenade along the bay and the night views.
2. Cultural districts
Historic districts are one of Singapore's strengths. Each one tells a part of the country's migration history.
→ Chinatown is undoubtedly the most popular: lively alleyways, colorful houses, markets, restaurants, and the Temple of the Tooth Relic, massive and richly decorated.
→ Little India It offers a completely different atmosphere: bright colors, Hindu temples, Indian grocery stores and restaurants. It's a lively, sometimes noisy, but very exotic neighborhood.
→ Not far away, Kampong Glam (Malay quarter) is centered around the great mosque andarab streetknown for its colorful facades, textile shops and cafes.
→ For evening outings, the area along the river — Boat Quay et Clarke quay — brings together restaurants and bars in a more festive atmosphere.
→ Finally, if you enjoy shopping or simply want to enjoy the air conditioning after a day of sightseeing, Orchard Road It remains the city's most famous commercial artery.
3. Nature & walks
Singapore truly lives up to its nickname of “garden city”. Despite dense urbanization, the island maintains a network of green spaces that are often well-maintained.
Southern Ridges constitutes one of the most beautiful walks: five interconnected parks, unobstructed views, canopy walkways, and popular viewpoints such as the Henderson WavesThe walk can start at Mount Faber (where the cable car to Sentosa departs) and then continue to Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark and finally Kent Ridge Park.
Another very popular place is the MacRitchie's reservoir offers a beautiful loop through tropical vegetation, with a suspension bridge above the canopy (TreeTop Walk) and an observation tower.
La Bukit Timah Nature Reserve protects a patch of primary forest and is home to Singapore's highest point (163 m... don't expect a Himalayan peak).
Further north, Sungei buloh wetland reserve It offers a completely different world: marshes, mangroves, birds, reptiles and walkways at water level. Another side of Singapore, far from the skyscrapers.
The islands around Singapore
It's a little-known fact, but Singapore actually has no fewer than 63 islands and islets. However, only a few of these are accessible or of interest to visitors. Most of the others are reserved for military or port activities.
- Sentosa This island is dedicated to leisure: beaches, attractions, and upscale hotels. The atmosphere may or may not appeal to you, but it's the perfect place if you're looking to relax. Note: the southern beaches overlook an area with frequent ship traffic.
- St John's Island et Lazarus IslandThe two islands, now connected by a bridge, are prized for their beaches, clearer waters, and unspoiled nature. Singaporeans love to come here on weekends for picnics or walks.
- Kusu IslandThe nearby island is usually visited immediately afterward, as it's included in the ferry tours. Small beaches, temples, and guaranteed tranquility await.
- Hantu islands are also located in this area, with a preserved environment, but they remain very close to the port.
- Finally, to the northeast of Singapore, Ubin Island offers a completely different setting. A true parenthesis in time, the island evokes the Singapore of yesteryear: villages, raw nature, absence of concrete and ideal cycling trails. A beautiful day trip.
Singapore in summary
- Marina: Marina Bay Sands, Merlion, Gardens by the Bay.
- Singapore River: Boat Quay, Clarke Quay.
- Chinatown: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Thian Hock Keng Temple, Chinatown Heritage Center.
- Little India & Arab Street: Indian Heritage Centre, Malay Heritage Centre, Masjid Sultan.
- Natural parks: Southern Ridges (Henderson Waves, Mount Faber…), MacRitchie Reservoir, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
- Islands around Singapore: St John's Island, Lazarus Island, Kusu Island (south); Pulau Ubin (north).
Singapore landmarks on a map
Below you will find a clear overview with ideas for the major sights to see in Singapore:
Given the size of the country, we don't really talk about "itineraries," but rather day trips encompassing the different neighborhoods. For a complete tour of Singapore, a week isn't too much, but you can See the essentials in three days if your schedule or budget is tight.
1 day – Marina Bay, the river and Chinatown
Start by Gardens by the BayThen head towards the bay and follow the Esplanade to the Merlion, a symbol of Singapore. The view of Marina Bay Sands is particularly beautiful from this promenade.
Continue to Raffles Place, in the heart of the business district, before running along the river via Boat Quay and eventually Clarke quay if you stay into the evening.
From Hong Lim Park (where the remarkable Parkroyal on Pickering hotel is located), enter ChinatownYou will travel along South Bridge Road: mosque Masjid JamaeHindu temple Sri Mariamman, Then the Buddha Tooth Relic TempleContinue to the Fuk Tak Chi and Thian Hock Keng temples to complete the visit.
Depending on your pace, finish with a break at Pearl's Hill City Park or the family Singapore City Gallery.
2 days – Little India and Arab Street
For this second day, a complete change of scenery. Destination Little India to discover the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, the colorful house of Tan Teng Niahthe mosque Abdul Gafoor or even the Notre-Dame de Lourdes church.
Next, join Kampong Glam : the Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) marks the entrance to the Malay Quarter and Arab Street, renowned for its lively alleyways, shops and cafes.
End the day with a more leisurely stroll: either towards Fort Canning Park, either in the direction ofOrchard Road if you wish to enjoy the shopping centers.
3 days – Nature and islands
Singapore also surprises with its green spaces. Southern Ridges offers a superb walk linking several parks via aerial walkways (including the Henderson Waves). It's a pleasant half-day spent amidst tropical vegetation and views of the city.
Another alternative: the MacRitchie Reservoirknown for its TreeTop Walk, or even the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Then dedicate another half-day — or the whole day — to the southern islands: St John's, Lazarus et A pieceBeaches, tranquility and unspoiled nature are on the agenda.
Or opt for Ubin IslandTo the north, you'll discover a more traditional Singapore. Renting a bicycle makes it easy to explore the villages and coastal paths.
Finally, if you like amusement parks, Sentosa includes several activities more geared towards entertainment.
Coming to Singapore
Singapore, like Bangkok, is a major hub in Asia. With just over 60 million passengers per year, Changi Airport handles only slightly more than the Thai capital's airport.
The only difference is that Changi is regularly elected best airport in the world, a status reinforced by its architecture, its interior gardens, and its famous glass waterfall. This "status" certainly warranted a dedicated article, which I've included here.
Many airlines serve Singapore, and fares vary greatly depending on whether you take a direct flight or one with a stopover.
Direct flights from Paris
You can find direct flights for just under 600 € (around €580), which is very reasonable for this destination.
Two companies operate the direct route:
- Singapore Airlines – One of the best companies in the world. Excellent service, but fares are often a bit higher (starting from ~€727 during my test).
- Air France – Allows you to get direct flights for less than €600.
Flights with layovers
When flying with a layover, you can find very interesting tickets, sometimes below €400, in particular with:
- Swiss (~€391)
- Lufthansa (~€389 in partnership)
And below the €500 mark, we find some very solid companies:
- Qatar Airways
- Etihad
- Turkish Airlines
In summary: direct flight if you want to save time, flight with a stopover to save money.
Getting to the city center from Changi Airport
Changi Airport is located about 20 kilometers from the city center. Connections are simple, fast, and cheap, whether you use the MRT, a taxi, or a service like Grab.
MRT (metro)
The MRT is the most economical way to get to the city center. You need to take the green line (East-West Line – EW) at the station Changi Airport, located between the terminals.
A connection may be necessary depending on your final destination. The journey to Bugis, City Hall or Raffles Place usually takes 25 to 35 minutes and costs around 1,8 S$.
The MRT operates from 5:30 a.m. to midnight about.
Bus
Slower but very economical, the bus network serves several neighborhoods. The lines pass by each terminal and provide access to areas including the East Coast and residential zones. A ticket costs approximately 1,5–2 S$Less practical if you have large luggage.
Taxi
Taxis are available at all terminals. The journey to the city center usually costs 25–30 S$depending on your destination and the time.
Since Singapore doesn't have any real traffic jams, travel times are very consistent: expect 20 to 25 minutes on average.
Grave
Grab is the simplest alternative if you prefer to book directly through an app. Fares are similar to those of traditional taxis, sometimes slightly lower depending on the time of day. It's also a good option for planning a specific route or if you're arriving late.
Private shuttles/transfers
Some hotels offer paid shuttle services, but this is not the most common option in Singapore. Private transfers are easy to book and start around 50–60 S$ depending on the type of vehicle.
In summary : MRT If you are looking for savings, taxi or Grab if you have luggage or wish to save time.
Search for a flight to Singapore
Getting around in Singapore
The city-state has an excellent public transport system. Between the subway (MRT) and buses, you can get around easily and at a very reasonable cost. It's actually one of the cheapest places to travel in Singapore.
Taxis remain a reliable and simple option if you're traveling to an area with limited public transport or outside of MRT operating hours. And unlike some other major Asian cities, traffic is generally light.
EZ-Link or Singapore Tourist Pass?
Available at TransitLink ticket counters in all MRT stations. Its cost is 12 S$ (including $7 credit + $5 non-refundable deposit).
You can also buy them in the 7-Eleven for 10 S$ (5 S$ credit + 5 S$ deposit). You must keep at least 3 S$ balance to be able to validate a journey.
Minimum recharge: 10 S$Top-ups are possible with cash or card at MRT station machines.
In practice : the EZ-Link is cost-effective if you stay more than three days.
Singapore Tourist Pass (1, 2 or 3 days)
The STP provides access to unlimited rides on the regular bus and MRT network. Current fares:
- 1 day: 10 S$
- 2 days: 16 S$
- 3 days: 20 S$
A deposit of 10 S$ is requested at the time of purchase but Refunded if you return the card to a machine designed for this purpose (see here (the list of stations where you can buy the Singapore Tourist Pass).
Please note Unlimited travel only applies to standard buses and MRT trains. Not included: Sentosa Express, RWS8, Fast Forward, Night Rider, Nite Owl.
Validity A 1-day pass covers up to 23:59 on the day of first use. 2- and 3-day passes must be used consecutively.
→ See the information on the official website (in English)
Other variations
Two other versions exist: the Please+ (more expensive, with some tourist extras) and the SG Pass (S$25, valid for 3 days, no security deposit required). The differences are minimal and mainly concern the included benefits.
Road transport
The buses
The bus network covers the entire main island and allows access to areas not served by the MRT, even though the latter already covers the island well.
You can pay in cash, but you need exact change, as the driver doesn't give change. This is one of the reasons why EZ-Link cards or the Singapore Tourist Pass are much more convenient.
The buses are comfortable, the stops are clearly marked, and the information is relatively easy to understand. Depending on the distance and the type of line (Basic, DLT/NRT, LRT, Express), expect to pay on average... around 2 S$ (≈ €1,6). All prices are available on the official website of SBS Transit, main operator.
To plan a route, the Bus Router website It lists all the stops, which is super handy. The timetables are generally the same as the metro's, between 5:30 am and midnightSome night routes operate only on weekends and public holidays (Night Rider, Night Owl).
A cross-border bus also connects Singapore to Malaysia (Service 950), between Woodlands Regional Interchange and JB Sentral Terminal. You can access it via the Woodlands or Marsiling MRT stations.
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful and, while not the cheapest option, are surprisingly affordable. They're also the most convenient if you have luggage or need to reach a location not served by the MRT.
Traffic flows smoothly: the high price of vehicles and taxes for accessing central areas severely limit traffic. And above all, let's be clear: Scams are extremely rareThe taximeter is the rule.
There are more than a dozen companies (some offering limousine service), but for easy booking, the most efficient solution remains Grave, very widespread in Southeast Asia.
The counter usually starts at 3 S$then approximately 0,55 S$ per kilometerFor example, a journey between the airport and Clarke Quay costs approximately 29 S$ (less than €20 for ~20 km).
To estimate a price, you can use the official calculator: Taxi Fare Calculator.
Useful apps for getting around
- Citymapper — in French, ideal for planning MRT and bus journeys.
- Moovit — very comprehensive, reliable for timetables and routes (iOS version).
- SG Bus+MRT — the local reference for bus arrival times (in English) iOS version).
- Singapore – Metro Guide and Interactive Map — offline app dedicated to the MRT.
- Grave — taxis, private hire vehicles and various services throughout the city.
Rail transport
The MRT network, inaugurated in 1987 with a single line, now has 5 lines main and a network of LRT (light rail) which connects certain neighborhoods to the main network. The whole represents 119 resorts and about 200 km of routes, whether terrestrial or underground.
One line is under construction, two others are under development, and a fourth is planned, which should bring the total to 9 lines and 400 km by 2040.
EZ-Link cards or the Singapore Tourist Pass remain the simplest solution to avoid buying individual tickets for each journey. A journey on the MRT costs on average 1,5 S$which is very cheap.
The lines are color-coded and labeled with two letters according to their direction: EW (East-West), NS (North-South), NE (Northeast), CC (Circle Line), DT (Downtown Line). The system is intuitive and facilitates connections.
General hours: 5am - 30:00pm (and until 1:00 AM during holidays). Average frequency: every 2–3 minutes, and up 1 minutes during peak hours.
Shipping
Singapore, with its many islands, has ferry services as part of the landscape. Since Marina South PierThe company Singapore Island Cruise & Ferry Services (See information and schedules) provides connections to St John's Island et A pieceA ticket costs 18 S$ the round trip.
Towards the south of the main island, the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal allows you to reach the Indonesian islands of Bintan et BatamThe latter is also accessible from HarbourFront, near Sentosa.
From HarbourFront, it is also possible to reach Karimun, still in Indonesia (Tanjung Balai Karimun dock).
Changi terminal also provides access to Malaysia via Tanjung Belungkor, access point to then go towards Desaru beach.
To the north, small traditional boats (bumboat) leave for Ubin Island since Changi Point Ferry TerminalThe journey costs only 3 S$ the outward journey.
Air transport
Given the size of the country, there are obviously no domestic flights. Besides Changi, however, Singapore has a small public airport, Seletar, mainly used for connections to Malaysia.
- The only scheduled airline that operates there is Firefly (a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines), offering flights to Langkawi Island ou Penang. Count approximately 45 € the outbound journey, with 20 kg of luggage included.
Singapore is unfortunately not known for its cheap accommodation. Expect to pay at least €50 per night for a room (even in guesthouses, however well located).
On my first visit, I booked a hotel according to my needs (professional at the time), further from the centre and got away with €40 for a single room (Geylang, where Singapore's red light district is located, is where you will find the best rates).
Which neighborhood should I choose in Singapore?
Choosing a neighborhood in Singapore depends mainly on your budget and the atmosphere you are looking for. Here are the most convenient areas for a first stay:
● Marina Bay / City Hall — Ideal for a short stay. Perfect access to the major attractions (Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Merlion). Hotels are expensive, but the location is unbeatable.
● Bugis / Bras Basah — Central, lively, and cheaper than Marina Bay. Perfect for accessing museums, Arab Street, the Malay Quarter, and public transport. A very good compromise.
● Chinatown Boutique hotels, cultural atmosphere, lively streets, excellent food courts. Very well connected. Good value for money.
● Little India — Colourful, rich in culture and gastronomy. More affordable hotels, but a noisier environment.
● Orchard Road — Perfect if you like shopping malls and large hotels. Central, comfortable, convenient.
● Clarke Quay / Robertson Quay — Riverside location, restaurants, bars, pleasant atmosphere. Ideal if you're going out in the evening.
● Sentosa — Beaches, attractions, upscale hotels. A good choice if you want a more "relaxing" stay, less convenient for visiting the city center.
● Geylang — A more "raw" area, historically associated with nightlife. It boasts excellent hawker centers, the cheapest hotels, and an authentic local atmosphere. Safety is also good (it is Singapore, after all), but it's not the most suitable area for families or a first-time visit.
To conclude: Buggy, Chinatown et City Hall are the best choices for combining price, transport and sightseeing.
When I returned to Singapore for a normal tourist visit, I had the chance to try out a small, well-located hotel, details of which are below. The hotel has since changed its name, but the concept remains the same.
Galaxy Pods Capsule Hostel
Note: 8,4 / 10
Budget: from €45
Small hotel with a "reasonable" price for Singapore, especially considering its location (close to Raffles Place metro), in a lively neighborhood next to the river. The advantage was that we had a (min) Single room, just bunk beds but a shared bathroom. The establishment has changed ownership and name, and they now have rooms that can accommodate 3 people.
To book a hotel in Singapore, please use the search tool:
Local currency: the official currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD), abbreviated S$Here are the coins and banknotes currently in circulation:
- Pieces : 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and 1 S$
- Tickets : 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 1000 S$
The rate varies, but generally:
- 1 € ≈ 1,40–1,50 S$
- 10 S$ ≈ 6,50–7 €
Conversion reference: for a quick estimate, subtract 30% to get an idea of the equivalent in euros.
Quick example – 20 S$ → ≈ 14 €
Daily Card and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere. However, carry some cash for food courts, some small shops, and public transport if you are still using a physical EZ-Link card.
Price benchmarks
Accommodations
- Entry-level bedroom: 80–120 S$ (≈ €55–80)
- Standard hotel: 130–200 S$ (≈ €90–140)
- Good hotel (city center): 220–350 S$ (≈ €150–240)
Catering
- Food court / hawker centre: 5–10 S$ (≈ €3,5–7; ~€4–9 with +20%)
- Coffee / drink: 4–7 S$ (≈ €2,5–5)
- Simple restaurant: 15–25 S$ (≈ €10–17; ~€12–20 with +20%)
- Higher-end restaurant: 40 S$+ (≈ €28+; ~€34+ with +20%)
Transport
- Subway (MRT): 1,10–2,30 S$ (≈ €0,75–1,60)
- City bus: 1–2,20 S$ (≈ €0,70–1,50)
- Taxi (pick-up): $4,10 (≈ €2,80; ~€3,5 with +20%) + counter
- Grab (city center): 8–15 S$ (≈ €5,5–10)
Visits
- Museums / temples: 5–20 S$ (≈ €3,5–14)
- Gardens by the Bay (2 domes): $32 (≈ €22)
- OCBC Skyway: $18 (≈ €12,5)
- Singapore Flyer: $40 (≈ €28)
- Sentosa (various activities): 10–40 S$ (≈ €7–28)
For data updated (rent, restaurants, groceries…), consult Numbeo for Singapore.
Small budget
Average budget
Comfortable
Singapore offers some of the best health and safety conditions in Asia. The city-state has top-notch medical infrastructure, a highly controlled environment, and a particularly low crime rate.
However, there are a few points to be aware of to avoid unpleasant surprises: tropical climate, presence of mosquitoes, strict rules and high medical costs in case of unforeseen events without insurance.
Travel insurance — is it really necessary?
Travel insurance can truly be a game-changer if something goes wrong abroad. And if you're going to Asia for several months, this is even more true: insurance policies linked to bank cards tend to be limited.
The coverage limit for medical expenses on standard health insurance cards is around 10 000 €whereas dedicated travel insurance usually covers €200,000 or moreFurthermore, civil liability is not included in all cards.
I recommend you Heymondo Travel Insurance (5% discount via my link).
Transparency: if you subscribe via this link, I will receive a small commission — at no extra cost to you.
What vaccines and what do I need to know for my health?
Sanitary conditions in Singapore are excellent, close to European standards. Therefore, there is no no vaccination obligation particularly suitable for a tourist stay.
In practical terms, being up-to-date on your routine vaccinations is sufficient: DTP for adults, ROR For children. No specific recommendations are required for Singapore.
Against mosquitoes
Even though Singapore is highly urbanized, it remains in a tropical zone. Mosquitoes are therefore present year-round. There is no malaria, but other viruses circulate: dengue, chikungunya or, zika (Pregnant women should avoid any unnecessary exposure).
No need to panic, but you must protect yourself: skin et Clothing, good repellent, and be especially careful in the late afternoon.
Swimming
Singapore is an island and there are many beaches, especially in Sentosa. But swimming isn't always ideal: as the port is one of the busiest in the world, the water can be contaminated with hydrocarbons, especially in the north of the island.
In fact, some beaches are simply off-limits for this reason.
Security in Singapore
Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world. The crime rate is very low, and the authorities take public order very seriously. It's not uncommon to see huge official signs seeking witnesses… even in cases of verbal assault.
Some acts of piracy exist in the Strait of Malacca (Indonesia/Riau Islands side), but the waters under Singaporean sovereignty are considered safe.
As for the weather, beware of thunderstorms: they can be violent and are very frequent, on average one day out of two.
Emergency numbers & useful contacts
Emergency numbers
- Police : 999
- Firefighters / Ambulance: 995
Hospitals in Singapore
- Mount Elizabeth Hospital: +65 6737 2666
- Gleneagles Hospital: +65 6470 5700
- Singapore General Hospital: +65 6222 3322
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital: +65 6293 4044
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital: +65 6256 6011
Pharmacies
Pharmacies Guardian They are present in most shopping centers. On-call pharmacies are also located in every hospital.
French Embassy in Singapore
101–103 Cluny Park Road
259595 Singapore
Tel.: +65 6357 6300
Embassy website: https://sg.ambafrance.org/
Travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (France Diplomacy) : Singapore fact sheet
