Singapore tours & vacations

Just shy of the equator, Singapore has a typical tropical climate with hot and humid weather year-round. Average temperatures linger between 75°F and 88°F.

Although there are two monsoon seasons – the northeast monsoon from December to March and the southwest monsoon from June to September – rain is present all year, usually in the form of thunderstorms and short bursts of torrential rain. Thankfully, sunshine is also abundant, so although the weather can be unpredictable, the sun will usually prevail, making it a year-round holiday destination.

Learn more about the best time to visit Singapore

Singapore, originally known as Temasek in the 14th century, began as an outpost for the Sumatran empire of Srīvijaya, primarily inhabited by fishermen and pirates. Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, its strategic location made it a prime hub for trade.

Singapore became a British colony in 1824, and by 1826, it was governed as part of the Straits Settlements. The Japanese Empire invaded Singapore during World War II, and the country endured a harsh occupation from 1942 to 1945. The post-war period saw significant political change, including transitioning from British rule to self-governance. It joined Malaysia briefly in 1963 but became an independent republic in 1965 due to political differences. 

In recent years, particularly under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore has become a global economic powerhouse renowned for its innovation, technology and strong economy.

Singapore’s culture is as dynamic as its history, shaped by Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arabian and Western influences. This multiculturalism is most evident in its cuisine – best experiences in the hawker halls – languages, festivals and vibrant neighborhoods like Little India, Chinatown and Kampong Glam. English is the lingua franca, but Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil are also widely spoken.

Despite its rapid growth and urbanization, Singapore remains committed to preserving its traditions and embracing a balance of modernity and cultural heritage.

Located in South East Asia on the southern end of the Malaysian Peninsula, this tiny but mighty city-state boasts a fascinating mix of natural beauty and urban innovation. It comprises one 30-mile-long island (called Pulau Ujong, or mainland Singapore) and over 60 smaller islands.

Historically blanketed by tropical rainforest, mangrove forests and tidal creeks, Singapore has transformed into one of the most urbanized nations in the world. While much of the land is now dedicated to developed environments, the government is committed to creating green spaces amidst rapid growth and about 10% of its area remains preserved for forests and agriculture.

Things to try in Singapore

1. Hainanese chicken rice

This national dish is synonymous with Singaporean culture. Poached chicken is served over rice cooked in chicken stock, with cucumber slices and dipping sauce. It may be simple, but it never fails to hit the spot. Half of the fun of visiting Singapore is hunting down which hawker stall does it best!

2. Chili crab

Along with Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab is a national dish and can be found everywhere, from high-end restaurants to simple hawker stalls. Mud crabs are stir-fried in a thick chilli and tomato-based gravy. Eaten with your hands and a bib, this isn’t a meal you want to wear white for.

3. Fish-head curry

With South Indian and Chinese influences, this aromatic dish features a whole red snapper stewed in coconut milk, tamarind juice, spices and chilli. The bold flavors and presence of a whole fish head may turn some people off, but it's a must-try for those with a strong stomach and a penchant for heat in their food.

4. Ice cream sandwich

Head to the mobile ice cream carts on Orchard Road to find this indulgent treat of ice cream wrapped in sweet bread. Classic flavors like chocolate and strawberry get a run alongside unexpected ones – sweet corn or durian, anyone? It’s the perfect antidote to cool down in the steamy Singaporean climate.

5. Fried carrot cake

No, this dish isn't your typical sweet carrot cake deep-fried in batter. Singaporean carrot cake, AKA chai tow kuay, is made by frying cubes of steamed white radish and glutinous rice flour with garlic, chili and eggs. It’s a top choice for vegetarian travelers.

Major debit and credit cards like Mastercard, Visa and American Express are widely accepted in Singapore, with contactless payments being the preferred method. That said, smaller vendors like hawker food stalls and taxi drivers often prefer or accept cash only, so carry enough cash to cover everyday items.

ATMs are also widely available in shopping malls, grocery stores and city streets. Singapore bank ATMs accept all major card providers and don’t usually charge an operator fee (your bank may still charge a fee).