Top 5 Reasons to Explore Singapore in this New Year

Are you looking for a new travel destination to add to your bucket list this New Year? Look no further than Singapore! This small island nation offers a unique blend of experiences, making it the perfect destination for any traveller. Whether you're a culture and history buff, a foodie, a shopper, or a nature lover, Singapore has something to offer. Singapore boasts a blend of diverse cultures and religions. This makes the city-state filled with delicious street food, stunning natural landscapes, local markets, and high-end restaurants. With much more to offer, Singapore will definitely leave you with unforgettable memories. But don't just take our word for it. Keep reading and discover the five reasons why Singapore should be on your travel bucket list this New Year.

1. Cultural Diversity

Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures and religions, providing a unique and rich experience for travellers. The city is home to a diverse population of Chinese, Malay, and Indian descent. This diversity is reflected in the different neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street. These neighbourhoods offer an authentic glimpse into the different cultures and religions that make up Singapore. Visitors can experience a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. For example, Chinese New Year and Thaipusam are must-see events for any traveller. However, travelling to a new place during a festival can be both exciting and risky. Hence, to avoid any mishap during such situations, you should have a travel insurance plan.

2. Food

Singapore is known for its varied and delicious food options. You will have culinary choices ranging from street food to high-end restaurants. Because of its diversity, there is a wide variety of cuisines from all over the world in Singapore. However, Chinese, Malay, and Indian cuisines are popular among many others. The street food and hawker centres in Singapore are a must-visit for every food-lover. Singapore has also been recognized as a food paradise by many food critics and travel guides. While you should try the various cuisines available, it’s important to be cautious. For many people, a sudden change in food consumption can lead to medical issues. In such a situation, having travel insurance for Singapore  can help you with any emergency medical expenses you might face.

3. Shopping

Singapore is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from luxury brands to local markets and street vendors. Popular shopping areas like Orchard Road and Bugis Street offer an endless array of options for shoppers. The city has varying shopping options that range from high-end luxury brands to local markets and street vendors. You can find everything from designer clothing and accessories to electronics, and souvenirs. Shopping in Singapore can be a memorable experience. But spending money on valuable items in an unfamiliar location is risky. However, if you buy travel insurance online, you will have coverage against any stolen luggage or important documents.

4. Nature and Outdoor Activities

Singapore is not completely filled with bustling markets and soaring skyscrapers. It is widely acclaimed for being a green city with plenty of nature to explore. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Zoo, and Botanic Gardens are must-visit destinations for someone that enjoys spending time in nature. Singapore also offers outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. Moreover, with travel insurance, you can participate in these activities without worry. A travel insurance plan can cover you against any accidental injuries you might suffer. However, you should check what is covered in travel insurance. More precisely, make sure adventure activities are within the scope of its coverage.

5. Ease of Travel

Singapore's small size and excellent transportation infrastructure make it easy to get around and see all the different sights and experiences. The country is well-connected by public transport, and it's easy to move around using buses, trains, and taxis. Singapore's Changi airport is widely recognized as one of the best in the world. The airport offers a wide range of facilities, including shopping, dining, lounges, and many more amenities. This makes it a convenient and comfortable place to transit. With its well-connected public transport and modern airport, Singapore is a very easy place to navigate and explore. Additionally, buying travel insurance will provide you with coverage against events like trip cancellations or delays will be covered. So, you can enjoy your travels worry-free.

Essential Travel Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip to Singapore

1. Use Public Transport: Singapore’s affordable and efficient public transport system is ideal for getting around. Use EZ-Link cards to pay for buses and trains. Ride-sharing apps like Grab and bike-share services are also convenient options.
2. Follow Local Laws: Singapore’s strict laws, such as those against littering, spitting, or vandalism, ensure public order. Be mindful, as penalties can be severe, especially for drug offences.
3. Tipping Culture: Tipping is not expected in Singapore. Most establishments include a 7% GST and a 10% service charge in bills, making extra tips unnecessary but appreciated.
4. Master Bargaining: Bargain at places like Bugis Street and Chinatown for the best deals. Polite and friendly negotiation can help you save money on local goods.

These tips will help you enjoy a smooth, budget-friendly, and respectful trip in Singapore!

How to Reach Singapore

1. By Air

Flying is the most convenient way to reach Singapore from India. Changi Airport, consistently rated among the world’s best, serves direct flights from major Indian cities. Airlines like IndiGo and Singapore Airlines offer regular flights, with a journey time of 6 to 8 hours depending on layovers. If your transit is over five hours, you can enjoy a guided city tour from the airport.

2. By Train

Though there are no direct trains from India, you can travel to Singapore from Malaysia. Two main routes are available:

1. First Line: Connects Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru, allowing a change for Bangkok.
2. Jungle Line: Passes through Malaysia’s northeastern coast, with stops at Tanah Merah and Wakaf Bharu.

3. By Road

You can drive or take a bus from Malaysia to Singapore via two causeways. The Johor-Singapore Causeway is the most popular route. Passengers must clear customs and passport control before re-boarding, which takes around an hour. Each mode offers a unique experience based on convenience and travel preferences.

Best Time to Visit Singapore

The best time to visit Singapore is from February to April, when the weather is dry with less rainfall. June to August is ideal for beachgoers, while July and August are perfect for shopping due to the Great Singapore Sale. Singapore’s warm, humid climate makes it a year-round destination.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Singapore offers a unique blend of culture, food, shopping, nature, and ease of travel. It's definitely a destination worth considering for your travel bucket list this New Year. To make sure you're fully protected during your trip, don't forget to purchase travel insurance for Singapore. With its many benefits, it's a small price to pay for peace of mind while exploring this amazing country. * Standard T&C apply. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.