Singapore Culture - Things to know about Culture of Singapore

Singapore is a vibrant, dynamic city of multiple cultures, many attractions and exciting shopping and entertainment options. It is an intriguing mosaic of European, Malaysian and South and East Asian cultures. These cultures combine to create a harmonious tapestry of sights, sounds and experiences that’s uniquely Singapore. Residents speak a common language called Singlish, short for Singaporean English. This tongue is a delightful mixture of Malay, English, Cantonese, Tamil and Hokkien words.

The city is also a major foodie haunt, with 1000s of restaurants, pubs, eateries and food stalls offering dishes from different cuisines. One can enjoy delicacies from India, China, Arab countries, Malaysia, Europe and other nations.

Singapore is heavily dotted with beautifully designed colonial churches, ancient Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries and temples and mosques. Pagoda Street in Chinatown proudly sports the oldest Hindu place of worship, the Sri Mariamman Temple, and the Jamae Mosque. The city is dotted with aesthetically-satisfying architecture and delightful sculptures Singapore delights the senses with its beauty, symmetry, culture, neatness and tourist-friendly atmosphere.

Multiple cultural celebrations occur during the same time period. For example, the Chinese New Year is celebrated during February along with thaipusam, a Hindu festival.

There are celebrity restaurants, trendy eateries and ethnic food stalls in heritage districts. All of these add to the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic gastronomic ambience of the city.

Each retail spot is a treasure trove of multicultural goods. One can treat oneself to jewelry, antiques and knick-knacks from different cultures, without traveling to those other countries.

Singapore has come a long way from the mere trading port it was in the 12th century, when the city was known as Temasek, or Sea Town. It was during this time that Singapore saw the very first settlements on its shores.

A prince from Palembang came across a lion (Singa in Sanskrit) while hunting and name the city as Singa Pura, or the Lion City in the 14th century. Rest assured, there are no lions crouching amidst Singapore’s high risers, waiting to pounce on you. The lion is still Singapore’s proud emblem; you’ll see it carved in granites and marbles throughout the city.

For the next several centuries, the island was ruled by 5 different rulers for a long time. The city flourished as a natural trading post, being fortuitously placed at the meeting point of sea routes. Boats, dhows and battleships from Arabia, China, Brazil and other countries would regularly dock at Singapore. The fast-growing trading hub attracted immigrants and Singapore grew.

The Singapore that we know today was founded by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in the 19th century. Raffles recognized the fly-infested swampy island’s value and the British occupied the city.

Singapore was attacked by the Japanese during WWII. Britain surrendered to Japan, who promptly renamed the city as Syonan-to (Light of the South Island). Singapore became British property again after the Japanese surrendered in 1945.

The British remained in power until Singapore became independent in 1969. The Republic of Singapore was formed on 9th August 1969 to much fanfare. Since then, Singapore has become an enviable tourist destination. Singapore’s strong judicial system and open attitude to trade and entrepreneurship has transformed it into a very successful and self-contained city.

Singapore’s climate is typically that of a tropical rainforest – warm and pleasant throughout the year. The temperature oscillates between 22 to 35 °C (72 to 95 °F). April and May are very hot and humid, though the gardens of Singapore do help keep some parts cooler. The rains pelt down between November to January, so you’ll need to be armed with a raincoat or an umbrella.

Pressure and temperature remain uniform throughout the year. The humidity remains steadily high, at 79% in the morning and 73% in the afternoon throughout the year. Bush fires occur in neighboring Indonesia, which cause a haze over Singapore, during the months of July to October. Evenings, though humid, are pleasanter. Singapore has many tours and excursions for people during the evenings and nights, to take advantage of the pleasanter atmosphere.

Humidity levels can be as high as 90 degrees plus during the summer. Throughout the year, the humidity remains steadily high, mornings at 90 plus and around 60 in the afternoon. There’s usually a light wind coming in from the ocean during the summer, which helps mitigate the effects of the at-times unbearable heat and humidity.

Monsoon occurs twice a year. The first is the Northeast Monsoon, occurring from mid-November to early March. Rain can be moderate to heavy during this period. Heavy rain can go on for 3 days at a stretch, without a break. The month of February is drier than December and January, during the monsoon season. Winds blow at speeds of 30 to 50 km/h (19 to 31 mph) during January and February, making it impossible to walk on the streets. December and January, especially, can be very cloudy with frequent afternoon showers.

The second, Southwest Monsoon occurs from June to September; though it rains sufficiently during this period, the rains are not as severe as during the Northeast Monsoon. In between monsoon seasons the rain volume is low and sporadic.

Strangely, it rains more towards Singapore’s western side than towards the eastern side. This is because the Bukit Timah Hill breaks the clouds, keeping the eastern side sunny and the western side wet with rain. Though this doesn’t make a great deal of difference to travelers, those who are comfortable in drier temperatures might prefer to stay on the eastern side.

In Singapore, dining can be an expensive affair. However, there are several fabulous inexpensive restaurants here, as well as budget eats. Singapore is also full of hidden foodie gems, especially in China Town, Little India and Orchard Road, so do explore them. Being a land of multiple cultures, Singapore offers every imaginable cuisine on the planet. For each cuisine type, there’ll be several posh restaurants, food stalls and little eateries by the roadside.

Melting Pot Of Foodie Cultures

Singapore is a foodie’s paradise, no doubt about it. There’s a restaurant or eatery for everyone’s budget. You needn’t worry that by not spending thousands on a meal, you’re compromising on the ingredients or quality of the meal. Not in Singapore. Singapore’s food offerings are sumptuous, hearty and well-made, no matter where you eat or how much you pay. Singapore’s food scene is heavily influenced by various cultures – Chinese, Indian, Arabic, Thai, Indonesian, Pakistani, Japanese, European, Vietnamese, Korean, Burmese and others.

Best Way To Find The Right Eatery

The best way to find a great and cheap eatery is to head out into the city on foot. Follow your sense of smell, and you’re likely to come across hidden foodie gems tucked inside a small street somewhere. You’ll find smart cafes serving comfort food, great coffee and homemade cakes. You’ll find BBQ buffets from Korea, offering entirely affordable, best quality meat. Sushi houses are plenty, offering simple Japanese meals made with premium ingredients. Fusion food such as fusion tapas are available in some restaurants, along with other delicacies served on conveyor belts. Fresh seafood is always available at super affordable prices.

Drinks Galore

Singapore is famous for its great quality but cheap drinks and lovely cocktails. There are bars on every street, and in shopping malls and near beaches. Ask your hotel’s management to recommend good watering holes nearby and head there. Many bars and pubs offer special drinks and discounts during city-wide events and party nights. Ladies nights are popular, with every bar setting aside at least one evening a week for ladies-only service. Singapore doesn’t have any restriction on drinking, though the rules against drinking and driving and public misbehavior are very strict. Always drink within your limit and be respectful to the city’s laws. Be sure to enjoy yourself!

Travel Guide

Things to do around Singapore

Shopping in Singapore