Singapore Travel Guide: People, Culture, and Unique City

Although I’ve been to Singapore twice, each trip only lasted a few days, so my backpacking tips for Singapore may not be fully comprehensive. Still, I hope they will be helpful to you—especially if you’re visiting Singapore for the first time. I will introduce Singapore Travel Guide.

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People

Unlike other developed nations such as South Korea or Japan, I find Singaporeans to be even more approachable and friendly. Even the way they dress—simple and comfortable when going out—gives me a sense of ease. What’s more, Singapore is a multicultural country, so as I walked through the bustling streets, I felt a sense of familiarity, almost as if I were one of the locals rather than a tourist.

When taking the bus, drivers and attendants were always eager to help with directions. Once, when I boarded the wrong bus, the female driver warmly told me to just stay seated, and she would loop back and drop me off at the exact spot I needed. As I got off, she even ran after me to remind me—several times—which bus I should take to reach my Airbnb.

On this trip, I also noticed that many elderly people in Singapore work at airports or food courts, usually in light roles such as clearing trays or collecting trolleys. It made me feel a little bittersweet, but perhaps they choose to work to stay active and engaged, especially when their children are busy with work or school. After all, having nothing to do and no one to talk to at home could feel even lonelier.

Singaporeans also do not encourage smoking. If you smoke in public areas, you may face a fine of up to 500 SGD. In other locations, you must first ask for and receive permission from others before lighting up.

Green Spaces

Although Singapore is not naturally blessed with stunning landscapes, the government and its people have done a remarkable job of urban planning and greening the city. They have even created man-made forests like Gardens by the Bay, where visitors can learn about plant species from around the world. Everywhere I went, I was surrounded by lush greenery—the trees were vibrant and healthy, making the city feel refreshingly alive.

Drinking Water

One of the things I love about visiting Singapore is that I barely spend any money on bottled water. Public drinking fountains are available in hawker centres, and I can safely drink straight from the tap at hotels or residences. Learning about Singapore’s water sources and filtration systems is also fascinating—you can read more about it on the official PUB website.

Clean Public Toilets

From hawker centres to MRT station restrooms, all facilities are spotless. I have to admit, I’m a big fan of clean toilets—it’s one of the small things that makes a big difference.

Abundance of Museums and Exhibitions

If I had children or nieces and nephews, I would definitely bring them to explore Singapore’s museums and exhibitions. The city boasts an impressive range, from stamp museums to art and science institutions. A few years ago, I visited the Stamp Museum, the Turtle and Baba House, and even the Harry Potter exhibition. This time, I had the chance to revisit and explore the ArtScience Museum.

Currency and Payment in Singapore

The official currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD), denoted as $ or S$ to distinguish it from other dollars such as USD or CAD. Singapore accepts all forms of payment—from cash to online transactions. To make paying for buses, MRT rides, or meals easier, it’s best to have small denominations and coins. Based on my experience, if you’re travelling independently, you should only exchange around 6,000 SGD to avoid complications during immigration.

If I were to choose a place to live, study, and work, I would genuinely consider Singapore. It offers excellent security, a clean and green environment, numerous educational activities, and even several trekking spots close to the city for outdoor exercise. (In upcoming posts, I’ll share one of my favourite trekking spots!)

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