Updated 11 Jan 2025

Interesting Facts About Singapore

Singapore, the Republic of Singapore, is a tiny but mighty island city-state in Southeast Asia. Spanning just 734.3 square kilometers, it’s one of the world’s smallest countries, yet it’s home to about 5.7 million people. Yes, we are small. Some called us “The Little Red Dot”

Despite its modest size, Singapore is a powerhouse of development and wealth. It’s a hot spot for tourists and expats, famed for its spotless, eco-friendly vibe, top-notch public transport, and a melting pot of delicious cuisines.

Here’s a peek at some interesting facts about Singapore you might not have heard. Hear it from me, a local Singaporean.

17 Interesting Facts About Singapore

Singapore is Extremely Safe

Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. With strict laws and a top-notch police force, it’s one of the safest spots on Earth. That’s why it’s a hot-spot for tourists and expats alike—everyone feels at ease here. Crime? Nah, hardly a blip on the radar, thanks to those hefty penalties.

We mean business when it comes to enforcing them. So whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll through the lively streets or unwinding in one of the many parks, you can breathe easy knowing you’re in good hands.

The government here pulls out all the stops to keep folks safe and sound. With well-lit streets and lightning-fast emergency services, they’ve got your back 24/7. And with crime rates so low, you can roam the streets late at night without batting an eye.

It’s like being wrapped up in a cozy, secure bubble! So go ahead, explore the bustling cityscape or kick back by the waterfront—Singapore’s got your safety locked down tight. Talk about living the stress-free life!

Singapore Merlion

The Merlion, Singapore’s emblem, is quite the mash-up: a lion’s noggin on a fish’s body. The fishy half gives a nod to the old fishing village Temasek, and the lion’s head? That’s a shout-out to ‘Singapura’ or ‘lion city’. So it’s not just a statue; it’s a history lesson!

There are 6 Merlions statues in Singapore, with the most visited and well-known statue located at the new Merlion Park, adjacent to One Fullerton at the Marina Bay waterfront.

This is definitely one of the famous things in Singapore. Go for your photo shoot, and bring home a piece of Singapore. It is the most Instagramable spot in Singapore.

Languages in Singapore

While Singapore may be geographically small, our culture is diverse and vibrant. We are a melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities, showcasing a diverse array of traditions. This diversity is reflected in our Singapore official languages – English, Mandarin, Malay (Singapore national language), and Tamil.

English is the main language for business and education, ensuring seamless communication for visitors and expatriates alike. Most of us Singaporeans are bilingual.

Singapore English – Singlish

In Singapore, our English has its own special flavor – think of it as a rojak mix of different tongues that we call Singlish. It’s a playful combo of words and expressions picked from various local languages, making a kind of insiders’ lingo that might tickle your ears.

We often jazz up our sentences with a sprinkle of ‘lahs’ and ‘ahs’. And oh, we like our sentences like our MRT rides – smooth and to the point. It’s one of the unique things in Singapore. You’ll catch on in no time, just listen in and enjoy the ride!

Singapore Botanic Garden

The Singapore Botanical Garden isn’t just old at 165 years (established in 1859); it’s a green treasure that’s snagged a UNESCO World Heritage Site spot – the only place in SG to do so. It’s also home to the world’s top tropical orchid collection.

Now, the star of the show is the National Orchid Garden. This place is like a who’s who for orchids, with thousands of species earning the Very Important Plants status. They’ve got over 200 hybrids named for big shots who’ve dropped by, from Nelson Mandela to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and even stars like Jackie Chan. It’s quite the name-dropping garden!

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a real hit with both locals and visitors. We love going there for an early stroll, some me-time to unwind, and to soak in that fresh garden breeze.

Singapore Islands

Is Singapore an Island? How many islands in Singapore?

Yes, Singapore is an island and city state.

Singapore ain’t just one island. We’ve got a solid 64, including our main island of Singapore. Beyond the usual haunts like Sentosa, there are hidden gems like Pulau Ubin and Sisters’ Islands, perfect for nature lovers.

So, when you’re here, don’t just stick to the familiar. There’s a whole bunch of other islands to explore. Places like Lazarus Island, Saint John’s, and Kusu Island offer unique experiences.

I have been to Kusu Island a few times. Kusu Island features a beautiful beach with clear turquoise waters, ideal for relaxation and swimming. Also known as Tortoise Island in Chinese, it’s considered a magical place for tortoises. The island is famous for its tortoise sanctuary, where you can watch and feed these captivating creatures. Remember to be gentle with them.

Make the most of your trip and go island hopping – there’s more to Singapore than meets the eye!

There is this captivating 7-hour cruise exploring St. John Island, Lazarus Island, and Kusu Island. Led by an experienced guide, you’ll enjoy a seamless journey filled with discovery and insights. Conclude your adventure with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, making it an unforgettable experience.

F1 Singapore Grand Prix

The FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX, the world’s first ever F1 night race, right here at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. It was the world’s first F1 night race and the first to be held on a street circuit in Asia, in September 2008.

This track, famous for its 5,067 km length with 23 challenging turns, and 1,500 lighting projectors super-bright lighting, turns the night into day and gives both racers and viewers quite the show.

With its bright lights and twisty circuit, it’s not just a race, but a whole season of concerts and fun.

The Singapore GP was described as the “Crown Jewel of F1. It’s a must see in Singapore.

Singapore Garden City

Singapore is not just skyscrapers – it’s also one of the greenest cities out there. Nearly half our land (about 700 square kilometers) is all green. And it’s not just the regular parks and gardens; we’ve got hidden green spots in the most unexpected places.

Our “City in a Garden” is rich with over 2,100 types of native plants. For those who think Singapore is just another concrete jungle, surprise – we’re more garden than jungle. With over 300 parks and 4 nature reserves, greenery is always just around the corner.

We’re a modern city, but we take our green spaces seriously, aiming to be the greenest city in the world.

Ramble Travelers Pro Tip: Visit the ParkRoyal Collection Pickering and be amazed by its greenery hotel-in-a-garden concept. Its iconic feature is the four storey cascading vertical garden, which not only adds a touch of nature to the urban environment, but also exemplifies eco-friendly practices.

Night Zoo in Singapore

Singapore’s Zoo Night Safari is something else – it’s the world’s first zoo for night-time. It is located in Mandai Singapore. Over here, you can see more than 900 animals from 100 species, all active under the night sky. It’s a different vibe, with the animals’ night sounds adding to the experience.

The developers of the zoo had executed their task admirably, creating an atmosphere that is both natural and respectful. As your eyes acclimate to the darkness, you will be greeted by the nocturnal creatures, evoking a surreal sensation.

Great for a night adventure in the Lion City. There’s a 40-minute tram ride to see the main sights, meandering through 7 different zones, or you can walk the four trails for a more up-close experience. This 35-hectare park is a must-visit for a unique nocturnal adventure in Singapore.

Experience Singapore’s Night Safari! Ride a tram through rainforests to see tigers, elephants, and leopards in their nocturnal habitats. Don’t miss the “Creatures of the Night Show” and explore trails for up-close wildlife encounters. Book your adventure now!

Ramble Travelers Pro Tip: Plan to visit The Night Safari. It is part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve with the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise. You can visit all three parks in the same day. Start with the Singapore Zoo, then River Wonders, and in the evening, Night Safari. I did it on 2 occasions with my visiting friends. You have to start early.

Singapore Highest Point

Singapore island is flat. The highest natural point is Bukit Timah Hill, standing at 163.63 meters above sea level. This modest elevation is notable in a city predominantly characterized by urban landscapes rather than natural heights.

Bukit Timah Hill and its surrounding nature reserve are popular with trekkers and nature lovers of all ages. You will love the hike to the top, moderately easy and refreshing. We have done it many times.

For comparison, the tallest building in Singapore is The Guoco Tower, at 283.7m. The upcoming tallest building in Singapore will exceed 300m, known as 8 Shenton Way in 2028.

Singapore Airport Waterfall

The HSBC Rain Vortex is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. This indoor waterfall is located at The Jewel Changi Airport.

It’s a whopping 40 meters high with water cascading through an oculus down from the dome-shaped roof of Jewel Changi Airport, at an amazing 37,850 liters per minute.

The vibe at the Rain Vortex in Jewel Changi Airport switches up depending on the time you visit. Every evening, it turns magical – with the water, mist, and music coming together for an hourly Light & Sound show. It’s like the waterfall puts on a different show every night!

Another favorite Instagrammable spot in Changi Airport

Singapore Flower Dome

The Garden By The Bay Flower Dome is the largest glass greenhouse in the world. It covers 1.28 hectares under its glass roof.

It features 9 different gardens from various regions around the world, such as the Australian Garden and the South American Garden. The Flower Dome showcases a variety of plants and flowers from all over the world, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

The air-conditioned dome is kept at a cool temperature to mimic the climate of each region, providing a comfortable environment for the plants to thrive in. This also makes it a great escape from the tropical heat of Singapore.

The Flower Dome in Singapore is visually stunning and educational, showcasing various plant species and habitats. A must-see for visitors!

Ramble Travelers Pro Tip: For the ultimate experience, start with the Cloud Forest – a lush mountain clad with plants from all over the world, together with one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls at 35 meters.

Go on to Flower Dome, the Supertree Observatory, and on to the Supertree Grove to enjoy the nightly light show. You will need 3 – 5 hours for the visit. Start at around 1pm – 2pm, with an hour dinner thrown in. You should be ready for the Light Show, with daily timing 7:45pm and 8:45pm.

Natural Hot Spring

There is a natural hot spring in Singapore. Yes, we have one, and it is set in a rustic kampung-like setting.

In Sembawang Hot Spring Park, one can discover a serene natural hot spring. The waters here are sufficiently warm at around 50 degC. Immerse your toes in the hot spring for a delightful onsen experience!

You can boil eggs. A hot water collection and egg cooking station is available to prevent you from having to cook your eggs in water where others’ feet have been soaking. The water temperature here is approximately 70 degrees Celsius. Do remember to bring your own eggs.

I am a hard boiled egg guy. It takes around 30 mins for eggs to be cooked. You have to be patient. But then, this is Singapore’s natural hot spring.

Kampong Life

Want to see how we live before Singapore became what it is today. Head over to Kampong Lorong Buangkok, the last standing village, or as we call it, “kampong”, in Singapore. Tucked away in Buangkok, Hougang, it’s a true hidden gem.

Check it out, this place gives you a taste of the good old days, especially for us baby boomers, before the bulldozers rolled in and Singapore started modernizing. Experience that tight-knit community vibe, with chickens clucking around and doors wide open with no locks. Life back then was simple, but man, it was good.

Back in my kampong days, where I grew up, our houses were all wooden with zinc sheet roofs. When it rained, it was like a full-on battle zone with raindrops drumming on the zinc. Trying to have a chat was a mission impossible with that racket. We didn’t have earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones then.

Don’t miss the chance to explore old Singapore and glimpse into our past. This unique experience offers a fascinating insight into Singapore’s history – “a Highly Recommended Interesting Facts About Singapore “not-to-be-missed” for all visitors”.

Farms in Singapore

Even though Singapore’s a buzzing city, you can still soak in some countryside vibes. We have a whopping 260 licensed farms (based on 2021 data).

Kranji Countryside is the area where you can find many farms in Singapore. There are all sorts of farms – organic vegetable farms, pet farms, goat farms, fish farms and more.

In many of these farms, you can also find eco-friendly restaurants and cafes serving farm fresh produce. It is so refreshing to sit and eat in a farm environment, just chilling for great health. I love their organic eggs scrambled and serve with fresh vegetables, including fried moringa.

There is also farmstay in Singapore. A simple Google search for Farmstay in Singapore will reveal many options. It’s the ultimate chill-out spot to unwind and recharge, away from the hustle and bustle.

Best Airport In The World

In 2023, Singapore’s Changi Airport was once again crowned the world’s best airport by Skytrax. This is the 12th time since the World Airport Awards kicked off in 2000. It holds the record for the longest winning streak, bagging the prize eight years straight from 2013 to 2020.

Singapore Changi Airport has a solid reputation for its smooth and efficient service, making traveling a breeze for all. Changi Airport isn’t just about convenience—it’s also renowned as the world’s cleanest airport! With over 100 airlines calling it home, it’s a hub of global travel.

Plus, it’s packed with cool and cutting-edge facilities like Jewel Changi Airport, home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and a bunch of nature-themed attractions. And get this—it’s got its own movie theater with super comfy seats! And if that wasn’t enough, they’ve even added a rock climbing wall recently. Talk about next-level amenities!

This is a well known “Interesting Facts About Singapore”, given the worldwide acknowledgment and recognition of Singapore Changi Airport. I have to include it in this article, as I am so proud of it.

Ramble Travelers Pro Tip: When you’re passing through Singapore on a layover, get ready to be spoiled for choice at Singapore Changi Airport. I’ve got buddies who’ve actually asked for longer layovers—up to 10 hours—just to soak up all the fun stuff there is to do!
Ask for a longer transit time, you won’t regret it.

Chewing Gum In Singapore

Another Interesting Facts About Singapore – Unique and weird, but effective in its intent.

If you’re thinking of bringing chewing gum into Singapore, you better think twice. Selling or importing it is strictly prohibited in Singapore. This is mainly due to the government’s aim of keeping the city-state clean and litter-free.

But don’t worry, not all hope is lost for gum enthusiasts! You can still get a prescription from a doctor for gum that has therapeutic benefits. So next time you plan to be in Singapore, make sure to get a doctor’s note if you want to bring your gum with you.

On the bright side, this ban has led to cleaner streets and sidewalks in Singapore. It also means we don’t have to deal with the annoying sight of gum stuck on park benches or public transport seats. You should have seen Singapore before this law came into effect.

It is just one of the weird laws and unique things of Singapore.

So let’s stick to mints and fresh breath sprays for now, shall we? I used to love those Spearmint Chewing gums. It’s been years since I’ve last tasted one.

Embark On A Singaporean Adventure

There you are. 17 interesting facts about Singapore for you. Stay tuned for more juicy tidbits in my next article. For now, this should keep you hooked!

Get ready for an epic Singaporean adventure! I’ve given you the inside scoop on the Lion City like no other article could.

We’ve explored its island charm and biodiversity wonders—it’s truly fascinating, isn’t it? Singapore’s dedication to eco-living, along with vibrant cultural spots like Chinatown, Kampong Gelam, and Little India, makes it a unique place.

Let’s not forget the iconic Merlion or the Singapore’s innovation like the night zoo, F1 race, and amazing indoor waterfall! The adventure continues with lush Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or UNESCO World Heritage Site for nature vibes.

And our fave Singlish—the quirky language you’ll hear everywhere, adding to the Singapore’s unique charm. Dive into the cultural festivals and feel the energy pulsating through the streets.

Stop reading and start planning your trip to Singapore! We are waiting to show you our incredible blend of nature, culture, and innovation. There are unique things in Singapore, and there are famous things in Singapore. You want to see and feel them all.

Trust me, there’s a slice of Singapore just waiting for you to discover.

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