Surprising facts abound about Singapore, a small island republic located near the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. With more than 5.8 million people packed into its 280 square miles, it has one of the greatest population densities in the world despite its small size. With a population that includes Chinese, Malay, Indian, and many more ethnic groups, this cosmopolitan city-state is also home to an amazing multicultural mix, resulting in a colorful tapestry of languages, religions, and traditions.
Singapore is well known for its lush vegetation and immaculate cleanliness, yet here’s a startling discovery: chewing gum is forbidden throughout the nation! In 1992, the government outlawed gum chewing, with the exception of medicinal gum, in an attempt to keep the streets clean. Serious penalties may result from breaking this legislation. Furthermore, Singapore is home to the Marina Bay Sands Sky Park, the largest rooftop garden in the world, which provides stunning views of the city skyline. Another marvel is the country’s Changi Airport, which is regularly named among the best in the world and has features like butterfly gardens, a rooftop pool, and a movie theatre. With one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world, Singapore is a major global financial centre. These startling facts are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Singapore’s unusual and distinctive travel offerings.
Here are some of the surprising facts about Singapore you need to know:
- The City of Gardens: For good reason, Singapore is frequently referred to as the “Garden City”. With an astounding 47% of its surface covered in greenery, the city ranks among the world’s greenest metropolitan areas. The many parks, nature reserves, and recognizable Super tree Grove at Gardens by the Bay are testaments to the dedication to green space.
- A Lovely Town: Infractions can result in heavy fines in Singapore, which has some of the harshest laws and regulations in the world. The city is sometimes referred to as a “fine city” because of the many infractions that carry fines, including chewing gum in public areas, littering, and jaywalking.
- The busiest port in the world: One of the busiest and most modern ports in the world is located in Singapore. Every year, the Port of Singapore handles millions of tons of cargo and is essential to international trade. For a number of years, it has continued to be the busiest port in the world, greatly boosting Singapore’s economy.
- A Cultural Melting Pot: Singapore is a small country but a very diversified one. People from many different ethnic backgrounds live in the city-state, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and many more. Singapore is a veritable melting pot due to the complex tapestry of customs, languages, and cuisines that result from this cultural variety.
- A Waterfall Made by Man: The world’s tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport, is an incredible feat of engineering and design. Tourists should not miss this magnificent location, which has the well-known HSBC Rain Vortex Light & Sound Show and is surrounded by beautiful flora.
- The World’s Only Island City-State: The only nation in the world that possesses both island and city-state characteristics is Singapore. The Riau Islands divide it from Indonesia, and the Johor Strait divides it from Malaysia. Singapore is a city-state that includes all of its land.
- Dedicated to Durian: The “king of fruits,” durian, is notorious for its strong smell. The fruit is so beloved—or despised—in Singapore that a festival devoted to it exists. Different varieties of durian are sold by vendors, and the city is filled with treats and snacks that have a hint of durian flavour.
- The First Night Safari in the World: The Night Safari, the first nighttime zoo in the world, is located in Singapore. Visitors can witness nocturnal animals in their native environments under precisely regulated illumination conditions thanks to this unusual attraction. It’s an exciting adventure that gives you a peek into the lives of animals that come to life after dusk.
- A City Forest: Even for a small country, Singapore has an amazing number of skyscrapers. The city actually has one of the highest population densities in the world, with more than 20,000 people living there on average per square mile. The city’s modern architecture and economic prosperity are reflected in the skyline.
- The Priciest Metropolis: Singapore is routinely ranked among the world’s most expensive cities. A number of factors contribute to the high cost of living, such as the restricted amount of land accessible for houses and the government’s stringent regulations around car ownership. Singapore has a good standard of living despite its high cost, which draws professionals and foreigners looking for work possibilities.
Travelers, especially those with a Singapore tourist visa from India, should be aware of these startling facts about Singapore, a magnificent location. First of all, it’s incredible to hear that Singapore is a city inside a garden, even though it is a bustling metropolis. This city presents a distinctive fusion of urban and natural beauty with its profusion of green spaces, such as the breathtaking Gardens by the Bay and the verdant landscapes of Sentosa Island.
Singapore’s streets are exceptionally clean, which is another unexpected truth. Strict anti-littering laws keep this, one of the cleanest cities in the world, spotless. Furthermore, visitors will find it easy to navigate the city thanks to the flawless public transportation system in the city-state, which is not only very economical but also highly effective. Singapore’s hawker centres are a treat for foodies. Singapore is a veritable gastronomic heaven because of these bustling food courts, which provide an amazing array of reasonably priced and delicious delicacies, such as the well-known Hainanese chicken rice and chili crab. Remarkably, Singapore’s iconic Merlion monument is half fish, half lion, representing the country’s beginnings as a little fishing hamlet and its development into a formidable lion city. All things considered, Singapore is a place full of unexpected and enjoyable experiences for Indian travellers with a Singapore tourist visa because of its distinctive blend of nature, cleanliness, affordability, culinary pleasures, and intriguing history.