Singapore Etymology - How Did Singapore get its name?
Long ago, in the 14th century, a Sumatran prince found a huge beast sitting on the Singapore island - which was then just called an island - that beast was a wild animal that we all know, it was a lion… The word lion is “Singa” in Malay and then they added the word city to it, which is “Pura”. Put it all together and you will have “Singapore”, the “Lion City”.
What is Singapore Famous For?
Singapore is known for its incredibly quick transition from the third world to the first world in only one single generation. The city has the highest possible worldwide ranks, it’s known as the most "technology-ready" nation (WEF), top International-meetings city (UIA), a city with "best investment potential" (BERI), world's smartest city, world's safest country, third-largest foreign exchange market, third-most competitive country, third-largest oil refining, third-largest financial centre, fifth-most innovative country, and the second-busiest container port. It is truly a country with the heart of a lion.
Singapore Location
Singapore is situated in the Indian Ocean at the tip of the Malay Peninsula. With the world's most beautiful countries like Bali, Thailand, Cambodia are just a short flight away from Singapore, you will enjoy every moment on your flight. You will also experience the world’s best airlines in the city. Enjoy comfortable seats, best food options, stylish girls outfit “the sarong kebaya” designed by Pierre Balmain, friendly and polite SIA stewardesses with a smile that never leaves their faces.
Why Choose a Student Accommodation in Singapore?
The younger generations of Singapore are more westernized, so a student accommodation in Singapore is probably more suitable for you if you wish to communicate with like-minded people. Also, Singapore is known for its existing best educational centres, with the highest quality. It also has one of the most entertaining areas on Sentosa Island, a.k.a the state of fun.
Singapore Climate
Weather and Temperature
Singapore is an island, so it has a tropical climate. High humidity and rain are a lot. Over the year, the weather doesn’t get above 35 °C nor below 20 °C. With sea breeze during the warm summers and clouds to reduce the heat of the sun. April is the warmest month, January is the coolest month and November is the most humid month.
What to Pack and Singapore Local Timing
To prepare for your trip to Singapore, it’s best to pack lightweight pieces of clothing that are breathable and easy to move around in. Stay away from dark colours, heavy materials, and any piece of clothing that is difficult to move around in. The most important thing is to bring an umbrella for the rain all year long. You can also bring some jackets for just that cold breeze in the winter. The Time zone in Singapore is GMT+8.
How is Life in Singapore?
Cost of Living in Singapore
For the food, about 5 to 10 dollars would be enough for a full meal with a drink. But restaurants are more expensive, with higher quality food. You might spend around $50+ at a restaurant. Singapore is a small island with a huge population of 5.69 million people; therefore, housing prices are the most expensive in Singapore. For residents, the government provides housing at reasonable prices; a two-room flat at $200 000, five-room flats at $500 000. For students, you will find the most affordable student accommodation in Singapore on our website.
Unbelievable Vending Machines in Singapore
In Singapore, there are vending machines for salads, books, ice cream, orange juice while you see the oranges being squeezed right in front of you through the glass, frozen Salmon fillets, instant meals, hair wax, and pomades. One of the most famous ones is the crab vending machine with cooked chilli crab served hot. One of the most bizarre vending machines is a vending machine for used supercars like Ferraris and Porsches.
Traditional Dishes You Need to Try in Singapore
1. Kaya Toast
How amazing it is to start your day with a Singaporean breakfast, the Kaya Toast, also known as the Singaporean Dulce De Leche. A thick breakfast spread that is made from coconuts, jam, and eggs.
2. Nonya Kueh
It seems like a long time to wait until lunch, you care for some snacks? The Nonya Kueh is the best snack to have, just by looking at its colours and its jello sort of texture, with a savoury and sweet taste, it’s the lightest snack you could ever have.
3. Laska
It’s lunchtime! Get ready for a bowl of Laska, rice vermicelli noodles sitting amongst cockles, prawns, fishcakes, and dried shrimp in a bowl of warm coconut gravy soup that’ll warm your soul.
4. Nasi Lemak
Still have someplace left for another delicate snack? The local favourite, Nasi Lemak should be your next choice, it is made of fluffy coconut rice served with fried fish, eggs, anchovies, cucumber slices and finished with a touch of sweet and spicy chilli sambal.
5. Satay
If you are looking for a light dinner, Satay would be the best option, sticks of crisp, juicy meat dipped into a spicy-sweet peanut sauce. The perfect way to end the day.
Interesting Things to see and do in Singapore
1. Shopping
You can shop till you drop in Orchard Road, you will find shops alongside the two sides of the street, we challenge you to finish all the shops in one day. There is also Vivocity Mall, it’s very interesting. June is famous for having the Great Singapore Sale.
2. Cultural venues
We recommend Chinatown and Little India, the best tourist places, there are a lot of great Indian temples. And of course, we can’t forget the most popular, The National Museum of Singapore.
3. Parks and zoos
Since Singapore is known as “the garden city”, the Singapore Zoo is one of the best rainforests in the world, but the more interesting part is the Night Safari. There's also the Jurong Bird Park, Sungei Buloh, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, MacRitchie Reservoir, and Palau Ubin are nice for nature walks.
4. Entertainment Venues
There are a variety of various festivals like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, Hungry Ghost, and Christmas. There is also a famous performance called the lion dance performance, see if you could catch one.
Top Universities and Colleges in Singapore
1. National University of Singapore
2. Nanyang Technological University
3. Singapore University of Technology and Design
4. Singapore Management University
Transportation in Singapore
The best way to get around Singapore is via its Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system. This underground network stretches across the entire city. However, once you're in the desired area, walking is your best option. MRT also operates bus routes that can get you just anywhere you desire on the whole island. And there is a card you can get at any MRT station to help you pay faster without booking a ticket every time.
You may find yourself lost in Singapore but that’s not a problem. Look carefully at the trunks of roadside trees, and you will see numbers to indicate ‘Tree number #’, dial: 999 for help and tell them the tree number#. They will immediately know your exact place. Not only the trees but lampposts, bus stops, and telephone booths are all numbered. Another mind-blowing fact is the “bomb shelter”, every house in Singapore is designed to have a bomb shelter. Not only houses are the ones that have bomb shelters, but all underground MRT stations have been designed as public bomb shelters.
