Singapore The island nation where cultures meet and mix
Singapore may rank as one of the smallest countries in the world but its tiny size belies its array of attractions. The city-state is teeming with top-notch hotels and high-end retail stores, often housed in high-end modern architecture. But the country is also a melting pot of cultures, reflected in ethnic enclaves like Little India and Chinatown. Whether you want to be alone with your thoughts or hang out with the hipsters, you’ll find your place in Singapore.
Where it is
Southeast Asia
When to go
All year
Why go there
Stunning architecture
Fantastic food
Good retail therapy
What to see
Marina Bay Sands
Raffles
Sentosa Island
Go on a night safari
Experience the Night Safari on a private tour with Cosa. The world’s first nocturnal zoo has around 2,500 animals ingover 86 acres of tropical rainforest.
Escape to Sentosa
If it’s powder-white beaches and a quick blast of sun you’re after, let Cosa whisk you to Sentosa Island – Singapore’s favourite leisure destination – for a rest-and-relax getaway.
Splash out in style
There’s nowhere quite like Marina Bay Sands, which combines a luxury hotel, exclusive shops, gourmet restaurants and a rooftop infinity pool. Not to be missed.
Sip a Singapore Sling
No visit is complete without sipping a Singapore Sling at Raffles’ Long Bar. Cosa can arrange for you to learn how to make the iconic cocktail from an expert bartender.
Travel in Singapore
The Lion State is an extremely safe destination – regularly topping The Economist’s safe cities index – and getting around is easy. Singapore has a public transport system to rival Switzerland while metered taxis are readily available. However you choose to travel, be on your best behaviour: there are laws against the likes of chewing gum, graffiti, litter and spitting. The country recognises four official languages – English, Mandarin, Tamil and Malay – but many locals speak Singlish, a colourful local slang.
Singapore facts
Singapore is an island nation with the second highest population density in the world: almost six million people in a place a bit larger than Glarus. Sandwiched between Malaysia and Indonesia, the country earned its nickname Singapura – which translates as The Lion City – in the 14th century when a visiting prince spotted what he believed to be an Asiatic lion on the island. Once a British colony, Singapore is today a republic that has been independent since 1965.
Time zone
UTC +8
Flight time
12 hours from Switzerland
Local currency
Singapore dollar
Dialling code
+65
