Singapore

guide to

The first thought that comes to your mind when you realise that you are going to Singapore for your exchange programme, should probably be: where on Earth is Singapore? Well, first, it is the country that hosted the Trump-Kim Summit in June, 2018. And next, it is simply a multi-racial country that is full of good food, great transportation and amazing nightlife!

tell me more about singapore!

Singapore is a sovereign state located in Southeast Asia, and covers 687 square kilometres of land. This is why you may find it extremely difficult to find Singapore on the world map (FYI, on the world map, Singapore is a small dot!!).

If you are coming for an exchange programme here in Singapore, it is likely that you will be attending lessons at one of the three local universities in Singapore - National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Management University (SMU) or Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Singapore is known to have very outstanding local universities, with both NUS and NTU ranking very highly in the QS World University Rankings. So if you are heading on to these universities for an exchange programme, you are definitely in for a great time!

EDUCATION IN sINGAPORE

what do singaporeans speak?

Majority of Singaporeans are bilingual in English and one of the other three official languages. For instance, most Chinese Singaporeans can speak English and Mandarin. In addition, Singaporeans are known to speak Singlish (not a official language), which consists of words originating from English, Malay, Hokkien, Cantonese, and Tamil. If you are wondering how to speak Singlish, fret not because Singapore’s No.1 blogger, Xiaxue will teach you how to speak Singlish! (ClickNetwork)

here are some common phrases:

WHAT CURRENCY DOES SINGAPOREANS USE?

Singapore has their own currency, the Singapore Dollar (SGD). For more information about exchange rates, you can head on over here!

Source: Singapore Business Review

wEATHER IN sINGAPORE

Because Singapore is located just 1 degree north of the equator, it is hot and humid all year round, where temperature ranges from 27-33 degrees. Thunderstorms occur 40% of all days so do bring along your umbrella!

Source: Travel Online

PLACES OF INTEREST

SINGAPORE'S WEATHER

PLACES OF INTEREST

1. Sentosa

A resort island located half a kilometre away from the southern coast of the main island Singapore. It offers a variety of attractions that caters to people of all ages, ranging from beaches to a wax museum to an adventure park. It is also home to well-known Universal Studios Singapore.
Fun Fact: The Trump-Kim Summit was actually held at the Capella Singapore, which sits in Sentosa Island.

Source: Sentosa

Source: Klook

2. Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort located at the Marina Bay area in Singapore, and it is the world’s most expensive standalone casino. Marina Bay Sands consist of a hotel, many luxurious shops, restaurants opened by celebrity chefs and even an ice skating rink! However, the most interesting part of the Marina Bay Sands would be its 340m long SkyPark. It is located on the 57th floor of the Marina Bay Sands, where you can take a dip in its 150m infinity swimming pool, or have a drink at one of the three bars.
Definitely a place to visit if you are interested in looking at the beautiful skyline of Singapore.

Source: Unsplash

3. Clarke Quay

A historical riverside quay in Singapore, which is situated upstream from the mouth of the Singapore River to Boat Quay. If you are not looking to have a night out partying in Clarke Quay (because it is home to many clubs and bars), and are still wondering if Clarke Quay is worth the visit, i’m going to assure you that there is still a huge range of things to do and see! For instance, you can take a boat ride along Clarke Quay to take in the sights along the Singapore River, or you can visit the Asian Civilisation Museum which is located a stone throw away from Clarke Quay.

Source: CapitalLand

4. Orchard Road

Orchard Road is a 2.2km long road in the Central Area of Singapore, and it is the heart of Singapore, with many shopping centres along the entire road.
If you are looking for a place where you can get some serious shopping done, this is the place to be! Orchard Road is home to a huge array of shops, ranging from department stores to luxury brands, so you will be sure to find what you need!
P.S. My favourite thing to do while walking along Orchard Road will be to eat ice-cream from Singapore’s traditional ice-cream man, so do check them out if you want a taste of Singapore!

Source: Global Blue

PLACES to eat in singapore

1. Ban Leong Wah Hoe Restaurant

Ban Leong Restaurant serves some of the best Chinese cuisine (Tze Char) in Singapore, at very affordable prices. Be sure to order Ban Leong’s famous Chilli Crab, Har Cheong Gai (fried chicken) and Birthday Noodles!
Do note that Ban Leong tends to get very crowded on weekends and public holidays, with an average queue time of 30 minutes, so a small tip would be to go down to Ban Leong on a weekday to minimise waiting time!
Address: 122 Casuarina Rd, Singapore 579510

Source: Trip Advisor

2. Srisun Express

Srisun Express is primarily an Indian restaurant, but also serves other local cuisines. The best part about Srisun Express would be that it is open 24 hours a day, which is why you will often see many Singapore night owls out at the various Srisun Express outlets having supper.
Personal favourite would be their Sugar Rush Prata and their Milo Dinosaur!
3 branches: Serangoon Gardens (56 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555952), Tampines (Blk 474 Tampines St 43, #01-118, Singapore 520474), and Bukit Batok (132 Bukit Batok West Ave 6, Blk 132, Singapore 650132)

Source: Eatbook Sg

3. Lau Pa Sat

Located in the heart of the financial district in Singapore, Lau Pa Sat is one of the most popular hawker centres in Singapore. Here at Lau Pa Sat, you can find a variety of Singaporean dishes such as Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, Satay and Sambal Stingray.
Address: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582

lau_pa_sat_01-56a40c3d5f9b58b7d0d52325.J

Source: TripSaavy

NIGHTLIFE IN SINGAPORE

Singapore’s clubbing scene has increased exponentially over the last decade, which expands Singapore’s long list of clubs that you can visit. However, we have narrowed down for you the best 3 clubs (in our opinion) that local Singaporeans love to visit

These are 3 things to take note about clubbing in Singapore:

1. Most clubs require you to produce an ID/Passport before entering the club.

2. Do ensure that you see the bouncers giving you a chop on a hand (most of the time the chop only can be seen under UV light) so that you can re-entry!

3. Most clubs have a minimum age of 18 years old for girls and 21 years old for guys. Do check online on the club’s website to ensure that you are able to enter the club before heading down!

That’s about it! If you have fulfilled the above requirements, you are ready to party it up in Singapore!!!

1. Zouk Club

Zouk is one of Singapore’s most famous and longest running clubs in Singapore. Zouk has indeed earned its legendary status of being the most famous club in Singapore with its numerous zones and rooms.
Cover charge is S$40, but Wednesdays are Ladies Night, which means ladies enter Zouk for free! Ladies, you know when to go to Zouk!
Address: 3 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179024

Source: Zouk Club

2. FCLUB

My personal favourite club in Singapore, Fclub, is located just a stone throw away from Zouk, and is more suited towards the younger crowd. Fclub is sectioned into two rooms, Ruby Hall and the Diamond Room, with different genres in both rooms.
Cover charge is S$30, but Wednesdays are also Ladies Night, so yes, ladies you get into Fclub for free on Wednesday too!
Address: 3B, 01-08 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179021

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Source: FClub Facebook Page

3. Altimate

Located on Level 61 of 1-Altimate, Altimate is a premier VIP lounge that offers one of the most exhilarating clubbing experiences in the city.
Cover charge is S$30!
Address: Level 61, 1 Raffles Place, Singapore 048616

Source: Altimate Trip Advisor