Singapore is one of the unique places that offer many entertainment choices. From an incredible indoor waterfall sighting in the airport to the palpable excitement of an F1 race, you can find everything in the modern ecosystem of this Southeast Asian country slash city. But, that’s not all. What are the most prevalent and interesting facts about Singapore that you should take notes on?
As a tourist, you should learn important things to know about Singapore before visiting so you can make the most of your time by experiencing excitement and engaging in relaxing activities that you may have never tried before. So, what are some facts about Singapore? Take a look at the following points:
1. The Name Was Not Inspired by a Lion, but a Tiger
The name Singapore comes from the Sanskrit name “Singapura” which means lion city. Singapura’s origins can be traced back to the story of a Sumatran prince named Sang Nila Utama, who ruled Temasek, a settlement on the island, during the beginning of the 14th century.
The prince had a habit of hunting animals. One day, he spotted a strange creature that moved quickly. His advisors indicated that it was a lion. However, records showed that lions were not natives of the island. Instead, the animal that closely resembled the description might be tigers, as they were found in Singapore’s wilderness up until the 1930s.
2. Singlish, Not Just English
Among many interesting facts about Singapore, the use of English as a common language gives a certain uniqueness to the city. Singaporeans don’t simply speak English, they speak Singlish, aka Singaporean English.
Be ready to hear exclamations like “lah” and “leh” whenever locals end their sentences. It’s the charm of Singlish, which refers to local lingo, that is influenced by the city’s multiculturalism. One such example is the word “chope” which means reserving a seat. Another Singlish thing you can try while exploring Singapore is calling elders who run stall owners “Aunties” and “Uncles”.
3. A City of 64 Islands
One of the interesting facts about Singapore that many tourists don’t know is that the city doesn’t only comprise an island. Singapore includes a mainland and as many as 64 offshore islands that surround it.
Among these islands, Sentosa gains the most popularity as it offers a variety of attractions, including but not limited to the Forbidden Forest, Universal Studios, and Trickeye Museum. So, if you want to experience non-stop excitement in Singapore, look for exciting things to do in Sentosa.
4. One of the City-States in the World
Singapore is a city-state, like Monaco and the Vatican. It means that the city also serves as the country. If you look at a world map, Singapore appears to be very small. It’s like a small dot on the Malaysian Peninsula. Due to its size, Singapore is considered to be one of the world’s smallest countries.
Read also: 10 Exciting Things to Do in Singapore at Night You Must Try
5. Home to the World’s Tallest Indoor Waterfall
If you want to learn notable and interesting facts about Singapore, innovation may dominate the list. A shining example of the Lion City’s sense of innovation is the indoor waterfall. Though the first man-made waterfall was constructed in Jurong Bird Park in 1971, the tallest one to date is now in the art terminal at Changi Airport, which stands at 40 meters.
To add to the beauty of the waterfall, the interior of the terminal is surrounded by lush indoor gardens. You can also experience the wonderful sight of the HSBC Rain Vortex from 7.30 p.m. to midnight during the hourly light and sound show.
6. The Innovator of Night Safari
Engage in interesting things to do in Singapore that you may not find anywhere else, like the night safari. It’s an open-concept night zoo that serves as a special attraction for tourists and locals alike. You can see lots of animals in their natural habitat doing their favorite activities like a leopard having its meat dinners or a rhino taking a bath.
7. Pioneer of the F1 Night Race
Singapore is home to the Marina Bay Street Circuit, where the annual Grand Prix Season Singapore is held. The grand event doesn’t only serve as a racing show but also as a display of entertainment activities, like concerts and floodlights.
8. One of the Greenest Cities in the World
As a tourist, you may recognize Singapore for its view of skyscrapers. Aside from various architectural offices that stand tall, Singapore is also home to greenery. In fact, Singapore is one of the greenest cities in the world, with nearly half of the land area covered in green.
The city-state is home to more than 2,100 native vascular plant species. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, which houses various tree species on a single hectare, can be a start for your exploration of the greenery of Singapore.
9. A Fine Place with Strict Rules
Do you know that the Singapore government forbids many things to keep the city clean to live in? Locals and tourists alike can face penalties or punishments if they break the implemented rules, some of which may sound sillier than others.
For instance, you are forbidden to chew gum, jaywalk, or feed animals and birds. You’ll also be fined if you don’t flush in a public restroom. Some of these rules are still applicable, but there are some that no longer apply, like the legal concern of growing hair for males that lasted from the 1960s to the 1990s.
Read also: Things to Do in Bugis: Refreshing for You and Your Pals
That’s all the interesting facts about Singapore that you may need to know before planning your vacation. Understanding what the city-state has to offer can help you make a wise travel decision that grants you the best time ever.
As mentioned before, Singapore has strict rules and prevents small things, like chewing gum and not flushing in public restrooms. It’s no wonder that Singaporeans today still prioritize cleanliness in their routine. One of the common practices that most Singaporean women do is remove unwanted body hair.
One of the solutions you can try when you visit Singapore is Super Hair Removal (SHR) at Clean & Tidy. Enjoy a relaxing hair removal service without pain from our trained practitioners. Our advanced SHR technology can destroy hair follicles, so they don’t grow back immediately. With unwanted hair gone, you can enjoy long-lasting, smooth skin that emphasizes a healthy glow.
Are you interested in trying our service? Contact us if you want to ask for more information or book an appointment at Clean & Tidy Bugis or Jurong. See you at our outlets!
