View of the Singapore skyline
View of the Singapore skyline

Singapur

Published: 25 July 2022, 13:00

A colourful mix of cultures

Modern, green and multicultural: This is the metropolis, island and city state of Singapore. The foundations of modern Singapore were laid in the early 19th century where Malay fishermen once lived. In the 200 years that followed, the city developed into a cosmopolitan city, an important business location and a popular travel destination. 

Figures, data, facts

  • Time difference: +8 hours
  • Population: 5.6 million
  • Official languages: Malay, English, Tamil, North Chinese dialects
  • Currency: Singapore Dollar 

What makes Singapore so special as a travel destination? The city combines modern architecture, such as the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel, with an old town that is characterised by colonial-era buildings. These contrasts make a visit particularly rewarding. Singapore is also considered to be the most globalised country in the world. The resulting cultural diversity of the small island state is unique and is particularly evident in the multitude of religions practiced and languages spoken there, as well as its cuisine.

Singapore in 10 pictures

Chopsticks at the ready, get set, go!

Spicy soups, chicken rice and shrimp in tomato sauce: the multi-ethnic character of Singapore is also reflected in its food. Culinary influences range from Malay cuisine to Chinese, South Indian and Indonesian dishes. European and Arabic influences also complement Singapore's delicacies and result in the typical fusion cuisine for which the island nation is known and loved by travellers and foodies all over the world.

Rice noodles and coconut milk are the main ingredients of the typical Singaporean laksa soup.

Rice noodles and...

... coconut milk are the main ingredients in Singapore's signature laksa soup.

They simply taste best when freshly grilled: the meat skewers, called satay, from the numerous market stalls and cookshops.

Unbeatable taste and...

... freshly grilled: meat skewers, called satay, from the numerous market stalls and cookshops.

Nasi Lemak means “rich rice” and the name says it all. The dish contains rice, deep-fried side dishes, anchovies, eggs, peanuts and a coconut cream.

Rich rice

Nasi Lemak means "rich rice" and the name says it all. The dish contains rice, fried side dishes, anchovies, eggs, peanuts and coconut cream.

The locals love their dim sum and not without reason. The delicious steamed dumplings make a wonderful snack between meals.

The locals love their...

... dim sum and not without reason. The delicious steamed dumplings are ideal as a snack between meals. 

What a variety! The many hawker centers are a mecca for all street food fans.

What a variety! 

The many hawker centres are a Mecca for all street food fans.

Singapore from BER

Airline Scoot connects BER with Singapore three times a week. Scoot is a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines based in Singapore.

Five travel tips for …

1.     Admire the unique modern architecture in Marina Bay

2.     Experience 101 hectares of modern garden art at Gardens by the Bay

3.     Walk and picnic in the botanical garden

4.     In the evening visit the illuminated Hindu temple Sri Mariamman

5.     Eat the traditional stuffed rice dumplings (bak chang) in the Joo Chiat district

1.     Watch wild animals on night safari

2.     Spend an afternoon on the beach at Sentosa Island

3.     Ride the Singapore Flyer Ferris wheel and see the city from up above

4.     Experience art and science interactively in the ArtScience Museum

5.     Head out to Pulau Ubin and explore the island by kayak or bike

1.     Try the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre

2.     Feast your way through the various stalls of the historic Lau Pa Sat market hall

3.     Enjoy grilled meat skewers at Satay by the Bay

4.     Try different types of steamed dumplings (dim sum).

5.     Experience workshops and culinary tours at the annual Singapore Food Festival

The information published on this page is current as of the date of publication or update.