Singapore is a small city-state that became independent in 1965. Today it is one of the world’s leading economic centers in terms of shipping and banking. Singapore’s history in terms of cultural diversity and some unusual laws creates some interesting fun facts about Singapore.
Singapore’s position at the bottom of the Malay peninsula and its history has created a melting pot of culture with ethnic enclaves like Chinatown, and Little India, as well as Western influences around the city. The city has some strict laws on chewing gum and crossing the road.
In this post, we will go through fun facts about Singapore. Let’s get started!
Read More On Singapore
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- Things To Do On Sentosa Island
- Can You Drink Tap Water in Singapore?
- Best Beaches in Singapore
- How Much Is Beer In Singapore?
Fun Facts About Singapore
There are fun facts about Singapore that center around some unusual laws and little quirks. Either way, they are nice to know if you are visiting Singapore so as not to offend anyone.
Here is a list of fun facts about Singapore.
It Is Illegal To Not Flush The Toilet
If your toilet policy is if it’s yellow let it mellow, in Singapore, this may get you into trouble. For failing to flush, you will end up with a fine of S$150, and police officers have been known to check.
Singapore Is A City State
Singapore is a city, a capital, and a state all at once, making it one of only three City-States in the world.
The other two are Monaco and Vatican City.
Chewing Gum Is Banned
Chewing gum is banned in Singapore, except for those with a medical prescription. The reason for the ban is cleanliness.
The streets and footpaths are clean, so it is hard to argue with the ban.
Singapore Is Made Up Of 63 Islands
Besides the main island, the nation of Singapore includes 63 other tiny islands.
Most of these islands are uninhabited and some are used for military or industrial purposes.
Singapore Is One Of The Smallest Countries In The World
Singapore is among the 20 smallest countries in the world, with a total land area of only 719 square kilometers.
The National Anthem is Found On The Back Of The SGD1,000 Note
If you turn the note around and look carefully, you can see it printed in micro-text.
They probably figured you’d be singing Majulah Singapura if you ever got your hands on one of these babies anyway.
Caught Littering
If caught and convicted of littering three times, you will have to clean the streets on Sundays with a bib on saying, “I am a litterer”.
This is definitely one of the more interesting fun facts about Singapore.
World’s First Night Zoo
The world’s first night zoo or Night Safari was in Singapore. It occupies 35 hectares (86 acres) and currently houses over 2,500 animals representing over 130 species of which 38% are threatened species.
The National Flag Of Singapore
In the national flag of Singapore, the color red represents universal brotherhood and equality of its citizens while the color white represents purity.
The crescent moon signifies a young nation on the rise and the five stars signify the ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice for its citizens, and equality.
Buildings Have A Height Restriction
Buildings in Singapore are not allowed to be higher than 280 meters. The UOB Plaza, OUB Centre, and Republic Plaza are the three buildings that are of that height.
Military Service
All male citizens of Singapore have to serve in the army for a period of 2 years when they turn eighteen.
Highest Rooftop Bar In The World
Party with the gods, or at least those drunk enough to think they are at the highest rooftop bar in the world.
Located on the top floor of One Raffles Place, 282 meters above ground level. Just try not to fall off the open-air area.
Don’t Hit A Dog If Driving
In Singapore, hitting a dog with your car and not stopping to help is a crime that might land you in jail.
Meanwhile, hitting a cat and not stopping is not a crime at all.
Densely Populated
Singapore is said to be the most tightly populated country in the world, with 6,430 people per square km.
Singaporean People Speak Singlish
Some people think Singlish (also known as Singaporean English) isn’t supposed to be spoken because it is not exquisite enough.
Singlish is spoken in some parts of Singapore and it has words from many different languages, including English, Malay, and Chinese.
World’s Largest Tropical Orchid Garden Is In Singapore
Founded in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is the only one in the world that opens for 19 hours every day of the year. The garden has more than 10,000 species of flora on over 82 hectares of areas.
The Botanic Gardens gets around 4.5 million visitors every year.
Singapore Time Zones
Singapore has changed its time zone 6 times since 1905.
Is Sand The New Gold?
Singapore bought billions of cubic feet of sand from Cambodia and Vietnam as Singapore reclaims land from the sea.
The Singapore Passport
Singapore is the only country whose citizens don’t need a visa to visit North Korea, South Korea, China, or the United States.
Bukit Timah Hill
Bukit Timah Hill is the highest natural point in Singapore. It has a height of only 164 meters. Note that it is only a hill, not a mountain.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Book Accommodation
Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.
Booking Flight
Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.
Booking Transportation & Things To Do
Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Wrapping Up
Finally, Singapore is a fun place to visit but it does have a few rules and quirks you should be aware of as not to get into any bother while in Singapore. Most of them are nothing new other than chewing being banned and Singapore’s policies on cleanliness.
And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if these fun facts about Singapore have helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if you go.
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