Visit SingaporeVisit Singapore
  • What's Happening
  • Neighbourhoods
  • Things To Do
  • Travel Tips
  • Global
    • Global
    • 中文
    • Deutsch
    • Bahasa Indonesia
    • 日本語
    • 한국어
    • Tiếng Việt
    • ไทย
  • Global
  • Global
  • 中文
  • Deutsch
  • Bahasa Indonesia
  • 日本語
  • 한국어
  • Tiếng Việt
  • ไทย
What's Happening
All HappeningsVisit the What's Happening page
  • Events
  • Festivals
Neighbourhoods
Featured NeighbourhoodsVisit the Featured Neighbourhoods page
  • Chinatown
  • Civic District
  • Kampong Gelam
  • Katong-Joo Chiat
  • Little India
  • Mandai
  • Marina Bay
  • Orchard Road
  • Sentosa Island
  • Singapore River
Things To Do
Top Things To DoVisit the Top Things To Do page
    ShopVisit the Shop page
      DineVisit the Dine page
        WellnessVisit the Wellness page
          ToursVisit the Tours page
            Travel Tips
            About SingaporeVisit the About Singapore page
            • Travel Sustainably
            Travelling to SingaporeVisit the Travelling to Singapore page
            • Seasonal Highlights
            • Itineraries
            • Singapore in AR
            Essential InformationVisit the Essential Information page
            • Weather
            • Payment
            • Transport
            HomeAbout Singapore

            About Singapore

            A global metropolis, a City in Nature, a rich tapestry of cultures – Singapore is a city with many facets. Learn about the past, present and future of our city.

            An old photo of Singapore river​

            Origin of 'Singapura'

            Once known as Temasek, Singapura (The Lion City in Malay) was named by the legendary Prince Sang Nila Utama.

             

            Taking sanctuary on the island after a storm, the prince saw a lion and named Singapore after the majestic beast.

            FIND OUT MORE

            One Nation, Many Cultures

            Singaporeans of different ethnicities and religions often come together to celebrate our festivals, from Chinese New Year, to Deepavali and Ramadan. 

            Chinese New Year celebration in Singapore
            Shopping on occcasion of Hari Raya Aidilfitri
            Deepavali Festival Celebration in Singapore
            Vesak Day celebration in Singapore
            Christmas celebration in Singapore

            Chinese New Year

            The Chinese mark the new year with spring cleaning, visits to loved ones and with auspicious symbols like mandarin oranges and red packets filled with money.

             

            Drop by Chinatown to enjoy the buzz.

            find out more

            Hari Raya Aidilfitri

            The conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan is a day of forgiveness and fellowship.

             

            Visit the Geylang Serai Bazaar on Ramadan evenings to shop or dig into delicious food.

            find out more

            Deepavali

            The Festival of Lights celebrates the triumph of good over evil, with candles, feasts and prayers.

             

            During this period, the district of Deepavali is awash in light, colour and festivities.

            find out more

            Vesak Day

            The Lord Buddha’s enlightenment is commemorated on Vesak Day with offerings of candles and incense across the island.

             

            Drop by the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple to learn more about the tradition’s rites and rituals.

            find out more

            Christmas

            The birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated with hymns and masses across the island. Be sure to drop by Orchard Road or Christmas Wonderland to enjoy the festive cheer!

            find out more

            Singlish – our Local Lingo

            Singlish is a colourful creole and a uniquely local slang that is an integral part of everyday life, blending Malay, Tamil and a variety of Chinese dialects.

            Example of Singlish

            It translates to: “Hey, would you like to grab a meal at a coffee shop?"

            Singlish 101: 5 Phrases To Use

            Looking to blend in with the locals?
            Try Singlish la!
            Learn the local lingo and use these phrases to make some new friends while you’re out and about.

            Singlish Phrase: Shiok
            Singlish Phrase: Die Die Must Try
            Singlish Phrase: Alamak
            Singlish Phrase: Bo Jio
            Click on the bubble icon
            Singlish Phrase: Jia Lat
            Singlish Phrase: Shiok

            Shiok

            Your browser does not support the audio element.

            (She-Oak)

            Very enjoyable. Often used to describe food and other sensory enjoyment.

            Singlish Phrase: Die Die Must Try

            Die Die Must Try

            Your browser does not support the audio element.

              

            To describe something that's so good, you must try it, no matter what!

            Alamak

            Alamak

            Your browser does not support the audio element.

            (Ah-lah-mak)

            "Oh Gosh!". An expression used to display shock or dismay.

            bo jio

            Bo Jio

            Your browser does not support the audio element.

            (Boh-Chyoh)

            A way to express a fear of missing out, but also means ‘why didn’t you invite me?’

            Jia Lat

            Jia Lat

            Your browser does not support the audio element.

            (Jia-lat)

            ‘It’s looking bad’. Used to describe a negative or bleak situation.

             

            A City in Nature

             

            The Park Royal Singapore - Travel Sustainably
            location icon

            PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore

            Singapore provides a peace of mind for those seeking to connect with nature, contribute to a more sustainable future, or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Discover larger-than-life experiences while doing good in the comfort of urbanity.

            Travelling Sustainably
            Wellness activity on Henderson Waves Bridge, Singapore
            location icon

            Henderson Waves Bridge

            Whether you’re taking it slow or discovering urban sanctuaries, revitalising your mind and body is easy in Singapore.

            Wellness in Singapore

            Explore More of Singapore

            Neighbourhoods

            Neighbourhoods

            Discover Singapore's vibrant neighborhoods, from hipster lanes to cultural streets, there's something for everyone.

            Dine in Singapore

            Dine

            From hawker delights to Michelin-worthy fare, you’ll find a paradise of delicious flavours here in Singapore.

            Shop in Singapore

            Shop

            Peruse global brands, indulge in luxury labels or hunt for local gems with a shopping spree in Singapore.

            Singapore Tour Guide Presenting To Tourists

            Tours

            Find the perfect tour experience for yourself, from culture and heritage, to food and dining, and wellness.

            Essential Travel Information

            Discover vital travel insights for your Singapore journey, from important travel tips to local transportation tips.

            FIND OUT MORE
            Related Sites
            • Singapore Tourism Board
            • Business Events
            • Visit Southeast Asia
            Contact Us
            • Call Us
            • Write to Us
            • Singapore Visitor Center
            Connect with Us
            • Facebook
            • Instagram
            • YouTube
            • TikTok
              • Terms of Use
              • Privacy
              • Cookie Policy
              • Sitemap
              • Report Vulnerability
              • Copyright © 2024 Singapore Tourism Board
              • Last Updated 19 Nov 2024