Country Facts And Traveller Information
The smallest nation in Southeast Asia occupying just under 700 sq kms, what Singapore lacks in overall size it certainly more than makes up for in personality, not just by being a global giant in many aspects of its identity but by having the kind of natural and cultural diversity that makes this city-state one of the most unique and fascinating destinations on the planet. Consisting of over 60 islands, Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin, Jurong Island and Sentosa are the largest after mainland Singapore itself and can all be reached by way of causeways, bridges and ferries from the main island - similar links providing access to the country's closest neighbour Malaysia, with the 1056 m Johor-Singapore Causeway maintaining a busy pedestrian and vehicular connection to the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula from the north of the island, and the Tuas Second Link offering an alternative route via a bridge from the west end of Singapore.
Lying just 137 kms north of the equator, Singapore has a typically tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and levels of precipitation (there can be significant rainfall even outside the monsoon season, albeit short, sharp showers) with indistinct seasons and very little variation in the ratio of daylight/nightime hours throughout the year, and when once the island was almost entirely carpeted in rainforest, less than 25% of the total land area of the country remains undeveloped or is protected within the boundaries of nature reserves or national parks. The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, encompassing the highest point on the island at 166m, is probably the last incident of primary rainforest left on Singapore, but with many other areas of outstanding natural beauty that have been lovingly preserved on most islands in the country, including some truly idyllic beaches, there is so much more to Singapore than industry, commerce, nightlife and all the other aspects of a vibrant cultural heritage for which this cosmopolitan country is globally renowned.
Since becoming an independent nation in 1965, Singapore has evolved into one of the world's most prosperous countries, developing strong international trading links and a rapidly growing tourist industry. Where holiday rental apartments in Singapore would have once been found almost exclusively in the urban areas around the Singapore river in the south of the island, they are now available in a variety of locations nationwide, so while you can find solutions to suit any vacation budget with a choice of hotels and guesthouses, you can also discover the freedom and versatility that comes with any type of self catering holiday accommodation. Singapore is home to one of the world's busiest airports and the hub of aviation activities in Southeast Asia providing a regular stopover for those travelling between Australasia and Europe, so while an experience of Singapore has never extended beyond the departure lounge of Changi airport for a huge number of global travellers, there are more and more discovering why this extraordinary and exciting country is far more worthy of being a final vacation destination!
Back to holiday rentals in Singapore