1. Singapore is both a city and a country
It’s officially called the Republic of Singapore and it’s the smallest country in Southeast Asia by area. It also has one of the world’s highest population densities and is home to about 5.45 million people.
2. It’s a former British colony and it’s super wealthy
The British merchant navy established a trading port in Singapore in 1819 and settled it as a Crown colony in 1867, ruling for 144 years. These days, it’s known for being a global financial powerhouse.
3. Changi Airport is where you’ll find the famous waterfall
Singapore’s Changi Airport was named the World’s Best Airport for eight consecutive years until it lost its crown to Doha’s Hamad International Airport in 2021. As a fun fact, it also has a butterfly garden.
4. About 22 per cent of Singapore’s land is reclaimed from the sea Since it became an independent country in 1965, it has grown from about 590 square kilometres to about 720 square kilometres. It plans to grow by another 8 per cent by 2030.
5. Raffles is the city’s oldest and most famous hotel The British colonial-style building offers five-star accommodation and it’s so special it was gazetted as a national monument in 1987. Importantly, it’s the birthplace of the gin-based Singapore Sling cocktail.
6. However, Marina Bay Sands hotel is the biggest
The famous hotel is home to 2561 rooms. It has three 55-storey towers and it transformed the city’s skyline when it opened in 2010. It’s also where you’ll find the SkyPark and the ArtScience Museum.
Despite the population density about 700 sqkm of Singapore is covered by parks and gardens.
7. Singapore’s Botanic Garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
This lush green belt is the first and only botanic garden on the prestigious list. It was founded in 1859 and it showcases a fabulous array of tropical plants. Best of all, it doesn't cost anything to explore.
8. Nearly half of Singapore’s land area is green
Despite the population density, and the skyscrapers, about 700 square kilometres of Singapore’s area is covered by parks and gardens. It’s believed there are more than 2100 native plant species.
9. Gardens by the Bay is where you’ll find the Supertrees
The 101-hectare nature park is in the Marina Bay district and it’s also home to the stunning Cloud Forest and beautiful Flower Dome. The innovative project broke ground in 2007 and opened in 2011.
10. Singapore is only 2944km from Australia
OK yes, that’s the distance from Broome, but the truth is it’s a lot closer than you might expect. It only takes about eight hours to fly from the east coast, seven from Adelaide, or five from Perth.
Comments 1
Great blog Lorrie, I want to visit Singapore I have a dear friend there, that island city, country. Great images.