Fun Facts About Singapore

One of the most fascinating facts about Singapore is that its land area includes 64 offshore islands that surround the main island. This means that visitors to Singapore can explore a variety of attractions beyond the city-state's borders. From the popular resort island of Sentosa to nature havens like Pulau Ubin, St. John's Island, and Sisters' Islands, there's something for every type of traveler. And what better way to enjoy Singapore's tropical climate than with a day out in the sun on one of these beautiful offshore islands?

When it comes to fun facts about Singapore, one of our favorites is that the banknotes in Singapore feature micro text that you can barely read. In fact, most notes simply say "Monetary Authority of Singapore" into infinity, but the S$1000 bill takes it to another level. On the back of this note, you can find the entire Singaporean national anthem written in micro text. This fascinating detail is just one example of Singapore's meticulous attention to detail.

Fun fact about Singapore: The Merlion, the country's iconic emblem, was inspired by Singapore's ancient name 'Singapura' meaning 'lion city'. Although there are no records of lions native to Singapore, the prince who named it, Sang Nila Utama, saw a strange creature that his advisors identified as a lion. It is believed that he might have actually seen a tiger, as they used to roam in the wild in Singapore until the 1930s.

Did you know that one of the quirkiest facts about Singapore is its proposal to make November 19th "World Toilet Day" back in 2001? This toilet-passionate city-state's idea was supported by 122 countries and led to the formation of the World Toilet Organization (WTO). The organization aims to solve the world sanitation crisis by providing clean, safe toilets for everyone. It's actually really cool!

Here's a fun fact about Singapore - it's home to the world's first night zoo! The Night Safari opened its doors in 1994 and has since been providing visitors with a unique, nocturnal experience. Spread over 35 hectares, it boasts over 1,000 animals from 120 different species, all living in their naturalistic night-time habitats. Take a 40-minute guided tram ride or wander along the park's four interlinked walking trails for an unforgettable journey through the animal kingdom after dark.

Here's an interesting fact about Singapore: did you know that caning is still used as a form of punishment for certain crimes? This may come as a shock to some, but caning was actually introduced by the British during their colonial rule in Singapore. Today, this form of punishment is still applied to offenders for crimes such as vandalism, sexual abuse, rioting, and drug abuse, to name just a few. However, it is worth noting that only male offenders are subjected to caning, and it is applied to their bare buttocks.

Fun fact about Singapore - Despite its reputation as a concrete jungle, Singapore is dedicated to "greening" efforts, with tree-lined streets and a growing number of green buildings and rooftop gardens filled with tropical plants. This commitment to sustainability has earned Singapore the nickname of a "City in a Garden," making it a unique and environmentally friendly destination for travelers.

One of the most surprising things about Singapore is how it manages to keep its streets relatively uncongested despite being one of the most densely populated places in the world. This is due to a fun fact about Singapore: owning a car is a luxury that only the wealthy can afford.

In Singapore, private car ownership is restricted to curb congestion and pollution. The cost of a Certificate of Entitlement, allowing a car to be used for ten years, is equivalent to a Porsche Boxster in the US. Cars in Singapore cost almost twice as much as in other countries due to limited space and high demand.

Here's a fun fact about Singapore that will blow your mind! Did you know that Singapore is affectionately known as the "Little Red Dot"? This nickname stems from the fact that on a world map, Singapore appears as a tiny red dot. The term gained popularity when an ex-president of Indonesia used it disparagingly, but Singaporeans turned it into a source of national pride.

Fun fact about Singapore: Despite being a developed nation, Singapore does not have a minimum wage. Instead, it relies on a flexible wage system that allows for high-income equality. Many office workers come from all over the world, while much of the construction work is done by foreign workers, mainly from Bangladesh. This unique combination creates a dynamic workforce that keeps the country's low unemployment rate stable.

Here's a fun fact about Singapore - in 1967, National Service became compulsory for all 18-year-old male citizens and permanent residents. This means that at any given time, there is a significant military force in Singapore. The country's paranoia about its neighbors led to this compulsory service, and it has since become an integral part of Singaporean society.

Since its inception in 2008, the Grand Prix Season Singapore has been an annual extravaganza featuring a range of concerts, entertainment activities, and, of course, Formula One racing. The star attraction of the event is the FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX, which made racing history as the world’s first-ever night race. The Marina Bay street circuit has remained largely unchanged since then, but it still boasts more corners than any other circuit on the Formula One race calendar, with a total of 23. The brightly lit floodlights add to the spectacular night views of Singapore, making the event an unforgettable experience for race fans. The Singapore GP is set to return in 2022, promising nonstop thrills and adrenaline.

Fun Fact about Singapore: The Singapore Grand Prix is the only Formula One race to be held at night, giving it a unique and thrilling atmosphere that sets it apart from other races on the circuit.

Fun fact about Singapore: Singapore, previously known as Singapura, was abandoned after the last king fled in the late 14th century due to an attack. It was nothing more than a small trading outpost until Sir Stamford Raffles established Fort Canning in 1819, making it a significant trading hub.

Did you know that Singapore is one of only three remaining sovereign city-states in the world? As a city-state, Singapore consists of a single city and its dependent territories, making it a unique and fascinating destination for travelers looking to explore a small independent country. Alongside Monaco and the Vatican City, Singapore holds the distinction of being one of the world's few sovereign city-states.

Singapore is a country full of surprises and fascinating trivia. One such fun fact is that it boasts some of the world's most impressive man-made waterfalls. For instance, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve claims that the tallest waterfall in an aviary can be found at Jurong Bird Park, standing at a height of 30 metres. Another waterfall worth visiting is the one at Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay, which is 35 metres tall and forms the centerpiece of the misty conservatory. Lastly, no trip to Singapore is complete without seeing the world's tallest indoor waterfall, HSBC Rain Vortex, which stands at a staggering 40 metres and is located within the Jewel Changi Airport complex. These impressive man-made waterfalls are a testament to Singapore's ingenuity and innovation in blending nature and technology.

Fun fact about Singapore: Did you know that Sentosa Island was once a British military base and a horrific POW camp during World War II? Today, it's a high-end destination filled with glitz and glamor, including a 1.2-mile-long beach, Universal Studios Singapore, a casino, and 14 hotels. But beneath its luxurious exterior lies a dark history that many are unaware of.

Did you know that one of the most fascinating and fun facts about Singapore is that Changi Airport has been ranked as the World's Best Airport for seven years in a row, since 2013? It's not just your average airport, but a destination in itself with amazing features like a trampoline, giant slide, indoor forest, cinema, and swimming pool - all part of the $500 million 2019 renovation. And with the world's tallest indoor waterfall, Changi Airport truly lives up to its tagline, "More than an airport." So, if you have a layover in Singapore, make sure to check out all the incredible facilities that Changi Airport has to offer!

Fun fact about Singapore: It's always hot! Being less than 100 miles from the Equator, Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35°C (77 to 95 °F). With no seasons to speak of, locals and visitors alike find themselves seeking refuge in the city's many air-conditioned malls and buildings. So, if you're planning a trip to Singapore, be sure to pack light and prepare for the heat!