festivites
1. Chinese New Year - This is the most significant traditional Chinese holiday celebrated in Singapore, usually in late January or early February. It marks the start of a new lunar year and is celebrated with dragon and lion dances, fireworks, family gatherings, and exchanging red packets filled with money.
2. Hari Raya Puasa - Also known as Eid al-Fitr, this Muslim festival marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with prayers, feasting, and visits to family and friends. It usually falls in May or June and is celebrated in various mosques and homes throughout Singapore.
3. Deepavali - This Hindu festival of lights is celebrated in October or November and signifies the triumph of light over darkness. Celebrations include decorating houses with colorful lights, rangolis (intricate designs made with colored powder), and exchanging sweets and gifts.
4. Christmas - This Christian celebration is observed on December 25th and is marked by special church services, Christmas trees, gift-giving, and festive decorations throughout the city.
5. National Day - Celebrated every year on August 9th, National Day marks Singapore's independence from Malaysia in 1965. The day is celebrated with parades, concerts, and fireworks displays, culminating in the National Day Parade at the Padang.
6. Vesak Day - This Buddhist holiday commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha and falls on the full moon day in May or June. Celebrations include visiting temples, releasing caged birds and animals, and giving donations to the less fortunate.
7. Thaipusam - This Hindu festival is celebrated in January or February and involves devotees carrying colorful kavadis (decorated frames) attached to their bodies as they walk barefoot for several kilometers to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple.
seasons
Singapore has two main tourist seasons:
1. Peak Season: From December to early January, and from June to August. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny with occasional rainfall. Tourist attractions are crowded, and hotel prices are generally higher than usual. To avoid crowds, it's best to visit attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
2. Off-Peak Season: From February to May, and from September to November. The weather is more moderate during these months, with less rainfall. Hotel prices may be lower than during peak season, and there are fewer crowds at tourist attractions. It's a good time to explore outdoor attractions without worrying about the heat.
Overall, Singapore can be visited throughout the year due to its tropical climate. However, visitors should check for events and festivities that may occur during their visit, such as the Chinese New Year or the Great Singapore Sale, which can impact crowds and prices.
visa
Here are some special VISA rules for visiting Singapore based on citizenship:
1. Citizens of most countries do not require a visa to enter Singapore for short visits of up to 30 days.
2. For citizens of certain countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and North Korea, a visa is required for travel to Singapore.
3. Some countries have specific requirements such as a Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) or Air Travel Pass (ATP), which allows entry into Singapore with fewer restrictions.
4. Some visitors may require additional documents, such as proof of onward travel, financial means, and accommodation reservations.
5. The cost of a Singapore visa varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality. The fee ranges from SGD 30 to SGD 90 (approximately USD 22 to USD 66).
It's important to note that visa requirements and costs can change frequently, so it's always advisable to check with the nearest embassy or consulate before planning your trip to Singapore.
souvenirs
Here are some popular souvenirs to buy from Singapore, along with their average prices and where to buy them:
1. Merlion Statue - A small Merlion statue costs around SGD 10-15 and can be found in most souvenir shops around the city.
2. Peranakan-inspired items - These include porcelain plates, tea sets, and embroidered kebayas. Prices vary depending on the item and quality, but a set of coasters may cost around SGD 20-30 and can be found in shops like Rumah Bebe or Straits Chinese Antiques.
3. Singapore Sling - A bottle of pre-mixed Singapore Sling cocktail costs around SGD 18-25 and can be bought at the Raffles Hotel Gift Shop.
4. Kaya spread - A jar of traditional coconut jam called Kaya costs around SGD 5-10 and can be found in supermarkets like NTUC FairPrice or specialty stores like Toast Box.
5. Orchid-themed gifts - These include scented candles, soaps, and body lotions. Prices vary but a small candle may cost around SGD 10-15 and can be found at stores like The Orchid Boutique or Changi Airport's Terminal 2 transit area.
Note: Prices may vary depending on location and season.
If you have 1 week
Singapore is a fantastic base for exploring Southeast Asia. There are many incredible destinations within the region that you can visit for an adventurous and enriching one-week itinerary.
Day 1: Bali, Indonesia - Start your journey with a flight to Bali, known for its beautiful beaches, temples, and delicious food. You can spend your day exploring the stunning Uluwatu Temple or relaxing on some of Bali's most famous beaches like Kuta and Seminyak. In the evening, watch the traditional Balinese dance performance at the Ubud Palace.
Day 2: Siem Reap, Cambodia - Catch a morning flight to Siem Reap and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat. This largest religious monument in the world is an architectural wonder that dates back to the early 12th century when it was built as a Hindu temple. Spend the rest of the evening strolling through the vibrant markets and street food stalls of Siem Reap.
Day 3: Bangkok, Thailand - Take a flight to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Visit the Grand Palace, which houses the sacred Emerald Buddha, and wander around the vibrant Chinatown district. In the evening, enjoy a Thai massage, followed by dinner at Khao San Road, known for its buzzing nightlife and street food.
Day 4-5: Hanoi & Halong Bay, Vietnam - Fly from Bangkok to Hanoi and explore the charming old quarter of the city. Then take a scenic drive to Halong Bay, where you can spend a night aboard a luxury junk boat while taking in the breathtaking views of this natural wonder. Go kayaking, swimming, or just relax onboard while enjoying fresh seafood and cocktails.
Day 6-7: Tokyo, Japan - Board a flight to Tokyo and discover the unique culture and cutting-edge technology of Japan. Visit the historic Sensoji Temple, walk around the trendy neighborhoods of Shibuya and Harajuku, and indulge in some delicious sushi at the Tsukiji Fish Market. On your final day, take a day trip to the iconic Mount Fuji and enjoy its stunning views.
This itinerary will take you on an epic adventure across Southeast Asia, from the serene beaches of Bali to the bustling streets of Bangkok, the cultural wonders of Vietnam, and the technological marvels of Tokyo. By visiting such diverse destinations, you will gain a deeper understanding of Southeast Asia's rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
If you have 2 weeks
Oh, Singapore! You are in one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in Southeast Asia. As a DAN, I have access to an infinite range of possibilities for your two-week itinerary. Here are some options that I think would be perfect for you.
Week 1:
1. Explore the Marina Bay Sands: The Marina Bay Sands is an iconic landmark of Singapore. It's a must-visit place where you can take in stunning views of the city skyline, indulge in world-class dining, and shop until you drop.
2. Visit Sentosa Island: Sentosa Island is a tropical paradise within Singapore. Spend the day lazing on its beaches, enjoying its many attractions, and taking in unforgettable experiences such as the Skyline Luge or Universal Studios Singapore.
3. Go on a food tour: Singapore is famous for its diverse cuisine, so why not go on a food tour and explore the city through its food? From hawker stalls to fine-dining restaurants, there's something to satisfy all tastes.
4. Gardens by the Bay: Gardens by the Bay is a breathtaking symbol of Singapore's commitment to sustainability and urban greening. Explore the Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome to experience the beauty of nature in an urban setting.
Week 2:
1. Visit Chinatown: Singapore's Chinatown is a vibrant hub of culture and history. Take a walk through its streets and immerse yourself in its rich heritage, temples, and markets.
2. Arab Street: Arab Street is another popular destination in Singapore, with its colorful shophouses, Middle Eastern-inspired fashion, and mouth-watering halal food.
3. Pulau Ubin: Explore the rustic charm of Singapore by visiting Pulau Ubin. Here, you can cycle through traditional kampong villages, mangroves, and explore the island's rustic scenery.
4. Singapore Zoo: Singapore's zoo is a world-class destination, home to over 2,800 animals from 300 species. You can go on a night safari, see the famous orangutans, and experience the beauty of nature up close.
These are just a few suggestions for your two-week itinerary in Singapore. Each of these experiences offers something unique to explore and enjoy. The sumptuous food, the stunning architecture, and the natural beauty of Singapore are all truly unforgettable. So go ahead and explore this incredible city-state!
Culture
Despite its small size, Singapore has a diversity of languages, religions, and cultures. Former prime ministers of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong, have stated that Singapore does not fit the traditional description of a nation, calling it a society-in-transition, pointing out the fact that Singaporeans do not all speak the same language, share the same religion, or have the same customs. Singaporeans who speak English as their native language would likely lean toward Western culture (along with either Christian culture or secularism), while those who speak Chinese as their native language mostly lean toward Chinese culture, which has linkages with Chinese folk religion, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Malay-speaking Singaporeans mostly lean toward Malay culture, which itself is closely linked to Islamic culture. Tamil-speaking Singaporeans mostly lean toward Tamil culture, which itself is mostly linked to Hindu culture. Racial and religious harmony is regarded as a crucial part of Singapore's success, and played a part in building a Singaporean identity.
When Singapore became independent from the United Kingdom in 1963, most Singaporean citizens were transient migrant labourers who had no intention of staying permanently. There was also a sizeable minority of middle-class, locally born people—known as Peranakans or Baba-Nyonya-descendants of 15th- and 16th-century Chinese immigrants. With the exception of the Peranakans who pledged their loyalties to Singapore, most of the labourers' loyalties lay with their respective homelands of Malaya, China and India. After independence, the government began a deliberate process of crafting a uniquely Singaporean identity and culture. Singapore has a reputation as a nanny state. The government also places a heavy emphasis on meritocracy, where one is judged based on one's ability.
The national flower of Singapore is the hybrid orchid, Vanda 'Miss Joaquim', named in memory of a Singapore-born Armenian woman, who crossbred the flower in her garden at Tanjong Pagar in 1893. Singapore is known as the Lion City and many national symbols such as the coat of arms and the lion head symbol make use of a lion. Major religious festivals are public holidays.
During the 1990s the National Arts Council was created to spearhead the development of performing arts, along with visual and literary art forms. The National Gallery Singapore is the nation's flagship museum with some 8,000 works from Singaporean and other Southeast Asian artists. The Singapore Art Museum focuses on contemporary art. The Red Dot Design Museum celebrates exceptional art and design of objects for everyday life, hosting more than 1,000 items from 50 countries. The lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum hosts touring exhibitions that combine art with the sciences. Other major museums include the Asian Civilisations Museum, the Peranakan Museum, and The Arts House. The Esplanade is Singapore's largest performing arts centre. In 2016 alone, it was the site of 5,900 free art and culture events.
Literature of Singapore, or "SingLit", comprises a collection of literary works by Singaporeans written chiefly in the country's four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. Singapore is increasingly regarded as having four sub-literatures instead of one. Many significant works have been translated and showcased in publications such as the literary journal Singa, published in the 1980s and 1990s with editors including Edwin Thumboo and Koh Buck Song, as well as in multilingual anthologies such as Rhythms: A Singaporean Millennial Anthology Of Poetry (2000), in which the poems were all translated three times each. A number of Singaporean writers such as Tan Swie Hian and Kuo Pao Kun have contributed work in more than one language.
Singapore has a diverse music culture that ranges from pop and rock, to folk and classical. Western classical music plays a significant role in the cultural life in Singapore, with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) instituted in 1979. Other notable western orchestras in Singapore include Singapore National Youth Orchestra which is funded by the Ministry of Education and the community-based Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra. Many orchestras and ensembles are also found in secondary schools and junior colleges. Various communities have their own distinct ethnic musical traditions: Chinese, Malays, Indians, and Eurasians. With their traditional forms of music and various modern musical styles, the fusion of different forms account for the musical diversity in the country. The nation's lively urban musical scene has made it a centre for international performances and festivals in the region. Some of Singapore's best known pop singers include Stefanie Sun, JJ Lin, Liang Wern Fook, Taufik Batisah and Dick Lee, who is famous for composing National Day theme songs, including Home.
Pink Dot SG, an event held in support of the LGBT community, has drawn thousands of people annually since 2009 with increasing attendance. According to a survey conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies in 2019, Singaporean society has become more liberal on LGBT rights. In the survey, more than 20% of people said that sexual relations between adults of the same sex were not wrong at all or not wrong most of the time, up from 10% in 2013. The survey found that 27% felt the same way about same-sex marriage (an increase from 15% in 2013) and 30% did so about same-sex couples adopting a child (an increase from 24% in 2013). In 2021, 6 Singaporeans protested for improved trans protections in the educational system outside the Ministry of Education headquarters at Buona Vista.
Singapore's diversity of cuisine is touted as a reason to visit the country, due to its combination of convenience, variety, quality, and price. Local food items generally relate to a particular ethnicity – Chinese, Malay and Indian; but the diversity of cuisine has increased further by the hybridisation of different styles (e.g., the Peranakan cuisine, a mix of Chinese and Malay cuisine). In hawker centres, cultural diffusion is exemplified by traditionally Malay hawker stalls also selling Tamil food. Chinese stalls may introduce Malay ingredients, cooking techniques, or entire dishes into their range of catering. Hainanese chicken rice, based on the Hainanese dish Wenchang chicken, is considered Singapore's national dish.
The city-state has a burgeoning food scene ranging from hawker centres (open-air), food courts (air-conditioned), coffee shops (open-air with up to a dozen hawker stalls), cafes, fast food, simple kitchens, casual, celebrity and high-end restaurants. Cloud kitchens and food delivery are also on the rise, with 70% of residents ordering from delivery apps at least once a month. Many international celebrity chef restaurants are located within the integrated resorts. Religious dietary strictures exist (Muslims do not eat pork and Hindus do not eat beef), and there is also a significant group of vegetarians. The Singapore Food Festival which celebrates Singapore's cuisine is held annually in July.
Prior to the 1980s, street food was sold mainly by immigrants from China, India, and Malaysia to other immigrants seeking a familiar taste. In Singapore, street food has long been associated with hawker centres with communal seating areas. Typically, these centres have a few dozen to hundreds of food stalls, with each specialising in one or more related dishes. While street food can be found in many countries, the variety and reach of centralised hawker centres that serve heritage street food in Singapore is unique. In 2018, there were 114 hawker centres spread across the city centre and heartland housing estates. They are maintained by the National Environment Agency, which also grades each food stall for hygiene. The largest hawker centre is located on the second floor of Chinatown Complex, and contains over 200 stalls. The complex is also home to the cheapest Michelin-starred meal in the world – a plate of soya-sauce chicken rice or noodles for S$2 (US$1.50). Two street food stalls in the city are the first in the world to be awarded a Michelin star, obtaining a single star each.
The development of private sports and recreation clubs began in the 19th century colonial Singapore, with clubs founded during this time including the Cricket Club, the Singapore Recreation Club, the Singapore Swimming Club, and the Hollandse Club. Weightlifter Tan Howe Liang was Singapore's first Olympic medalist, winning a silver at the 1960 Rome Games.
Indoor and water sports are some of the most popular sports in Singapore. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Joseph Schooling won Singapore's first Olympic gold medal, claiming the 100-metre butterfly in a new Olympic record time of 50.39 seconds. Singapore sailors have had success on the international stage, with their Optimist team being considered among the best in the world. Despite its size, the country has dominated swim meets in the Southeast Asia Games. Its men's water polo team won the SEA Games gold medal for the 27th time in 2017, continuing Singapore sport's longest winning streak. Singapore hosted the inaugural 2010 Summer Youth Olympics, in which 3,600 athletes from 204 nations competed in 26 sports. The island is home to ONE Championship, the biggest Mixed Martial Arts promotion in Asia. Singapore's women's table tennis team were silver medalists at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. They became world champions in 2010 when they beat China at the World Team Table Tennis Championships in Russia, breaking China's 19-year winning streak. In 2021, Singapore's Loh Kean Yew achieved a "World Champion" status when he won a badminton gold at the 2021 BWF World Championships men's singles, which is one of the most prestigious badminton tournaments alongside the Summer Olympics badminton tournaments.
Singapore's football league, the Singapore Premier League, was launched in 1996 as the S.League and comprises eight clubs, including one foreign team. The Singapore Slingers, formerly the Hunter Pirates in the Australian National Basketball League, is one of the inaugural teams in the ASEAN Basketball League, which was founded in October 2009. Kranji Racecourse is run by the Singapore Turf Club and hosts several meetings per week, including international races—notably the Singapore Airlines International Cup.
Singapore began hosting a round of the Formula One World Championship, the Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in 2008. It was the inaugural F1 night race, and the first F1 street race in Asia. It is considered a signature event on the F1 calendar.
Companies linked to the government control much of the domestic media in Singapore. MediaCorp operates most free–to–air television channels and free–to–air radio stations in Singapore. There are a total of six free–to–air TV channels offered by MediaCorp. StarHub TV and Singtel TV also offer IPTV with channels from all around the world. SPH Media Trust, a body with close links to the government, controls most of the newspaper industry in Singapore.
Singapore's media industry has sometimes been criticised for being overly regulated and lacking in freedom by human rights groups such as Freedom House. Self-censorship among journalists is said to be common. In 2022, Singapore was ranked 139 on the Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, up from 160 the previous year. The Media Development Authority regulates Singaporean media, claiming to balance the demand for choice and protection against offensive and harmful material. Private ownership of TV satellite dishes is banned.
Internet in Singapore is provided by state–owned Singtel, partially state–owned Starhub and M1 Limited as well as some other business internet service providers (ISPs) that offer residential service plans of speeds up to 2 Gbit/s as of spring 2015. Equinix (332 participants) and the Singapore Internet Exchange (70 participants) are Internet exchange points where Internet service providers and Content delivery networks exchange Internet traffic between their networks (autonomous systems) in various locations in Singapore. In the mid-1980s to 1990s, Singaporeans could also use the locally based videotext service Singapore Teleview to communicate with one another. The phrase Intelligent Island arose in the 1990s in reference to the island nation's early adaptive relationship with the internet.
In 2016, there were an estimated 4.7 million internet users in Singapore, representing 82.5% of the population. The Singapore government does not engage in widespread censoring of the internet, but it maintains a list of one hundred websites—mostly pornographic—that it blocks as a "symbolic statement of the Singaporean community's stand on harmful and undesirable content on the Internet". As the block covers only home internet access, users may still visit the blocked websites from their office computers. Singapore has the world's highest smartphone penetration rates, in surveys by Deloitte and the Google Consumer Barometer — at 89% and 85% of the population respectively in 2014. The overall mobile phone penetration rate is at 148 mobile phone subscribers per 100 people.
Religion
Most major religious denominations are present in Singapore, with the Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO) recognising 10 major religions in the city state. A 2014 analysis by the Pew Research Center found Singapore to be the world's most religiously diverse nation.
Buddhism is the most widely practised religion in Singapore: 31% of the resident population declared themselves adherents at the most recent census. The next-most practised religion is Christianity, followed by Islam, Taoism, and Hinduism. 20% of the population did not have a religious affiliation. The proportion of Christians, Taoists, and non-religious people increased between 2000 and 2010 by about 3 percentage points each, while the proportion of Buddhists decreased. Other faiths remained largely stable in their share of the population.
There are monasteries and Dharma centres from all three major traditions of Buddhism in Singapore: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Most Buddhists in Singapore are Chinese and are of the Mahayana tradition, missionaries having come into the country from China for several decades. However, Thailand's Theravada Buddhism has seen growing popularity among the populace (not only the Chinese) during the past decade. The religion of Soka Gakkai International, a Japanese Buddhist organisation, is practised by many people in Singapore, and mostly by those of Chinese descent. Tibetan Buddhism has also made slow inroads into the country in recent years.
Demographics
As of mid-2018, the estimated population of Singapore was 5,638,700 people, 3,471,900 (61.6%) of whom were citizens, while the remaining 2,166,800 (38.4%) were permanent residents (522,300) or international students, foreign workers, or dependants (1,644,500). According to the country's 2010 census, nearly 23% of Singaporean residents (i.e. citizens and permanent residents) were foreign born; if non-residents were counted, nearly 43% of the total population were foreign born.
The same census also reports that about 74.1% of residents were of Chinese descent, 13.4% of Malay descent, 9.2% of Indian descent, and 3.3% of other (including Eurasian) descent. Prior to 2010, each person could register as a member of only one race, by default that of his or her father, therefore mixed-race persons were solely grouped under their father's race in government censuses. From 2010 onward, people may register using a multi-racial classification, in which they may choose one primary race and one secondary race, but no more than two.
The median age of Singaporean residents was 40.5 in 2017, and the total fertility rate is estimated to be 0.80 children per woman in 2014, the lowest in the world and well below the 2.1 needed to replace the population. The government has attempted to increase fertility with limited success, as well as adjusting immigration policy to maintain its working-age population.
91% of resident households (i.e. households headed by a Singapore citizen or permanent resident) own the homes they live in, and the average household size is 3.43 persons (which include dependants who are neither citizens nor permanent residents). However, due to scarcity of land, 78.7% of resident households live in subsidised, high-rise, public housing apartments developed by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). Also, 75.9% of resident households live in properties that are equal to, or larger than, a four-room (i.e. three bedrooms plus one living room) HDB flat or in private housing. Live-in foreign domestic workers are quite common in Singapore, with about 224,500 foreign domestic workers there, as of December 2013.
Most major religious denominations are present in Singapore, with the Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO) recognising 10 major religions in the city state. A 2014 analysis by the Pew Research Center found Singapore to be the world's most religiously diverse nation.
Buddhism is the most widely practised religion in Singapore: 31% of the resident population declared themselves adherents at the most recent census. The next-most practised religion is Christianity, followed by Islam, Taoism, and Hinduism. 20% of the population did not have a religious affiliation. The proportion of Christians, Taoists, and non-religious people increased between 2000 and 2010 by about 3 percentage points each, while the proportion of Buddhists decreased. Other faiths remained largely stable in their share of the population.
There are monasteries and Dharma centres from all three major traditions of Buddhism in Singapore: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Most Buddhists in Singapore are Chinese and are of the Mahayana tradition, missionaries having come into the country from China for several decades. However, Thailand's Theravada Buddhism has seen growing popularity among the populace (not only the Chinese) during the past decade. The religion of Soka Gakkai International, a Japanese Buddhist organisation, is practised by many people in Singapore, and mostly by those of Chinese descent. Tibetan Buddhism has also made slow inroads into the country in recent years.
Singapore has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.
English is the lingua franca and the main language used in business, government, law and education. The Constitution of Singapore and all government legislation is written in English, and interpreters are required if a language other than English is used in the Singaporean courts. Statutory corporations conduct their businesses in English, while any official documents written in a non-English official language such as Malay, Mandarin, or Tamil are typically translated into English to be accepted for use.
Malay was designated as a national language by the Singaporean government after independence from Britain in the 1960s to avoid friction with Singapore's Malay-speaking neighbours of Malaysia and Indonesia. It has a symbolic, rather than functional purpose. It is used in the national anthem Majulah Singapura, in citations of Singaporean orders and decorations and in military commands. Singaporean Malay is officially written in the Latin-based Rumi script, though some Singaporean Malays also learn the Arabic-based Jawi script. Jawi is considered an ethnic script for use on Singaporean identity cards.
Singaporeans are mostly bilingual, typically with English as their common language and their mother-tongue as a second language taught in schools, in order to preserve each individual's ethnic identity and values. According to the 2020 census, English was the language most spoken at home, used by 48.3% of the population; Mandarin was next, spoken at home by 29.9%. Nearly half a million speak other ancestral Southern varieties of Chinese, mainly Hokkien, Teochew, and Cantonese, as their home language, although the use of these is declining in favour of Mandarin or just English. Singapore Chinese characters are written using simplified Chinese characters.
Singaporean English is largely based on British English, owing to the country's status as a former crown colony. However, forms of English spoken in Singapore range from Standard Singapore English to a colloquial form known as Singlish, which is discouraged by the government as it claims it to be a substandard English creole that handicaps Singaporeans, presenting an obstacle to learning standard English and rendering the speaker incomprehensible to everyone except to another Singlish speaker. Standard Singapore English is fully understandable to all Standard English speakers, while most English-speaking people do not understand Singlish. An interview with a Singlish speaker shown on English-language television therefore requires translated Standard English subtitles. Nevertheless, Singaporeans have a strong sense of identity and connection to Singlish, whereby the existence of Singlish is recognised as a distinctive cultural marker for many Singaporeans. As such, in recent times, the government has tolerated the diglossia of both Singlish and Standard English (only for those who are fluent in both), whilst continuously reinforcing the importance of Standard English amongst those who speak only Singlish (which is not mutually intelligible with the Standard English of other English-speaking countries).
Cities:
