National Day (observed)

📣 Traveler notes

Singapore is a prosperous, multicultural city-state known for its blend of modern skyscrapers, diverse Asian cultures, and tropical climate. It features world-class dining at hawker centers, vibrant nightlife, and extensive shopping opportunities.

• New Year's Eve features fireworks and parties, including foam parties on Sentosa.
• Lunar New Year (late Jan/early Feb) involves extensive decorations and crowds; some small shops may close for 2-3 days.
• Dragon Boat Festival (5th day of the 5th lunar month) features rice dumplings and dragon boat races.
• Hungry Ghost Festival (7th lunar month) includes traditional offerings and performances.
• Mid-Autumn Festival (8th lunar month) is marked by lantern displays and mooncake consumption.
• Singapore observes a variety of religious holidays including Chinese, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian celebrations.
• Respect local customs regarding religion and culture: avoid public displays of affection, dress modestly in places of worship (no bare shoulders or midriffs), and use your thumb instead of an index finger when pointing at religious icons. When visiting homes, remove shoes before entering. Be mindful of dietary restrictions (e.g., Halal, vegetarian) and avoid giving gifts involving animals, white flowers, knives, or clocks. In business settings, be punctual, exchange cards with both hands, and avoid offering gifts to government employees.