Known for its modern urbanization and technological advancement, Singapore is an architectural gem and foodie heaven. Located in Southeast Asia just one degree north of the equator, Singapore consists of one main island and 62 smaller islands. It is bordered to the north by Malaysia and Indonesia to the south. With an estimated population of around 5.8 million people, 100% of its population lives in urban areas. Due to having a relatively small land mass and experiencing rapid city growth, Singapore has lost 95% of its native vegetation, and many efforts have been taken to preserve any remaining bush. Boasting the Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore has experienced a big push to bring nature back into the city and transform the city into a “garden city”.
Despite the many towering skyscrapers, Singapore has a relatively flat terrain, with its highest natural point only reaching about 544 feet. Due to its proximity to the equator, the climate in Singapore is tropical and generally hot year-round. While it does not experience any real seasons, Singapore does tend to get more rain between the months of November to January due to a monsoon influence - so it is best to visit outside of these months. Do be aware however, that Singapore will often experience haze between July and October due to bushfires in neighboring Indonesia.
The following are a list of recommended vaccines from the CDC. However, it is always recommended that you check with your primary care physician to meet your specific needs and ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations before you travel.
Hepatitis A: can be transmitted through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B: transmitted through sexual contact, blood products, or contaminated needles.
Typhoid: can be transmitted through contaminated food or water.
Rabies: transmitted through infected animals, rabies may be present in bats in Singapore. The risk is low, however the vaccine is recommended for travellers doing outdoor activities or those working with animals.
Yellow Fever: there is currently no risk for yellow fever in Singapore, however the government does require you to have proof of the vaccine if you are coming from an area where yellow fever risk exists.
The following are a list of preventable disease that currently do not have vaccines available.
Zika: transmitted by mosquitoes, care should be taken to avoid getting bitten as cases have been reported in Singapore. Zika can cause serious birth defects, therefore pregnant woman or those planning to get pregnant should not travel to Singapore.
Chikungunya: transmitted by both day and night biting mosquitoes, care should be taken to avoid getting bitten.
Dengue: transmitted by mosquitoes and tends to have a higher risk in urban and residential areas than other mosquito borne diseases. Care should be taken to avoid getting bitten.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: transmitted through contact with saliva or feces. People to people transmission can occur through contact with unwashed hands or surfaces. Appropriate hand hygiene should be performed and care should be taken to avoid contaminated surfaces.
Having a tropical climate Singapore is often prone to heavy rains and high temperatures. Bring appropriate rain gear and wear appropriate footwear for the activities you are engaging in. Due to the heat, remember to drink plenty of water and wear protective clothing during the day and sunscreen with at least 15 SPF with both UVA and UVB protection. When navigating the city, watch out for traffic and abide by Singapore’s rules and regulations. Singapore is known for being particularly strict and hefty fines for violations like littering or spitting gum are not unheard of!
Can I drink the water? Yes, It is generally considered safe to drink the tap water in Singapore as it is held to very high regulations.
Is it wheelchair accessible? Yes, Singapore as a city is very wheelchair accessible.
How do I best avoid mosquito bites? To avoid bites, it is best to stay inside during dawn and dusk if you are in an area where mosquitoes are present. Remember to apply repellant with at least 30% DEET and stay in accommodation with screened windows.
What medications should I bring? It is always recommended that you bring any prescribed medications with you. Singapore’s healthcare facilities are rated in the top ten in the world, however costs to travellers can be high and payment is often required before services are rendered. Travel with reserve funds and ensure you have appropriate travel health insurance. It is also generally recommended to travel with a small medical kit, and a healthy travel packing list can be found here.
Important Numbers:
Police: 999
Non-emergency police: 1800 255 0000
Fire/ Ambulance: 995
Non-emergency ambulance: 1777
Private ambulance: 6272 6018
Singapore country code: +65
Hear from a local
Read what locals have to say about health in their country here.
*The content above is for informational purposes only and reflects my own personal opinion and experiences. Other sources for information utilized in creating this content include the CDC, WHO, and Yellow Book. Please refer to your attending physician for all health advice
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