While studying for your PhD you’ll find plenty to see and do in this thriving, multicultural city state. From the many ecological projects in the garden city to the bustling heart of the state, Singapore will give you a host of things to explore.
Culture and tourism
Because of its size, the garden city is sometimes also nicknamed ‘The Little Red Dot’. Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, Singapore is a major force on the economic stage. Singapore is essentially a city-island, with a multicultural heritage made up of four ethnic groups: Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians, all with a strong unified Singaporean identity.
Singapore also boasts a thriving ecosystem of nature and wildlife, with rainforests, wetlands and nature reserves all easily accessible. A good way to discover Singapore’s history is through the heritage trails on the island, taking you to historical monuments and sites.
Sports and leisure
If sports are what you enjoy, there is plenty to suit all students. World-class facilities cater for all kinds of sports, even winter sports (despite a tropical climate!). The sunny and hot climate means that outdoor pursuits such as wakeboarding, windsurfing and dragonboat racing can be done year-round (except during monsoon seasons).
For those of you favouring city sights, the bright lights of Singapore are for you! You can choose from many of its shopping malls, museums and dining, along a thriving arts and cultural scene. The nightlife is varied with themed nightclubs (on an enormous scale!), live music, pubs and beach bars.
Food and drink
Singapore is a food-lover’s paradise and the hardest thing to do will be to choose which cuisine (Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan) you want to try first. In fact, the cuisine is often touted as a reason to travel to Singapore and is not only delicious but is also great for convenience and price.
You’ll find food being sold at enormous open-air hawker centres, air-conditioned food courts, cafes and high-end restaurants, as well as everything in between.