Singapore, like any other Asian country, is full of secrets and mysteries for European tourists. Ancient traditions are mixed in it with modern advanced technologies, and the behavior of both tourists and local residents is regulated at the legislative level. We've rounded up 12 distinctive features of Singapore that will blow your mind.
1. Food to go
In Singapore, take any food and drinks with you. The truth is, the way they are packaged may amaze you. For example, the photo above shows tea poured into a bag. Soup is packaged in the same way in Singapore.
2. Ergonomic buildings
The area of Singapore is very small, but the authorities do not want to put up with this and are constantly working on the issue of increasing the territory. Thus, since 1960, a “reclamation program” has been in effect, which allows the acquisition and consolidation of small islands. To connect the islands, the Singapore authorities use special materials from recycled waste, and apply fertile soil on top. According to Novate.ru, during the period of the program, the area of Singapore has increased by a quarter. In addition to the "reclamation" in the country they are trying to save space with the help of ergonomic and original structures. In Singapore, you will see the tallest block buildings, skyscrapers, stadiums in the water and so on.
3. Unusual ice cream
One of Singapore's favorite summer treats is ice cream. True, in this country it is supplemented with ordinary bread. It turns out a kind of sandwich, where instead of the standard filling there is a bar of vanilla or popsicles.
4. Vending machines
Automated trading is highly developed in Singapore. You can buy any food from the vending machines, from fast food to fresh salmon or meat. Along with the usual vending machines for food, there are more interesting examples for the rich. For example, in large cities there are vending machines where you can buy a piece of jewelry or a car in a couple of clicks. It is worth noting that the vending machine looks really impressive. It is a tall building with windows, each of which has a car.
5. Table reservations
In Singaporean establishments, they do not put signs on the reserved tables. Instead, packets of napkins are placed on the benches. You should be aware of this if you are going to visit this country.
6. Country of prohibitions
Singapore is jokingly called the country of fines, although the offense is not always limited to a single fine. In this country, prohibition signs are literally at every step. A tourist who comes for the first time is unlikely to remember all the rules, even the locals do not know them. Remember a few basic rules: you cannot feed pigeons, criticize the government, buy drugs, connect to someone else's Wi-Fi network, eat on public transport. Also, a tourist should remember about the need to flush after himself in public toilets and that it is not customary in establishments to leave a tip to the waiters.
7. Auto is a luxury
As mentioned above, Singapore is a small country. Therefore, the city authorities are trying very hard to ensure that there is always order inside the country and the ecology does not suffer. To do this, they have to control and regulate the number of cars on the territory. According to Novate.ru, buying a car in Singapore is not only expensive, but also quite difficult. To own a car, you need a license that is valid for 10 years. Its cost depends on the type of car and is 35,000 - 55,000 dollars.
Also, when buying, you will have to pay duty and tax. If you add in the cost of fuel, toll roads and parking, there is a huge amount. But as for public transport, the authorities have tried and created the best conditions for its use: free hours, comfortable buses and trains, great deals, and so on.
8. Healthy lifestyle
The Singapore authorities are actively promoting healthy lifestyles. They do it according to the carrot-and-stick system. Hookahs, e-cigarettes and snuff are banned in Singapore. As in many countries, there is a ban on alcohol from 22:30, which applies to both rum ice cream and sweets with liqueur.
In terms of rewards, these include subway machines, in which for 50 squats you can get the right to one free ride on public transport. Residential courtyards are equipped with exercise equipment and treadmills, and people with disabilities are given the opportunity to attend free classes in sports clubs and swimming pools.
9. Security
It's safe to say that Singapore is safe. Most of the prisoners in prisons in this country are serving time for traffic violations and minor offenses. There are a lot of cameras on the streets of the city, and the police arrive very quickly. It is also worth noting that Singapore is notable for its severe penalties. In the country, there are still punishments in the form of beating with rods and the death penalty by hanging.
10. Landscape and architecture
The landscapes and architecture of Singapore are striking in their beauty and modernity. Tall buildings, exotic trees, intricate bridges and a variety of sculptures fascinate and amaze even the most sophisticated travelers. And at night the cities twinkle with thousands of lights and are not inferior to Las Vegas.
11. Greens
Singapore is simply surrounded by greenery. According to Novate.ru, about 30 percent of the state is covered with green spaces. Singapore has a huge number of parks, squares and gardens. In addition, the limited area forces people to be creative by placing green spaces on the roofs and walls of public buildings.
12. Facilities for the disabled
Singapore can be safely called a comfortable place to live. Even people with disabilities will be able to live normally in this country. People with disabilities have special cards, using them you can increase the time to cross the road, get benefits in transport and medical care out of turn. As for the rest of the people, there are also quite a few amenities: sinks and toilets for children in public toilets, places for charging gadgets on buses, as well as many different bonus programs that apply to riding bicycles and using public transport.
The country of the Rising Sun is of no less interest among Europeans. For example, 10 facts that prove that Japan is not just another country, but a different world.