Singapore (island)

Singapore (island) is the main island of the Republic of Singapore and contains the national capital and most of the city-state’s urban, commercial and cultural infrastructure. It is the political and economic core of the country.

The island combines dense urban development with pockets of protected natural areas and reclaimed coastal land used for ports, parks and residential districts. Key visitor experiences range from cityscapes and shopping to nature reserves and heritage neighbourhoods.

The modern city developed rapidly from the 19th century onward after British colonial settlement in 1819 and extensive urbanisation in the 20th and 21st centuries. Much of the island’s shoreline has been extended by land reclamation to accommodate development.

Geographically the island lies at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, acting as an island-state hub at the junction of major regional sea lanes in Southeast Asia.

• Primary island: Main island of the Republic of Singapore containing the capital, most of the country's population and the majority of its urban and natural attractions.

What to See #

• Downtown Core / Marina Bay: Central business and cultural district around Marina Bay with major skyscrapers, museums and public promenades that form Singapore's commercial core.
• Changi area: Major international airport and air transport hub on the island's eastern side that serves as Singapore's principal gateway.
• Jurong: Large industrial and commercial district to the island's west that includes heavy manufacturing, port facilities and suburban residential zones.
• Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: Protected remnant of primary rainforest that contains the island's highest natural point and native tropical trees.