Singapore is home to many cultures, races, and religions. Please be respectful when visiting.
Do’s and Don’ts for Tourists Visiting Cultural & Heritage Areas in Singapore
Do’s
· Dress modestly when visiting places of worship (e.g., temples, mosques, churches, gurdwaras). Cover shoulders and knees where required.
· Remove your shoes before entering mosques, Hindu temples, and some Buddhist temples.
· Respect prayer times and give way to worshippers. Keep noise levels low inside religious sites.
· Use your right hand when giving or receiving items, especially in Malay and Indian cultural settings.
· Try local food respectfully – enjoy dishes from different ethnic cuisines (Malay, Chinese, Indian, Peranakan, Eurasian).
· Ask before taking photographs inside religious or cultural sites; some areas may prohibit photography.
· Observe cultural customs during festivals (e.g., light offerings during Deepavali, admiring but not disturbing offerings during Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival, respecting fasting practices during Ramadan).
· Learn basic greetings in different cultures – like “Selamat Datang” (Malay for welcome) or “Vanakkam” (Tamil greeting).
· Queue patiently and respect public order, as this reflects Singapore’s value of harmony.
❌ Don’ts
· Don’t touch religious statues, altars, or offerings in temples or shrines.
· Don’t wear revealing or inappropriate clothing in sacred areas.
· Don’t interrupt prayers, rituals, or ceremonies – wait until they finish before moving through.
· Don’t bring outside food or drinks into temples, mosques, or heritage museums.
· Don’t point your feet at people, deities, or sacred objects, as it is considered disrespectful in some cultures.
· Don’t raise your voice or behave disruptively in cultural precincts such as Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Gelam, or heritage museums.
· Don’t assume all cultures are the same – Singapore is multicultural; be open and respectful to different practices.
· Don’t litter or damage heritage areas – Singapore values cleanliness and preservation of cultural sites.
· Don’t consume alcohol or smoke in or near religious sites.