Singapore to make Formula One history

Singapore has the honour of hosting the first night-time event in Formula One history. The inaugural Singapore Grand Prix will be staged on an all new 5.067-kilometre long street circuit, with the city's famous skyline providing a truly spectacular backdrop.

Singapore is an island country located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It lies 137 kilometres north of the equator, south of the Malaysian state of Johor and north of Indonesia's Riau Islands. With 707.1 km², Singapore is one of three remaining true city-states in the world. It is the smallest nation in Southeast Asia.

Although Singapore is a very small country, it's the sixth wealthiest country in the world.

Singapore is a dynamic city rich in contrast and colour, you'll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture here. That contrast you can find in the different ethnicities that live in the city and their own ethnic quarters. Little India, Chinatown, Geylang Serai, Kampong Glam and Peranakan experience are all worth visiting to explore the unique character of every culture.

That there are so many different ethnicities in Singapore also results in the fact that you can come across mosques, churches, Buddha temples,... when you walk around in the city.

Beside the beautiful skyscrapers in Singapore, you can find some historic buildings to visit as well. Take for example the 'Istana', the official residence of the President of Singapore. Five times a year, the gates of the palace are open to the public, but even if you can't enter, the residence is worth visiting. The Istana is a magnificent building with multiple design influences, from the ornate Victorian Renaissance to the Roman Classical, with Gothic, Chinese and Malay touches.

If you find the time, the Old Parliament House, in colonial style, and the Supreme Court are two buildings well worth visiting too.

Of course Singapore is famous for its skyline. To have a beautiful view over the city, you have to get in the Singapore Flyer which offers a breathtaking, 360° panoramic view of Singapore and beyond. The Singapore Flyer is located at Marina Bay, near the street circuit.

As Singapore is surrounded by water, it is nice to take a boat trip at Singapore river. You can also take a ferry to visit the isles of Singapore, Kuku island, Pulau Ubin, Sentosa or St-John's.

You might have noticed that Singapore has a lot to offer to the tourists: meeting dolphins, visiting the ethnic quarters, exploring the city from the sky at the Singapore Flyer or from the cableway, exploring wildlife during a night safari or visiting one of the other wildlife parks,.... But now the small island country has a new attraction: Formula One.

On 28 September, the eyes of the world will be on Singapore as it will host the first night-time Grand Prix in Formula One history. Not only will the race be the first night race, it will also be the first one in Asia on a street circuit.

The race, which will be held at the all new street circuit around Marina Bay, is expected to draw over 80.000 spectators and millions of television viewers.