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| The Republic of Singapore consists of the island of Singapore and 63 smaller islands. The country is located just off the southernmost tip of Peninsular Malaysia. Singapore has been ranked Asia's top meeting destination for the past 17 years. Currently, it holds the distinction of being the 5th top Convention City internationally. Since Sir Stamford Raffles set foot on the island in 1819, Singapore has grown into one of the world's great cities, its size notwithstanding. Its multiracial heritage and colourful history make it a fascinating place to explore. A value for money destination for the tourist, Singapore has been accustomed to visitors who come to enjoy its intriguing blend of peoples, its astonishing range of food, its striking festivities and lush tropical surroundings and of course its duty free shopping. The Singapore experience is non-stop. The city's charm is both elusive and obvious. The multitude of special and general interest tours available can quickly reveal the facets and faces of the city in a flashing see-all montage. Take a drive along Elizabeth Walk, the sea-front garden park. Mount Faber gives a panoramic view. Take in Hindu Temples or view the exotic orchid collection in the Botanic Gardens. Take an East Coast Tour of the suburbs and rural areas or take in the Jurong Park Bird Sanctuary where you can also journey into the world of China in the Sung Dynasty with its pagodas, brilliantly tiled entrance gate, pavilions and red arched bridges |
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Go anytime. Climate is not a major consideration, as Singapore gets fairly steady annual rainfall. You may like to co-ordinate your visit with various festivals and events: Thaipusam is one of the most spectacular festivals, occurring around February. If shopping and eating are your major concerns, July is a good month as the Singapore Food Festival and Great Singapore Sale are held then.
Entry Requirements: Passports must be valid for at least six months from the day of arrival. Citizens of the EU, some Commonwealth countries and the USA do not need visas. Approval or permission is usually granted before entry, and finalised after arrival. All passport/visa enquiries should be made to the Singapore High Commission.
Dress: The dress code in Singapore is generally casual with businessmen regularly wearing short-sleeved shirts often without a tie, although business suits are expected at first meetings, in the legal sector and for some restaurants. Loose clothing in natural fibres is preferable to combat the heat and humidity.
Food/ Restaurants: Singapore offers a host of dining experiences to suit all tastes and budgets. The Singapore experience is incomplete without a visit to open air hawker stalls and coffee shops where local fare is offered at unbeatable prices. A wide range of Chinese, Malay, Indian and other Asian food is also available in indoor food courts, located in most shopping malls. In addition, restaurants featuring Asian and Western cuisine as well as New Asia fusion cuisine abound. Visitors will be spoilt for choice, faced with a selection between beautifully restored historical hotels, superb French cuisine, Italian, Japanese and ethnic Asian restaurants, seafront and cruise dining, lively pubs along the Singapore river, theme cafes, coffee and juice bars and exciting local food.
Singapore also hosts the annual Singapore Food Festival and the World Gourmet Summit, which brings internationally acclaimed chefs to Singapore, and results in a host of exciting culinary offerings at hotels and restaurants island-wide.
Standards of cuisine are generally high. The Ministry of Environment carries out rigorous checks of hygiene at food establishments.
The dress code is smart casual in most restaurants. Most major credit cards are accepted, except at food courts, hawker stalls and smaller restaurants. Most hotels and restaurants levy a 10% service charge, 3% Goods and Services Tax and 1% cess tax.
Shopping: The vast range of available goods and competitive prices has led to Singapore being known as a shopper's paradise. Special purchases include Chinese, Indian, Malay, Balinese and Filipino antiques; batiks; cameras; Chinese, Persian and Indian carpets; imported or tailored clothing; jewellery and specialised items made of reptile and snake skins, including shoes, briefcases, handbags and wallets. Silks, perfumes, silver ware and wigs are other favourite buys. Orchard Road is the main shopping street, although many of the large hotel complexes, such as Marina Square, having shopping centres attached.
Transportation: By Air -As an international crossroads in South East Asia, Singapore is within easy reach of all key points in the region. Over 70 airlines operate through Singapore's Changi Airport flying to 131 cities in 56 countries. Changi airport is efficient and clean and regularly voted the world's leading, or favourite, airport. By Sea - Singapore claims the world's busiest port. Passenger lines serve Singapore from Europe, Australia, USA, India and Hong Kong.
The airport is situated approximately 20 km from the city centre. Singapore Bus Services (SBS) operate a service (No 36) which goes to Orchard Road via Marine Parade and North Bridge Road. The fare is currently S$1.50 one way.
Singapore has one of the most technologically advanced, user-friendly rail (metro) systems in the world. The trains run at regular intervals, are clean and air-conditioned.
Taxis are the fastest and easiest way to get around in comfort. They are excellent value for money, metered and air-conditioned. There are a number of operators and with more than 15,000 cabs on the road finding one is not usually a problem (unless it is raining). Taxis can be booked in advance for a small extra charge. Smoking is illegal in taxis.
Singapore Bus Services (SBS) and Trans Island Bus Services (TIBS) cover the Island and are cheap, mostly air-conditioned and efficient. A Singapore explorer ticket is available at S$5 for one day and S$12 for three days offering unlimited travel on both SBS and TIBS.
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