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Singapore


Think Singapore and inevitably thoughts turn to a vibrant, colourful metropolis. But Singapore is much more than this. A clean, cosmopolitan city, it offers an exciting fusion of East and West, the traditional and the contemporary.  Its popular cultural mix of Chinese, Indian, Malay and European ethnic origins influences provides a vibrant diversity of culture, architecture and cuisine, best shown in the preserved quarters of Chinatown, LIttle India and Arab Street.  This is a a city that bustles with excitement and energy. Sample Singapore's celebrated shopping facilities, seek out hi tech and designer label bargains, visit the colonial sights (stopping of course for a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel!),then treat your tastebuds to an array of exotic cuisines which is the envy or any world capital. Enjoy too the lush greenery that makes Singapore such an immaculate Garden City.  Visit the many nature reserves and tropical parklands.  And for calm and tranquility, seek out the resort island of Sentosa, just  a 15 minute cable car ride from the city, but a world apart. 




Cities and places within Singapore
Fast Facts
Capital:            Singapore City
Population: 4,680,600 of which around 4.2 million live in Singapore City
Area: 254.8 sq miles
Geography: Singapore comprises 63 different islands, located off the southernmost tip of the Malay Peninsula, with which it is linked by road and rail. Almost a quarter of Singapore’s landmass is made up of forests and nature reserves, though there are no freshwater rivers or lakes.
Climate: Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate, with no marked difference between seasons. Temperatures vary between 24 and 32 degrees Celsius, and there is high humidity and abundant rainfall year round. The hottest months are June and July, and the wettest are November and December. Between August and October, Singapore can suffer from an unpleasant haze caused by bushfires in Indonesia.
Language: English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil. Singaporeans are almost all bilingual and English is the main language of communication.
Currency: Singapore Dollar Current rate £1 = SIN$3.02
Time: GMT +8 hours
Visa Requirements: British visitors to Singapore do not need a visa, though they must be in possession of an outbound ticket.


Getting To Singapore
By Air
Singapore Airlines is the national carrier of Singapore, operating direct flights from London in around 14 hours. British Airways, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic and Eva Air also offer direct flights to Singapore. Singapore’s International Changi Airport is located 12 miles east of the city, and the journey between the two takes around 30 minutes – use either the Mass Rapid Transit or a Maxicab, a six seater taxi shuttle.
 
Other airlines operating flights (non direct) to Singapore include Malaysia Airlines,  Etihad Airways , Qatar Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Air China, KLM Royal Dutch Airline, Sri Lankan Airlines , Air France, Lufthansa, Swiss, Emirates, Korean Airlines, China Airlines (Taiwan), Royal Brunei Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Air Mauritius, Japan Airlines and Thai Airways.
 
By Boat
Singapore is, in terms of tonnage, the busiest port in the world, and there is an increasing number of passenger cruise lines starting to use it too. Singapore features on numerous cruiseline itineraries – ask your travel agent for more information
By Rail
You can catch the train to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur, Malacca or Johor Bahru in Malaysia, or from Bangkok. There are daily services between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, as well as overnight sleeper trains. For a taste of luxury, try the Eastern and Oriental Express that travels from Singapore to Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur. 
By Road
There are two causeways linking Singapore with Malaysia and from there mainland South East Asia; the first crossing the Johor Strait, the second linking Tuas in Singapore. There are numerous bus services from Singapore to Johor Bahru across the border in Malaysia, and further afield.


Getting Around Singapore
By Rail
Train services in Singapore regular and reliable and link all the major locations. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is modern, reliable, cheap and comfortable and a great way of exploring Singapore. It runs daily from 5.30am until midnight, and there are over 40 stations across the city and suburbs, and out to Changi Airport. In addition, Singapore boasts one of the most sophisticated metro systems anywhere in the world. Trains operate from 5.30 am through til 3 am (6am til midnight on Sundays and holidays), and there are trains around every 6 minutes, 

By Boat
There are numerous ferry services operating from the Singapore Cruise Centre at the World Trade Centre, 10 minutes drive from Central Singapore. Here you can catch a ferry to Singapore’s islands, or further afield to Malaysia or the Riau Islands (Indonesia). Sentosa is a popular destination for visitors to Singapore and ferries leave every 20 minutes throughout the day.
 
By Road
Driving is on the left in Singapore. If you are driving into the city or travelling on certain major roads, you will be required to pay the Electronic Road Pricing charge. There is a good network of buses in Singapore which is cheap and reliable. The City Buzz service runs in a loop around the city, and the SIA hop on hop off service operates every day. There are also many metered taxis which are also good value for money, and can generally be hailed outside hotels, in the street or at official taxi ranks. Trishaws are also a good way of seeing the city.nd tours.





Top Ten Things to Do and See in Singapore
SENTOSA ISLAND
Sentosa is where Singaporeans flock at weekends to relax and to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is much more than just a beach resort though; it combines resort, nature park, heritage centre and theme park, which together all make it one of the best attractions in Singapore. There are around two miles of beach on Sentosa, all built with imported white sand – Palawan Beach is “Singapore’s Happiest Family Beach”, Tanjong Beach is peaceful and romantic, and Siloso Beach is the liveliest, with plenty of bars and beach activities. Away from the beach, visit the Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon and the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom Museum. And for adrenalin seekers, try out the Sentosa Luge and Skyride, an exhilarating gravity ride that is fun for all the family.
 
ETHNIC DISTRICTS OF SINGAPORE
Singapore may be relatively small geographically, but it packs massive diversity into its area. Little India, Chinatown, Geylang Serai (Malay community) and Kampong Glam ( Malay again) are testimony to Singapore’s rich ethnic, cultural and historical heritage and each boast a myriad of attractions – from the heady scent of spices in Little India to bustling night markets of Chinatown and Malay Heritage Centre, housed within the former Sultan’s palace. The best way to experience the full flavour of these diverse yet equally intriguing areas is to take a walking tour.
 
SHOPPING
Shopping is almost a way of life in Singapore, and Orchard Road is the place to do it as it has everything from luxury malls to souvenir stalls and everything in between. There are also numerous other shopping districts, including Arab Street, Bagdhad Street, Bussorah Street and Sultan Plaza, home to cloth traders. Most shops are open until at least 9pm and the Mustafa Centre in Little India is open 24 hours a day, every day! In terms of what are good buys in Singapore, the answer is pretty much everything!
 
ANIMAL LIFE
It may be a city, but the opportunities for seeing wildlife are almost endless! The night safari at Singapore’s Zoo is a must for anyone with even a passing interest in wildlife – either following a walking trail or by relaxing tram ride, you follow a route around the zoo and will come pretty much face to face with animals from Africa, Asia and South America – in complete safety of course, but the illusion is that there is no barrier between you and the wildlife. Other animal attractions include Jurong BirdPark, the largest collection of birds in South East Asia, Singapore Zoo during the day, where you can even have a jungle breakfast with the animals. The Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom and Underwater World on Sentosa are also well worth a visit.
 
PARKS AND GARDENS
You could be forgiven for thinking that Singapore starts and ends with the city as it is the image of glittering skyscrapers that has become so iconic. However, Singapore also boasts many parks, gardens and nature reserves, which provide welcome respite from the busy city streets. The Singapore Botanic Gardens cover 52 hectares right in the centre of Singapore, and contain numerous outstanding collections of plants, including the National Orchid Garden, housing the world’s largest orchid collection. There are also natural wetland reserves, coastal parks, and areas of rainforest and jungle.
 
CITY VIEWS
Singapore boasts and audacious skyline, and where better to get a view of the city than from on high? Options for views over Singapore are extensive – try the Singapore Flyer, an impressive new ferris wheel due to open early 2008, which promises breathtaking 360 degree views over the city from 165m above. Or head for Singapore’s highest viewing platform, the Carlsberg Tower, which gently revolves up to a height of 131m.  Alternatively, take a ride in the DHL Balloon, the largest tethered helium balloon in the world, for some great views over the city. Or for the thrill seeker, you can even be catapulted skywards at a speed of 200km an hour to a height of 60m on the G-MAX reverse bungy!
 
EATING OUT
Singapore is a destination like no other when it comes to eating out – where else would you find a fusion of Thai, Malays, Indian and Chinese cuisine? These culinary influences combine to provide sensational eating, and you will be spoilt for choice in the food courts, stalls and innumerable restaurants – a feast awaits!
 
SINGAPORE RIVER
Singapore River is the lifeline of the city, and many of Singapore’s best entertainment and eating out options can be found on the banks of the river. Boat Quay is at the centre of this, and boasts a tantalising array of restaurants, bars and clubs, and as such is the major hangout for expats and visitors alike. Clarke Quay also has some great bars and restaurants, but is known for being a bit less mainstream than Boat Quay, and here you can also find charming antique stores and buzzing flea markets. Robertson Quay is the most laidback of the three, though it too is home to a large number of hotels and restaurants.
 
STYLISH ACCOMMODATION
Architecturally, the hotels in Singapore reflect the diverse cultural influences that make it such an engaging city. From neo-classical decadence and colonial grandeur to modern luxury and intimate boutique hotels, Singapore really does have it all. Of course, the best known hotel in Singapore, if not in Asia, is Raffles Hotel, a national treasure and justifiably deserving of its reputation for excellence in service and facilities. Opened in 1887 and named after modern Singapore’s founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, the hotel was restored in 1991. Splash out and stay in one of the Personality Suites, named after some of the hotel’s most prestigious guests and decorated with personal memorabilia. Even if you are not planning to stay here, Raffles Hotel is well worth a visit, if only for a quick Singapore Sling in the Long Bar.
 
HISTORY AND CULTURE
Singapore has had a colourful past, and there are numerous reminders to be seen – visit the Parliament House, which, built in the 1820s, is the oldest government building in the country; further back in history, you can view what was once an ancient fort of the Malay kings, as well as colonial ruins, temples, churches, mosques and shrines.   There are also numerous sites that tell the story of Singapore through the Second World War – including the Changi Museum, which tells the story of the Japanese occupation of Singapore from 1942 to 1945.




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