Singapore – Travel
Singapore is a modern city - state
embracing economic progress against the backdrop of age - old tradition. The
customs that underpin community life are created out of a cultural mix that
includes predominantly Chinese, Indian and Malay ethnic groups.
Singapore is an island off the southern
tip of Malaysia, linked to it by a causeway. It evolved from a sleepy fishing
village in the early 1900s to become one of Asia's economic leaders. Sir Thomas
Stamford Raffles landed on Singapore's northern bank in 1819 and felt that its
location made it ideal as a trading station. From here Singapore's landscape
was transformed by British colonial rule, Japanese occupation, Communist
insurrection and finally, independence. Since becoming a republic in 1965 the
island has experienced increased prosperity and exponential economic growth.
Shimmering skyscrapers tower above the slick financial districts and elegant
colonial buildings preserve a lingering old-world charm.
Singapore's full calendar of events
showcases a spectrum of cultural celebrations and shopping activities. The
early summer months bustle in anticipation of the Singapore Sale - a time when
tourists can cash in on the competitive prices of electronic equipment,
jewellery and other merchandise. The business activity thrives amidst the
celebration of Chinese, Hindu and Muslim festivals that punctuate the year with
their colourful representations. These include the Chinese New Year, Ramadan,
Hari Raya Puasa, Vesak Day, the Dragon Boat Festival, Festival of
the Hungry Ghosts and Thaipusam.
The core of downtown Singapore is
formed by the Colonial District embellished by cathedrals and cricket lawns.
The notable sites of the area include the Empress Place Building and the
luxurious Raffles Hotel. Although most of old Singapore has been demolished to
make way for the modern city, many major landmarks within the Colonial district
have been preserved. The surrounding ethnic enclaves of Little India, Chinatown
and the Arab Quarters also provide glimpses into the traditions that have
sustained their respective communities through the centuries.
Entry requirements for Americans: United States passport holders do
not require a visa for travel to Singapore for a stay of up to 30 days,
provided they obtain a free Social Visit Pass on arrival. Extensions are
possible for a fee of S$40.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British passport
holders do not require a visa for travel to Singapore for a stay of up to 30
days, providing a free Social Visit Pass is obtained on arrival. Extensions are
possible for a fee of S$40.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian passport
holders do not require a visa for travel to Singapore for a stay of up to 30
days, providing they obtain a Social Visit Pass on arrival. Extensions are
possible for a fee of S$40.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australian passport
holders do not require a visa for travel to Singapore for a stay of up to 30
days, providing a Social Visit Pass is obtained on arrival. Extensions are
possible for a fee of S$40.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African passport
holders do not require a visa for travel to Singapore for a stay of up to 30
days, providing a Social Visit Pass is obtained on arrival. Extensions are
possible for a fee of S$40.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand passport
holders do not require a visa for travel to Singapore for a stay of up to 30
days, providing they obtain a Social Visit Pass on arrival. Extensions are
possible for a fee of S$40.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish passport holders
do not require a visa for travel to Singapore for a stay of up to 30 days,
providing they obtain a Social Visit Pass on arrival. Extensions are possible
for a fee of S$40.
Passport/Visa Note: Travellers should hold confirmed documents and
tickets for onward or return travel and enough funds to cover their stay. Male
travellers with long hair are advised to tie their hair back on arrival. Women
who are six months pregnant or more may be refused entry. All nationals,
regardless of visa requirements, may be issued with a Social Visitor's Pass on
arrival allowing for a stay of 14 or 30 days provided their visit is for
touristic or business purposes. Extensions are possible for S$40, but the
initial Pass is free. Passports must be valid for at least six months from date
of arrival.
Health: Travellers
from countries where there is an incidence of yellow fever need to have
immunization records on arrival in Singapore. There are excellent medical
facilities in Singapore. There is a high risk of dengue fever. Visitors should
avoid poorly cooked food, particularly seafood, and be cautious of certain
types of fish that contain biotoxins even if cooked. Health care is excellent
but also very expensive and medical insurance is advised.
Tipping: Tipping is not encouraged as most hotels and restaurants
in Singapore already levy a 10% service charge on customers' bills. Tipping is
not a way of life in Singapore, but is appreciated for excellent service.
Climate: Singapore's climate is mostly hot and humid with average
temperatures ranging between 79°F (26°C) and 86°F (30°C) during the day with
cooler temperatures at night. The wettest months are between November and January
(the monsoon period); however rainfall occurs throughout the year. Rainstorms
are usually short but heavy, so remember to take an umbrella.
Safety: Singapore
is a very safe travel destination with crime limited to the odd theft. The
Singapore Government has stepped up security measures following the terrorist
attacks in Bali and is committed to maintaining Singapore's reputation as a
safe destination.
Customs: Singapore is a fairly diverse society and has been moulded
by its immigrant population, primarily Malay, Chinese and Indian, along with the
large ex -pat community. The city is incredibly efficient and the citizens very
law- abiding - there are fines issued for just about any offence in Singapore,
including S$500 for smoking in public places, S$50 for jaywalking, S$1,000 for
littering and S$500 for eating, drinking or chewing gum on the MRT.
There are even fines for not flushing
public toilets so it goes without saying that getting involved in illegal drugs
is not advisable; trafficking carries a maximum penalty of death. Chinese
Singaporeans have three names, the first of which is their surname, or family
name. As a result visitors should be prepared for hotels mistakenly reserving rooms
under their first names. For clarity surnames may be underlined.
12 Must
To Do In Singapore :-
a. Eat at the
hawker centre :- A hawker center is
an open-air cooked food marketplace found in both city centres and the
heartlands. The dishes served are as authentic as it gets. Get a hearty meal
and a drink for less than $5. (Stop 10 on Red Line or Stop 5 on Brown Line)
b. Singapore
Sling at the Raffles Hotel :- This
signature cocktail was first concocted at the Long Bar of Raffles Hotel by
bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in early 1900’s. Order one for yourself and embrace
the quaint beauty of the Raffles Hotel. (Stop 14 on Blue Line or stop 21 on
Yellow Line)
c. Party at
Clarke Quay :- A dining and
entertainment destination, Clarke Quay houses restaurants, cafes, jazz lounges
and clubs. Come here at night for a riverside dinner, then party away at the
non-mainstream clubs. (Stop 6 on Yellow Line or stop 13 on Brown Line)
d. Selfie with
the Merlion :- Take a stroll along
the Merlion Park, enjoy the waterfront and take a photo with the famous
Merlion. With a head of a lion and body of a fish, this mythical icon has
become synonymous with Singapore’s istory. (Stop 3 on Brown Line)
e. Walk through
Geylang :- While Geylang may be known
as a red-light district, there are plenty of other things to do and see at this
edgy neighbourhood – sample local fruits, hunt down supper fare (open all
night), enjoy a foot reflexology massage and even go prawn-fishing!
f. Immerse in the heartland :-
Tiong Bahru, Toa Payoh, and Marine Parade are just some of the colorful
heartlands you should visit. When in Rome, do as the Romans do – this is the
best way to see how the locals dine, live and play. (Stop 7 on the Brown Line
for Tiong Bahru)
g. Go ethnic :- While
Singapore is known as a metropolitan city, diversity is what makes it unique.
Check-out Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam the Malay enclave for the
distinct flavors of each ethic community. (Stop 2, 5 and 10 on Red Line).
h. Temple
visiting Places of worship are
abundant and often near to each other. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in
Chinatown is just a block away from Sri Mariamman Temple — the oldest Hindu
temple. (Stop 5 on Brown Line or Stop 10 on Red Line)
i. The famous
Chilli Crab of Singapore :- Chilli
Crab is listed number 35 on “The World’s 50 Most Delicious Foods” compiled by
CNN Go in 2011. Giant mud crabs weighing up to 2.5kg is cooked in yummy chilli
egg sauce. This iconic dish is a must-try to complete the culinary journey of any
traveller. u Join free walking tour Travel by foot, join a walking tour and
comb through Little India or Chinatown to experience the country’s rich
heritage up close. You might just find gems and unique souvenirs in the
bustling markets to bring home with you.
j. Hop-on
Hop-off (HoHo) city spin :- Enjoy
Singapore with the Hop-on Hop-off (HoHo) transport network. With 7 different
routes and a high bus frequency, the network connects you from city hotels to
major tours and attractions, saving you on time and transportation cost.
k. Tread the OCBC Skyway :- Stroll along the OCBC Skyway at Gardens by
the Bay for a bird’s eye view of the world’s largest column-less greenhouse. As
dusk sets in, don’t miss the twicedaily Garden Rhapsody light and sound show.
(Gardens by the Bay stop is on the Green Line)
Singapore In The Gardens :-
a. Gardens by
the Bay :- Located at prime marina
district, spanning 101 hectares of land, it is characterised by the 50m tall
steel super trees and the two iconic domes – the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome,
both housing over 200,000 plants. (Gardens by the Bay stop on Green Line)
b. Singapore
Botanic & Orchid Gardens :- This
more than 150 year old garden spanning 74 hectares of land has an extensive
range of more than 60,000 plants. Located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens
is the National Orchid Gardens, boasting the world’s largest orchid display.
(Stop 13 on Yellow Line)
c. Sungei Buloh
Wetland Reserve :- Singapore’s only
protected wetland nature park is home to over 500 species of animals and
plants. The best time to visit is early morning where all animals like otters,
crabs and even water snakes are most active. Remember to bring your
cameras!
d. Pulau Ubin :- Located in the northeast of Singapore, Pulau Ubin
is blessed with an abundance of flora and fauna. Home to a significant number
of visiting and resident birds, the island is a must-go for avid bird watchers.
Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
e. Fort Canning
Park :- One of Singapore’s most
historic and beautiful landmarks, this is where the British surrendered
Singapore to the Japanese during WWII. The highlights are the spice garden,
WWII bunker and Gothic-styled gates. (Stop 6 or 7 on Yellow Line)
f. Southern
Ridges :- This 10km stretch of
connecting trails lets you walk among the top of the trees to observe a wide
variety of flora and fauna in their natural habitat. You can also get a
panoramic view of the city, harbour and the Southern Islands. Best time to
visit is early in the morning!
Gourmet Bus Lunch Tour :-
A Moving Dining Experience! Board the custom built luxurious Gourmet
Bus and enter a world of gastronomic and sightseeing pleasures. A delightful
way to discover Singapore through its food, sights and culture.
A fixed menu will be served on board, with no alternative menu
selection. If you have any dietary restrictions, please check the menu before
redeeming for this tour. Drinks are sold seperatly onboard the bus.
NIGHT SAFARI :-
Opened in 1994 and located next to the Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari
is the world’s first wildlife night park. As dusk falls, the Night Safari
welcomes you into the world of nocturnal creatures and their dimly-lit homes.
Embark on a fascinating journey where you can explore the rainforest at dusk
and be greeted by over 2,500 resident animals from more than 130 species –
including the endangered Asian elephant, Malayan tapir and Malayan tiger. The
Night Safari is an award winning attraction.
Singapore Duck Tours :-
The 1st amphibious themed attraction in Asia, this award-winning DUCK
is rated No. 1 in Singapore. With 14 years of perfect safety record, more than
1 million visitors have ridden on the Original DUCK! More than a tour, it’s 60
minutes of land and sea adventure on a genuine Vietnamese war craft. Hold on to
your seat as it waddles up close to Singapore's famous skyline, historical
landmarks and the gorgeous Marina Bay.
Madame Tussauds :-
Showcasing our own unique of blend of glitz and glamour, Madame
Tussauds will take you to a party like no other! With 8 fully themed
interactive zones and the new "Spirit of Singapore" boat ride, get
ready to photograph and pose with your favourite A-Listers, sports stars and
music legends. Walk through the Images of Singapore (IOS) LIVE, a journey
uncovering the nation’s extraordinary history - from a humble fishing village
to the 21st century powerhouse it is today.
Singapore Zoo :-
The Singapore Zoo is a beautiful, award-winning wildlife park where
animals can roam freely in their natural habitats. You can trek along foot
tracks or hop on to a guided tram to see natural wonders like the endangered
white tiger and the world’s largest collection of proboscis monkeys. Visit the
polar bear or catch a glimpse of the flying foxes that often glide over the
heads of our visitors! Ideal for families, even kids will be kept busy with
exclusive activities such as the Kidzranger Tour, which allows them to try
their hand at zookeeping.
Singapore Flyer :-
Singapore Flyer is Asia’ tallest observation wheel. Standing at a
staggering 165m from the ground, the Flyer offers breathtaking, panoramic views
from every direction. You may even see parts of Malaysia and Indonesia on a
clear day. Day or night, the Flyer reveals a gorgeous skyline of downtown
Singapore.
Singapore Cable Car :-
Soar high above the sky on the most scenic highway in Singapore for
priceless views. Ride the Singapore Cable Car from Harbour Front to Sentosa.
Enjoy not only one but two cable car lines (Mount Faber Line + Sentosa Line)
with this attraction!
River Safari :-
Venture into earth's deepest river and come face to face with the
world's largest freshwater puffer fish as well as one of the smallest
crocodiles in the world. Embark on a journey of discovery at River Safari and
meet over 5,000 aquatic and terrestrial animals, including 42 endangered
species. While you are there, visit giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia at the
lush Giant Panda Forest and take a boat ride down the Amazon River.
River Cruise :-
Discovering the scenic river in an authentic bumboat of yesteryear. The
Singapore River runs through the city and used to be the lifeline of Singapore.
This 45-min ride starting from Clarke Quay will bring you downstream to Boat
Quay, Marina Bay and back.