The Crossroads of Asia

Singapore has been described as a thriving cosmopolitan city that’s brimming with diversity, as well as a multiplicity of culture, language, arts and architecture.

Just like other destinations, the city has her own unique set of offerings that sets her apart.

Singapore is a tourist playground with a host of spectacular attractions, exotic dining and luxury hotels. There is something for everyone here.  There is an incredibly long list  of activities that can be packed into this pulsating island, day and night

But you can also enjoy a magical history trip, thanks to the architectural vestiges of colonial times past, or take a walking tour and get to know the various colourful Asian neighbourhoods

Shopping is one of the greatest pleasures in Singapore. Part of the fun is the excellent buys and great variety of shops all over the island. This is where world-class shopping abounds.

You will find all the modern conveniences – an efficient, user-friendly airport, comfortable city wide accommodation, and quick and clean public transportation

Air Mauritius flies twice a week from Mauritius to Singapore with trip time 7:10'

Geography

Located at the southernmost tip of the Malay Peninsula, approximately 100 kilometers north of the equator, Singapore is actually mainland Asia's southernmost point

The country consists of 63 islands, of which the biggest is Singapore Island.  Other significant islands include: Pulau Ubin, Jurong, Sentosa and St. John.

Singapore now has an area of 710 km² today but it size continues to grow due to its land reclamation projects.   It is one of the smallest countries in the world and the smallest in the region.

Language and population

One of the most remarkable aspects of Singapore is the truly cosmopolitan nature of her population.

Today, the population is approximately 4 and a half million and  the ethnic Chinese form 74.2% of the Singaporean population, with the country’s original inhabitants – the Malays, comprising of 13.4%.The Indians make up 9.2%, and Eurasians, Peranakans and others making up a combined 3.2%.

The official languages of Singapore are English  Malay, Chinese Mandarin, Tamil.

A large number of Singaporeans, speak a localized form of English known as Singlish ("Singapore English"), which has many Creole-like characteristics.

English tends to be the language spoken widely in the business, education and government sector of Singapore.

Climate

Located, one degree north of the equator, Singapore's climate can be described as Tropical rainforest climate and does not have distinct seasons.  The main characteristics of this climate are:

Stable, high temperature all year long, high humidity and abundant rainfall (it can possibly rain on each and every day of the year, even though there are "wetter" and "drier" seasons...)

Most of the rains fall during the northeast monsoon, between November and January and it can rain practically on a daily basis

July and August are the warmest and driest months, while February is considered as the best  month, with the highest number of sunshine hours.

Average temperatures range between a minimum of 23 - 25 degrees C during the evening and early morning and a maximum of 30 - 33 degrees during the early afternoon hours.

Humidity is approximately between 90% during the morning and 60% in the afternoon.  However, during the wet seasons, humidity can exceed the 100% mark.

The monsoon season can bear down pretty heavily on our tropical weather from November onwards, so be prepared for rain on a daily basis during this period.

Culture

Buddhism is the country's predominant religion, followed by 43% of the people.  15% of the people follow Christianity, 15% without any religion, 14% are Muslim, 8.5% are Taoist, 4% are Hindus and the remaining 0.5% is comprised  of Jews, Sikhs and Bahais.

Being a melting pot of different ethnicities and cultures, Singapore enjoys great cultural diversity that features the distinctive traditions of the city's various groups.

The city's various ethnic groups continue to celebrate their own cultures while intermingling with one another.

Nonetheless, a uniquely Singaporean identity, or character, has been developing in the last generations...

One of its expressions can be found in the interesting Singaporean cuisine that is popular among locals and tourists alike...

Passport and Visa requirements

• Valid travel document (minimum validity = 6 months),Onward / return ticket;
• Entry facilities to next destination, and Sufficient funds to stay in Singapore
  

Apart from visitors from China and India, most foreigners coming into Singapore do not require visas for entry and may be given up to 30-day social visit passes upon their arrival in Singapore.

However, it is best to consult your local consular office for the latest information with regards to coming into Singapore.

Fore more information on visa and entry requirements for tourists please click here

Customs

For complete information please click on link here

Currency

The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (S$). Money changing services can be found not only at the Singapore Changi Airport but also most shopping centres and hotels around the island.

Other than the Singapore Dollar, the US and Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in most major shopping centres and big departmental stores.

Automated teller machines (ATMs)  are located in Singapore, that accept most of the main credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Electricity

Singapore voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. On request, most hotels will provide transformers to visitors with electrical appliances of a different voltage, such as 110-120 volts, 60 cycles per second.

The power plugs used in Singapore are of the three-pin, square-shaped type.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in public service vehicles, museums, libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, hair salons, supermarkets, department stores and government offices. Offenders can be fined up to SGD 1,000

What to see

Singapore River

Around the mouth of the Singapore River you will be able to see the historic, pre-colonial Singapore.

Even today the area still maintains its supremacy as the metropolis' main business and entertainment hub.

Don’t miss the famous

Clarke Quay

The old warehouses have been restored and transformed into a place which has become one of Singapore's most popular Wine & Dine arenas, with excellent waterfront restaurants, great entertainment venues and even floating pubs and restaurants, housed within the refurbished Chinese boats

Tan Si Chong Su temple

The South China style Tan Si Chong Su temple was built between 1876 and 1878, as the ancestral temple of the Tan clan. Facing the Singapore River, the temple is known for its fantastic "feng shui", as well as for its extremely rich decorations, elaborate ornaments and beautiful ritual objects.

Ethnic Neighbourhoods

Singapore has several distinct ethnic neighborhoods, including Little India, Chinatown and Kampong Glam, formed in the early 19th century to segregate the new immigrants into specific areas.

Chinatown, on the south side of the Singapore River, is one of Singapore's most vivid and bustling areas, and stands in total contrast to the skyscrapers that border it to the north, along the Singapore River.

Built around the 1820s this picturesque neighborhood features a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways lined with brightly painted restored shophouses, and packed with a many  traditional shops and street-stalls that sell everything China has to offer. From ccheap tourist souvenirs, incenses, dried seafood, herbal medicines, jewellery and trinkets

Serangoon Road is Little India's main street and most attractions and shops can be found along it, as well as on the neighboring side streets.

Although it stopped being an "Indian only" suburb long time ago... Little India still maintains its unique character... The streets here have an enormous variety of authentic shops... from colorful sari boutiques, emporiums and heavenly scented spice shops to modern shopping malls and inexpensive electronics and computer shops.

You really should try to take your time when visiting Little India, as there is so much to see and do around this lovely, colorful area... even long after the sun goes down.

Kampong Glam, more commonly known by the name of  Arab Street, was where Singapore's Arab traders settled in the early days of the colony

Arab Street and the small side streets around it are filled with old-style shops where you can get a great deal of exotic and oriental stuff: Great variety of textiles and fabrics at reasonable prices

You can also find  Basketry and other products of rattan, cane and straw, as well as carpets, spices, and a wide range of authentic ornaments

Sentosa Island is Singapore's favorite playground.

With a size of only five km², the small island offers an unbelievable choice of activities and attractions, and the average visitor can easily spend more than a day there without getting bored

Jurong Bird Park

This 202,000sqm bird park is located on the western slope of Jurong Hill and houses about 8,000 birds from 600 different species. On the opening day in 1971 a total of 12 countries, seven zoos and 40 private stands in front of the building.

Singapore Zoo

Set in a rainforest environment, Singapore Zoo’s world famous ‘open concept’ offers the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature.

316 species of animals (16% of which are threatened species)   here live in spacious and landscaped environments simulating that of their natural habitat.

• Savour seafood Singapore-style, including the spicy Chilli Crab, Black Pepper Crayfish and Butter Prawns for an unforgettable, lip-smacking meal.

• Try your hand at porcelain painting and create your own Chinese masterpieces at Ming Village.

• Discover the city sights of Singapore with a trishaw tour of the city.

• Snap a picture with one of Singapore's most photographed personalities, the doorman at Raffles Hotel.

• Tyr  some of more exotic delicacies at the Imperial Herbal Kitchen, including deep fried scorpions and ants.

• Party till the wee hours of the morning at Singapore's premier clubbing zone, Mohamed Sultan Road.

• Get face to face with cheetahs in their enclosure on a special zoo tour.
  

• Or board a buggy for a personally-guided tour of what goes on behind the scenes at the Singapore Zoological Gardens!

• Swim with the pink dolphins at Sentosa and experience the thrill of being a dolphin trainer for a day.

• Dive with the Sharks at the Underwater World and meet a world of sea creatures including the rare dugong, or sea cow. Even non-certified divers can take part on this fun-filled activity!

• Discover life in Singapore during the turbulent World War II years. Visit Changi Chapel and Museum, Johore Battery, Reflections at Bukit Chandu and Fort Siloso on Sentosa.

• Learn how to be a falconer and handle birds of prey at the Jurong BirdPark. Or have a hearty breakfast beside a flock of pink flamingoes!

• Catch a glimpse of the elusive Malayan Water Monitor lizard, which can grow up to 2metres, at the Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve.

• Enjoy the highest high tea in Singapore at the Equinox on the 69th storey of Swissotel The Stamford and be rewarded with breathtaking views.

• Indulge in retail therapy on Orchard Road, Singapore's favourite shopping street, and pick up everything from premium apparel brands and Southeast Asian antiques to the latest electronics and kitschy souvenirs!

• Visit the world's largest fountain at Suntec and discover how you can benefit from fengshui,  which is integrated into its design.

• Go shopping at 4am at Singapore's 24-hour mall, the popular Mustafa Centre and choose from over 120,000 products!