Welcome to Singapore

Discover a truly diverse country where iconic skyscrapers meet quaint temple districts and immaculate tropical islands.

Overview

A unique destination and model city-state, Singapore is outwardly clean, modern, and

business-driven. But scratch beneath its surface and you will discover a distinctly Asian

city, a mosaic of Asian peoples and influences that still retains elements of the island’s

colonial past. Here, East meets West and old meets new in all areas of culture, cuisine

and architecture.

Almost sixty islands make up Singapore – nearly half of them inhabited. Situated just

97km north of the equator, the republic enjoys a tropical climate, and despite a myriad

of modern urban developments, incorporates numerous green areas, including tree-

lined avenues and small parks.

The majestic Singapore River bisects the city’s centre, with the original colonial

government buildings and the Padang on the north bank, the main business district to

the south and Chinatown to the west.

Singapore is shopping heaven. One area not to be missed is Orchard Road, the city’s

premier shopping street, with mall after mall to lure you and take your money. If you

don’t want to spend, there are people to watch and places to stop and enjoy a drink or

meal. Ngee Ann City on Orchard Road is an impressive shopping complex for all your

retail needs. Check out the narrow streets of Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street for

atmosphere and souvenirs.

Throughout Singapore, eating out is a glorious pastime thanks to a plethora of cuisines.

Enjoy fine dining, select inexpensive delights at simple market stalls, and never miss an

opportunity to try everything in between. A visit to Raffles Hotel for their legendary

Singapore Sling cocktail is a must for everyone’s itinerary.

Away from the city centre with its shopping and eating are endless attractions.

Singapore is not just about city life; you can see almost the entire natural world here.

The Botanical Gardens are unrivalled, with a stunning collection of orchids, while a trip

to Sentosa Island adds a totally new dimension to any trip. For a glimpse into the world

of nocturnal animals take a one-hour bus trip to the Night Safari, or by day drop into

Singapore Zoo, Butterfly Park or Jurong Bird Park.

Feeling energetic? Then get physical with a canoe trip, a hike or cycle ride. For those

with a yen for history and culture there are numerous museums churches, temples and

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mosques. Transport is excellent, with the MRT (mass rapid transport) linking all the

areas of the city.

Singapore’s currency is the Singapore dollar, with US dollars, Australian dollars and

pounds sterling accepted at many major shopping outlets. Traveller’s cheques, best in

pounds sterling, can be exchanged at most banks and licensed currency exchange

outlets. But remember, a passport is required. All major credit cards are accepted and

ATMs are widespread.

Weather

The weather in Singapore is hot and humid with no distinctly wet or dry season. The most rain falls in the northeast monsoon season (November to January) and showers are sudden and heavy but clear quickly – with, perhaps, an hour’s torrential downpour. During this season storms can be dramatic with most occurring in the early morning or late afternoon.

The average monthly temperatures are:

°C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Day	30	30	31	31	31	31	31	30	30	31	30	29
Night	22	23	23	23	24	24	24	23	24	23	23	22

Shopping

Singapore is one of the world’s premier shopping destinations. From the luxury malls of Orchard Street to the street vendors selling cheap souvenirs there is something for everyone. You will find well priced electrical goods, designer fashions, watches, jewelry, antiques, and gifts. In Ngee Ann City have a look at the pricey anchor store Takashimaya, offering departmental shopping at its best and home to Singapore’s best food hall. Other stores include Southeast Asia’s largest bookshop, Books Kinokuniya, and top brand names such as Chanel, Cartier, and Tiffany. Other modern shopping complexes include Suntec City.

For ethnic souvenirs try atmospheric Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street selling herbs and spices, heady perfumes in beautiful glass bottles, bright colored fabrics, batik, and interesting jewelry. Remember, it is perfectly acceptable to try a little haggling. Dempsey Road is full of converted warehouses selling antiques, furniture, carpets, and artworks and Geylang Serai Market sells traditional Malayan items.

entertainment

With its huge number of bars, clubs, discos, and karaoke pubs, there’s never a dull moment at night in Singapore city. The river attracts a crowd with boat cruises and floating bars and restaurants, with Boat Quay and Clarke Quay both popular venues. For food, drink, and entertainment head for Bugis Street, Changi Village, and Holland V (Village).

Muhammad Sultan Road, the latest entertainment hub, was once an area of old Chinese godowns but is now the heart of Singapore’s nightlife. Orchard Road throbs to the sound of music from numerous clubs and bars. Two casinos to be up and running in 2009, and the first in Singapore’s history, are located on Sentosa Island and Marina Bay. You will also find multiplex cinema complexes, concerts, and theatre productions. And don’t forget the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel.

If you are looking for more traditional entertainment to try Chinese opera, known as wayang. Shows take place at Clarke Quay, while impromptu street opera and dance are also staged. Night markets provide a great way to spend an evening.

excursions

There is so much to occupy visitors in the heart of the city it would be easy to overlook everything beyond. So turn to the See & Do section for examples of numerous attractions - and keep in mind it is possible to enjoy organized trips on land or water, with river and harbor trips leaving regularly from Clarke Quay and Boat Quay. Check with Singapore Visitors Centre, Orchard Road for excursion details.

Health & Safety

Health care is of an extremely high standard in Singapore but it is expensive and medical insurance is highly recommended. Ask your doctor if vaccinations are required as recommendations vary.

Avoid poorly cooked food, particularly seafood, and be cautious when eating fish. Take precautions against mosquitoes, which can transmit dengue fever.

Drinking water is safe but bottled water is readily available.

Singapore is a safe destination but take the usual precautions against theft. Be aware of the harsh penalties for relatively minor offenses such as smoking in public or dropping litter.

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