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Travel information and tips on Singapore including passport information, accommodations, transportation to and in Singapore, attractions and things to see and do, restaurant suggestions, tours, and much more.

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Here is a quick overview on Singapore
Singapore is a cultural pot pourri that leaves visitors almost overwhelmed by the containment of so many influences upon one small island. This is one of those places where grander and poverty live aside each other such as the grand, and expensive, Raffles Hotel and the cheap, low-key food markets of Bugis Junction and Clarke Quay. But even the "bad" parts are incredibly clean as nothing is allowed to dull the shine of the city. There is even a ban on the chewing of lest someone spit their gum on the ground.

But this place is more than just another Asian urban city. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has a significant area of primary rainforest within its boundaries, while for the adventurous Sungei Buluh Nature Park offers the chance for trekking. There is also Pulau Ubin's mangrove forest, a bumboat's ride from Changi jetty, or Kusu, the site of Taoists' annual pilgrimage. 

Culture lovers can enjoy the fusion of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures, the main ethnic groups, with museums, gardens, parks, mosques, temples and synagogues testimony to the island's rich national heritage. And, all of this is in an area of only about 250 square miles.

Passports and Visas
Customs and Duty Free Information
Money Matters
Local Customs and Social Conventions
Travel Etiquette for Singapore
Language
Shopping
Nightlife
Geography
Climate
Health Matters
Travel Warnings
Miscellaneous Information
Additional Contacts for Information

The following information was taken from the CIA World Fact Book
Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years later and became independent. Singapore subsequently became one of the world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe.

Singapore has a highly developed and successful free-market economy. It enjoys a remarkably open and corruption-free environment, stable prices, and a per capita GDP equal to that of the four largest West European countries. The economy depends heavily on exports, particularly in consumer electronics and information technology products. It was hard hit from 2001-03 by the global recession, by the slump in the technology sector, and by an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003, which curbed tourism and consumer spending. Fiscal stimulus, low interest rates, a surge in exports, and internal flexibility led to vigorous growth in 2004-07 with real GDP growth averaging 7% annually. The government hopes to establish a new growth path that will be less vulnerable to the global demand cycle for information technology products - it has attracted major investments in pharmaceuticals and medical technology production - and will continue efforts to establish Singapore as Southeast Asia's financial and high-tech hub. For additional information, you can visit their website at: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/sn.html.

All other nationals require a Social Visit Pass, which is issued upon arrival (at the discretion of the Immigration Officer) provided the traveler holds a passport valid for 6 months beyond date of departure, confirmed onward or return travel documentation, and sufficient funds to cover expenses for the duration of stay. For nationals holding British and Irish passports, the maximum length of stay is 30 days, for other nationals the maximum length of stay is 14 days. Visitors on a Social Visit Pass are not permitted to work in Singapore. 

For stays over 3 months, applications must be made for a Long Term Social Visit Pass, for which a local sponsor (such as a Singapore national or organization) is required. The maximum extension is 90 days per every 12 months. To acquire an extension, the immigration authorities in Singapore should be contacted. The price of the extension is subject to the immigration officer's discretion.

A Few Additional Notes
1. Regulations and requirements are subject to change and I would suggest that you contact the appropriate diplomatic or consular authority before finalizing travel arrangements. 
2. Women more than 24 weeks pregnant must obtain a letter from a doctor confirming that it is safe for them to travel and a Social Visit Pass prior to arrival; apply at the High Commission or Embassy.
3. Severe penalties are imposed on those found in possession of narcotics. The death penalty is in force for those convicted of trafficking in heroin or morphine.
4. Regulations are subject to change at short notice and all visitors are therefore advised to check with the High Commission or Embassy before leaving.
5. Transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft do not require visas, provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport (except nationals of the Russian Federation who can obtain a transit visa valid for a maximum of 36 hours provided they hold valid Russian passports and confirmed departure date from Singapore within 36 hours of arriving).

Customs and Duty Free Information
The following goods may be imported into Singapore by passengers of 18 years or older without incurring customs duty: 1 liter of spirits; 1 liter of wine and 1 liter of beer; for bona fide tourists, gifts and food items up to the value of S$150 if away from Singapore less than 48 hours and S$300 if away from Singapore for 48 hours or more. These allowances do not apply if arriving from Malaysia.

Prohibited items include firearms, non-prescribed drugs, all pornographic films and literature. Export permits are required for arms, ammunition, explosives, animals, telecommunications equipment, film and video tapes and disks, precious metals and stones, drugs and poisons. Meat and meat products are all strictly forbidden. Duty-free cigarettes are prohibited. Chewing gum products must be declared upon arrival. The penalties for possession of narcotics are severe and visitors not complying with drug regulations do so at the risk of death.

Money Matters
Currency - The currency is the Singapore Dollar (S$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of S$10,000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of S$1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cents. You may also use the currency of Brunei as; 1 Brunei Dollar = 1 Singapore Dollar.

Currency Exchange - Foreign currencies, travelers checks and checks can be changed at most banks and licensed money changers. Automated teller machines (ATM) are also in operation, but you need to make sure you have a pin number that will work here.

Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare.  Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate

Credit & Debit Cards - MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are widely accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available.
Travelers Checks -To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers checks in US Dollars or Pound Sterling.
Currency Restrictions - Currently there is no restriction on the import and export of local or foreign currency.
Banking Hours - Mon-Fri 0930-1500; Sat 0930-1300. Branches of certain major banks on Orchard Road open Sun 0930-1500.

Health Matters
A yellow fever certificate of vaccination is required from persons over one year of age who have been in or passed through any country classified either partly or wholly as a yellow fever endemic zone within the previous six days. The countries formerly classified as endemic zones are considered by the Singapore authorities to be still infected.

HIV testing is required for workers who earn less than $1250 per month and for applicants for permanent resident status. Foreign test results are not accepted. Hepatitis A and E are widespread; hepatitis B is hyperendemic and rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

If you need medical care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit the Getting Away Health and Safety Tips for Travelers page for additional information about insurance.

Nightlife
Singapore has a vibrant and exciting nightlife. The entertainment opportunities are quite varied and range from bars, clubs, discos, karaoke pubs, street opera, night markets to international stage shows. You can also enjoy a river cruise or visit one of the many multiplex cinemas. 

Boat Quay and Clarke Quay are popular riverside landmarks. Both areas offer nice restaurants, alfresco dining and lively bars. Along the shoreline you will find moored Chinese junks that have been refurbished into floating bars and restaurants. Bugis Street, Changi Village and Holland Village (known as Holland V 0, are popular areas for food, drink and entertainment. 

Language

Mandarin 35%, English 23%, Malay 14.1%, Hokkien 11.4%, Cantonese 5.7%, Teochew 4.9%, Tamil 3.2%, other Chinese dialects 1.8%, other 0.9% (2000 census).

I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more

Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.

Shopping
Singapore is a shopping meca with a vast range of available goods and competitive prices. Be sure to look for Chinese, Indian, Malay, Balinese and Filipino antiques; batiks; cameras; Chinese, Persian and Indian carpets; imported or tailored clothing; jewelry and specialized items made of reptile and snake skins (including shoes, briefcases, handbags and wallets). You will also find silks, perfumes, silverware and wigs. When the shop owners from "Chinatown" moved into multi-story complexes Singapore lost some of the exciting shopping atmosphere. However, these huge centers do provide an air-conditioned environment.  Orchard Road is the main shopping street, although many of the large hotel complexes, such as Marina Square, have shopping centers attached.  Although most outlets operate Western-style fixed pricing, bargains can still be made in some places but generally only after good research and shrewd negotiating. A 3 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied on most goods and services purchased from taxable retailers. Tourists whose purchases total S$300 or more from a single retailer participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme are eligible for a refund of the GST paid on goods not consumed in Singapore. Refunds may be received at the airport, prior to departure flights.

The normal shopping hours are Mon-Fri 1000-2100; Sat 1000-1000.

Local Customs and Social Conventions

Handshaking is the usual form of greeting. Social courtesies are often fairly formal. 

When invited to a private home or entering a temple or mosque, remove your shoes. For private visits a gift is appreciated and, if on business, a company souvenir is appropriate. 

Dress is informal. Most first-class restaurants and some hotel dining rooms expect men to wear a jacket and tie in the evenings; a smart appearance is expected for business meetings. Evening dress for local men and women is unusual. 

Each of the diverse racial groups in Singapore has retained its own cultural and religious identity while developing as an integral part of the Singapore community. 

Laws relating to jaywalking, littering and chewing gum are strictly enforced in the urban areas.

Smoking is widely discouraged and illegal in enclosed public places (including restaurants). Dropping a cigarette end in the street or smoking illegally can lead to an immediate fine of up to S$500.

Tipping is officially discouraged in restaurants, hotels and the airport. A 10 per cent service charge is included in restaurant bills.

Travel Etiquette
Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out. TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide travel. Our features and articles are written by professional journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Geography
The island of Singapore is situated off the southern extremity of the Malay Peninsula and it is joined to the peninsula by a causeway carrying a road and railway. The Johor Strait between the island and the mainland is about 1 mile wide. The Republic of Singapore includes some 64 islets. It is a mainly flat country with low hills, the highest being Bukit Timah at 545 feet. In the northeast of the island large areas have been reclaimed, and much of the original jungle and swamp covering the low-lying areas has been cleared.

Climate
Warm and fairly humid summer temperatures throughout the year (approximately 30ºC/86 ºF during the day and 23ºC/74 ºF in the evening) make this the perfect place for vacations or holidays. There is no distinct wet/dry season. Most rain falls during the northeast monsoon (November to January) and showers are usually sudden and heavy. Be sure to take plenty of lightweight cottons and linens. Or, purchase them while you are there!

Travel Warning
Travel Warnings are issued to describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable.  A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff.  The countries listed below meet those criteria.  Additionally, the State Department issues Country Specific Information  for every country of the world with information on such matters as the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of instability, and the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country. Check with the U.S. State Department for Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public Announcements.

Additional Contact Information
Singapore Tourism Board
Tourism Court, 1 Orchard Spring Lane, Singapore 247729
Tel: 736 6622. Fax: 736 9423. E-mail: stb_sog@stb.gov.sg
Website: www.stb.com.sg or www.newasia-singapore.com

High Commission for the Republic of Singapore
9 Wilton Crescent, London SW1X 8SP, UK
Tel: (020) 7235 8315. Fax: (020) 7245 6583 or 7235 9850 (consular section).
E-mail: shclondon@singcomm.demon.co.uk
Website: www.gov.sg
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Mon-Fri 1230 and 1400-1600 (consular section).

Singapore Tourism Board
1st Floor, Carrington House, 126-130 Regent Street, London W1B 5JX, UK
Tel: (020) 7437 0033 or (08080) 656 565 (toll free; UK only). Fax: (020) 7734 2191. E-mail: info@stb.org.uk
Website: www.newasia-singapore.com

British High Commission
Tanglin Road, Singapore 247919
Tel: 473 9333 Fax: 475 9706.
E-mail: info@singapore.mail.fco.gov.uk
Website: www.britain.org.sg

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore
3501 International Place, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 537 3100. Fax: (202) 537 0876.
E-mail: singemb@bellatlantic.net
Website: www.gov.sg/mfa/washington

Singapore Tourism Board
12th Floor, 590 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036, USA
Tel: (212) 302 4861. Fax: (212) 302 4801.
Website: www.newasiasingapore.com
Offices in: Chicago (tel: (312) 938 1888; fax: (312) 938 0086) and Los Angeles (tel: (323) 677 0808; fax: (323) 677 0801).

Embassy of the United States of America
27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508
Tel: 476 9100. Fax: 476 9340 or 476 9232 (consular section).
Website: www.usembassysingapore.org.sg

Consulate of the Republic of Singapore
Suite 1305, 999 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2W2, Canada
Tel: (604) 669 5115. Fax: (604) 669 5153. E-mail: singaporeconsul@sprint.ca

Singapore Tourism Board
2 Bloor Street West, Suite 404, Toronto, Ontario M4W 3E2, Canada
Tel: (416) 363 8898. Fax: (416) 363 5752. E-mail: AskMich@TourismSingapore.com
Website: www.singapore-ca.com

Canadian High Commission
80 Anson Road, IBM Towers, 14-00, Singapore 079907
Tel: 325 3200 Fax: 325 3294.
E-mail: chctrade@magix.com.sg
Website: www.infoexport.gc.ca/sg

Miscellaneous Information
Government - The government of Singapore is a republic which gained full independence from the United Kingdom in 1965. The Head of State is President Sellapan Ramanathan and the official Head of the Government is Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong since 1990.

Language - There are 4 official languages: Malay (the national language), English, Chinese (Mandarin) and Tamil. Most Singaporeans are bilingual and speak English, which is used for business and administration and therefore English-speaking tourist will have few problems here.

Religion - Religions include Islam, Taoist, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim.

Time - GMT + 8.

Electricity - 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Plug fittings of the 3-pin square type are in use. Many hotels have 110-volt outlets. Your best bet is to bring both converters and adapters.

Communications - Full IDD telephone service is available. The country code is 65 and the outgoing international code is 001. International calls can be made from public pay phones using a credit card or a phone card (S$2-S$50). These are available from Telecom centers and retail outlets. IDD calls made from hotels are free of any surcharges. The mobile telephone system is GSM 900/1800 and n Network operators include MobileOne (Asia) Pte (website: www.m1.com.sg) and StarHub Pte (website: www.starhub.com.sg) and Singapore Telecom (website: www.singtel.com). Fax services at many major hotels and at the Telecoms buildings in Robinson Road and Exeter Road. Cybercafés throughout Singapore provide public access to internet and e-mail services. Main ISPs include Cyberway Pte (website: www1.starhub.net.sg) and Singnet (website: www.my.singnet.com.sg). Telegrams can be sent from post offices, hotels, the Central Telegraph Office at 71 Robinson Road and the Comcentre near Orchard Road.

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Books, Maps and Other Resources

My favorite guidebooks when I am traveling is Fodor's. I find them to be quite complete, easy to use, and almost always on the money with helps and tips for traveling in the country I am visiting. Click on Fodor's Travel Guides to find the perfect guidebook for your travels.
 

I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Shop Amazon for Travel Books and Maps!

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Getting To Singapore
By Air
By Sea
By Rail
By Road

By Air
Singapore's national airline is Singapore Airlines (SQ). Singapore is a major travel destination served by most major international airlines. There are direct flights to Singapore from a number of cities in the UK, USA and Canada. Airlines flying direct from London include British Airways, Singapore Airlines and Qantas. There are also direct flights from Singapore to all capital cities in South-East Asia.

Approximate flight times from Singapore to London is 13 hours, to Los Angeles is 20 hours 25 minutes, to New York is 21 hours 55 minutes and to Sydney is 9 hours 15 minutes.

Changi (SIN), the international airport of Singapore (website: www.changi.airport.com.sg) is about 12 miles east of the city and travel time into the city center is about 30 minutes. Public transport is available to the city center with taxi fares being somewhere between S$17-S$22.  There is a regular bus route between the airport and the train station. The Airbus, a premium shuttle-bus service running every 20 minutes between 0900-2305, which costs S$7 (tickets can be purchased from the Airbus Counter at the Arrivals Hall).

Singapore Changi Airport's two terminals offer comprehensive facilities ranging from a fitness center, supermarket, medical clinics and full banking services (including money changing) to business centers and transit hotels with private bathrooms (advance booking is recommended for the hotels). There are 24hrs left luggage facilities, 24hrs post offices, bars and restaurants, extensive duty free shops and car rental operators which include Budget, Hertz, Avis and Sintat.

The departure tax for Singapore is S$15 and is usually incorporated into the price of the air ticket.

At Travelocity, not only can you find the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but you can also find Great Car Rental Deals, Low hotel rates when you click on Hotel Deals, hundreds of Cruise Deals, some of the Top Vacation Deals on the Internet and much more. You can click on the Weather Center to see what the weather will be like at your destination, and even use their Currency Converter So you will be ready to go as soon as your arrive. At Travelocity, you can find it all.

For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises, Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals, Click on Global Travel International. If the link does not work properly, type www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com in the address line of your browser.

By Sea
The international port is Singapore itself, the world's busiest in terms of tonnage. It is served by a growing number of international passenger cruise lines. Cruising one of the fastest-growing tourist development areas in Singapore and there are plans to considerably expand the already extensive port facilities. There are now also a number of international operators using Singapore as a base for cruises throughout South-East Asia.

By Rail
Trains run to Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Malacca (Malaysia) on a route which extends to Bangkok. Services operate daily between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Some of the trains offer air conditioning and dining cars. There are also overnight trains with sleepers.

By Road
From Malaysia and the mainland of Asia, Singapore is connected by a causeway which crosses the Johor Strait. Bus and coach services operate to the Malaysian town of Johor Baharu and beyond. Buses arriving from Malaysia and Thailand terminate at the Lavendar Street terminal in Singapore.

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Getting Around In Singapore
By Sea
By Rail
By Road

By Sea
The Singapore Cruise Center is located at the World Trade Center, about 10 minutes drive from the city center. From here you can enjoy harbor cruises and ferry services to Singapore's islands, Malaysia and the Indonesian Riau islands. There are also ferries leaving from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal at Changi. A ferry for Sentosa, one of the most popular offshore islands, leaves every 20 minutes starting at 0730.

By Rail
Regular and very well maintained train services operate between all major cities and towns.

By Road
Bus - Singapore has two main companies that maintain a well-developed system of local services. The service is cheap and efficient and operates 0600-midnight daily. Additionally there are peak-hours-only shuttles and minibuses. A flat fare system operates on the most routes and a timetable and route map are available from bookstores.

Rental Car - There are several rental car/self-drive and car hire firms with offices at the airport and in hotels. Traffic drives on the left and a national driving license is sufficient for visits up to 1 month. For visits beyond 1 month an International Driving Permit is required.

Trishaws - This traditional form of chauffeur-pedaled transport is a fun and exciting way to tour the streets of Singapore.

Taxi - These are numerous and relatively cheap. They can be picked up from outside hotels and official taxi stands or flagged down in the streets. Taxis are metered but some of the surcharges are not shown on the meter. These would include: S$1 for all luggage placed in the boot; 50 per cent on the metered fare for journeys between midnight-0600; S$3 for all journeys starting at the airport; S$1 for all trips starting in the Central Business District Mon-Fri 1630-1900 and Sat 1130-1400. It is best to make sure just what the charges will be before you begin your trip. It is also possible to negotiate hourly rates for round-island tours.

The Metro - Singapore has one of the most advanced metro systems in the world. The trains operate 0530-0300 (0600-midnight on Sundays and public holidays) with stations being served on average every six minutes. Fares range from 70 cents to S$1.60. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is a modern, comfortable, efficient and cheap way to explore Singapore and comes highly recommended. Operation hours are 0530-midnight and the train timetables are posted at each station. On average trains run at 5-6 minute intervals. Over 40 stations link the city center and suburbs, thus providing an opportunity to visit some of Singapore's attractions along the two main routes, the north-south line and the east-west line.

If you would like to see Singapore by air, sightseeing flights can be arranged locally through the Republic of Singapore Flying Club.

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Sentosa
This is the largest and best known of Singapore's offshore islands and is also one of the closest to the mainland. It is linked to the mainland by a causeway bridge. Sentosa is a multi-million dollar pleasure resort offering a wide range of activities and attractions the most popular of which are the Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon, Images of Singapore, the Musical Fountain Show, the Maritime Museum, the New Food Center, and the Pasar Malam Night Bazaar. Lovely gardens, beautiful beaches and a wonderful selection of restaurants and dining opportunities contribute to the island's popularity with tourists and locals. Sentosa's beaches are among its most popular attractions and a wide range of water sports is available.

You can also get to Sentosa from Singapore by regular ferry services (every 15 minutes 0730-2245) and a cable car (1000-2100 Monday to Saturday, 0900-2100 Sunday and public holidays). There are also bus, monorail and tram services linking Sentosa to the city center. An admission fee for entry to the island is charged and composite tickets can also be bought which give admission to some of the attractions; enquire locally for details. A variety of accommodation is available on the island.

St John's Island
This large, hilly, and tree-shaded island offers several excellent beaches. There are also several walking trails. There is a regular ferry service from the World Trade Center which takes about one hour.

Kusu Island
Two notable landmarks on Kusu Island are the Keramat (a Muslim shrine) and the Chinese Tua Pekong Temple. There is a regular ferry service from the World Trade Center which takes about 30 minutes.

Pulau Hantu
Pulau Sekeng, Pulau Hantu, and the Sisters islands (the latter being part of the group of Southern Islands) are ideal for fishing, snorkeling and swimming enthusiasts. There are no regular ferry services but boats can be chartered. Your best bet is to enquire locally for information.

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Some Things To See And Do In Singapore
City attractions include unrivalled shopping in Orchard Road, the cultural quarters of Chinatown, Geylang Serai and Little India with the world's first night safari. What follows are additional suggestions for things to see and do in Singapore.
Badminton
Bowling
Canoeing
Cricket
Cycling
Fishing
Golf
Horseracing
Nightlife
Sailing
Scuba Diving
Shopping
Special Events
Waterskiing
Windsurfing

Badminton 
This is almost a national sport played all year round. You can find folks playing badminton in the parks and in recreation centers.

Cricket 
The British introduced cricket to Singapore and the Singapore Cricket Club being one of the oldest sporting associations in the world. It has a sports ground where cricket, soccer, tennis, hockey and rugby are played. Check with the club for dates and times.

Bowling
Bowling is very popular with over 20 bowling centers, each offering more than 20 lanes, that cater to the enthusiast. Normal operation hours are 0900-0200. In the Marina South area, some bowling centers are open 24 hours.

Golf
Some of he best courses are at the Raffles Country Club (which has two 18-hole courses); the SFRA Resort & Country Club (three 9-hole courses); the Sentosa Golf & Country Club (two 18-hole championship courses); and the Tana Merah Country Club (two 18-hole championship courses). Operating hours are generally from 0700-1900 (with some clubs offering night golfing until 2300). In most clubs non-members are allowed to play for a special fee ranging from S$50-S$200. Weekends, however, are often strictly reserved for members. Many clubs also require visitors to hold a handicap or proficiency certificate from a recognized club.

Canoeing
If you enjoy canoeing you can find a number of operators hiring out canoes at Changi point, East Coast and Sentosa Island.

Scuba Diving
Both day and night diving is available in the local waters and in nearby by Malaysia. There are several schools offering PADI or NAUI recognized courses.

Sailing and Windsurfing
Both are quite popular on eastern coast and it is here where most of facilities are located, including rentals.

Waterskiing
The best locations for waterskiing are Sembawang and the Kallang River (a venue for previous world championships).

Fishing
You can enjoy fishing here as a year-round sport. Boats and equipment, that are quite inexpensive to hire, are available at the Jardine Steps, Changi Park. Singapore offers easy access to numerous offshore islands and Singaporeans and visitors alike often drive over to Malaysia to enjoy the water sports off the East coast.

Cycling
The cycle paths link many parts of the island and bikes can be rented in many public parks, notably those at East Coast Park, Sentosa, Pasir Ris and Bishan. Mountain or dirt biking is particularly popular in Pulau Ubin.

Horseracing
The Singapore Turf Club is responsible for all horseracing meetings. Visitors must observe a strict dress code. Races take place at weekends only; the first race is at 1330, the last race at 1800. Polo matches are played regularly at the Singapore Polo Club.

Nightlife
Singapore has a vibrant and exciting nightlife and opportunities for fun abound for everyone. Entertainment ranges from bars, clubs, discos, karaoke pubs, street opera, night markets, river cruises, multiplex cinemas to theatre productions and international stage shows. Boat Quay and Clarke Quay are popular riverside landmarks which offer exclusive restaurants, alfresco dining and lively bars. Moored Chinese junks have been refurbished into floating bars and restaurants and prove an interesting and entertaining outing. Bugis Street, Changi Village and Holland Village, known as Holland V, are popular areas for food, drink and entertainment. Muhammad Sultan Road is one of the latest entertainment hubs in Singapore with a wide variety of pubs, nightclubs and wine bars.

Shopping
The vast range of available goods and competitive prices have led to Singapore rightly being known as a shopper's paradise making it very easy to find that special souvenir of your visit. Special items you should be on the lookout for would include Chinese, Indian, Malay, Balinese and Filipino antiques; batiks; cameras; Chinese, Persian and Indian carpets; imported or tailored clothing; jewelry and specialized items made of reptile and snake skins, including shoes, briefcases, handbags and wallets. Silks, perfumes, silverware and wigs are other favorite buys.

The shop owners from Chinatown have, for the most part, taken up residence in multi-story complexes. This has made shopping here a little less romantic and the shopping atmosphere is just not the same. However, these huge centers do provide a comfortable air-conditioned environment. 

Orchard Road is the main shopping street, although many of the large hotel complexes, such as Marina Square, have shopping centers attached. Although most outlets operate Western-style fixed pricing, bargains can still be made in some places but generally only after good research and shrewd negotiating. If you plan to do a little bargaining, always start your price a little lower than you actually expect to pay and "play the game" as the merchant comes down and you go up.

Electrical equipment of all types can be bought at Sungei Road, but caution is advised as there are many imitation products around. 

For more information on shopping in Singapore, see the Singapore Shopping brochure published by the Singapore Tourism Board. A 3 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied on most goods and services purchased from taxable retailers. Tourists whose purchases total S$300 or more from a single retailer participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme are eligible for a refund of the GST paid on goods not consumed in Singapore. Refunds may be received at the airport, prior to departure flights. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 1000-2100; Sat 1000-1000.

Special Events
Singapore holds a lot of festivals and special events throughout the year. Here is an idea of what you may be able to experience on a month-by-month basis. Visitors staying for more than a few days would be unlucky not to catch at least one. For more information and for exact dates check with the Singapore Tourism Board and ask for a copy of their Singapore Calendar of Festivals.
November through December - Christmas Light Up
January - Singapore International Marathon.
January through February - Lunar New Year Light Up; Chinese New Year Celebrations.
February - Singapore River Hong Bao; Chinese New Year; Chingay Singapore.
March through April - Take Art!; Fashion Festival; Singapore International Comedy Festival; Singapore Food Festival.
April - World Gourmet Summit; Singapore International Film Festival.
May - Singapore Airlines International Cup, Singapore Turf Club; 
May through July - The Great Singapore Sale (island wide shopping extravaganza).
June - Dumpling Festival; Singapore International Dragon Boat Race; Singapore Arts Festival.
August through September - Festival of the Hungry Ghosts; Birthday of the Monkey God (procession of mediums at the Monkey God Temple in Seng Poh Road).
October - Mooncake Festival (highlights include lantern display at the Chinese Gardens); Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods, Kiu Ong Yiah Temple in Upper Serangoon Road. Oct-Nov Pilgrimage to Kusu Island.
October through November - Deepavali (Hindu Festival of Light), Little India, Serangoon Road.
November - Thimithi (annual fire-walking ceremony); Deepavali (Hindu Festival of Light), Little India, Serangoon Road.
November through December - Christmas Light Up.

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Some Suggestions For Accommodations In Singapore
There is a wide variety of accommodation, ranging from budget to modern high-class hotels. These have extensive facilities including swimming pools, health clubs, several restaurants, full business services and shopping arcades. It is advisable to make advance reservations. All rooms are subject to 4 per cent tax and 10 per cent service charge. 

For accommodations and reservations in Singapore, Hotels in Singapore

My preferred hotel chain is Marriott. I have stayed Residence Inns, which are prefect for longer stays with all the comforts of home; Spring Hill Suites, which I have found nice for longer stays as the have up to 25% more room than comparably priced rooms; Towne Place Suites, again when I want more room or am on a longer stay; Courtyard by Marriott, which has everything the business traveler needs, as well as families; Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, which I find spacious, comfortable and affordable. Another great idea is to stay at one of the JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts where you can enjoy a new dimension for your vacation or holiday. and Marriott Hotels and Resorts and have found them all to be of consistent quality and service. I have also stayed at some of their Vacation Club properties and have enjoyed each visit. AAA members can get discount rates at Marriott, as can Seniors. Click on Great Getaways for less at Marriott for special officers and great deals at Marriott hotels worldwide!

Click on Singapore for great rates from hotelguide.com. Hotel Guide features hotels in over 200 countries. Their site steers the user to the best deals by scanning multiple websites within seconds. hoteguide.com then pulls out, leaving the booking service provider offering the best deal to close the transaction with the user. The idea is to guide users through the bazaar of online hotel booking websites allowing users to see the best deals at once and to make a wise choice. hotelguide.com - check it out before you check in!

Some hotels are designated as being 'International Standard' with all modern conveniences such as swimming pools and air conditioning and prices range from S$100 a night. There is however no formal star system of grading.

Guesthouses - The majority of the guesthouses are situated along Bencoolen Street and Beach Road. Although considerably cheaper than the main hotels, guesthouses tend not to be good value for money, the price per night is usually between $20-30 for a small, ill-equipped room and you can normally find a hotel room for just a bit more per night. Discounts are sometimes available when staying a few days.

Youth Hostels - There are at least a dozen hostel style establishments offering communal dormitory accommodation, the average price for a nights accommodation is $10 or less. There is one YMCA International hostel in Singapore.

Camping - The few campsites there are in Singapore are inconveniently located, making camping a difficult option. Tents can be rented from the Universal Adventure shop on Pulau Ubin, and can be pitched on open land on the island. The only other option is to go to Sentosa island, where a four-person tent costs $16 (which includes entrance fee to the island), pitched on a site with toilets and barbecue pits.

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Some Suggestions For Dining In Singapore
Singapore is a paradise for any gourmet and just a great place to dine for everyone else. You will find everything from humble street stalls to 5-star restaurants. There are over 30 different cooking styles, including various regional styles of Chinese cuisine, Indian, Malay, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Swiss, American, Russian, French and English. 

Malay cuisine is a favorite, famed for its use of spices and coconut milk. Satay (skewers of marinated chicken cooked over charcoal) served with peanut sauce, cucumber, onion and rice is popular -- and, very good!. 

Hot, spicy or sweet Indonesian cuisine includes beef rendang (coconut milk curry), chicken sambal and gado gado (a fruit and vegetable salad in peanut sauce). 

One of the best ways to eat in Singapore is in the open, at one of the 8000 street footstalls. Some are quiet and casual while others are in areas bustling with activity. All have a vast selection of cheap, mouthwatering food and you normally will not have to worry about cleanliness.

Newton Circus and Rasa Singapura are food centers where all types of Asian food can be sampled cheaply. Although there are many self-service establishments, waiter service is more common in restaurants. Drink: Bars/cocktail lounges often have table and counter service. There are no licensing hours. 

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Some Favorites In Singapore
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add to this section, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

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Some Interesting Links For Singapore

Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.

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Date this page was last edited: Saturday, August 02, 2008 17:10:43

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