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Singapore
is a sunny tropical “island at the end of a peninsula”
. She is not just one island but a main island with
over 50 surrounding islets. Located at one of the crossroads
of the world, Singapore’s strategic position has become
a gateway to the Orient and important center for international
commerce. Though its small size, Singapore’s location,
excellent facilities, fascinating cultural contrast
and tourist attraction draws an ever-increasing number
of tourists.
The
country’s rich cultural background is best seen in its
ethnic districts in Arab Street, Chinatown and Little
India. It ranges from legacies of the island’s colonial
past and multi-cultural heritage to the most modern
and entertainment facilities. Historical landmarks such
as Alkaff Mansion and Raffles Hotel have retained their
colonial charms.
Singapore
has a world of attractions to offer you. It includes
from dining along the Singapore River to sun bathing
in the golden beach of Sentosa, and enjoying the water
rides in Fantasy Island. Other attractions includes
the beautiful and unusual wildlife in Night Safari to
the world’s largest fountain, to the ground-breaking
venture into the realm of 3D film-marking, to the unique
blend of historical architectural and modern restoration
andtothe spectacular three-dimensional laser images
on Fountain screens all happening in Singapore.
Enjoy
the spectacular “Rise of the Merlion show”. Standing
at 37 metre, the Merlion tower is the tallest structure
in Singapore. From the mouth of the Merlion, you will
see the wonderful panoramic Singapore skyline with her
towering modern skyscrapers glittering in a distance.
After that, you may enjoy the lovely luminescence of
the lighted fountains during the eight-minute show which
uses dancing water fountains, special lighting and sound
effects to create spectacular three-dimemsional laser
images on the fountain screens. At the climax of the
show, the Merlion’s eyes emit laser beams into the night.
Suntec
City’s Fountain of Wealth is a combination of high technology
and metaphysical symbolism, designed like a giant hand.
Four 45-storey office towers form the “fingers” and
18th storey Suntec Tower Five forms the “thumb” of this
giant hand, while Singapore International Convention
& Exhibition Center is the wrist. In the centre
of the “palm” of this hand, lies a precious “ring” from
which fortune flows, the Fountain of Wealth. This fountain
is the world’s largest fountain with a base area of
1,683 square metres. The water shoots up to 30 metres
with a bronze sculpture weighing a hefty 85 tonnes.
E3D
weaves live action into the best of computer graphics
imagery to pack in over 100.00 hours of digital effects.
This is a world-class attraction that offers fun and
entertainment through high-tech and interactive exhibit
that showcase Singapore’s milestones and achievements.
Experience Singapore’s turbulent past, growth and development
in the Singapore Dynamics Gallery. Discover the sophistication
of advance technology at the Technology Gallery and
see the great tacticians come to life at the Tactics
gallery.
The
world’ first and only Night Safari is a must. This is
an exciting adventure that combines the comforts of
a 200 environment and the experience of a national wildlife
park. It welcomes you to the world of nocturnal creatures
and discovers the beauty and enchantment of the animal
kingdom. Visitors may choose to wander along the trails
to see some 1,200 nocturnal animals under subtle artificial
lighting.
When
night fall in Singapore, an air of anticipation arises.
Entertainment of all forms awaits you a CHIJMES. Formerly
a convent, CHIJMES is a unique blend of historical architecture
and modern restoration. The Gothic chapel erected in
1890 is a showcase of plaster work, delicate wall frescoes
and stained glass. The grounds of CHIJMES are home to
art galleries, boutiques, and a lavish selection of
fining dining restaurants, wine bars, pubs and cafes.
Stop
your way down to Crazy Elephant for a true audio treat.
With its timber decore and a raw stage, you can be assured
of the most relaxing ambiance to enjoy their music.
Catch Heritage, their resident band and enjoy the energy
they display on stage with their suave movements and
a special mix of music such as rhythm and blues, classic
rock and roll. If you feel the rich to join in, there
is a jamming session every Sunday. Potential jammers
are welcome and you might just earn yourself a chance
to perform here at Crazy Elephant.
Romancing
the Past – Enjoy dining on a hilltop with all the magical
splendor of the 1920s. Once the weekend retreat of the
wealthy Alkaf family, the Mansion is now a conversation
property with original blueprints, restoring ornaments,
antique and art pieces. For a find dinning experience
unlike any other, try the unique Dutch-Indonesian Rijsttafel
cuisine, served by a procession of graceful kebaya-clade
ladies.
Coming
up in the year 2001 is the 2nd World Beer Festival.
The 1st World Beer Festival was held at World Trade
Center in Singapore on the 14-17 April 2000 for the
1st time, with the theme of 2000 Millennia Special 1st
World Beer festival. There was beer sampling and showcase
of different beers from all over the world. Also, there
was an international Cultural Showcase from USD Gathering
of nations (POW POW) and Japan: AWA-ODORI Dance. Other
pocket shows included performances by Black Irish band,
Island Winds. Saddle Tramps, Singapore Stompers and
Calico & Boots.
Also,
there will be a new place opening up at Time2 at Millennia
Walk. All 11 restaurants forming the L-shaped private
street will offer a unique park and dine concept. Diners
can drive right up to the entrance of the restaurant
of choice. The restaurants cover a range of cuisine
including Japanese, German, Thai, American, Italian
and Mediterranean. Nine of the 11 restaurants will be
fully operational by end July 2000.
What
is not new is the fact that Singapore continues to be
extremely popular with tourists worldwide due to a combination
of excellent hotels, interesting tours, good food, friendly
service, excellent shopping, all at most attractive
prices. Some events such as National day Parade, Ching
Gay processions and Christmas decorations and light-ups
at Orchard Road are yearly activities of the nation.
Singapore is also known as nightlife city and is always
filled with an air of anticipation. The night scene
in Singapore is not to be missed as you can certainly
find a lot of pubs, cinemas, plays, cultural performances,
jazz club, discos, all awaiting for you.
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1. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL?
You
may want to travel at anytime of the year as Singapore
has different festivals and event happening all year
round. With the perfect weather like Singapore, you
need not have to worry about traveling and still enjoy
the festivals. Testimony to Singapore’s rich tapestry
of cultures is a bustling calendar of colourful festivals
and events such as Lunar New Year, Hari Raya Puasa and
Thaipusam. Events ranging from the Singapore food Festival
to the World Invitational Dragon Boat Races are also
part of Singapore’s busy calendar.
Singapore’s
climate is warm and humid with only slight variations
between average maximum of 31C and minimum of 23C. Rain
falls throughout the year, with more consistent rain
coming during the monsoon season from November to January.
Showers are usually sudden and heavy, but also brief
and refreshing.
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2. IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL? ARE THERE PLACES TO AVOID?
Singapore
is one of the safest countries worldwide and it is absolutely
safe to travel to any parts of the country, also, for
women travelers. Places to avoid are unlicensed jewellery
shops selling fake merchandise at exorbitant prices.
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3. WHAT ARE THE VISA REQUIREMENTS AND CUSTOM FORMALITIES?
Generally,
foreigners who do not require visas for entry and are
visiting Singapore as tourists, may be given up to a
30 day social visit passes upon their arrival. If you
are holding traveling documents issued by the following
countries, you will require a valid visa to enter Singapore.
Application of visas is to be made to the nearest Singapore
overseas mission or submitted by your local sponsor
on your behalf at the Singapore Immigration & Registration
(SIR): Afghanistan, Algeria, Almenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh,
Belarus, Cambodia, China, Georgia, Hong Kong (Document
of Identity), India, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Krrgyzstan,
Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Middle East countries (Refugee
Travel documents issued to Palestinian refugees), Moldova,
Myanmar, Russia, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan,
Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, and Holders of
Palestinian Authority
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4. DO'S AND DON'T'S?
It
is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tab
in Singapore. However, for those who perfer bottled
mineral water, they are easily available throughout
the country in supermarkets. Food centres are generally
the places for eating as you can hardly find any food
stalls around.
Pedestrian
crossing a road within 50m of a pedestrian crossing
risk an S$50 fine. Splitting in public places is an
offence and subject to a fine of up to S$1000 for 1st
offence and S$2000 for repeat offence.
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5. WHAT MONEY SHOULD I TAKE?
US$
in cash and traveler cheque are preferable, but credit
cards are just as acceptable. Money changers and banks
could be found throughout the country. ATM’s are found
almost everywhere. It is advisable, however, to carry
along local currency in small denomination ($2, $5,
$10, $50).
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6. WHAT LANGUAGE WILL THEY UNDERSTAND?
There
are 4 official languages in Singapore: Malay, Mandarin,
Tamil and English. English is the language of business
and administration, and is widely spoken and understood.
Most Singaporeans are bilingual, and speak their mother
tongue as well as English. Foreign language translation
is also available such as Spanish, French, German, Japanese
and many more.
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7. HOW ABOUT MY HEALTH?
Singapore
requires no vaccinations from foreign visitors and the
standard of hygiene is high throughout the country.
Singapore’s medical facilities are among the finest
in the world, with well-qualified doctors and dental
surgeons. Pharmaceuticals are available from numerous
outlets, including supermarkets, department stores,
hotels and shopping centres.
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8. WHAT FOOD WILL I FIND?
Singapore
has always been well known for being one of the gourmet
capitals of the world. Variety is the essence of the
Singapore food experience. Not only do the different
races offer a wide range to choose from, there is dizzying
diversity with each ethnic group, depending on the origins
of the dish. These ranges from five-star restaurants
to outdoor eating stall, to fast food outlets. Food
centres selling excellent and inexpensive local dishes
are a “ must ”.
Most
Chinese food could trace their roots to Fujian province
in China, but the predominant style of cooking is Guangdong
or Cantonese. Classic Cantonese dishes include Dian
Xin (Dim Sum), steamed or deep-fried tidbits normally
served at lunch. There are also simple noodle dishes
with roast meat as well as double boiled herbal soups
with distinctly Oriental names like “ Buddha jumps over
the wall ”
The
Spice of life is what Malay and Indonesian Cuisine is
all about. Mild curries, coconut-based rich flavours
and interesting cakes and pastries. Peanut paste is
generously used in most Malay dishes such a “Gado Gado”
(a salad dish topped with peanut sauce) and
“Tauhu
goreng” (dried tofu and vegetables topped with peanut
sauce) Satay- skewers of succulent pieces of seasoned
mint or poultry cooked over a charcoal flame- are a
favourite with both locals and visitors.
Singapore’s
Indian fare reflects the many faces of the nation. Fiery
curries eaten off a banana leaf, the less spicy dishes
of Kashmir and the yogurt-based Punjabi delicacies are
all available. Indian-Muslim also have created their
niche, selling mouth-watering “Nasi Briyam” (saffron
rice with spicy chicken or mutton accompanied by curry
gravy) and “Muriabak” (pizza,
Asian-style, with minced meat and sliced onion encrusted
in a crispy bread-like dough).
Nonya
or Peranakan food is the closest Singapore has to an
indigenous cuisine. It is a good example of how 2 different
culinary styles can blend to creat an exquisite and
unique taste, The Nonya and Babas are descendants of
Chinese Straits settles of Malacca, Penang and Singapore
who integrated with the indigenous Malays. Chilies,
“belachan” and coconut milk are central to the unique
flavour of the Nonya dishes. Peranakan food like “Laksa”
(noodles in a savoury coconut-milk gravy with fried
tofu and beanspouts) or “Mee Siam” (rice vermicelli
in a spicy-sour gravy) at most food centres.
Crabs,
lobsters, prawns, stingray, squid, mussels, oysters,
scallops and fish are plentiful and fresh in Singapore.
Many visitors go through a seafood initiation by trying
Singapore’s popular chilli crab-crab cooked in a rich
tomato and chilli sauce. Other seafood specialties are
drunken prawns; crispy fried baby squid and buttered
crab or prawns.
Singapore
also offers an array of other Asian food like Japanese,
Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese. Korean and even Mongolian
restaurant. As for the western cuisine, it ranges from
counter snacks bar to elegant dining from all over the
world-Mexico, Spain, France, Italy, the Middle East,
Russian and United States. Fast-food like Mac Donald’s,
Burger King’s, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC are all easily
available.
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9. HOW IS THE SHOPPING AND WHAT DO I TIP?
Singapore
has long been a shopping city. It’s own inhabitants
regards the gentle art of shopping as a way of life
and visitors can find attractive goods from all over
the world at competitive prices. Shopping is not just
a hobby of the Singaporeans; it has become like a full
time job. People will spend hours on shopping.
Singapore
is a very modern city but in some places bargaining
is still practiced. Shoppers need to understand the
price range of the goods they are seeking so that they
can enjoy the bargaining process to the fullest.
From
mid-July to mid-August, there will be bargains galore
during “The Great Singapore Sale” where shoppers can
enjoy remarkable markdowns on a wide range of merchandise,
including designer goods.
The
major shopping places are at Orchard Road, Chinatown,
Little India, Marina Square, Bugis Junction and many
more.
Orchard
Road, it is divided into up market shopping as well
as bargain shopping. For up market product, it is best
to step into Delfi Orchard complete with art galleries
or Palais Renaissance and the Hilton Shopping Arcade.,
Book lovers would appreciate Borders, America’s second-largest
bookstore, at Wheelock Place. For bargain hunters, the
best place to stop would be in Lucky Plaza especially
for sports goods. Lacoste and World of Sports shares
floor space with high-end boutiques like Guess?, Fendi
and giant Japanese retailer, Isetan at Wisma Atria.
Ngee Ann City also has “ everything under one roof ”.
You will find Takashimaya, another Japanese retail giant.
Centrepoint is another, which houses Robinsons, Singapore’s
oldest and award-winning department stores. Paragon
in another high-end market where you could find flagship
stores of renowned brand like Escada, Gucci, the Heeren,
which is home to HMV, a mega music store, watch shops
as well as electronic superstore.
Chinatown
offers a wonderful variety of goods, some totally surprising
like spittoons and Collectors’ items such as pipes for
opium smoking and a wide selection of local arts and
crafts. Other favorites include wooden clogs, waxed-paper
umbrella, porcelain dinnerware and jade.
Little
India offers almost everything from handicrafts and
Kashmir silks and floral garlands, Saris, brassware
and Indian’design jewellery.
Marina
Square, a mega-mall of 668,000 sq. Ft., featuring K-mart
department store, 2 cinemas, 2 family entertainment
centers, an indoor and outdoor hawker centre and more
than 200 other specialty outlets. Marina Square is a
good place for cloths, shoes, souvenirs, children’s
toys and cloths, infant products, sporting goods, watches
and leather products.
Bugis
Junction with its anchor tenant-Japanese store Seiyu.
It also houses a host of boutiques, retaurants, cafes,
a Cineplex and an amusement center. Bargain hunters
might want to try the “ Pasar Malam (night market) in
Bugis Village.
Shoppers
are encouraged to patronize shops, which are members
of the Good Retailers Scheme (GRS). Membership to the
scheme is approved by the STPB and the Consumers Association
of Singapore. Here, customers can be assured of quality
goods and fair pricing. These shops can be identified
by the red and white Merlion stickers, which are displayed
on their doors or windows.
Tipping
is not encouraged as most hotels and restaurant in Singapore
already levy a 10% service charge on the customers’
bills. Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore and
it prohibited at the airport.
Tip
on things in Singapore.
Rub
the tummer of the happy Buddha at Haw Par Villa Tiger
Balm Gardens for good luck.!
Explore the streets of Singapore on a trishaw.
Stroll down Orchard Road, Singapore most “ happening
” street form the Great Singapore Sale.
Sip the famous Singapore Sling at the Long Bar, Raffles
Hotel.
Ask your taxi driver to take you to a 24 hour coffee
shop for a late night supper of roti prata.
Have your fortune told by an Indian fortune-teller and
his “ psychics “ parrot in Little India.
Enjoy the sea breeze while you tuck into mouth-watering
seafood at the East Coast Seafood Centre. Black pepper
crab and barbecued stingray are local favourites.
Visit the temples at Waterloo Street where Hindu and
Buddist worshippers converge for religions reflection
Enjoy a Rijsttafel dinner atop a hill at the Alkaff
Mansion
Visit Arab Street and be overwhelmed by the stunning
variety of glorious fabrics in every imaginable texture
and colour
Take the MRT into the suburb and shop for goods at bargain
prices
Rollerblade at Pasir Ris Park and then quell those hunger
pangs with dinner by the beach Fisherman’s Village.
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