Singapore, an island city-state off southern Malaysia, is a global financial centre with a tropical climate and multicultural population. In the centre of Chinatown stands the red and gold Buddha’s Tooth Relic Temple. While Little India offers colourful souvenirs and Arab Street is lined with fabric shops. Singapore is also known for eclectic street fare, served in hawker centers such as Tiong Bahru and Maxwell Road.
2. WHAT’S THIS ALL ABOUT?
Singapore, an island city-state off southern Malaysia, is a global financial centre
with a tropical climate and multicultural population. In the centre of Chinatown
stands the red and gold Buddha’s Tooth Relic Temple. While Little India offers
colourful souvenirs and Arab Street is lined with fabric shops. Singapore is
also known for eclectic street fare, served in hawker centres such as Tiong
Bahru and Maxwell Road.
3. ATTRACTIONS
Peranakan Museum: Explore the rich, fusing heritage of the Peranakans at the superlative museum.
Thematic galleries cover various aspects of Peranakan culture, from the traditional 12 day wedding
ceremony, to Peranakan crafts, spirituality and feasting. Look out for extraordinary detailed ceremonial
costume and beadwork, beautifully carved wedding beds and rare dining porcelain. An especially
curious example of the Peranakans’ fusion culture is a pair of Victorian bell jars, in which statues of
Christ and the Madonna are adorned with Chinese style flowers and vines.
Singapore Botanic Gardens: Established in 1860, this dreamy 74 hectare park retains an aura of Victorian
gentility, with its Swan Lake, symphony stage and themed gardens. A late afternoon stroll along its
myriad paths, followed by a drink or dinner at Halia or Blue Bali is one of the city’s most memorable
experiences.
Southern Ridges: Mount Faber is connected to Kent Ridge Park via Telok Blnagah Hill Park and Hort Park
in a 9km long chain known as the Southern Ridges. Set aside a day, pack lots of water and start at Kent
Ridge Park. This park commands views over the port and the southern islands and is nearly always
deserted. The walk will take you through a treetop boardwalk with the call of crickets your only
companion. Look out for signs directing you to Hort Park. Don’t forget to visit Reflections at Bukit
Chandu en route.
Singapore zoo: One of the world’s best, Singapore Zoo is a verdant wonderland of spacious, naturalistic
enclosures, freely roaming animals and interactive attractions. Breakfast with orang-utans, dodge
Malaysian flying foxes, and even snoop around a replica African Village. Then there’s the setting: 28
soothing hectares on a lush peninsula jutting out into the waters of the Upper Seletar Reservoir.
4. ACCOMODATION
Haising Hotel: Haising is a small budget hotel located in the Bugis/Little India
District. We provide no-frills accommodation with basic facilities for the
budget conscious traveller.
Prince of Wales: At Prince of Wales we pride ourselves on being fun places to
stay whilst in Singapore. We provide a clean, friendly environment every
night. Guests can enjoy discounts on food and drinks as well as a chill out
lounge upstairs in the dorm. We also provide WIFI, coin operated laundry
facilities, computers and a self-service breakfast.
W Singapore – Sentosa Cove: W Singapore – Sentosa Cove is located on
Southern Singapore’s Sentosa Island. 5 star luxuries await with a 1338
square metres outdoor pool and a spa and fitness centre. All rooms are fitted
with an iPod dock and free WIFI.
The Fullerton Bay Hotel: With a stay at The Fullerton Bay Hotel, you’ll be
centrally located in Singapore, steps from Merlion and Cavenagh Bridge. This
5 star hotel is close to Chinatown Heritage Centre and Haji Lane.
5. WEATHER
Located just north of the equator, Singapore has a tropical climate and stays hot
and humid throughout the year. Temperatures average around 31 degrees
during the day with little seasonal variation, although it’s slightly cooler in
December and January, and hottest in April and May.
For up to date weather in Singapore visit our partner site World Weather
Online.
6. CLOTHING
Casual dress is accepted for most situations as long as it is neat and
clean – the locals are very clean and correct, and frowns upon
scruffiness.
Jeans and t-shirts are acceptable but it’s advisable to take lightweight
clothes in natural fabrics; linen, cotton would be more comfortable in
the heat.
The sun is very strong so you must wear protection in the forms of a hat,
sunglasses and sunscreen.
7. IDEAL FOR…?
Singapore is an ideal destination for business people
and couples. With lots of places to explore and many
posh hotels, you’d easily fit in.
8. WHAT NOW?
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