Southeastern Asia, Singapore is a cluster of islands between Malaysia and Indonesia

Singapore is a truly cosmopolitan city, although in size it’s small (247 Square miles); and its neighbours less affluent. The average stay of visitors to Singapore is only 3 ½ days due to the number of stopovers, backpackers travelling through and business trips. However if you can, we’d recommend staying longer, there is plenty to do and see; tasting food at the hawker markets, drinking Singapore slings at the Long Bar in Raffles colonial hotel, shopping in Orchard Street to Singapore Zoological Gardens and visiting the many temples, museums and beaches.

The skyline is varied in Singapore, as you can probably guess from the above description of Singapore, old mixed with new, skyscrapers and temples, the busiest airport in the world and a plethora of cultures make it more than just another modern Asian city. Singapore is a truly unique place to visit and explore, a melting pot of cultures from China, India, Southeast Asia and Europe.

Singapore has managed to turn its fortunes around by strict control by the government, as a result Singaporeans are almost be seen as subservient. It is however important for European visitors to understand some of the laws because if you flaunt them (knowingly or not you can be whipped, jailed or fined! Don’t; chew gum in public, jay walk (cross the street other than at a designated place), throw your cigarette stub away on the floor, smoke whilst walking or failing to flush the toilet!

The thought of Singapore is deceiving, China Town, powerful commerce and dense population bring images of building after building, this is most certainly not the case. In Singapore you’ll always be close to nature. Singapore is the ‘Garden City’. Parks, flowers, historical grounds and even the rainforest itself are plentiful with the city limits, making for a truly relaxing holiday within the hubbub of everyday life.

The weather in Singapore is hot and humid all year round. Tropical sums up the ‘weather’ in Singapore. There is a slight drop in temperature Dec- March when Singapore’s variation on the monsoon season takes place. Singaporean monsoons are very different o those in the Caribbean though, the wind does not increase, the skies simply open and when the downpour has finished the sun comes back out again! Not that bad really and certainly not bad enough justify the title ‘off-peak’ season, especially considering the rainfall is pretty high throughout the whole year (thunderstorms occur on 40% of all days!) Average daily humidity is around 85% and can reach as high as 90% early morning and evening.

Within Singapore the city all attractions, culture and history is within a 3km radius, thank Sir Stamford Raffles for the design of Singapore. He created the architectural layout.

I think Singapore must have meant shopping in days gone by, because they certainly know how to do it in style. Orchard Avenue is a shopper’s paradise, but you’ll need the credit card as the majority are upmarket luxurious items, but don’t be afraid to try some sensible bartering they are open to offers even in the top shops.

Singapore has managed to keep its cultural history whilst becoming the hub of Asian commerce. Little India, Chinatown, the Arab Quarters are all worth a visit, the pungent smell aroma of spices, fortunetellers and fine cloths galore.

Singapore Science Centre is packed with imaginative exhibitions and is a great place to go with the kids. The other 2 attractions at the top of any parents list must of course be Fantasy Island Water Park on Sentosa Island the granddaddy of Singapore parks at the Singapore Zoological Gardens within Singapore town itself.

Jurong Bid Park, the Chineese and Japaneese Gardens are on the West of the city centre in the industrial and housing area. This is also where the Science centre is located.

The village of Changi is almost what could be called virgin wilderness and is quiet in the week if you are looking for a getaway to a beach, Changi prison nearby is still used as a prison, but is you’re passing the museum at the entrance gives a fascinating insight into that period I Asian history.

Whilst for the adults out there, try to get away one evening for a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel. The drink isn’t bad (even my husband liked it; I loved it) and the colonial surroundings fill the mind with their imagery of days gone by.

Food – The restaurants in Singapore are fantastic. Whether you choose a top class eatery or hawker stand the island of Singapore and its people ensure that it is of the highest quality, one of the local specialities is Chilli Crab, delicious.

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: 51 Singapore ~ Jill Laidlaw (Paperback - 5 October, 2000)

The Mini Rough Guide to Singapore ~ Mark Lewis (Paperback - 30 November, 2000)

Lonely Planet: Singapore ~ Christine Niven, Peter Turner (Paperback - 1 November, 2000)

AA Citypack Singapore ~ Vivienne Lytton (Paperback - 2 January, 1999)

Globetrotter Travel Guide to Singapore ~ Helen Oon (Paperback - 24 March, 2000)

During Feb and March, Thaipusam, a 3km procession of Hindu penitents carry large metal frames (kavadis), which are hooked with spikes to their bodies’ wind their way through the streets of Singapore. Definitely a unique event that is not for the faint hearted, the hooks and spikes pierce any piece of loose flesh! Definitely a case of mind over matter…

Beginning of April, one of Asia’s largest film festivals takes place in Singapore at the Singapore Film Festival.

During April the Singapore Food Festival will tantalize your taste buds during a month of exquisite events throughout Singapore.

June, Singapore Arts Festival throughout the month features dance, music and theatre.

9^th August, Singapore’s National Day, celebrations of independence include fireworks and displays.

Mid September Chinatown becomes awash with spectacular light during the annual lantern Festival, where traditional Chinese festival activities such as dragons, music and shows are staged. Mooncake Festival is also around this time when the sweet cakes are for sale everywhere and lanterns put out, the date for this festival is dictated by the day of the full moon.

On the 3^rd Tuesday of every October barefoot Hindus walking across white hot embers

The Great Singapore Charity Duck Race is becoming a regular November activity, 2000 saw 70,000 plastic ducks making their way down the river! A great family spectacle…

For more information and exact dates the Singapore Tourist Board are proud to have produced a leaflet listing the details of all events. There is an event almost every day in Singapore; you’ll be unlucky if you miss one!

HOTELS IN SINGAPORE

Singapore is much more expensive than other Southeast Asian countries, so if your stopping off on a world tour with limited budget be prepared to drop your standard of accommodation on this stop. If staying in Hostels and eating budget food you could survive on £18-20/ day, but being realistic for the average traveller allow at least £55-60/ day.

The Strand and YMCA are the best bets for the short of cash travellers, however if you have a little to spend the choice is vast. With most hotels either within the 3km epicentre of the city nothing is too far from your hotel. Hotels outside of Singapore tend to be beach resorts. For top class pampering try the Four Seasons or stay like the majority of the stars do in Raffles or Goodwood House Hotel. The top class hotels have rooms starting at £100pppn.

VISAS AND INNOCULATIONS

No visa is required for British Citizens however your passport must be valid for at least 6-months at the time of entry or you may be refused access. Please seek further official advice.

Hep A, Polio and Typhoid are all strongly recommended. Yellow Fever is essential if arriving within 6 days of visiting an infected. Please seek professional advice. If you have not previously been immunised against diphtheria, polio or tetanus this is an ideal opportunity to have the immunisations carried out.