Singapore
Climate |
Things to do |
Getting around
Dynamic Singapore is an island, a city and a country all at the same time. Its blend of Asian cultures and Western attitudes has made it the most stable economy in the region and the logical gateway to Southeast Asia.
The country is justly proud of its efficiency, cleanliness and highly developed infrastructure. The luxury shopping centres and world-class restaurants that grace Singapore City's modern business district could take their place in any large Western conurbation. But there is also ample evidence of Singapore's rich cultural heritage in the fascinating districts of Little India, Arab Street and Chinatown.
Other distractions include ever-popular Sentosa Island, the tranquillity of the Chinese Gardens, the bonsai-sized reserve of Bukit Timah and the world-renowned Night Safari at the Singapore Zoo.
Increasingly thought of as a holiday destination in itself, Singapore is an ideal introduction to the kaleidoscopic cultures of Southeast Asia and a wonderful place to spend a few days or so, exploring the exciting blend of excellent food, shopping and diverse, hospitable people.
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Climate
Singapore is a year-round destination with typically tropical weather: humid and hot with perennial sunshine and fairly even rainfall.
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Things To Do
Singapore is often thought of as a gateway to other countries rather than as a destination itself. And yet, packed within its diminutive frame, the Lion City has a surprisingly diverse range of activities and attractions. The various tourist information centres around the city will keep you updated on what's going on, and where in the city.
Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari
Singapore's zoo is one of Southeast Asia's premier animal facilities. It contains nearly 3,000 animals and all are housed in thoroughly modern, spacious enclosures that recreate their natural habitats. Many creatures are only separated from the public by moats or ditches rather than barriers. Smaller animals even roam at will throughout the park. You might be thankful that the zoo's rare Komodo dragons aren't afforded this freedom. These lizards can grow up to three metres in length and have been known to attack and eat humans - but this doesn't diminish visitors' enthusiasm for the magnificent creatures.
The night safari is located directly next door to the zoo. It opens from 19h30 every night, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to view the nocturnal behaviour of animals through the use of special, unobtrusive lighting. You board a tram at the entrance to the park which then takes you through eight different geographical zones, from the Himalayan foothills to the steamy South American rainforest. Along the way you can see such fabulous animals as the Malayan tiger, the pig-like tusked babirusa and the impressively massive gaur bull.
Visit the zoo in the late afternoon when it is cool (and the animals more active) and then hit the night safari. Zoo open: 08h30-18h00. Admission: SGD15 adults; SGD7.50, children. Night safari open: 18h00-00h00 (last admisison 23h00). Admission: SGD20, adults; SGD10, children. Tel: +65 6269-3411.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Home to the last of Singapore's tropical forest, this small reserve offers respite from the urban sprawl. Established in 1883 it has enjoyed almost unique protection, as the rest of Singapore's forest has been stripped for timber.
Tall trees, vines and ferns, and the noisy macaque monkeys give you a glimpse of what this part of the world must have been like before they invented the skyscraper. In spite of its lack of space, the reserve contains more plant species than the whole of North America.
The Visitor Centre is a good place to start: it gives some basic information on what to look out for in the park and how to spot the most common trees and animals. There are excellent tracks through the forest - 12km in total - and some biking trails. The park also gives the opportunity to conquer Singapore's highest point - 163 metres above sea level.
Jurong Crocodile and Bird Parks
The Bird Park is worth a visit. It is home to an estimated 5,000 tropical and exotic birds all housed in excellent enclosures designed to mimic their natural environments. No expense has been spared on landscaping with the most spectacular attraction undoubtedly the "Waterfall Aviary" with a 30m-high manmade waterfall. Beautifully plumed birds soar in the spray, in complete freedom. The park's "Panorail" allows you to glide through the tree canopy where you can see birds roosting or on the wing. The latest attraction in the park is the "Riverine", a recreation of a freshwater river and home to waterfowl such as the Diving Duck. The glass tank it is housed in allows you to see both above and below the water's surface. Make sure to check the feeding times in each enclosure to get maximum enjoyment from the park. Bird Park admission: SGD16, adults; SGD8, children. The Panorail costs SGD4.
Sentosa Island
Until 1967 Sentosa - meaning "peace and tranquillity" - was a British military fortress. In the 1970s the government set about developing the island as a leisure resort for the citizens of the increasingly congested city. The result is a landscaped recreational environment where you can enjoy great entertainment facilities. Get there by taking the orange Sentosa bus which plies to and from the harbour bus interchange. Buses run from 07h00-23h00 (Sun-Thur); 07h00-12h30 (Fri & Sat) and cost SGD1. Alternatively, take the cablecar enjoying the spectacular views along the way. Cable cars depart from the habour tower 2 between 08h30-23h00 and cost SGD10.90, adults; SGD5.50, children
The best of the attractions is the splendid Underwater World - a tropical oceanarium with a submerged transparent tunnel alllowing visitors to view over 250 species of marine life in remarkable proximity. Feeding time is 11h00 and 16h30 daily. It's connected to the equally excellent Dolphin Lagoon, with its pink dolphins that perform regularly for the crowds. Open: daily 09h00-21h00. Admission: SGD19.50, adults; SGD12.50, children. (includes Dolphin Lagoon).
Other highlights on the island include Fort Siloso, a genuine 19th-century military fort. You can trace its history through displays of ordnance and artefacts. Open: daily 10h00-18h00. Admission: SGD8, adults; SGD5, children.
Elsewhere on Sentosa you can find restaurants, bars, golf courses, cinemas and any of a range of other entertainment to suit all ages. It's not surprising then that the island has become the weekend playground for most people in the city.
Changi Village
Situated on the eastern tip of the island, Changi Village has a pleasant beach and a quiet, laid back atmosphere quite different from the frenetic pace of the city. The seafood restaurants are particularly good. You can also catch bumboats (basically small motorised water taxis) from here to the nearby islands such as Ubin where the pace of life really is how it was decades ago, with traditional stilted houses.
Although Changi itself no longer has the traditional buildings, there is an air of a more local life here. The main tourist attraction besides the atmosphere is located at the nearby Changi Prison. In the 1980s inmates built a chapel that accurately recreates the one used by the prisoners incarcerated here during World War Two and the Japanese Occupation. Changi was actually the site of some terrible atrocities and the museum here portrays the experiences of the prisoners through pictures and artefacts. Mass is still held in the chapel on Sundays, visitors are welcome to attend but don't intrude on the service.
The best time to visit Changi is during the week when the locals are beavering away in the city - at weekends the village can get very crowded.
The Botanic Gardens
Singapore has had botanic gardens since the days of Raffles, the gentleman governor having established the first one in 1822 just after he arrived in the colony. The present gardens date from a few decades later, being started in the 1850s. It is an idyllic place that Singaporeans use to escape the bustling city.
The gardens are divided into several parts with the most notable being the National Orchid Garden where visitors can walk the landscaped paths admiring the rare and beautiful flowers. There is also a Rose Garden, which as you might expect the Victorian British colonials wasted no time in establishing, making this particular corner of the far East forever England. Symphony Lake in the middle of the gardens is used as the backdrop for concerts and musical revues in the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra plays free concerts ("Classics in the Park") here in season.
Admission to the gardens is free but a fee of SGD5 is payable for entry into the National Orchid Garden.
Islands in the Sun
Apart from the main island, Singapore includes some 60 islets, some of which are ideal for a day of sun, sand and snorkelling.
The best for swimming are St John's and Sisters Islands, which offer a sense of seclusion not possible to find on the main island. Palau Ubin and Kusu Island are larger and have more cultural appeal, with temples and nature reserves on offer. These are also the best places to see the traditional stilted fishermen's huts known as kelongs. Palau Ubin is particularly famous for its mangrove swamps, a rare piece of genuine wildlife in Singapore's immediate environs. The most enjoyable way to get here is via bumboat from Changi. Otherwise all islands can be accessed via ferries departing from the World Trade Centre.
Chinatown
Old traditions and crafts endure in this colourful and lively corner of modern Singapore.
The quarter is made up of Peranakan buildings housing teashops, herbal emporiums, authentic dim-sum restaurants, eclectic markets and trendy bars and cafÈs. A new feature is Food Street along Smith Street where street hawkers offer local favourites.
Chinatown is demarcated by the Singapore River and the business district, but really exists as a world apart from the pace of the modern city. Chinese immigrants founded the area in the 19th century and much of the original atmosphere still remains.
Raffles Hotel
On visits to the city it has become almost obligatory to visit the Raffles Hotel's Long Bar and drink a Singapore Sling while eating peanuts and tossing the shells on the floor.
Although the patrons are all tourists, the venue still evokes the colonial heyday of old Singapore. Named after 19th-century governor, and father of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, the hotel itself is truly magnificent, although room prices exclude all but the very rich.
Little India
North of the colonial centre, just off Serangoon Road, you will find the heart of Singapore's Indian community. The air is rich with the aroma of curries and spices and the vibrant, exotic market area is always interesting.
Notable temples in the area include the Hindu Srinivasa Perumal and the illuminating Buddhist Temple of a Thousand Lights.
This area has numerous coffee shops and back alleys, which are home to some infamous brothels so watch where you wander.
Pepper Crab
The seafood in Singapore is rated as among the world's best, and crabs from the South-China Sea are the island's speciality.
Try pepper crab from a local restaurant, perhaps with a fruity white wine or some cold Tiger beer, and you will begin to see what all the fuss is about. Some of the best seafood restaurants are located on the East Coast - a good bet is Jumbo's Seafood (East Coast Park; Exit 7A on East Coast Parkway) which offers al fresco dining in the company of local regulars and knowledgeable expats.
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Getting Around
Singapore has an exemplary public transport system: safe, clean, reliable and reasonably priced. There are also good links to neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia as well as flights to all corners of the globe.
By Train
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is Singapore's super-reliable, air-conditioned metro system that whisks you to all major parts of the city in style and comfort. The MRT runs from 05h15-24h00 with tickets costing between SGD0.80 and SGD1.70 for a single journey. Tickets can be bought at all MRT stations. The Tourist Day Ticket (SGD10) allows 12 trips on the MRT and buses.
The Malaysian railway terminates in Singapore at the main station on Keppel Rd, near Chinatown. Although the train is not suitable for travel about the island, a leisurely rail journey is an ideal way to access Malaysia, Thailand and even parts of Cambodia. Three trains per day go to Kuala Lumpur; fares range between SGD20-68 depending on seating class and whether the train is express or regular.
By Bus
The bus service within Singapore offers excellent route coverage and you will seldom have to wait for more than a few minutes.
The Transitlink Guide is particularly useful when working out your city bus itinerary. There are two major bus companies: Singapore Bus Service (SBS) and Trans Island Bus Service (Tibs). Ticket prices and operating times are identical to the MRT. When boarding, drop the exact change into the receptacle - no change is given.
Singapore Explorer bus passes cost SGD5 for one day or SGD12 for three days of unlimited travel, although only a real bus travel binge will make it worth the cost. The Explorer pass can be bought at all MRT stations.
There are regular bus departures from the Queen St bus station to the Malaysian border at Johor Bahru. Express buses leave every 15 minutes between 06h30-24h00. Long-distance buses for Melaka, Kuala Lumpur and other Malaysian destinations leave from the station at the corner of Lavender St and Kallang Bahru. It is advisable to purchase tickets at least a day before departure.
By Car
It is easy to rent cars in Singapore although the excellent public transport network means that driving is not really a good option. Renting is expensive and drivers have to pay tolls to enter the city centre, and for using certain stretches of highway at certain times of day. Furthermore, taking your rental car across the border into Malaysia will incur an additional surcharge.
If your licence is not in English you should secure a translated version or an International Driving Licence before entering the country. This is regarded as valid for six months from date of entry. After this period you are required to convert your licence to a Singapore one, which involves passing a theory test.
The Automobile Association of Singapore deals with any queries regarding driving permission during your stay, including the issuing of driving permits and queries regarding driving for extended periods over six months in the city. Tel: +65 6737-2444. Driving is on the left and overtaking on the right. The speed limit is 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas and 80kph (50mph) on expressways. Note that headlights must be lit from 19h00 until 07h00 the next morning and the wearing of seatbelts is mandatory. Drinking and driving is considered an extremely serious offence.
Singapore employs an Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system. This is a computer placed in the car for which you need to purchase a cashcard. Once inserted the card is automatically debited whenever you drive under one of the ERP gantries placed along Expressways. This applies at peak hours each day. Cashcards can be bought almost everywhere, but it doesn't take a genius to work out that driving in the city soon proves expensive. Parking is also at a premium. Taking your car into Malaysia involves paying more tolls to use the causeway, and meeting certain niggling requirements, most notably having what is considered sufficient fuel in your car (three quarters of a tank is the minimum).
By Air
Changi International Airport (Tel: +65 6542-1122) is one of the world's best, and serves as the major transport for Southeast Asia.
Changi also has a good range of transport options to and from the city centre. In general Singapore is a good place to buy air tickets with competitive prices and largely reputable ticket agents.
Singapore's national airlines are:
Singapore Airlines
Silk Air
Valuair
By Boat
There are high-speed ferry services to Batam (the closest border to Sumatra, Indonesia) leaving from the World Trade Centre.
From Singapore's Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, you can take a high speed catamaran to Bintan Island - a resort island featuring golf courses, beaches and other attractions. The ferry is operated by Bintan Resort Ferries. There are four ferries a day Mon-Thu, timed at 09h05, 12h00, 17h00 and 20h00. On Fridays there are additional services at 08h05, 11h05 and 14h00, but no midday service. On weekends ferries operate at all the times listed.
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