Singapore,
an island-state in Southeast Asia, was founded as a British trading colony
in 1819 which joined Malaysia in 1963, but withdrew two years later and
became independent. Now it is one of the world's most prosperous countries,
with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's
busiest) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of
Western Europe. Singapore's strategic location combined with a largely
corruption-free government, skilled work force, pro-foreign investment and
export-oriented led to a successful free-market economy which attracts
international investment funds on a large scale despite its relatively
high-cost operating environment.
This vibrant country is more of a bustling yet relatively relaxing place
where one can spend memorable vacations, and at the same time witness some
of the unique Asian flavours that this city-state has to present.
Fact File
Official name : Singapore
Government : Parliamentary.
Nationality : Singaporean
Capital city : Singapore city
Ethnic groups : Chinese (77.3%); Malay (14.1%); Indian (7.3%);
others (1.3%)
Location : Singapore, a small island with over 60 surrounding
islets, is located in Southeastern Asia.
Continent : Asia
Currency : The Singapore dollar (S$) ; 1 SGD = 25.941 Indian Rupee =
0.5957 USD = 0.4906 Euro (subject to change).
Population : 4 million
Languages
: Malay is the national language. Chinese (Mandarin), Malay, Tamil and
English are the official languages.
Religion : Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Taoist, and
Confucian
Area : 683 sq km
Famous for : Shopping
Major cities : Singapore, Singapore Johor Bahru
Clothing : In business settings, lightweight conservative clothing,
like dress slacks, a long-sleeved shirt, and a tie will fit in well. Suits
are reserved for important meetings and formal events. Businesswomen
generally wear knee-length or longer skirts with blouses, and understated
make-up.
Major events : Roar of a Chinese dragon at NewYear, Vesak Day in May
celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death,The Dragon Boat
Festival(held in May or June), The Chinese Festival of the Hungry Ghosts
(September), RamadanHari Raya Puasa, The festival of Thaipusam
Things to Buy : clothes, electronic items
Things to do : sightseeing, shopping, visiting the art galleries,
attending exhibitions.
Cuisine : Malay, Chinese, Indonesian, Peranakan, Indian, Thai,
Japanese, Korean cuisine, and more Nonya cooking is a local variation on
Chinese and Malay food, mixing Chinese ingredients with local spices such as
lemongrass and coconut cream. The popular spicy, coconut-based soup laksa is
a classic Nonya dish.
Visa Permit
The applicant must have passport valid for six months beyond intended stay
in Singapore; one completed visa application form ( Form 14, photocopy
allowed); one recent passport-size photograph (In Consulate three
photographs are required in 45mm x 35 mm in matt finish); confirmed return/
onward air ticket; valid entry visa to the next destination of travel and
proof of funds at least USD 600 for a short visit. Passenger may be required
to show this on arrival into Singapore. Visa validity is for 90 days with a
short stay allowed. Processing time is two working days. For groups,
requirements are covering letter from Tour Operator & list of
passengers, hotel confirmation from Singapore, acceptance letter from the
handling agent in Singapore and their tour itinerary.
Culture
The
country of Singapore is an extremely lively city where fun, food and
celebration of every occasion is a common feature. Street performances are
held during important festivals such as Chinese New Year where the Lion
Dance is a spectacular, acrobatic dance usually performed during Chinese
festivals and other dance style include Malay and Indian dances. Chinese
opera, an ancient form of theatre, is a colourful mix of dialogue, music,
song and dance is popular amongst the older people.
Singapore can be termed as the food capital of Asia. Chinese, Indian,
Malay, Indonesian and Western foods are all available. Singapore is a great
place to discover tropical fruits. Some of the more unusual ones on offer
include rambutan, mangosteen, durian, jackfruit, pomelo, starfruit, zirzat,
buah duku, chiku and jeruk.
When to Go
Climate is not a major consideration, as Singapore gets fairly steady
annual rainfall. One can co-ordinate one’s visit with one of the
various festivals and events: Thaipusam is a spectacular festival, occurring
around February. For people who love to shop and eat, April brings the
Singapore Food Festival and the Great Singapore Sale in June.
Climate
Tropical; warm and humid, with only slight variations between 23°-31°Celsius.
There are two main seasons: the Northeast Monsoon (from December to March)
and the Southwest Monsoon (from May to September), separated by two shorter
inter-monsoon periods. There are no distinct wet or dry periods.
Getting There
By Air : Changi Airport is about 20 km. from the Central Business
District. The airport is linked by two expressways -- the East Coast Parkway
and the Pan Island Expressway -- to other parts of Singapore, providing easy
access by taxi, public bus, or car. Travel time to the city is about 25
minutes by car or taxi, 45 minutes by bus.
Most airlines fly into Singapore's heavily trafficked Changi International
Airport. The best way to get from the airport to the city (20km/12mi away)
is by train, but there is also a wide choice of bus and taxi services.
By Train : Singapore is the southern terminus of Malaysia's rail
system, and three trains go to Kuala Lumpur each day.
By Bus : Air-conditioned buses link Singapore to almost all large
Malaysian cities; fares are inexpensive. A second causeway has opened
between Singapore and Malaysia to ease traffic - it links Tuas in Singapore
with Geylang Patah - and is known pragmatically enough as the Second Link.
It can only be used if you have your own transport.
You can travel between Malaysia (just a kilometre away) and Singapore very
easily by taxi.
By Sea : A passenger ferry operates between north Changi and Tanjung
Belungkor, east of Johor Bahru, and a daily high-speed catamaran links
Singapore with Malaysia's Tioman Island. No direct passenger ferries are
present between Singapore and the main ports of Indonesia, but it is
possible to travel between the two countries via the Indonesian islands of
the Riau Archipelago, immediately south of Singapore.
Modern ferries join Singapore to the islands of Batam and Bintan in the
archipelago.
Speedboats join Batam to Pekanbaru in Sumatra, and several ships a week
link Bintan with Jakarta.
Getting Around
By Road : Metered taxis (although rickshaws are really only in
Chinatown and the back streets) provide a convinient way to see the city.
Using the MRT subway system or the convenient bus services one can move
around in the city.
Singapore has a comprehensive bus network with frequent services and is
also reasonable and easy to use.
Singapore has a convenient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system which is
inexpensive.
By Sea : One can even opt to get around the place on the water by
ferry or bumboat.
Regular ferry services operate from the World Trade Centre to Sentosa and
other islands.
One can charter bumboats (motorised sampans) or luxurious tours to take
various trips the Singapore River, while luxurious junk tours can be taken
around the harbour.
Major attractions
Singapore History Museum : It posseses a fascinating permanent
collection exhibiting the region's diverse cultures and history including
the superb 380-piece Haw Par jade collection, donated by the Aw brothers.
Haw Par Villa (Tiger Balm Gardens) : About ten kilometres (six
miles) west of the city, the Haw Par Villa was originally built by the Aw
brothers. It is a theme park of Chinese mythology, with older exhibits of
legendary figures and tableaux, currently being restored to its former
glory. The Aw family's private jade collection, on loan from the Singapore
History Museum, is displayed in the Jade House at Haw Par Villa.
Sentosa
Island : Cable cars and ferries run from the World Trade Centre to this
former military base half a kilometre (one third of a mile) offshore. It is
Singapore's most popular attraction. The island has a wide variety of
museums, sights and activities including South-East Asia's largest
oceanarium, a Butterfly Park and an Insectarium.
Singapore Zoo : Built in the early 1970s it emphasises on natural
habitat and it is a home to more than 2000 animals of nearly 250 species.
The Night Safari offers an unrivalled opportunity to study nocturnal
animals.
Other Attractions
Thian Hock Keng Temple
Jurong Bird Park
Peranakan Place Museum
