A single day's trail will take you from the past to the future, from exotic ethnic enclave to efficient business centre, from serene gardens to sleek skyscrapers.
Areas of Singapore
Arab St
Singapore is a traditional textile district, full of batiks from Indonesia, silks, sarongs and shirts. Add to this mix rosaries, flower essences, hajj caps, songkok hats, basketware and rattan goods, and you have a fair idea of the products haggled over in this part of the city. The grand Sultan Mosque is the biggest and liveliest mosque in Singapore, but the tiny Malabar Muslim Jama-ath Mosque is the most beautiful. There's fine Indian Muslim food along nearby North Bridge Rd and the foodstalls on Bussorah St are especially atmospheric at dusk during Ramadan.
Changi Village
There aren't too many places in Singapore that could be considered virgin wilderness but there are some that offer an escape from the hubbub of the central district. Changi Village, on the east coast, no longer has traditional kampong houses but it does have a village atmosphere. Though the beach may not exactly be a tropical paradise it does have the advantage of being almost deserted during the weekdays. On the way to Changi Village it is worth visiting the infamous Changi Prison. The complex is still used as a prison but next to the main gate is the Changi Chapel and Museum, which holds a replica of the chapel used by interned Allied prisoners during WWII. Memorabilia and notes pinned to the walls of the chapel are a poignant reminder of that particular part of Asian history.
Chinatown
Chinatown is Singapore's cultural heart, providing glimpses of the old ways with its numerous temples, decorated terraces and frantic conglomeration of merchants, shops and activity. Unfortunately much of Chinatown has been torn down and redeveloped over the past 30 years, but it's still a fascinating place to explore.
Jurong
Jurong Town, west of the city centre, is a huge industrial and housing area that is the powerhouse of Singapore's economy. This might seem an unlikely spot for a number of Singapore's tourist attractions, but it is home to the Haw Par Villa (a tacky Chinese mythological theme park), the beautiful Jurong Bird Park, Chinese & Japanese Gardens and the hands-on Singapore Science Centre.
Orchard Road
Famous by name, Orchard Rd was once was lined with nutmeg and pepper plantations. Today it's the domain of Singapore's elite and well-heeled tourists, lured here by the shopping centres, nightspots, restaurants, bars and lounges. A showcase for the material delights of capitalism, Orchard Rd also possesses some sights of cultural interest where a credit card is not required.
Little India
This modest but colourful area of wall-to-wall shops, pungent aromas and Hindi film music is a relief from the prim modernity of many parts of the city. Centred around the southern end of Serangoon Rd, this is the place to come to pick up that framed print of Krishna you've always wanted, eat great food and watch streetside cooks fry chapatis. The Zhujiao Centre is the main market, but there are also interesting spice shops nearby. The best temples are Sri Veeramakaliamman, Sri Srinivasa Perumal and the glitzy Temple of 1000 Lights.
Marina Bay
Located at the Southern tip of Singapore, Marina Bay is a 360ha development designed to seamlessly extend Singapores downtown district and further support the city states continuing growth as a major business and financial hub in Asia. A greenfield site surrounded by water and gardens, Marina Bay provides an opportunity for further urban transformation, attracting new investments, visitors and talent, as well as becoming a new destination for the local community.
Nightlife
The sun may dim but the fun doesnt. As night falls, life begins in many quarters of Singapore. In fact, Singapore has the added advantage of being one of the safest countries in the world for you to hit the streets at night. Even shoppers have no respite! Singapore is one of the few countries where late night shopping is not an exception. And if youre bitten by the shopping bug in the wee hours of the morning, there is always Mustafa Centre Singapores only 24 hour shopping mall.
History
Find out more about Singapores vibrant history at Images of Singapore, a state of the art museum filled with life size figures, animatronics, special effects and rare artefacts. Using todays technology to re create the sights, smells and sounds of yesteryear, Images of Singapore will take you back in time and bring you face to face with the likes of Sir Stamford Raffles. You will also relive Singapores history through the eyes of an early settler and have a taste of the colourful festivals, rituals and cultural traditions of the Chinese, Malays, Indians and Peranakans.
Dining
Boat Quay Looking for a swingin good time? Then head on down to Boat Quay the trailblazer of the Singapore entertainment scene. With an eclectic mix of high end restaurants and alfresco dining and lively bars and pubs, Boat Quay is arguably the favourite place to chill out for most professionals and expatriates. Head towards the Singapore River from Raffles Place MRT.
Clarke Quay Shop, eat and be entertained by the riverside! Featuring five blocks of restored warehouses, Clarke Quay offers a quirky alternative to mainstream attractions, with second-hand and antique shops, flea markets and restaurants with an amazing array of F&B options. In the evenings, dance clubs and pubs come alive with music from the 1960s to the present.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa is Singapores premier island resort getaway with multi faceted appeal, teeming with events all year round. Just 15 minutes from the city, it is a unique blend of leisure and recreational facilities including family attractions, sea sports, golf as well as hotel accommodation and retreats. A canopy of secondary rainforest covers 70 per cent of the 500 hectare island and is home to monitor lizards, monkeys, peacocks, parrots as well as other native fauna and flora.
Time Zone
Singapore is 8 hours ahead of GMT (+8 GMT)
Population
Singapores population of almost four million comprising Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians and people of other descent.
Transport
Most airlines fly into Singapores heavily trafficked Changi International Airport. The best way to get from the airport into the city (20km/12mi away) is by train, but there is also a wide choice of bus and taxi services.
Singapore is the southern terminus of Malaysias rail system, and three trains go to Kuala Lumpur each day. If you're going to or coming from Malaysia, you have options aplenty, from comfy buses to ferries and even taxis.
Currency and credit cards
The local currency is Singapore dollars and cents. Banking hours are Mondays to Fridays: 1000 hrs to 1500 hrs. Saturdays: 0930 hrs to 1300 hrs (some banks are open until 1500 hrs. Sundays: 0930 hrs to 1500 hrs (some banks in Orchard Road). Most banks handle travellers cheques and change foreign currencies. Passports are required when cashing in travellers cheques. A nominal commission may be charged. Major cards are widely accepted by establishments in Singapore.
Dress Code
Singapore has a warm and humid climate throughout the year with a daily average temperature range of 24 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius. Light and summer clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton is best for everyday wear. Casual dress is acceptable for most situations and occasions but some establishments may require a more formal dress code. It is always advisable to check beforehand on dress regulations, if any.
Safety and Security
Increasingly, personal safety and security are becoming critical concerns of international travellers. The situation in Singapore remains calm and stable, and the island remains one of the safest in the world to visit. Enhanced security measures at key installations and other sensitive places ensure that Singapore continues to remain safe. The Singapore Government explicitly states that extremism originating from religion or race has no place in Singapore and swift action will be taken against any extremist or terrorist groups or individuals.