Singapore, Where East Meets West

Steeped in the traditions of a multi-cultural heritage, yet layered with high-tech western ambiance, Singapore is a fascinating fusion of eastern and western sophistication. Being at the crossroads of ancient and present day trading routes, Singapore has, over the centuries, drawn a broad mix of humanity to its shores. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles landed here first in 1819 amid the original Malay inhabitants. Soon to follow were British colonials and Europeans seeking their fortunes. Chinese traders and workers descended in droves while entrepreneurs and laborers from India filtered in along with Arab merchants. Settlers arrived from the length and breadth of Southeast Asia contributing to the prosperity and unique personality of Singapore. This pot-pourri of values, beliefs and customs flourish, and are maintained to this day through their descendants.

Singapore Map

The independent city-state of Singapore is actually a 620 square kilometre low lying island on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula; the narrow Johore Strait separates it from Malaysia. There are no prominent relief features although a number of hills rise to a maximum elevation of 174 meters (571 feet) in the central area. Singapore is comprised of the main island and more than 50 adjacent islands. Being situated just north of the equator ensures a wet tropical climate. This is especially true of the months from November through to January when frequent sunny breaks and showers dominate.

Orchard Road in Singapore by night

Today about three-quarters of Singaporeans are Chinese while the two largest ethnic minority groups are Malay and Indian. Population density is staggering as urbanization stands at a full 100%. Singapore has four official languages: Chinese, Malay, Tamil, and English. Education is a priority and no doubt has had significant impact on the economic success of the nation. The people of Singapore enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the Asia Pacific region.

More than a remarkable seaport, Singapore is a city of finance and trade where many multinational corporations maintain regional headquarters. For the visitor to Singapore, this is revealed in a bustling city of skyscrapers towering over the facades of colonial landmarks. Efficient rapid transit whisks you to any one of dozens of locales noted for sightseeing, shopping, or entertainment. Various riverboat excursions ply the waters of the Singapore River where one can relax and absorb the fascinating city that grew up along its banks.

Singapore National Museum

Places of interest along the meandering waterway include Boat Quay and Clarke Quay-perfect for an evening stroll, dinner and watching live street performances among the cluster of shops, boutiques and eateries. The Padang, a great expanse of lawn and site of civic, state and recreational events, is encircled by a number of historic buildings such as the Parliament House, the Supreme Court, City Hall, Victoria Theatre and the Singapore Cricket Club. Attractive museums, mosques and temples sprinkle the city like a salute to urban accomplishment. Singapore is the epitome of a fast-paced, well organized, clean and respectable metropolis-so don't spit!

Skyline of Shenton, Singapore, at night

Should the city begin to crowd around you, take the cable car to Sentosa. Just minutes away from the crush of the city, this tranquil island presents you with beautiful sandy beaches and nature trails. You can also enjoy some great entertainment at Asia's most exciting sea world exhibition. Historical sites and museums invite quiet consideration and discovery. Kusu, Pulau Ubin, St. John's Island, Lazarus, and the Sisters Islands offer other distractions and opportunities to escape. Be warned, however, because before long, the allure of Singapore will tempt you to return.

Arrival

Most foreigners are granted a 30-day visitor pass upon arrival in Changi International or Singapore International airports. Tourists should have a valid passport, onward or return tickets and sufficient funds for their intended stay. After your arrival, if you wish to stay longer, contact the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (website: http://www.ica.gov.sg/ ). Singapore has no currency restrictions for entering the country. Women in an advanced state of pregnancy intending to visit Singapore should make prior application to the nearest Singapore overseas mission. Be sure to carry a physician's prescription for medicine such as sleeping pills, depressants or stimulants, etc. There is a departure tax of 21 Singapore dollars (SGD 21) for travelers staying longer than 24 hours. Check with your travel agent to see if this is inclusive of your ticket purchase. For more information call the Singapore Tourism Board 24-hr Tourist line at 1-800-736 2000 (toll-free in Singapore only) for tourist information or to speak to a Customer Service Officer.

Climate

Singapore is under the influence of equatorial weather systems. The average annual temperature is 27C (81F). Annual rainfall averages 2,413 millimetres (95 inches); the wettest months are November through January. If you are not carrying an umbrella, do not despair, Singapore has many air conditioned shopping centers and handy overhangs to duck under. The downpours can be torrential but usually won't last long.

Currency

Looking west from the Raffles Hotel towards Shenton Way

The Singapore Dollar (SGD) notes come in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, and 10,000. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents. There is also a one-dollar coin. Passports are required when cashing travellers' cheques. Major credit cards are widely accepted. US and Australian Dollars, Japanese Yen and the British Pound are also accepted in most major shopping centres. Most shopping complexes have a licensed moneychanger if you are not using your hotel or a bank.

Time

UTC / GMT (+8 hours) Noon in London is 8 pm in Singapore, 7 am in New York and time in Los Angeles is 4 am. During daylight savings time, add one hour.

Business Hours

Banks open Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 3 pm and Saturday 9 am to 1 pm. Postal outlets are open weekdays from 8.30 am to 5 pm and until 1 pm on Saturday. Shopping centers are open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 8pm, staying open later on some public holidays. Government offices open from 9am to 5pm during the week and from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturdays. Nightclubs close at 2 am on weekdays but stay open one hour later on Friday and Saturday nights.

Communication

The Merlion sprouting water

Singapore has advanced communications systems. Payphones are found in most public places and are operated by credit card or prepaid phone card. Cyber-cafes are common throughout the city. Most hotels offer in-room international direct dial (IDD) telephone services. Rates and access codes are dependent on the service provider used by the hotel. Many hotels have mail services at the front counter and will accept mail sent to you at their address.

Electricity

Current in Singapore is provided at 220 volts AC (50 cycles). Some hotels supply transformers upon request. Check your appliance for an operating range, as some will accept voltages from 110 - 230. Plug adapters may be required.

Language

There are four official languages: Malay, Chinese (Mandarin), Tamil, and English. The national language is Malay though English is used for government operations, law, and major financial transactions. Most Singaporeans speak English, and some Malay in addition to one or more dialects of Chinese.

Christmas at Simpson's in Orchard Road, Singapore

Dress Code

Singapore is hot and humid so lightweight loose fitting clothing of natural fibres is best. Casual dress is fine for most occasions but check with the establishment if you think something more formal might be required. The tropical sun can be brutal on exposed unprotected skin, even through high cloud cover. Generally speaking, Singaporeans dress conservatively.

Transport

Singapore has developed a mass rapid transit system admired by many nations. Punctual and effective bus routes link a metro rail system that quickly transports hundreds of thousands of commuters daily. Metered taxis are not hard to find. Trishaw tours are operated by a various tour companies as well as freelance individuals. Be sure to agree on the fare prior to departure when hailing a trishaw on the street.

Health Facilities

Singapore's medical facilities are among the finest in the world. They are staffed with well-qualified doctors and dental surgeons. Pharmaceutical drugs, brand-name medications and toiletries are available from a wide variety of outlets. If filling a prescription, note that registered pharmacists work from 9 am to 6 pm. Some hotels have a doctor on-call 24 hours a day. For general enquiries, contact the international patient liaison center of any leading hospital. In the event of a medical emergency, dial 995 or 999 for police.