Singapore

Singapore is the quintessential cosmopolitan, having the highest religious diversity in any country. Spread 42 km (26 miles) east to west and 23 km (14 miles) north to south, today it boasts of the world's busiest port. Singapore has climbed to be one of Asia's hit-list destinations with its efficient and widespread transport system - whizzing in this country is just a matter of minutes!

The national pastime of Singaporeans is eating, followed closely by shopping. This 'City in a Garden' is a blend of cultures, combining different ideas, cuisines, new architectures going well with the gleaming hint of the old school. The incredible shopping malls, classy boutiques, departmental stores on Orchard Road, the exotic elements of Chinatown and Little India and the world-class nightlife span across the spotless land of Singapore.

Expensive with respect to South-eastern standards, the city offers a plethora of other options for entertainment such as Sentosa Island, Singapore Zoo, Singapore Botanic Garden, Marina Bay Sands, Tiger Balm Garden, and the Singapore Night Safari. With a picture-perfect skyline and city centre bustling with crowds of people, Singapore is one of the most popular travel destinations for a lot of reasons.

The best time to visit Singapore is between February and April. Considered a dry season, these months experience lesser rainfall than other times of the year. Singapore is hot and humid throughout the year making it a year-round destination. To experience the best of the beaches in Singapore, the best time to visit is between June to August. For the shopaholic, the ideal time to visit Singapore is between July and August which is when the Great Singapore Sale is organised.

Guide for booking hotels in Singapore:

The island city of Singapore is an absolute mix of tradition and glamour. The iconic skyline of the city narrates an enchanting tale of world-class architecture, while the vibrant colors on the streets paint a versatile picture of local cultures.

If you are looking to explore the city’s historical heritage, the Colonial District has museums and galleries best suited to your liking. Areas around the Singapore River offer a wide range of bars and clubs to experience the glitz of Singapore’s nightlife.

To get a taste of the local and authentic cuisine, check out the narrow lanes of Chinatown and Little India. The latter has some affordable options for hotels and restaurants if you are traveling on a low budget.

Take a cable car to the resort island of Sentosa on the southern coast to spend a relaxing vacation at luxury resorts and palm-lined beaches! If you are a first-time visitor, Marina Bay is the best choice to stay at, as it is located in close proximity to the city’s major tourist attractions like Merlion Statue. The hotels in this area are just a walking distance away from the shops and restaurants and also give you easy access to the public transport network.

Local transport in Singapore

Singapore with its wide range of well-organized transportation system is one of the easiest cities in Asia to get around.

MRT: The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is one of the quickest and most comfortable ways to commute around the island. The facility begins at 05:30 in the morning and runs until midnight. Trains run at a frequency of 2 - 3 minutes during peaks hours and 5 - 7 minutes during non-peak hours. A single trip on MRT can cost from SGD 1.40 - 2.50 plus SGD 1 as refundable deposit. However, if you are planning to stay there even for a week EZ-Link Card is a better option, which can be bought from the customer care counter at station for SGD 10 (SGD 5 non-refundable deposit). Singapore Tourist Pass is an alternative to EZ-Link Card offering unlimited use of bus and train (Costs SGD 10 plus SGD 10 refundable deposit). The TransitLink Guide costing SGD 2.80 from Kinokoniya Bookstore lists all the routes of MRT, buses and areas surrounding MRT stations.

Trishaws: Another way of commuting, especially plying on tourists routes, are the Trishaws, which are easily available near Raffles Hotel and just outside the Chinatown Complex. Make sure you use your bargaining skills to get a good deal. One can always check bus departure time for any station online

Despite being small-sized, the local customs and cultures of Singapore are a blend of multiple ethnic influences including Chinese, Malay, Indians and others, the reason being the country's history as a trading hub. This diversity is also reflected in terms of spoken languages which include English, Mandarin, Tamil and Malay. Some popular Singaporean customs and traditions are:

While meeting a Singaporean formally or informally, make sure to shake hands firmly with all, even when departing. A slight bow while shaking hands is considered respectful.

• Take off the shoes before entering anyone's house. Also, remember to take them off before visiting any temple or mosque.
• Make sure never to pinpoint someone or something with a finger, just raise your hand for indication.
• Gender discrimination is a legal offence in Singapore; thus, take care not to disrespect anyone.
• Tipping is not customary in Singapore. Most of the restaurants add a 10% service charge in the bill, in which case, tipping is generally discouraged. Avoid tipping at hawker centres and food courts. Tipping is also completely prohibited at the Changi Airport.
• Refer to the middle-aged and elderly people as 'Uncle' or 'Auntie', as it is seen as a sign of respect in Singapore.
• While eating with chopsticks, do not stick them upright in the bowl. It is reminiscent of funeral rites and considered bad luck.
• Do not touch anyone's head, as it is considered sacred by many. On the contrary, the feet are regarded as dirty, so do not point them directly at someone.
• Casual clothes (shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops) are acceptable in most places in Singapore. Pack formal outfit and dress shoes for higher-end restaurants.