Singapore Travel Guide

Full Name

Republic of Singapore

Former Name

NA

Capital City

Singapore

Government Type

parliamentary republic

Area Size

total: 692.7 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +8 hours

Climate

Under the Köppen climate classification system, Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with no distinct seasons. Its climate is characterised by uniform temperature and pressure, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. Temperatures range from 22°C to 34 °C. On average, the relative humidity is around 90% in the morning and 60% in the afternoon. During prolonged heavy rain, relative humidity often reaches 100%.The lowest and highest temperatures recorded in its maritime history are 18.4 °C and 37.8 °C respectively. June and July are the hottest months, while November and December make up the wetter monsoon season. From August to October, there is often haze, sometimes severe enough to prompt public health warnings, due to bushfires in neighbouring Indonesia. Singapore does not observe daylight savings time or a summer time zone change. The length of the day is nearly constant year round due to the country's location near the equator.

Geography

Singapore consists of 63 islands, including the main island itself. There are two connections to Johor — the man-made Johor-Singapore Causeway in the north, and the Tuas Second Link in the west. Jurong Island, Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa are the largest of Singapore's many smaller islands. The highest natural point of Singapore is Bukit Timah Hill (166 metres). The urban area used to only be concentrated on the south of Singapore, around the mouth of the Singapore River and what is now the Downtown Core, while the rest of the land was undeveloped tropical rainforest or used for agriculture. Since the 1960s, the government has constructed new residential towns in outlying areas, resulting in an entirely built-up urban landscape. The Urban Redevelopment Authority is the government agency responsible for urban planning.

Languages

Mandarin 35%, English 23%, Malay 14.1%, Hokkien 11.4%, Cantonese 5.7%, Teochew 4.9%, Tamil 3.2%, other Chinese dialects 1.8%, other 0.9% (2000 census)

Culture

Singapore is a cosmopolitan society where people live harmoniously and interaction among different races are commonly seen. The pattern of Singapore stems from the inherent cultural diversity of the island. The immigrants of the past have given the place a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences, all of which have intermingled. Behind the facade of a modern city, these ethnic races are still evident. The bulk of Singaporeans do think of themselves as Singaporeans, regardless of race or culture. Each still bears its own unique character. In Singapore, food is also readily and widely available. There are lots of cuisines to offer. It is very common to savour other culture's food and some of the food can be very intriguing. Indian food are relatively spicier, whereas Chinese food is less spicier and the Chinese enjoy seafood. Malay cooking uses coconut milk as their main ingredient, that makes their food very tasty.

History

Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years later and became independent. It subsequently became one of the world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe.

Travel Information

The national airline is Singapore Airlines (SQ). Changi (SIN) is 20km east of the city (journey time – 30 minutes). Public transport and taxis are readily available to the city centre. The Mass Rapid Transit train system operates from the airport to the city centre and trains depart frequently. The Maxicab, a six-seater taxi shuttle, operates throughout the day; tickets must be bought in advance from the shuttle service counter in the arrivals hall. Airport facilities are Fitness centre, swimming pool, supermarket, medical clinics and full banking services (including money changing) to business centres and transit hotels with private bathrooms (advance booking is recommended for the hotels). There are left luggage facilities, post offices, bars and restaurants, extensive duty-free shops and car hire operators. Main ports: Singapore. The world’s busiest in terms of tonnage, it is served by a growing number of international passenger cruise lines. Cruising is one of the fastest-growing tourist development areas in Singapore. There is now also a number of international operators using Singapore as a base for cruises throughout South East Asia. Trains run to Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Malacca (Malaysia) on a route which extends to Bangkok (Thailand). Services operate daily between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur; some offer air conditioning and dining cars. There are also overnight trains with sleepers. The Eastern and Oriental Express is a luxurious train travelling from Thailand and Malaysia to Singapore. Singapore is connected to Malaysia and the mainland of Asia by two causeways: one which crosses the Johor Strait; the other linking Tuas in Singapore. Foreign motorists are required to pay a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) and a toll charge at the checkpoint upon entry into Singapore. Payment is to be paid using an electronic smartcard called an Autopass Card (sold at booths or VEP/toll offices at the checkpoint). Motorists need to show a valid road tax disc and an insurance certificate for the vehicle when buying the Autopass Card. Toll charges are payable upon arrival and departure from Singapore using the Tuas checkpoint and on departure from Singapore at the Woodlands checkpoint.

Accommodation

Singapore offers a wide variety of accommodation types to suit all budgets and preferences. They range from backpacker, budget and youth hostels to boutique and five-star hotels. Most hotels come with standard facilities like International Direct Dial (IDD) phones, internet and cable, room service, mini bars, data ports for modem, no-smoking rooms or floors, and business and fitness centres furnished with the latest equipment.

Visa Requirements

Visas not required by nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA. All nationals listed above require a Social Visit Pass, which is issued on arrival, provided the traveller holds a valid passport, sufficient funds to cover stay in Singapore, confirmed onward/return tickets and entry documentation for further destinations. For nationals holding British and Irish passports, the maximum length of stay is 30 days; for other nationals listed above the maximum length of stay is 14 days. Visitors on a Social Visit Pass are not permitted to work in Singapore. Extensions of up to 90 days can be applied for at the time. Nationals of countries not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Pregnant foreigners are exempted from seeking prior permission to visit Singapore. However, those who wish to deliver their child in Singapore must make a prior application to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Severe penalties are imposed on those found in possession of narcotics; the death penalty is in force for those convicted of trafficking in heroin or morphine. Passport valid for at least six months beyond date of departure required by all nationals of countries referred to above.

Getting Around

Sightseeing flights can be arranged locally through the Republic of Singapore Flying Club. The Singapore Cruise Centre is located at the World Trade Centre, about 10 minutes' drive from the city centre. Harbour cruises and ferry services to Singapore’s islands, Malaysia and the Indonesian Riau islands may be boarded at the ferry terminals located at the World Trade Centre and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal at Changi. A ferry for Sentosa, the most popular offshore island, leaves every 20 minutes starting at 0730. There are regular and well-maintained train services between all major cities and towns. Traffic drives on the left. All motorists driving into the city or travelling on some major roads are required to pay the ERP (Electronic Road Pricing). There is a well-developed system of local bus services run by two main companies. The service is cheap and efficient and operates throughout the day. Three City Buzz services loop the city. A SIA hop-on, hop-off service operates daily. There are additional peak-hours-only shuttle and minibus services. A flat fare system operates on the one-man routes. A timetable and route map are available from bookstores. There are several car hire/self-drive firms with offices at the airport and in hotels. A national driving licence is sufficient for stays up to one month. For visits beyond one month, an International Driving Permit is required. Trishaws is a traditional form of chauffeur-pedalled transport is a fun and exciting way to tour the streets of Singapore. Taxis are numerous and relatively cheap. They can be picked up from outside hotels and official ranks or flagged down in the streets. Taxis are metered. Some surcharges are not shown on the metre. It is possible to negotiate hourly rates for round-island tours. Singapore has one of the most advanced metro systems in the world. The trains operate 0530-0300 (0600-0000 on Sundays and public holidays) with stations being served on average every six minutes.

Health & Safety

Travellers from countries where there is an incidence of yellow fever need to have immunization records on arrival in Singapore. There are excellent medical facilities in Singapore. There is a high risk of dengue fever. Visitors should avoid poorly cooked food, particularly seafood, and be cautious of certain types of fish that contain biotoxins even if cooked. Health care is excellent but also very expensive and medical insurance is advised. Singapore is a very safe travel destination with crime limited to the odd theft. The Singapore Government has stepped up security measures following the terrorist attacks in Bali and is committed to maintaining Singapore's reputation as a safe destination.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 18-20 - Feb Chinese New Year. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 1 May - Labour Day. 31 May - Vesak Day (Birth of the Buddha). 9 Aug - National Day. 13 Oct - Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan). 8 Nov - Deepavali. 20 Dec - Hari Raya Haji (Feast of the Sacrifice). 25 Dec - Christmas Day.

Currency

Singapore Dollar (SGD)

Electricity

220-240v AC

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am-1.00pm and 2.00pm-5.00pm, Sat 9.00am-1.00pm.

Emergency Numbers

995(Ambulance/Fire) 999(Police)