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Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia. Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, since independence it has become one of the world's most prosperous countries and boasts the world's busiest port. Combining the skyscrapers and subways of a modern, affluent city with a medley of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences and a tropical climate, with tasty food, good shopping and a vibrant nightlife scene, this Garden City makes a great stopover or springboard into the region. A dynamic and multifaceted Asian city. Though steeped in colonial history and the rich traditions of its myriad immigrants, it is also a lively business hub.

Some refer to her as the “little red dot”, but Singapore’s presence in the world today is larger than that moniker. In fact, Singapore is a bustling cosmopolitan city that offers a world-class living environment, with her landscape populated by high-rise buildings and gardens.

Reflected in the mirrored skyscrapers, mosques and temples, Starbucks and silk markets, incarnations of past and present sit side by side in an unusual East meets West harmony.

 Over the centuries, waves of Chinese, Indian and European settlers have come to Singapore and left their mark on its heritage. From the roots of this old world has grown a multicultural, bustling, 21st century city.

The Republic of Singapore is an independent nation in Southeast Asia. Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, separated only by the narrow Strait of Johor from the mainland, it is a prosperous nation whose people enjoy one of the highest standards of living in Asia. Singapore's resident population of over 4.2 million inhabitants is comprised of 77% Chinese, 14% Malay, 8% Indian and 1% others. Common languages English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. English is widely spoken. 

So, while you reach the heights of designer shopping and cutting edge technology you will experience the humid tropical breezes, the heady scent of jasmine, and the burning incense of a bygone age. One interesting facet you’ll discover about Singapore is a ubiquitous collage of cultures, where people of different ethnicities and beliefs coexist. Besides a vibrant multicultural experience, there’s more you can discover about Singapore.

Today, Singapore has a highly developed market-based economy, based historically on extended entrepôt trade. Along with Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan, Singapore is one of the original Four Asian Tigers. The Singaporean economy is known as one of the freest, most innovative, most competitive, most business friendly and least corrupt in the world.

The 2011 Index of Economic Freedom ranks Singapore as the second freest economy in the world, behind Hong Kong. According to the Corruption Perceptions Index Singapore is also consistently ranked as one of the least corrupt countries in the world, along with New Zealand and the Scandinavian countries.

GO THERE FOR

The Food - If there is one thing that Singaporeans prize above all else, it’s food. Fine dining has arrived in Singapore with a delectable array of gourmet restaurants. In stunning settings around the city, celebrity chefs make their mark on Asian dining and the local audience is beyond appreciative. But it’s not all about glamour. Authenticity is of equal value. Perhaps the most authentic and enjoyable dining experience can be had at the Hawker Centre. Here you will find a vast array of flavourful but unpretentious cuisines from all ethnic origins. Newton Circus is also a must and the legendary chilli crab at East Coast Seafood Centre shouldn’t be missed either.

Shopping - Whatever your preference when spending your dough, it can be found in Singapore. Whether it is swanky designer labels, independent designer stores, funky market baubles, or reams of Indian silk, you’ll find it here. The craft shops and markets can be very interesting and those who want a sari made couldn’t find a better place to get one short of going to India.

History - Unlike many of Asia’s modern cities, Singapore has taken great care to preserve its history. It offers everything from mosques and temples to colonnaded hotels. Some parts of the city look as though they haven’t changed at all over the decades. It is as if you’ve stepped into a romantic colonial world immersed in the wonder of the exotic orient. Other areas have been tastefully modernised, retaining the façade of their historical shadows, but offering sleek interior décor and serving a range of cosmopolitan purposes.

Culture - There are always a number of cultural happenings in Singapore - from touring pop stars and fashion shows to ballet companies and art exhibitions. The Esplanade is a self appointed den of culture, but you will find cultural displays scattered throughout the city. One might sit in the Writer’s Bar at the Raffles Hotel where many famous literary figures have been inspired to put pen to paper.

Nightlife - With the likes of Attica, Zouk and Butter Factory coming to the city, Singapore’s nightlife has taken on a momentum of its own!  There are converted warehouses which offer multi-storey spaces with pumping beats and plenty of sexy clubs where you will rub shoulders with beautiful people. There is also no shortage of swanky bars.  Options vary from waterside venues in Clarke Quay to Ibiza’s own Café Del Mar by the beach on Sentosa.  Plus, if you find yourself bored by the conversation, there are plenty of glamorous bars with stunning views to distract you.

DON'T MISS

The Night Safari at Singapore Zoo - More like a safari park than a regular zoo, the animals roam freely through 40 hectares of landscape with enclosures disguised as natural features of their habitat. See the glowing eyes and mysterious behaviour of over 1000 night creatures in their nocturnal element.

A Singapore Sling at the Long Bar - This may be a tourist trap, but come a little later to enjoy the fading afternoon light through the shutters, the whirring rattan fans, and the decadent sense of history while sipping on a freshly made Singapore Sling. Also, head to the Writers Bar where you can feel the rich literary history while you enjoy a G&T.

The Orchard Road Scene - Orchard Road is really the centre of Singapore’s pulsing city scene. It is the perfect place for shopping, strolling, posing, and general people watching. Also in the area are a few must-see tourist sights. Take a moment from your shopping to visit the famed Merlion and the Esplanade arts centre.

Fort Canning Park - Once a sacred burial ground for the ancient Malays, Fort Canning Park took on a new significance in the 1800s when it became a military ground for colonials throughout their tenure. It is now scattered with artefacts from its long history and tributes modern Singapore by housing art instalments and open air ballets.

Sentosa Island - Sentosa is the Malay word for tranquillity and the title couldn’t be more fitting. Watching the sunset from one of the island’s many luxurious beach bars is most definitely a restful experience. In addition to relaxing days by the seaside, stylish five star resorts, and lush golf courses, Sentosa offers adventure sports, botanical attractions, and charming cable car transport. Recently Sentosa has added fine dining and all-night concept clubs to the list of attractions. Visit St. James Power Station (located right before the entrance to Sentosa) and Singapore’s very own Café Del Mar while you’re there.

The new integrated resort in Sentosa is called Resorts World Sentosa and boasts a casino, Universal Studios theme park and a myriad of hotels, designer shops and world-class restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs. Upcoming attractions at Resorts World Sentosa include a Marine Life Park, Maritime Experiential Museum and Festive Walk which will be chock-a-block with clubs, retail stores and gourmet restaurants. 

BASICS

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GETTING AROUND

From the airport… Changi Airport is located on the eastern tip of the island. The 20km journey into town takes around 20 minutes by taxi and costs approximately SGD 20 (there is a 50% surcharge from midnight to 6am). You can also take a six-seater MaxiCab that will drop you at your hotel for SGD 7.

The more energetic of you can hop on the MRT at the new Changi Airport station. The airport itself is a traveller’s dream. It is efficient and spacious and its top-notch services include a movie theatre, a fitness centre (Terminal 1), business and internet centres, a rooftop swimming pool and jacuzzi (Terminal 1), postal and telecommunications offices, over 30 food and beverage outlets (Terminal 1 and 2), a 24-hour medical centre (Terminal 2), and a Sky Train for passengers commuting between terminals. This free service takes less than two minutes. This airport even includes its own hotel. The Crowne Plaza Hotel occupies a site of approximately 7,700 square metres and is located next to Terminal 3. A nine-storey building has over 300 rooms, it’s equipped with amenities and facilities such as a swimming pool, restaurants, meeting and conference rooms, spa lounges, as well as a health and fitness club.

Around Town...

MRT The immaculate air-conditioned subway system known as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is efficient and pleasant. Machines in the stations dispense single-ride tickets, with a refundable SGD 1 deposit for each trip. EZ link travel cards can be used on the subway and buses. A nightbus service operates from midnight until 4am seven nights a week.

Taxis Singapore has over 15,000 metered, air-conditioned taxis.  Usually there are more than enough but when it starts to rain, booking a cab alone can take up to an hour. Taxis can be flagged down but your best bet is the designated taxi stands outside shopping centres and hotels. Note that smoking is not permissible in taxi queues. Most drivers speak basic English but it is advisable to have your destination in writing just in case. 

WHEN TO GO

One degree north of the equator, Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate. It remains consistently hot and humid all year round (minimum 23 degrees to a maximum of 31 degrees on average). There is also a lot of rain that falls mainly in heavy but brief afternoon thunderstorms. Rain is especially heavy during the monsoon season from November to January.

Singapore reaps the benefits of a multicultural society by celebrating everyone’s national holidays! So whatever time of year you choose to visit, there is likely to be festivity looming. Everything from the Chinese New Year and Easter to National Day, Hari Raya, Deepavali, Mid Autumn (Moon Cake) Festival, and last but by no means least, Christmas, are celebrated there.

Singapore is a dynamic and multifaceted Asian city. Though steeped in colonial history and the rich traditions of its myriad immigrants, it is also a lively business hub.

Some refer to her as the “little red dot”, but Singapore’s presence in the world today is larger than that moniker. In fact, Singapore is a bustling cosmopolitan city that offers a world-class living environment, with her landscape populated by high-rise buildings and gardens.

Reflected in the mirrored skyscrapers, mosques and temples, Starbucks and silk markets, incarnations of past and present sit side by side in an unusual East meets West harmony.

Over the centuries, waves of Chinese, Indian and European settlers have come to Singapore and left their mark on its heritage. From the roots of this old world has grown a multicultural, bustling, 21st century city.

So, while you reach the heights of designer shopping and cutting edge technology you will experience the humid tropical breezes, the heady scent of jasmine, and the burning incense of a bygone age.

One interesting facet you’ll discover about Singapore is a ubiquitous collage of cultures, where people of different ethnicities and beliefs coexist. Besides a vibrant multicultural experience, there’s more you can discover about Singapore.