You may have heard the saying "Singapore is a fine city." You get fined for this, fined for that... You could even get fined for chewing gum (it caused a major door drama that stopped the Mrt subway running). While there's no doubt that Singapore takes a tough stand on fines for anti-social issues and basic collective behaviour, Singapore is also fine city for a tourists on a stopover or vacation break.
In fact, Singapore is one of the world's most favorite destinations. A tiny island with considerable appeal, lying between Malaysia and Indonesia. Just 14 miles from north to south and 26 miles wide from east to west, it's slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, Dc. Singapore lies in the heart of attractive Southeast Asia, a bridge between east and west and a place that buzzes 24/7.
Orchard Card Bank
It offers visitors a world of marvelous possibilities. Its ultra-modern skyscrapers and towers of glass dissimilarity with the colonial charm of historic buildings, inexpressive laneways and Chinese shop houses.
It's a blurring of culture with slick style and firm energy. A melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian races. Safe, fun and friendly, the excellent place for a break. Singaporeans are super helpful to visitors and just about every person speaks English as this is the main language of firm and daily life.
Singapore is also just a few degrees from the equator, so it's all the time a hot and happening place literally. Tip: dress for the tropics with light comfortable clothing.
Seven great things to do and see.
Singapore Shopping. A buyer's paradise.
The whole one attraction is nothing else but shopping. Gad down the main boulevard of Orchard Road and you'll find plentifulness to tempt you and your prestige card, but window shopping costs nothing. Each side of the road is lined with slippery designer boutiques, big shop and marvelous malls, not to mention shops displaying the most recent digital wizardy.
Don't miss exploring the other side of Singapore either. It's fun to spend a day wandering the distinct locales and historic backstreets of Chinatown, limited India and Arab Street.
Enjoy a Singapore Sling at Raffles.
"When in Singapore, feed at Raffles", that was the advice of the celebrated English author, Rudyard Kipling, and it still holds true today. The legendary Raffles Hotel is consistently voted as one of the top hotels in the world. It attracted a bevy of literary talent to its doors, from Joseph Conrad to Somerset Maugham to Noel Coward who were inspired by its unique atmosphere. First opened in 1887, Raffles has undergone unabridged recovery over the years but today it's still as stylish as ever.
Now film celebrities, royalty, sports stars and anyone who's anyone, chooses to stay Raffles. Even if your allocation doesn't allow an overnight booking, you could probably stretch to a refreshing Gin Sling in the Long Bar - it was invented here. Bartender Ngiam Tong Boon created this deliciously distinct cocktail close to a century ago.
Food glorious food.
Making money is not the only things on people's minds in Singapore. The subject of food is a national obsession. After morning meal has finished, where to have lunch and dinner are the big topics of the day. As a visitor, your taste buds are spoiled for option with plentifulness of food halls, stalls, cafes and upmarket restaurants.
Nonya or Peranakan food is the closest Singapore has to a "national" cuisine. It combines Chinese, Malay and other influences into its own unique blend. The resulting dishes are imaginative, tasty and often very subtle.
Travel tip: If you're heading this way in the month of July, the yearly Singapore Food Festival is in full swing. A gastronomic feast of workshops, places to eat, marvelous recipes and things to try are all on the menu.
Singapore Zoo Night Safari.
Forget a typical zoo experience, this is an "open" green environment where animals are allowed to roam in acres of lush jungle and parklands. Oppressive cages are absent.
The animals are nothing else but kept in spacious, landscaped enclosures, separated from visitors by dry or wet moats. The moats are concealed with vegetation or dropped below the line of vision.
At night, Singapore zoo takes on a totally distinct feel with the celebrated Night Safari. A unique palpate of exploring wildlife in a tropical jungle at night. Through subtle lighting, you can view over 1,000 nocturnal animals from 100 species in their habitat. It's well worth spending an evening out here. Show time starts at 7.30 as the sunset in this part of world is very reliable, thanks to the position, close to the equator.
Sentosa. Singapore's premier island resort getaway.
Just 15 minutes from uptown Singapore, you'll find the resort getaway that is Sentosa Island. A striking blend of free time and recreational facilities, sea sports, golf and peaceful retreats. Get there by cable car (fantastic views) or bus, taxi and car.
A canopy of secondary rainforest covers 70 per cent of the 500-hectare island and it's home to monitor lizards, monkeys, peacocks, parrots as well as other native fauna and flora. With is long stretch of white sandy beach, this is the only place in Singapore with real beachfront accommodation, such as Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort. You'll find this property (and many more choices all over Singapore) at sites like http://www.hotel.com.au/singapore
Clarke Quay. Night moves and grooves.
When the sun goes down, Clarke Quay, on the Singapore River, comes to life. While the 19th century, this was a commercial waterfront area, bustling with merchant vessels. The rich inheritance is alive and kicking. The Quay been restored to create a colorful and stylish meeting place, filled with cosy cafes, bars, music and restaurants. Trendy night spots attract a big crowd, especially at the weekend.
Reflexology. Customary Foot Massage.
Transport-wise, Singapore is easy to get around, by subway, bus or taxi, but you'll probably pound the sidewalks taking in the sights and sounds of this great Asian destination. Make time for some pampering.
Reflexology or foot massage has long been part of Chinese tradition and culture - a superb way to relax after a tough day trade hunting. You'll find plentifulness of places to enjoy a massage, at exclusive Hotel spas, or the more reasonably priced specialty outlets all nearby Orchard Road, in shopping centres and Tanglin Road.
Singapore hotels to match every budget.
Singapore is one of the world's top voyage destinations, especially for stop overs. (U.S. Citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa.) Accommodation-wise, you'll find a wide range of hotels to suit your allocation - from major 5 star international names to smaller hotels contribution great value rates. Book online and see the deals you can find.
During holiday time, Chinese New Year and While special festivals, it pays to book ahead because Singapore is all the time a fine experience. Web sites such as http://www.hotel.com.au/singapore have dozens of choices, in the shopping, firm and nightlife districts.
Destination Singapore: A Fine City For All The Right Reasons
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