This a a pleasant haven in the midst of the hectic and frantic pace of the rest of Asia. Its streets are clean, the shops are well stocked and its people seem to get along with everyone quite well. Although it is a tiny island nation, Singapore does have lots of attractions and points of interest which make a visit to Singapore very rewarding.

Singapore is all too often overlooked as merely a great shopping stopover but if you take a while to discover this tiny island you'll be pleasantly surprised to find it has much more to offer. If you haven't got the time to explore southeast Asia at leisure, Singapore will give you the region in a microcosm. Amidst the skyscrapers and ultra­modern shopping centres one finds richly characterful areas with evocative names. Experience the spice and incense of Little India, the fascinating medicine shops of Chinatown with their weird and wonderful wares or the bargains to be had in the colourful trading cornucopia of Arab Street.

The island is a traveller's delight, with its super­efficient infrastructure everything is easily accessible - you can see the whole island and remain based in Singapore city. There's also a great range of attractions, including Sentosa - an island dedicated to fun and pleasure, one of the world's best open zoos, a night safari, a number of theme parks with an eastern flavour, lots of green pockets including a primary rainforest, seas and beaches, some elegant architecture in the Colonial district and a marvellous range of cuisine to be sampled.

The island has catapulted itself from a sleepy fishing backwater to become one of the leading 'Asian tigers' and the world's busiest port, after Rotterdam. This success owes much to an authoritative government and an obedient populace for which Singapore has been criticised. However, standards of living have risen and with it more a more liberal society is being forged.

Singapore is a mere 136km north of the equator so you can expect heat and humidity whatever time of year you visit, temperatures are high throughout the year and the wettest months are November, December and January, with July usually having the lowest rainfall.

So, take some time to discover the real Singapore, this fascinating mix of tradition and progress, and find out why it's 'so easy to enjoy, so hard to forget'.

Time

Tourist Offices

Visas & Passports

Customs

Money

Singapore is one of the leading financial centres of Asia and it is straightforward to change money using the many banks and moneychangers. Moneychangers can be found in most shopping areas and usually offer competitive rates, they also do not charge the commission that most banks do.

Banks are open from 10:00 to 15:00 Monday to Friday and 11:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays. Some are open from 11:00 to 16:00 on Sundays.

Shopping hours are generally from 09:00 to 18:00 with some of the most popular shopping centres staying open as late as 21:00. Most shops are open on Sunday too.

Post office hours are 8:30 to 17:00 on weekdays and from 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. A 24­hour service is offered by the post offices in the Fullerton Building and in the Comcare Centre, Exeter Road.

Transport

Public Holidays

Peak Seasons

Post & Telecommunications

IDD (international direct dialling) is available and the country code is 65. The outgoing international code is 005. The GPO operates Direct Home services which involve phones with buttons for direct connections to certain countries, from which reverse charge calls can be made. Phone cards are available from telecom centres and retail outlets and credit cards are accepted by some phones. Phone 103 for directory enquiries.

Electricity

Disabled Travellers

Student & Youth Travel

History

Naming the island
By the 14th century Temasek had become known as Singpura. This name was given to the island when the Prince of Palembang, forced by bad weather, landed on the uncharted island and, upon seeing a strange beast with a red body, black head and white breast, was advised it was a lion. The animal was probably actually a tiger, but this was how the Sanskrit name Singa Pura or Lion City came about.

Colonisation
A lack of historical accounts leaves some 400 years of the country's history undocumented. It's believed that it became an island of pirates, until 1819, when Thomas Stamford Raffles landed in Singapore and described as a rather grim place of swamps and jungle and small settlements of people, with hundreds of human skulls strewn along the beach. Raffles arrived on 29 February, and immediately recognised its strategic location. By 6 February he had managed, through canny manoeuvrings, to proclaim Tengku Hussein the new sultan of the land. Hussein was amenable to his plans, and granted Raffles permission to establish a British East India Company trading post there in return for an annual payment of USD3,000.00. This feat owed much to his ability to speak the Malay language and his knowledge of Malay politics gathered during his fifteen years of working in the Far East for the British East India company. Raffles had ultimate control over the island in his capacity as lieutenant­governor of Bencoolen. He appointed Major William Farquhar as Singapore's first resident.

Growth and Immigration
Singapore flourished, and immigrants, mostly traders from China, were attracted to this British outpost that served trade between Europe and Southeast Asia. Raffles had a vision for the development of the city and established various areas for the different nationalities of settlers. These areas still exist today, in the form of Little India, China Town and Arab Street. Raffles returned to England in 1923 because of ill health. The British took formal control of Singapore in 1924. At this time the island's population numbered over 11,000. By 1860 it had grown to some 80,000 people, with large Malay, Chinese and Indian components. John Crawford was the new resident, and he licenced the freeport's gambling houses to turn a profit for the British government. In 1926, Singapore was incorporated into the Straits Settlements along with Penang and Malacca, and these became a crown colony the following year.

Days of Syonan
Singapore was developed as a British naval and air base in case of conflict in the South Pacific. Such stringent measures were taken that the island was known as the 'Gibraltar of the East'. The Japanese began aircraft raids on 8 December 1941. Whilst the British had anticipated an invasion by sea or air, the Japanese took occupation by marching from the north via Malaya on 8 February 1942. The Japanese renamed the island 'Syonan', Light of the South and began to purge the population of Western influences. They were much feared by the Singaporeans and their oppressive reign lasted until 21 August 1945 when they surrendered to the Allies, leaving the economy in tatters. Singapore became a crown colony whilst Penang and Malaka joined the Malayan Union when the Straits Settlements were dissolved in 1946. The feeling for nationalism was on the rise and, in response, some opportunity for self­government was introduced in the form of the popular election of six members to a new 22­member Legislative Council. This measure did not rouse much enthusiasm among the people, with only 13,000 votes cast. Further measures were taken geared towards self­rule, and a constitution was enacted in early 1955.

Independence
The new constitution was eventually approved by the British Parliament after long negotiations, with the British refusing to relinquish defence and security control. Elections were set for May that year and PAP, the People's Action Party, won 53% of the popular vote and 43 seats out of 51. In June 1959, Singapore's first prime minister came to power, PAP secretary­general Lee Kuan Yew. He remained in office until 1990. Differences between the left and right wing leanings within the PAP lead to the expulsion of National Development minister, Ong Eng Guan. He went on to form his own party and campaign energetically for the withdrawal of the British military and full independence. Another splinter group, the Barisan Socialis, was formed by left­wing PAP radicals as increasing criticism was levelled at the government for failing to deliver merderka or full independence and self­government. This pressure, along with a fear of communism, resulted in a merger with Malaysia which was short­lived due to differences between the federation partners. This merger did however enable the PAP moderates to stabilise their power.

Fruits of Labour
On 9 August 1965, Singapore became a sovereign and independent nation and, on 22 December that year, a republic. At this time, the economy was in a poor state with a tenth of the population unemployed. An economic development plan for growth, employment and foreign investment resulted in an intense industrialisation program in 1965. Through wage and overtime restrictions the government was able to offer cheap labour, and full employment resulted in the 1970s. The country achieved a phenomenal industrial growth rate from 1968 to 1972, with an average of 23% per year. The strict measures and paternalistic government paid off for Singaporeans whose standard of living steadily rose over the following decades.

New Generation
A young generation of politicians came to the fore and on 28 November 1990, after 31 years as prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew was succeeded by Goh Chok Tong (although he still exerts a strong influence as special minister). Goh introduced a more accommodating government with opportunity for participation at community level. Singapore today is a stable and affluent society.

Economy

The government has a progressive long term strategy to bring Singapore's economic and social progress in line with that of a developed country. Objectives include creating a conducive climate for innovation, enhancing human resources, promoting national teamwork and developing manufacturing and service clusters. The Trade Development Board promotes and develops international trade, whilst the Economic Development Board encourages investment in manufacturing and assists business operations with various schemes.

Foreign investors are attracted by incentives such as tax concessions, excellent communications and financial infrastructure, an educated and industrious workforce and the free repatriation of profits and dividends. The US and UK are the largest foreign investors. US interests lie mainly in the electronics and chemical industries, whilst the UK concentrates on petroleum, petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Population

Government

The government has been accused of a paternalistic approach, but this has nevertheless brought about a stable society with an increasingly high standard of living. It has implemented a highly successful housing and urban redevelopment program, eradicating slum areas and providing affordable housing for nearly 90% of the population. The country has excellent health and education infrastructures, more than 90% of the population are literate and over 40% have secondary or university education. Social education campaigns are employed to get messages across. For example, birth control was advocated in the 80s but now larger families are encouraged and you'll see posters all over the MRT testifying to the joys of parenthood. The government has lightened up on censorship since the 80s and now actively encourages the arts. Consequently Singaporean society is gradually becoming less restrained.

Language

Religion

Food & Drink

Nonya (or Peranakan) food, is the closest you'll come to finding indigenous Singaporean cuisine. Nonya is a unique combination of Malay and Chinese cooking, the result being a spicy, piquant yet never fiery range of dishes. One of the most famous of these is laksa, a noodle dish served in a spicy coconut gravy. Chinese cuisine is prevalent, especially Cantonese cooking which includes dim sum specialities such as steamed buns with a centre of spicy pork or shrimp. Chinese herbal dishes are light and delicate and incorporate a balance of herbs, roots and fungi to promote good health. One of Singapore's most popular dishes is Hainanese chicken rice; slices of steamed chicken with soy sauce and sesame oil, served with a chilli, garlic and ginger sauce. Food cooked in the robust Szechuan tradition is also on offer, as well as the Peking dishes featuring the well­known Peking duck. Correctly served, Peking duck consists of three courses - a first course of pancakes with spring onion, plum sauce and crispy skin, a second course of duck meat stir­fried with vegetables and, finally, a duck soup. Seafood fundis will have a gastronomic feast in Singapore with its abundant fruits of the seas perfected in dishes like chilli crab and squid in black­bean sauce.

You can dine modestly at one of the hawker centres or food courts where you can choose a wide variety of tempting dishes from individual stalls, and rest assured that the health and hygiene standards are very high and regularly monitored. Alternately, you can choose from a host of restaurants, ranging from basic to opulent; you'll find virtually every national cuisine catered for by a restaurant in Singapore. There's plenty of choice around Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Bugis Street and Tanjong Pagar. Coffee shops and tea rooms are a popular way to spend an afternoon and have a snack. You'll find them concentrated in the old shophouses of Chinatown. Tipping is not expected but a 10% service charge is usually levied in restaurants.

Try exotic tropical fruits such as lychee, rambutan, jackfruit and the much celebrated spiky durian which is banned from hotels and the MRT because of its powerful smell. Tiger and Anchor are popular local beers, and wines and spirits are widely available (and, of course, no visit is complete without trying a Singapore Sling).

Entertainment

Nightlife is busy with a plethora of pubs, bar, discos and, for those that can endure, karaoke bars. Good centres to catch the action are Orchard Road, Tanjong Pagar, Boat Quay and Clarke Quay which has buskers and street entertainment. Holland road has it own lively atmosphere, whilst Bugis Street offers cabaret and Broadway style shows. Something different is the Chinese Street Opera or wayang where distinctive make­up and extravagant costumes are used to dramatize Chinese myths and legends of yore.

Sport

Shopping

What to buy? Well, frankly, anything and everything - your budget and luggage allowance need be your only limitation. Designer labels, jewellery, clocks and watches, electronic and electrical goods, cosmetics and perfumes, photographic equipment, fabrics, optical good, sports equipment, and toys are all available with the widest range you're likely to find anywhere. Prices are usually competitive, though not necessarily as cheap as some visitors would believe. If you're in town over June and July you'll be able to take advantage of the annual city­wide sale.

If you spend SGD500.00 or more you may apply for a refund of the 3% Goods and Services Tax (GST). You must however spend this amount at one shop, or at shops belonging to the same retail chain. This service is available at participating shops, which display a 'tax refund' sign. Claimants should complete a claim form and then present this along with the purchases for customs inspection at the airport on departure. A refund will be posted or made to the visitor's credit card account. Cautious buyers should be aware of the Good Retailers Scheme, which are shops recommended by the Singapore Tourism Promotion Board (STPB). You will recognise members by the Merlion stickers (half fish, half lion). The names of shops to avoid are published in a list of errant retailers available from STPB offices.

Shows & Festivals

Ponggal is a four­day thanksgiving festival celebrated by Hindus in January. A bowl of rice is cooked in a new pot and allowed to boil over to signify prosperity. The celebrations are centred around Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple where food is prepared accompanied by the sound of prayers, drums, bells and conch shells. The food is offered to the gods and then consumed by the devotees to purge themselves of sin.

January is also the time for the annual Singapore River Raft Race which is held at Clarke Quay and is a memorable event as rafts of all shapes, sizes and design race down Singapore River.

In February the astonishing festival of Thaipusam takes place when, after rigorous preparation, entranced Hindu penitents proceed through the streets on a 3km (1.9 mile) route from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to the Sri Thankayuthapani Temple. Their bodies pierced by spikes and hooks, carrying kavadis which are ornate metal arches, they are accompanied, with much encouragement and beating of drums, by friends and family. The entranced devotees are apparently oblivious to pain and shed no blood.

Chingay, the Chinese Lunar New Year, takes place between the end of January and the middle of February. Chinatown becomes a hive of activity as debts are settled, houses cleaned, and new clothes bought in preparation for the new year. The highlight is a grand procession of floats, lion dancers, stilt walkers, acrobats and martial artists through Orchard Street.

Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated by the Muslim community at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. The traditionally Muslim area of Geyland Serai is ablaze with lights and a night market selling festival goods runs from late January until early March.

Qing Ming Festival takes place at the beginning of the third lunar month, usually in April when family graves are spruced up and offerings of incense and food are made at temples and cemeteries.

Singapore World Invitational Dragon Boat Races take place in June. They honour Qu Yuan, an ancient poet and statesman who drowned himself in the Mi Lo River in protest against corruption. Legend has it that local fishermen tried to save him but were too late, so they pounded the water with paddles and threw rice into the water to keep the fish from devouring his body. In honour of his memory, the boat races are accompanied by the making and eating of rice dumplings. Teams from over 20 countries pit their skills at Sentosa's Siloso Beach.

The country celebrates its National Day with pomp and ceremony at the national stadium. There are lots of displays by community groups, as well as cultural offerings with bands, marches and fireworks.

Taoists believe that spirits and ghosts are allowed to leave hell and wander the earth during the seventh lunar month. This is aptly known as the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts. To appease these aberrant spirits, sumptuous banquets are held, wayangs (Chinese street operas) are performed, insense is burnt and hell currency notes are burnt as offerings.

Mooncake festival is held in mid­autumn, at full moon, usually in September. It is held to celebrate the overthrow of the Yuan Dynasty by the Chinese and is accompanied by parade of colourful, decorated lanterns. In keeping with tradition, mooncakes are eaten. Mooncakes are rich pastries filled with red bean paste or lotus seed and the yolks of salted eggs. It is believed that the Chinese used them to smuggle messages which played an important role in freeing the Chinese people.

Deepavali or the Festival of Light happens in October or November. It is the Hindu celebration of the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Little India becomes a fairyland of lights to mark the occasion.

The festival of Thimithi takes place around October/November when devotees prove their faith by running over burning embers, entranced by prayer at the Sri Mariamman Temple.

A pilgrimage to Kusu Island takes place over a month between October and November. Legend has it that a Malay and a Chinese sailor were shipwrecked and rescued by a giant turtle that transformed itself into an island to save the men. The Taoist temple, Tua Pek Kong, is inundated with worshippers during the ninth lunar month when devotees come to pray for prosperity, good luck and fertility.

Parks & Reserves

The 52­hectare (30­acre) Botanic Gardens are situated a short drive from the centre of Singapore city. Here you'll find manicured, formal gardens as well as primary jungle. It is a lovely place for a stroll, and has some quaint, unexpected sculptures. The National Orchid Garden is also here with its spectacular range of species and hybrids of the national flower, as well beautiful greenhouses with epiphytes and bromeliads.

Just 12km (7.5 miles) from downtown Singapore is the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, a 81­hectare (200­acre) primary rainforest. Bukit Timah is a hill, 162.5m (535ft) high, and the highest natural point in Singapore. The forest has a 7.5km (4.7 mile) mountain bike track and five footpaths from which you can view a diversity of birds, butterflies, monkey and flying lemurs. Over 840 flowering plant species and 10,000 species of beetles have been estimated to live in the rainforest.

Sungei Buloh Nature Park is an 87­hectare (215­acre) wetland nature reserve that is home to over 160 species of birds, such as bee­eaters and herons. The park is a haven and stopover for migratory birds on their long journey along the East Asian Highway from September to March. You can view the birds from well­camouflaged bird hides that are found along footpaths in the park.

The Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden are located next to each other in the middle of Jurong lake. The Chinese Garden is in the style of Beijing's Summer Palace, and one of its gardens has over 3,000 bonsai trees. Cross over a bridge into the Japanese Garden, also known as the Garden of Tranquillity, wich is the essence of simplicity with its serene design.

The Mandai Orchid Gardens is a visual riot of colourful blooms.

Fort Canning Park is a site rich in history. It was originally known as Bukit Larangan (Forbidden Hill) and archaeological findings have traced its history back to Temasek and the Malay kings who ruled in the 14th century. An ancient tomb on the slopes of the hill is believed to hold the remains of the last king of Singapura and the site is venerated by Muslims. Its a spacious park and offers good views from the top of the hill.

MacRitchie, Peirce, Lower Seletar and Seletar Reservoirs are surrounded by jungle and designated nature reserves. MacRitchie and Seletar are also popular picnic spots and have pleasant pathways.

Marina South City Park is a wide open space that is a popular kite­flying spot and features a giant sundial and sculptures.

Climate

Geography

Health

Safety