Singapore

"Singapore : A Recreation of Adventure"

Singapore Tourism

Representing the spirit of modern Asia, Singapore is a progressive island where one can witness the vibrant fusion of cultures, ethnicity, communities and most importantly, people. The place is a complete package full of excitement, surprises and charm, especially for the first time visitors.

Singapore is a cosmopolitan city-state, which, over the years, has grown from its tag of dull state to reinvent itself as a dynamic city and one of the Southeast Asiaês most modern destinations. Spread 42 km (26 miles) east to west and 23 km (14 miles) north to south, today Singapore is one of the worldês leading shipping and banking hub on the economic front. This garden city is also a melting pot of cultures, combining together different ideas, cuisines, new architectures going well with the gleaming hint of old school. One can witness the Chinese, Indian, Malay and European influence in the daily life of Singapore adding to its charm. 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 plethora of other options for entertainment such as Sentosa Island, Singapore Zoo, Botanic Garden, Marina Bay Sands, Tiger Balm Garden, Night Market etc. With picture perfect skyline and city centre bustling with people, Singapore is an amazing destination offering everything a traveller could think of.

Top Things To Do In Singapore

Hotels in Singapore

Singapore Photos

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Currency of Singapore

Singaporean Dollar, symbolized as $ (SGD) Almost all the major credit card brands are widely accepted in Singapore including Visa and MasterCard (although a 3 % surcharge may by charged by some shops, taxis may charge up to 15 %). Travellerês cheques are usually not accepted, however, can be cashed at most of the exchange booths. EZ-Link and Nets Flash Pay cards are valid in case of some convenience stores and fast food chains. The Brunei Dollar, which is at par with Singaporean Dollar, can be used interchangeably in both the countries.

Currency Exchange in Singapore

Currency exchange in Singapore is done in banks as well as currency exchange booths found in almost every shopping mall. Generally, these booths offer better rates, opening hours and much faster service than banks. The Mustafa Mall, which is open 24 hours, accepts almost any currency at a very good rate with equal competitiveness as the small shops located at Change Alley next to Raffles Place MRT. Rates at the airport are not as good as in the city, so avoid exchanging there. The ATMs are easily available throughout the island in large numbers.

Daily Budget (Excluding Accomodation)

Singapore in general is an expensive country by the standards of the Asian countries. Although, the city caters to the taste and interest of each kind of tourist, the minimum budget for backpackers, mid-rangers and luxury travellers are higher in comparison to the neighbouring countries. The cost of travelling in Singapore per day and per person (excluding hotel expense) is as follows: Budget Traveling: SGD 30 - 40 approximately Comfortable travel: SGD 50 - 90 approximately Luxury travel: SGD 100+ (sky is the limit)

Religion

Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Islam and Christianity are considered the major religions of Singapore. Most people practice two religions - primary and secondary.

Customs of Singapore

Singapore is a racial mixture of people from several distinct communities and culture. However, Singaporeans have created a culture of their own irrespective of their ethnicities. 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. Make sure to never pin point someone or something with a finger, just raise your hand for indication. Western type of clothing is most common here. Men usually wear shirt, slacks and tie for business and women wear blouses with sleeves with skirts or pantsuits. For normal routine, any kind of casual clothes can be worn. Gender discrimination is legal offence, thus take care to not disrespect anyone. Tipping is usually practiced in Singapore in restaurants and hotels. A standard tip of 10 % of final bill is given. Make sure to handover the tip to waitperson specifically, as owners might keep any cash left at table. It is not customary to tip anyone except waitperson and bellhop at hotels.

Language of Singapore

Singapore is potpourri of people from various ethnic groups and religion. Thus many languages are spoken widely. However, English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil are considered the four official languages of Singapore. English is the most widely spoken language and is regarded as business language of the country.

History of Singapore

According to the historical records, the story of Singapore goes as back as third century, then referred to as ?island at the end of peninsulaê. It was between 1298 and 1299 AD that the first settlement was established when the city came to be known as ?Temasekê or Sea Town. According to a legend, the current name of the country came into being during 14th century when a prince of Palembang (capital of Srivijaya) saw an animal he had never seen before while on his hunting trip. Taking it as a good omen, he named the city ?Singapuraê or ?the lion cityê derived from the Sanskrit words ?Simhaê meaning ?lionê and ?puraê meaning ?cityê. Soon, the city located at the tip of Malay Peninsula (natural meeting point of various sea routes) became the major trading hub for Arabs dhows, Chinese junk, Portuguese battleships and Buginese schooners. However, the modern city of Singapore was founded in 19th century by Sir Thomas Stanford Raffles. After passing from various hands of power, the island was handed over to British in 1946 as its crown colony. The revolution for independence came about in 1959 when countryês first general elections were held and Lee Kuan Yew became first prime Minister of Singapore. One can witness the imprints of the islandês rich past and struggle at various museums, monuments and memorials.

Nightlife in Singapore

Singapore is an entirely different city at daytime and an absolutely different picture at night. The city very efficiently transforms itself from punctual and efficient to dancing and enjoying the present type at night. The nightclubs and bars around Clark Quay are pulsating with music and constantly buzzing with people all around. Tourists come out of the travelersê mode and give in to the high energy around Orchard Street at numerous caf_ and rooftop bars. Where Singaporeans are efficient employees during daytime, they are equally efficient at pubbing and clubbing at night. This is the true essence of this Lion City, and you have to experience it.

Shopping in Singapore

With several great options to shop at, one can find literally anything on this island. Orchard Road, 2.2km long, is one of the most popular shopping streets comprising of about 20 shopping centers alone. Haji Lane is yet another place that is regarded as a paradise for Singaporeês hipsters offering rage of cool casual wears. Tion Bahru is known fir its high fashion sense and numerous lifestyle boutiques. Other major shopping places of Singapore are Little India, Chinatown, Holland Road Shopping Center, Dempsey Road, and Vivo City.  Mustafa mall is a duty free mall for shopping in budget. Happy Shopping!