| |
Guide to Singapore, Singapore
|
Click to go to Flight Prices for Singapore
|
Singapore
A city, island and country all in one, Singapore is a truly unique place. On the one hand it is Asia through and through. Chinatown bustles with life, Little India buzzes with street vendors and tempting aromas, and the Arabian quarter is awash with vibrant textiles. On the other hand, Singapore is a powerhouse of business and progress. From the dazzling waterfronts, skyscrapers and hotels to the traditional districts, the diversity of Singapore makes it a brilliant place to visit.
How To Get There
Singapores international flight hub, Changi International Airport, ranks as one of the busiest in the world. It has everything a traveller might need from shops, restaurants and internet points to free leg massage machines. It is twelve miles away from the centre of Singapore, and the metro system is a good way to travel. Buses and taxis are also available, as well as car rental services, but we advise sticking to public transport instead of driving.
Travelling Around
Most commuters and tourists take the citys MRT subway system. During rush hour the subway system is completely clogged with travellers, so youre better off taking a taxi or a bus. Rickshaws can be an exciting alternative.
When To Go
Weather in Singapore is beautiful most of the year, though it gets its fair share of rainfall. The city gets a few tropical breezes here and there as a result of its proximity to the coast, and whether you plan to visit in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, you can rest assured that the weather will be pleasant. Festivals occur throughout the year in Singapore, but we recommend visiting in February when the Hindu thanksgiving festival of Thaipusam takes place. If you like ethnic cuisine, you might want to visit in June when the Singapore Food Festival and the Great Singapore Sale take place.
What To See
Singapores Chinatown bristles with culture. Youre bound to find something intriguing that captures your attention among the roadside merchants, shops, and street entertainment. In the middle of Chinatown is the Sri Mariamman Temple, is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Dedicated to the healing goddess, the temple hosts the Thimithi Festival every October during which devotees walk over hot coals.
Singapore was founded by the colonial settler Sir Stamford Raffles. Visit the Empress Place Building to find out about his life and work. Inside the building are a number of attractions including a museum, art and antique galleries and a beautiful restaurant. Nearby are St Andrews Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.
Orchard Road is something of a playground for the rich. Lined with exclusive shops, nightspots and restaurants, its a great place to soak up some Singaporean glamour.
The most frequented tourist sites in Singapore are on Sentosa Island. There are museums, aquariums, beaches, parks, and a variety of hostels for backpackers.
Children will love the Jurong Bird Park. This twenty hectare sanctuary is well known for its Waterfall Aviary - a massive open-air forest dome with a thirty metre waterfall and thousands of birds. Other attractions include the pelican cove flamingo lake, and underwater viewing gallery. Also great for young ones are the Zoo & Night Safari and Underwater World.
Hotspot
For something a bit different, head out to Changi Village on the east coast. While it isnt exactly a deserted beach paradise, Changi is something of a hidden gem. It has a village air, and the beaches are rarely crowded. Try the famous nasi lemak from the stall in the shopping centre, or sit up late in one of the night cafes.
Night Life
Many visitors to Singapore head straight to Raffles for the iconic Singapore Sling. While this is a must for tradition lovers keen for a slice of old time Singapore, cheaper drinks can be found in Chinatown. The golden triangle consists of Zouk, Mohammed Sultan Road and Boat Quay all within a short taxi ride of each other. Drinks are pricey, so look out for happy hours. Wednesday night is usually Ladies Night. The live music scene isnt great, but its slowly improving.
fast facts
- the name Singapore comes from the Malay words singa meaning lion and pura which means city
- it lies137 kilometres (85 miles) north of the Equator
- the national symbol of Singapore is the merlion - a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish
- Singapores national flower is the Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid, discovered by American Agnes Joaquim in 1893
Quick History
The first mention of Singapore was in a 3rd century Chinese account which described it as the island at the end of a peninsula. Before that, little is known about the island's history.
By the 14th century, Singapore had become part of the powerful Sri Vijayan empire and was known as Temasek or Sea Town. Thanks to its positioning at the natural meeting point of sea routes at the point of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore was a stop off for all sorts of sea vessels from Chinese junks, Indian vessels, Arabian dhows to Portuguese battle ships.
Singapore got its current name in the 11th century, when a visiting prince saw an animal he thought was a lion. He named the island Singa Pura or Lion City.
During the 18th century, the British Empire needed a strategic base to monitor their territories, and Singapore was chosen. At the same time Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a trading station. Free trade policy attracted merchants from all over Asia, America and the Middle East. By 1824, the population of Singapore had grown from 150 to 10,000.
In 1832, Singapore was declared centre of government for the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore. With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the invention of the telegraph and steamship, the islands importance increased.
The Japanese overran Singapore in 1942 during World War II. After the war it became a Crown Colony, and nationalistic feeling led to self-government in 1959. On 9 August 1965, Singapore became an independent republic.
Lingo
Singapore has four official languages English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.
Money
There are around three Singapore Dollars to the pound. Up-to-date exchange rates can be found on this currency converter.
|
|
|
