Singapore has traded in its rough-and-ready opium dens and pearl luggers for towers of concrete and glass, and its steamy rickshaw image for cool efficiency and spotless streets, but you can still recapture the colonial era with a Singapore Sling under the languorous ceiling fans at Raffles Hotel. At first glance, Singapore appears shockingly modern and anonymous, but this is an undeniably Asian city where Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions from feng shui to ancestor worship create part of the everyday landscape - colourful contrasts that bring the city to life.
When to Go
Go anytime. Climate is not a major consideration, as Singapore gets fairly steady annual rainfall. Instead, coordinate your visit with one of the various festivals and events: Thaipusam is a spectacular Hindu festival, occurring around February. If shopping and eating are major concerns, April brings the Singapore Food Festival and the Great Singapore Sale is held in June.
Famous Tourist Attractions
Monument Art Gallery
Asian Civilisations Museum. Inside a grand old Empress Place building (1865) named in honour of Queen Victoria, the Asian Civilisations Museum is a must for any Singapore visit - escape the humidity, put your watch in your pocket and enter a timeless realm.
National Park Forest
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. This 164-hectare tract of undeveloped primary rainforest clinging to Singapore's highest peak - Bukit Timah - was established as a reserve in 1883.
Water Front Beach
Changi Village. On the far northeast coast of Singapore, Changi Village offers an escape from the city mayhem.
Museum
Chinatown Heritage Centre. Set on three floors of an old shophouse, the Chinatown Heritage Centre is an engaging museum focussing on the arduous everyday lives of Singapore's Chinese settlers
Park Butterfly Farm
Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom. You'll be fluttered by more than 50 species of butterfly inside the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Bar
Alley Bar. Sky-high ceilings, dark timbers, candlelight and slick stylings paint this alleyway bar with restrained melodrama. Yuppies and expats converse in shadowy, cushioned nooks, quaffing wine and on-tap Belgian beers.
Club/Disco
Actors. Gay-friendly Actors is more like an effeminate version of Cheers than an out-and-out gay bar; bartenders mete out vodka shooters and sympathy to queers and straights as required. Expect a relaxed vibe, a 25-to-35 crowd, impromptu musical jams and the odd game of pool.
Microbewery Pub
Brewerkz. Under deep awnings across the river from Clarke Quay, this microbrewery brews eight beers on site, including an Indian Pale Ale, Pilsener and Golden Ale. Happy hours run from opening to 21:00 , prices escalating throughout the day.
Fast Facts
Full Name
Singapore
Airports
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Area
692.7 sq km
Population
4,430,000
Time Zone
GMT/UTC +8 ()
Daylight Saving Start
None
Daylight Saving End
None
Languages
English (official)
Currency
Name: Singapore Dollar
Code: SGD
Symbol: S$
Electricity
220V 50HzHz
Electric Plug Details
European plug with two circular metal pins
