Best Time to Travel
As it’s located right in the tropics, Singapore’s climate is more or less the same year round, with temperatures rarely dipping below the mid-20s even at night. It means that whenever you come, loose, light clothes are essential to beat the humidity, but fortunately air conditioning is a feature of most places. Formula 1 fever hits Singapore each September, with hotels quickly getting booked up and prices leaping. Still, if you’re a motorsports fan, there’s no better time to visit.
Not to Miss
Clarke Quay is the heart and soul of Singapore, packed with riverside restaurants and trendy nightspots. It’s from this point that Singapore first blossomed, after it began life as a trading outpost. Out on the water, old Chinese junks have been given a new lease of life as floating restaurants, adding a touch of romantic nostalgia, while on shore, it’s super-modern shopping malls and entertainment venues which hold sway. This is the focal point for Singaporean festivals, and every evening seems to provide festivities of some description.
Getting around
Singapore’s Changi Airport is a global hub, and one of the busiest in the world, so getting here is easy. The airport is located about 30 minutes east of downtown Singapore, and is very well connected by public transport and taxis. One of the most convenient ways of getting around the city is on the MRT light rail system, which will shuttle you around the key districts. Singapore is also a popular cruise port, with many liners docking in the vast Marina Bay terminal.
Cuisine
Sensational, multicultural, and occasionally challenging, Singapore has one of the most exciting foodie scenes on the planet. From haute cuisine in high class restaurants, to simple, punchy street food, there’s every type of dining on offer here. Head to Clarke Quay to sample Singapore’s signature dish of chilli crab, with enough spice to blow your socks off. For those with adventurous palates, head to the markets of Bugis Street and Chinatown, where you can test your stomach’s strength with frog porridge and fish-head curry.
Customs and etiquette
Singapore is generally very friendly and welcoming, but one thing you’ll notice is how gleamingly clean and shiny it is. To keep it this way, minor infractions, such as littering, can be severely punished with hefty fines. Chewing gum is particularly frowned upon, and the sale of it is banned in Singapore. Connect with your inner clean-freak, and you’ll be fine. As for tipping, it’s generally discouraged – in most restaurants, a 10% service charge will be added, but no further tip is expected. Fast Facts
• Population: 5.4 million
• Spoken languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
• Electrical: Singapore runs on 230V, 50 Hz current
• Phone Calling Code: +65999
