Singapore Travel
Once famed for its winding streets, rickety rickshaws and seedy opium dens, Singapore has since become a spotlessly clean modern city although evidence of its colonial days still exists. Bringing Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures together, Singapore is a city of contrasts and a place where old meets new.
Tourism has long been an important industry in Singapore, with its clean streets—unique in Asia—and many attractions drawing visitors for a holiday from all over the world. Some of the most visited sites of interest include Chinatown, Orchard road, the Raffles Hotel, Sentosa Island and Parliament House. Orchard road is by far the most popular Singapore shopping area and home to countless malls selling everything from homewares to the latest fashions. Little India, Chinatown and Arab street are also wonderful places to explore for a more traditional look at the city.
Singapore is a city that caters to all budgets despite it having a reputation for being expensive. Orchard road is home to some world-class Singapore hotels offering the maximum in luxury, while Chinatown and Little India boast some comfortable mid-range options. Budget hostels can be found dotted around the city, often with vibrant atmospheres and good facilities. Sentosa Island also offers several choices that are free of the CBD hustle and bustle.
Chinese, Indian and Malay foods are abundant, with Hainanese chicken and rice being a particularly popular local delicacy. Food from all international cuisines can be found and standards tend to be extremely high. Even the street food in Singapore tends to be cooked in a clean environment and being adventurous in your dining choices often pays off.
The weather in Singapore tends to be hot and humid, averaging at around 31°C in the day and dropping to 24°C at night. November through January is officially the monsoon season, although rain can come at almost any time of the year. From March to September the cooling winds are non-existent.
Most flights to Singapore arrive at the busy Changi International Airport, which is well-connected to the city by rail and road. Note that nationals of some countries need a visa to enter Singapore. Once in the city taxis are an inexpensive way to get around, while there is an efficient subway system as well.