Singapore Visitor's Guide

Singapore today

Affectionately known as the "little red dot on the world map," Singapore has the hallmarks and conveniences of a cosmopolitan city (it's not called "Asia for beginners" on the expat circuit for nothing) while still retaining the charms and quirks of a cultural melting pot -- all tightly packed into a tiny island at the bottom of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia.

• Getting in and out
• Getting around
• Language
• Good to know
• Where to stay
• What to do
• Where to eat
• Where to drink
• Where to shop
• Health and fitness
  
• Business
  
• Money
  
• Emergency info
  

Getting in and out

By Air

Changi Airport is the primary airport for international travel. As a major airline hub, it serves as a focal point for getting into and out of Southeast Asia. The rise of low-cost airlines and value hotels has created inexpensive options for flights and accommodations when travelling to or out of the island city. The exceptions are important national holidays, when occupancy rates are high.

Taxis from Changi Airport into the shopping and business districts will cost around S$20-30, depending on time of day and surcharges, and take 30-40 minutes. A less expensive alternative is an Airport Shuttle that services most major hotels and shopping malls. The cheapest way however is to ride the MRT rail link to town -- it's fast, convenient and relatively luggage-friendly.

By Sea

Singapore is an island, so it's possible to arrive by sea, generally from Malaysia or Indonesia. The primary harbor terminal is HarbourFront Centre. It houses the Singapore Cruise Centre, as well as ferry operators who ply the routes to ports in Bintan, Batam and Tanjong Pinang, among others.

By Land

Road and rail are common modes of transport around the island. Singapore and Malaysia are linked by two causeway bridges. It's possible to drive across the border into the town of Johor Bahru in Malaysia -- tolls are charged on both sides of the causeway. Singapore's only cross-border railway line is located at the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, with services running into Malaysia and on through to Thailand.

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Getting around

Taxis are plentiful and heavily regulated with strictly metered fares, so there's no fear of overcharging. Traffic can crawl during peak hours. Public transportation is a good way to avoid the jams. The extensive Mass Rapid Transit (known locally as the MRT) rail system runs throughout the island. Plentiful public buses are a cheap and relatively efficient way to get around.

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Language

While Malay is Singapore's official language, English is by far the common language of choice. Most locals speak a second language, usually Mandarin, Malay or Tamil, and many pick up a smattering of Chinese and Indian dialects, as well.

Keep your ears open for Singlish, the localized creole English. Expect to hear it when locals are conversing -- Singlish is filled with cultural references, slang and words from foreign languages and dialects. Most Singaporeans switch comfortably between Singlish and standard English.

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Good to know

• The most important holidays occur during the Lunar New Year -- many Singaporeans get a full week off -- and Hari Raya Puasa, which marks the end of the Muslim fasting month. National Day on August 9 is a major holiday.
• Electricity is 230 volts and 50 hertz. The standard plug is Type G (two parallel flat pins with a grounding pin), the same as those used in the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
• The climate is tropical, so it's hot and sunny year-round, with some heavy rains during the monsoon seasons (December to March and June to September).
• Don't expect to find many public telephones -- the high amount of mobile phones means there are few public phones in Singapore. All 7-Eleven stores and convenience marts sell prepaid mobile cards for use in GSM phones, as well as IDD calling cards for cheap calls overseas.
• Outdoor smoking in public places is heavily restricted. Maximum fines of S$1000 may be levied for those caught smoking outside of designated areas. Indoor and enclosed environments are definite smoking no-nos.
• Crime rates are generally low across the island, and it's safe to walk about at night without worry.
• Drinking water straight from the tap is perfectly safe. Local supermarkets, convenience stores and grocery marts do stock good selections of bottled water.
• Singapore's country code is 65, with no additional city or area code. All mobile phones begin with either 8 or 9, while landlines start with 6.
• Singapore is eight hours ahead of GMT.

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Where to stay

Raffles Hotel: Reside amid the grand colonial splendor that comes from more than a hundred years of history. 1 Beach Road, +65 6337 1886 

The Naumi: This luxury boutique hotel has a ladies-only floor, personal aides and a rooftop pool with fantastic views. 41 Seah Street, tel +65 6403 6000

New Majestic: One of Chinatown’s best hotels is also its hippest, complete with designer furniture and artsy white interiors. 31–37 Bukit Pasoh Road, tel +65 6511 4700

The Scarlet: The bright kitschy interiors are fun, but it's the quiet location amid Chinatown atmosphere that keeps guests coming back. 33 Erskine Road, tel +65 6511 3333

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport: It's close to the airports, but this latest addition to the high-end Crowne Plaza family is hardly a barebones airport hotel. 75 Airport Boulevard, tel +65 6823 5300

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What to do

Singapore Flyer: With a height of 165 meters, the world's largest observation wheel is Singapore's most visible landmark and has the best city views. 30 Raffles Avenue, tel +65 6854 5200

Collyer Quay: The stretch of road along Collyer Quay bridges the financial district with City Hall. Get up close to the Merlion and Esplanade. Start from Clifford Pier and end at Marina Bay.

The National Museum: The oldest museum in Singapore houses some of the best collections in Southeast Asia, bringing in international cultural exhibits for display year-round. Stamford Rd, tel +65 6332 3659

Night Safari: The world's first nocturnal zoo and one of Singapore's most popular attractions. 80 Mandai Lake Road, tel +65 6269 3411

Chomp Chomp Food Center: There's nothing like rubbing shoulders with locals and enjoying an authentic heartland food experience. Chomp Chomp Food Center in Serangoon Gardens is a prime choice -- just tell any cabbie, "Chomp Chomp please, uncle (or auntie)." 20 Kensington Park Road.

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Where to eat

Gluttons Bay: After a facelift in May 2009, this outdoor Marina Bay food center gathers the best of local eating favorites in one spot. 01-15 Esplanade Mall, tel +65 6336 7025

Garibaldi: One of the best Italian restaurants around, Garibaldi serves large portions in the tradition of Italian master chefs. 36 Purvis Street #01-02, tel +65 6837 1468

KPO: In a great location with good food, excellent drinks and superb views of Orchard Road at its most frenetic, this international cafe is a Singapore fixture. 1 Killiney Road, tel +65 6733 3648

The White Rabbit: Like its namesake from the Lewis Carroll tale, the White Rabbit provides a wondrous experience. Housed in a restored chapel, it offers a good selection from a European menu. 39C Harding Road, tel +65 6473 9965

FiftyThree: Fine cuisine at spendy prices, FiftyThree is small and always busy -- tables should be reserved well in advance. 53 Armenian Street, tel +65 6334 5535

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Where to drink

New Asia Bar: Swissôtel The Stamford's ultra-high bar and lounge is a watering hole for the young, trendy and upwardly mobile. Swissôtel The Stamford, Level 71, Equinox Complex, 2 Stamford Road, tel +65 6837 3322

Coffee Bar K: Order cocktails from a phonebook-thick menu as Japanese bartenders glide silently by to take orders.  205 River Valley Road, #01-076 UE Square, tel +65 6720 5040

Orgo: The hip, semi-al fresco stunner sits on the roof terrace of The Esplanade. Great cocktails and nice views of the city from the rooftop. 1 Esplanade Drive, Esplanade Roof Terrace.

Long Bar: The Singapore Sling was first concocted here. The setting is casual -- sport shirts, slacks and bermudas are appropriate. 1 Beach Road, tel +65 6412 1816

Night and Day: Bohemian meets contemporary in this building designed in the 1950s. Expect cutting-edge music and performances that draw artsy crowds. 139 A/C Selegie Road, tel +65 6884 5523

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Where to shop

When it comes to shopping, Orchard Road is the place to be. From the newly opened ION Orchard mega-mall all the way down to Raffles City Shopping Centre, it's an entire stretch of retail stores, hotels and entertainment spots that could take days to cover properly. Orchard Road encompasses four MRT stations and there's an entire network of underground walkways and tunnels to explore -- you can almost walk from one end to the other without coming up for sunlight.

For more ethnic places, Little India along Serangoon Road, and Chinatown along Telok Ayer Road and South Bridge Road, are the best places for bargain hunting. Be prepared to bargain hard, and don't be afraid to walk away if you're not getting the price you're after -- most of the time, shop items are negotiable.

Hidden away in the heart of the Muslim quarter, Haji Lane is a fashionista's paradise and great for getting close to local designers. The collection of narrow shop-houses here have turned into a hip retail stretch stocked with vintage finds and the latest in 'eco-fashion.' Just meters away, the Islamic district of Kampong Glam and Arab Street offer trinkets, keepsakes and accessories with a distinctive ethic flavor.

To get close to the places locals live and shop, visit one of the numerous heartland malls like Bishan Junction 8 and Jurong Point. They are usually connected directly to the MRT stations and always packed on weekends. However, most of the malls follow a cookie-cutter formula -- the same shops are usually found in them.

Gift ideas

For a country obsessed with eating, food gifts are one of the most appropriate items to bring back home. From nonya pandan cakes to tasty kaya (a local jam made from coconut, eggs and pandan leaves), there's a distinct Singapore flavor. Suggested stores include Bee Cheng Hiang (famous for its 'bah kwa' barbecue pork slices and other meat products) and Bengawan Solo (local tarts, cakes and pastries that are packed for flights). Both are available at the airport.

Replicas of the Merlion are great reminders of the Lion City. Orchids are highly sought the world over, especially the Vanda Miss Joaquim, Singapore's national flower.

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Health and fitness

Hotel gyms are the way to go if you’re looking for a workout and don’t want to venture into the tropical heat. Swissôtel The Stamford has one of the best in the city, but the other five-star hotels are well-equipped. Several fitness chains are scattered around town, including California Fitness and Fitness First. Check for day rates if you're after a quick workout.

There are numerous parks and nature reserves throughout the island for joggers and runners -- East Coast Park, Marina Bay and MacRitchie Reservoir are all good choices with plenty of greenery.

For the more adventurous, martial arts and other exotic sports outlets, such as Evolve Mixed Martial Arts, are making an appearance.

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Business

• Face: The concept of "face" is very much a part of local business, so make sure no one loses face during any part of an interaction. Never disagree directly, and avoid being confrontational in discussions.
• Introductions: Always introduce yourself first and present your name card with both hands. When making introductions, always use a person's title and family name. 
• Names: Singapore is a multi-cultural society with many races, so there are naming conventions to take note of. The Chinese place family names first, followed by personal names. Muslims do not have family names, but rather have personal names followed by 'bin' (son of) or 'binti' (daughter of) before their fathers' personal names. Indians follow a similar convention, but use the terms 's/o' (son of) and 'd/o' (daughter of).
• Business Attire: Due to Singapore's tropical humidity and heat, men's suits and jackets are worn only at the most important business events or meetings  -- a shirt and tie is considered acceptable business attire for most other occasions.
• Internet access: Many cafes, fast food outlets and malls provide free wireless service, most of them under the national Wireless@SG connectivity program (free registration needed). There are also places with PC terminals where you can surf for free such as the National Library branches and selected McDonald's restaurants. In addition, Singapore service providers now offer prepaid mobile broadband, which saves on expensive roaming plans, and is useful for short trips. For more details on getting connected, read our ABCs of getting online in Singapore.

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Money

• ATMs of most major banks are on the Cirrus, Maestro and VISA networks, so for most it's simple to make cash withdrawals in local currency.
• Credit cards are widely accepted, and there are usually no surcharges for using one.
• Tipping is not practiced. Most restaurants tack on an automatic 10 percent tip, referred to as a service charge, on top of government taxes (an additional seven percent). In establishments that don't include the service charge, rounding up the bill is considered polite.

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Emergency info

• Police: 999
• Fire/Ambulance: 995
• Non-emergency ambulance: 1777
• Police hotline: 6225 000
• Emergency road service: 6748 9911 (Automobile Association of Singapore)

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