Singapore Holidays

Location

Located at one of the crossroads of the world, Singapore’s strategic position at the foot of the Malacca Peninsula has helped it grow into a major centre for trade, communications and tourism. Its geographical location is about 80 miles north of the equator, between latitudes 103 degrees 38’ E and 104 degrees 06’ E. It is linked to Malaysia by two causeway bridges and the islands of the Riau archipelago of Indonesia are just a short ferry trip away.

Shopping

Shopping is second only to eating as a national pastime in Singapore. The island has an outstanding range of products that are available in shopping malls, department stores, boutiques, and bargain stores. Shopaholics will love the annual Great Singapore Sale, which usually falls between June and July. It has become a legendary annual event for both Singaporeans and visitors alike. Wide ranges of goods, including designer products, are marked down to present a mighty shopping extravaganza.

The central shopping area is concentrated on Orchard Road. It rivals all other areas in terms of sheer volume, quality, and choice. Many of its shopping centres are filled with a variety of products from around the world and most carry the concept of "everything under one roof".

Geography

Singapore is made up of a series of islands with the main island of Singapore being about 30 miles from east to west and 15 miles from north to south. Much of the island lies within 15 metres of sea level. The area of igneous rocks in the centre of the island forms rounded hills and gentle spurs and valleys, over which rise low peaks. To the west and southwest of the island, the sedimentary rocks give rise to a series of narrow ridges. The coast is flat, but in a few places dotted with cliffs. Considerable stretches of the coastline are not natural formed, having been significantly modified by reclamation work, the building of embankments and swamp clearance.

History

According to legend, in the 14 th century a visiting Sri Vijayan prince to the island saw an animal he mistook for a lion and Singapore’s modern day name was born - "Singa Pura", or "Lion City". The British provided the next notable chapter in the Singapore story. During the 18th century, they saw the need for a strategic base to refit, feed and protect the fleet of their growing empire, as well as to forestall any advances by the Dutch in the region. It was against this political backdrop that Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a trading station. The policy of free trade attracted merchants from all over Asia and from as far afield as the United States and the Middle East. In 1832, Singapore became the centre of government for the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore. During World War II Singapore was occupied by Japanese forces, later becoming a Crown Colony after peace was established. The growth of nationalism led to self-government in 1959 and on 9 August 1965, Singapore became an independent republic.

Climate

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Av Temp (F)	86	88	88	88	88	88	88	88	88	88	88	88
Av Temp (C)	30	31	31	31	31	31	31	31	31	31	31	31
Sunshine Hours	5	7	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6
Rain (inches)	10	7	8	7	7	7	7	7	7	8	10	10

Singapore’s climate is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 23 degree Celsius to 31 degree Celsius. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy sunbathing, swimming, sailing, and other water sports. For those who do not enjoy the tropical climate, Singapore is sheltered from the worst effects of the sun with air-conditioning in almost all of its buildings, including restaurants. Rain falls throughout the year with more consistent rain during the monsoon season from November to January. Showers are usually sudden and heavy, but brief and refreshing.

Basic Information

Language
Malay, Mandarin, English and Tamil are all official languages with other Indian languages and Chinese dialects also widely spoken.

Currency
Singapore Dollar

Electricity
220-240V, AC 50 Hertz

Banks
In general, banking hours are 9 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday and 9:30 am to 11:30 am on Saturdays.

Driving
Driving is on the left-hand side

Time difference
GMT +8 hours.

Tipping and local customs
Tipping is not expected but is growing as a practice in Singapore: more expensive hotels and restaurants may impose a 10% service charge. Staff in the international hotels, such as room staff or the doorman who hails your taxi, may expect a tip if they have provided good service.

Water
Tap water is safe for drinking.

Tourist Board information
www.visitsingapore.com

Visas
No Visa is currently required for British passport holders. This should be re-checked on booking for any changes. Passports should be valid for at least six months after your planned departure date.

What makes it so special?
Singapore’s main attraction is its unique blend of different cultures all with the backdrop of a dazzling city setting. Its architecture is undeniably modern, its streets are amongst the world’s cleanest and safest and Singapore offers the visitor the chance to experience the very best of Asian traditions all on one small island. The nation’s favourite past times are shopping and eating so anyone with a penchant for bargains or exotic food won’t be disappointed.

Where to visit?
Experience the Muslim culture of Arab Street, a traditional textile district, full of batiks from Indonesia, silks, sarongs and shirts.

Chinatown is Singapore’s cultural heart and still provides historic glimpses with its numerous temples, decorated terraces and its frantic conglomeration of merchants, shops and activity.
Singapore’s historic colonial district
Orchard Road with its high class hotels and modern shopping malls
Sentosa Island with its parks, museums, zoos and attractions

Most Popular Tours
City sight-seeing tour
Sentosa Island
Cruise around the outlying islands

Travel Guide to Singapore

Sort destinations by: Popularity Star Rating Price, Low to High Price, High to Low