Singapore
A city brimming with cultural diversity
Singapore is an island, city and country situated in Southeast Asia. A former British colony, it is nowadays one of the most prosperous countries in the world, with a unique mix of Chinese, Indian and Malaysian cultures, as well as a thriving Arab population.
Singapore is situated close to the Equator, resulting in a hot and humid climate, with little difference between the seasons. The country enjoys temperatures of around 30C all year round. Heavy rainfall is quite common, although these downpours usually only last a few minutes.
Changi airport, Singapore's main air carrier, is one of the most modern airports in the world. It has an excellent range of facilities, including free internet in the departure lounges, some of which have webcams and microphones for web conferences. It also has a games area equipped with XBox consoles to make the wait a little more enjoyable.
The most convenient way of getting to the city centre is by taxi, which are fast and reasonably priced. There is also an underground link to the centre from the airport, taking around 30 minutes (with a change of station inbetween.) It is not necessary nor recommended to drive around Singapore with a hire car. The public transport system and taxi services are more than sufficient to get around.
The multicultural city of Singapore offers cuisine from all over the world, including Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, Indonesian, Japanese, Italian, American, Russian, French, Swiss and even British food. Malaysian food is the most popular, and is usually prepared with coconut milk and spices. One of the best ways to enjoy food in Singapore is to eat al fresco, in one of the city's thousands of open-air eateries.
The city boasts a thriving nightlife, including open-air opera and theatre, bars, discos, karaoke, evening markets, nighttime cruises and cinemas. The Boat Quay and Clarke Quay areas are popular for their exclusive restaurants, whereas the ancient Chinese walls have become floating bars. Bugis Street, Changi Village and Holland Village are also popular hangouts.
Singapore is also a paradise for shoppers; in Orchard Road you can find anything from designer clothes to electrical goods. Many fabulous shoppings malls are scattered all over the city.
Other must-sees in Singapore include: Sentosa, a small island with beaches, luxury hotels and spectacular shows; the National Orchid Garden, one of the country's most impressive orchid gardens; Chinatown, with its various Buddhist temples as well as the largest Indian temple in the country; Little India, with its charming little shops; Arab Street, the Arab quarter with a mosque surrounded by palm trees and stores; Singapore Zoo; Orchard Road with its department stores and skyscrapers; and finally the Singapore River, also surrounded by skyscrapers and charming little houses, with excursions available. Here is where you will also find the Merlion lion, a statue that has become the official symbol of the city.
Singapore official website
Singapore is situated close to the Equator, resulting in a hot and humid climate, with little difference between the seasons. The country enjoys temperatures of around 30C all year round. Heavy rainfall is quite common, although these downpours usually only last a few minutes.
Changi airport, Singapore's main air carrier, is one of the most modern airports in the world. It has an excellent range of facilities, including free internet in the departure lounges, some of which have webcams and microphones for web conferences. It also has a games area equipped with XBox consoles to make the wait a little more enjoyable.
The most convenient way of getting to the city centre is by taxi, which are fast and reasonably priced. There is also an underground link to the centre from the airport, taking around 30 minutes (with a change of station inbetween.) It is not necessary nor recommended to drive around Singapore with a hire car. The public transport system and taxi services are more than sufficient to get around.The multicultural city of Singapore offers cuisine from all over the world, including Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, Indonesian, Japanese, Italian, American, Russian, French, Swiss and even British food. Malaysian food is the most popular, and is usually prepared with coconut milk and spices. One of the best ways to enjoy food in Singapore is to eat al fresco, in one of the city's thousands of open-air eateries.
The city boasts a thriving nightlife, including open-air opera and theatre, bars, discos, karaoke, evening markets, nighttime cruises and cinemas. The Boat Quay and Clarke Quay areas are popular for their exclusive restaurants, whereas the ancient Chinese walls have become floating bars. Bugis Street, Changi Village and Holland Village are also popular hangouts.
Singapore is also a paradise for shoppers; in Orchard Road you can find anything from designer clothes to electrical goods. Many fabulous shoppings malls are scattered all over the city.
Other must-sees in Singapore include: Sentosa, a small island with beaches, luxury hotels and spectacular shows; the National Orchid Garden, one of the country's most impressive orchid gardens; Chinatown, with its various Buddhist temples as well as the largest Indian temple in the country; Little India, with its charming little shops; Arab Street, the Arab quarter with a mosque surrounded by palm trees and stores; Singapore Zoo; Orchard Road with its department stores and skyscrapers; and finally the Singapore River, also surrounded by skyscrapers and charming little houses, with excursions available. Here is where you will also find the Merlion lion, a statue that has become the official symbol of the city.
Singapore official website