Singapore

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Quick Facts

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Local Name

Chinese: 新加坡; Malay: Singapura; Tamil: சிங்கப்பூர்

Capital

Singapore^[1]

Government

Parliamentary Republic

Nationality

Singaporean

Population

4 839 400^[2]

Languages

Chinese (Mandarin), Malay, Tamil, English

Religions

Buddhism, Islam, Christianity

Currency

Singapore Dollar (SGD)

Calling Code

+65

Time Zone

UTC+8

Coordinates

• Latitude: 1.289407
• Longitude: 103.849962

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Introduction

Beached in Asia

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Bite-sized Singapore rakes in around an amazing USD$85 billion a year, an amount comparable to Western European states and a profound testament to the city-state's amazing ability to grow and develop at an unprecedented rate. The modern look and feel of Singapore is that of a metropolis propelling itself headlong into the 21st century, symbolized most blatantly by the army of skyscrapers towering over the horizon.

Anthropologists will be disappointed to find this technological madness in what was once a minor trading port, but Asian culture still impresses its influence into the cosmopolitan face of Singapore. Singapore is an ethnically diverse city and areas like Chinatown, Arab Street and Little India highlight this variety. So does the food: from typical modern sky-rise food like McDonald's, to traditional Indian chapatis or Chinese dishes, Singaporean cuisine is as delicious as it is varied.

Brief History

Early history of Singapore
The island located at the southern tip of the Malay peninsula was once an outpost of the Empire of Srivijaya (7th to 13th century) which was based in southern Sumatra. The present Singapore was then known as Temasek, which means "Sea Town" in Javanese.

According to a tale from the Malay Annals, a prince of Srivijaya landed on the island after surviving a shipwreck in the 13th century. On the island, the prince was told that a strange creature he saw was a lion. Trusting it as a good omen, he started a settlement there and named it Singapura, which means lion (singha) city (pura) in Sanskrit. Since lions are not native to this part of the world, it is thought that the creature he saw was most likely a tiger, probably a Malayan tiger, which continued to roam on the island until early in the 20th century.

Temasek became part of the Sultanate of Malacca during the 15th and early 16th centuries. After the invasion of Malacca by the Portuguese in 1511, an heir to the sultanate succeeded the last Malaccan Sultan and created the Sultanate of Johore in the south of the peninsula, which included Temasek between the 16th and early 19th century.

Modern Singapore
During a throne-dispute in the Johore Sultanate during the early 19th century, the British took the opportunity to gain control of Singapore. As a result, Singapore was ceded to the British East India Company in 1819. The British Empire took full control of the island in 1824. In 1826, Singapore was added to the newly formed Straits Settlements, a collection of territories of British East India Company, which included Penang, Malacca, Dinding, Province Wellesley and Labuan. The Straits Settlements became a British crown colony in 1867. During this entire time the British who also controlled the rest of of the Malay peninsula, encouraged open immigration to fill in the needs of mining and agricultural workforce. Large numbers of Chinese, mainly driven to seek greener pastures from civil war and famine in southern China, and Indians were brought into the region. Most settled down in more developed towns such as Penang and Singapore which subsequently made them culturally different from the rest of mainland because of the large Chinese majority and large Indian minority.

In 1942, Singapore fell to the hands of the Japanese during World War II. The defeat of the ill-prepared British was described by British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill as "the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British history."^[3] At the end of the war, the Japanese retreated and the British returned to rule Singapore. But Singaporeans envisaged a different future and started demanding self-governance.

Independence
Singapore became a self-governing crown colony in 1959. On 31 August 1963, it declared independence from Britain to establish the Malaysian Federation, a merger of Malaya, North Borneo (now Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore, in conjunction with Malaya's Independence Day. However, the event had to be postponed until 16 September 1963 due to delays on the Borneo side. In the years after the merger, heated ideological differences on racial issues ensued between the Singapore government and the federal government in Kuala Lumpur.^[4] This is because the predominantly-Chinese PAP, the ruling party of Singapore led by Lee Kuan Yew, cried for a "Malaysian Malaysia", a policy to serve all regardless of race, whilst the Malay-based UMNO party in Alliance, the ruling coalition in the federal parliament, believed in affirmative action for Malays as a policy of positive racial discrimination.^[4][5] In 1965, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman, bowed down to the pressure of his own party, UMNO, and expelled Singapore from the federation. Singapore officially became an independent republic on 9 August 1965.

Large-scale development programs were carried out over the years to eradicate problems in the country and to improve the life of the nation. Singapore's economy thrived, mainly due to its trading port, and subsequently became a financial centre in Asia. Also Singapore's leadership took a different approach to socialism and took the philosophy of being a socialist government that makes money. It is now one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

Geography

Singapore is an island-nation located at the southern tip of the Malay peninsula. It consists of 63 islands, including mainland Singapore. It is linked to Malaysia by a man-made 1056-metre-long causeway and a bridge on the Straits of Johore. In the south, it is separated by Straits of Singapore from Indonesia's Riau Islands.

Located at just over 1º North of the Equator, Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with no distinctive seasons.

Urbanisation and development in this land-scarce island has caused the country to resort to land-reclamation, which is an on-going process. As a result, the total land area has increased by over one-fifth since the 1960s (581.5 km²) to over 700 km² today.

About one-fifth of the land area is forests and nature reserves. Most of these areas are situated in the geographic centre of the island.

Neighbourhoods

• Balestier, Newton, Novena and Toa Payoh are home to some Burmese temples.
• Riverside is packed with cultural institutions and a good number of bars, clubs and restaurants.
• Orchard Road is Singapore's shopping Mecca and is packed with malls.
• Bugis and Kampong Glam are the old Malay district, now home to numerous malls.
• Chinatown
• Little India is home to a large section of the Indian population. Visit in the evenings to find it at its most vibrant.
• North and West Singapore are more residential / industrial.
• East Coast is a largely residential neighbourhood.
• Sentosa Island is a separate island off Singapore and has been developed into a resort getaway.

Sights and Activities

Sentosa Island

Beached in Asia

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If you want to escape the city, this is the right place to go. Sentosa is an island theme park that features a multitude of activities from rides, laser shows, and beach activities. It is one of the most visited parks in Singapore. While it all sounds rather like Singapore's version of Disneyland, there are also some beaches where you can relax.

Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

Occupying an area of 28 hectares within a forest, the Singapore Zoo is home to over 300 species of animal. It displays animals in "open" exhibits where visitors are separated by moats or in some cases, glasses-enclosures. It also houses one of the world's largest captive colonies of orang-utans.

The Night Safari, located adjacent to the Singapore Zoo, is the world's first wildlife park built for visits at night to enable visitors to watch nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. There are some 1000 animals of more than 100 species within the 40-hectare secondary forest.

Orchard Road

Orchard Road is where you have to go if you like shopping. Orchard Road turns into Bras Basah Road as it heads east and this is probably the better part if you don't like shopping at all, with some fine museums and colonial architecture. Museums include the national museum of Singapore, Battle Fox, and the Singapore Art Museum.

Other sights and activities

Chinatown

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• The Merlion is the symbol of Singapore and the original statue spouts water into Marina Bay from the Merlion Park. Two other replicas can be found in Mount Faber and in Sentosa.
• Mount Faber is Singapore's highest peak and provides a 360-degree view of the island state.
• Raffles Hotel is famous for the Singapore Sling cocktail.
• China Town is the location of the original Chinese settlement on Singapore and the centre of traditional Chinese culture with several temples.
• Little India is the location of the original Indian settlement and is home to the a large percentage of the Indian population. There are several nice temples and some great food to be found in this area of town.
• The Singapore Botanic Gardens are a welcome escape from the buzz of the city and are lovely to stroll around. They are open from 5 am to 12 midnight daily and admission is free.

Interesting Info

Smokers may notice something interesting here. Locals only light up near one of the many large comunal ashtrays that are atop most garbage recepticals spread around the city. Locals also tend to only have a few puffs on a cigarette before putting what looks like a whole cigarette in the ashtray.

Events and Festivals

Cultural and Religious

• Chinese New Year is one of the most important Chinese holidays. Also known as Lunar New Year (as it is the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar), it signifies the beginning of a new year for the Chinese. The eve of Chinese New Year is when families gather for a reunion dinner. Traditional celebrations last for 15 days, marked by visits to relatives and friends. Married elders give juniors and children red packets (containing money), symbolising good wishes and luck, and also to ward off evil spirits. The next New Year is on 14 February 2010, when the Year of the Tiger commences.
• Chingay Parade is an annual street and floats parade held as part of the Chinese New Year festivities. Originally started by the Chinese community, it has, today, evolved into a multi-cultural event with participation from the Malay and Indian communities.
• Mid-Autumn Festival – Alternatively known as the Moon Festival, Lantern Festival or Mooncake Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival is held on the full moon day (15th day) of the eighth month of the Chinese calendar – usually in September. In 2009, it will be on 3 October.
• Diwali/Deepavali is a Hindu festival known as the "Festival of Light", celebrating the victory of good over evil. It is also celebrated by Jains and Sikhs. It usually occurs around October or November. For 2009, this festival will fall on 17 October.
• Eid ul-Fitr is a Muslim festival celebrating the the end of Ramadan, the fasting month. It will occur next on 20 September 2009.
• Christmas

Other Events and Festivals

• National Day is on 9 August and is a public holiday. Singaporeans celebrate the country's independence (9 August 1965) with a big parade, among other festivities.
• The Singapore Arts Festival, started in 1977, is one of Asia's most popular arts festivals. It runs for a month each year around May and June.
• Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix – In 2009, the only night race in Formula 1 will be held from 25–27 September.

Weather

Singapore enjoys year-round tropical temperatures averaging around 31 °C during the day. November to January is the monsoon season at which time there is higher than average rainfall and the average maximum temperature is more likely to be slightly cooler, around 26 °C.

Visitors should bear in mind that the combined humidity and heat takes quite a toll when spending time outside.

Getting There

By Plane

Singapore Changi Airport (IATA: SIN, ICAO: WSSS) is a major hub in South East Asia. Singapore Airlines is the national airline and services routes throughout the world. A budget off-shoot of Singapore Airlines, Tiger Airways services routes through Asia. AirAsia flies from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Pekan Baru (Riau, Sumatra) and Phuket into Singapore.

There are several modes of transport between the city and the airport.

• Train (MRT) - approximately half an hour
• Bus (SBS Transit Route 36 to city, SMRT Bus Route 858 to Woodlands, near Malaysian border)
• Taxi - approximately half an hour
• Limousine Taxi
• Airport Shuttle (to Hotels)
• Car Rental

By Train

The Malayan Railway (Malay: Keretapi Tanah Melayu, KTM) operates several train services daily from major cities and towns in Peninsular Malaysia to the Tanjong Pagar station at Keppel Road, Singapore. Journey times are usually longer than the bus though.

All times are departure except the final destination. Both Malaysia and Singapore are in the same time zone (GMT+8).

By Car

There are two ways to drive from Malaysia into Singapore. The first and most common way is from Johor Bahru, Malaysia via the causeway to Woodlands, Singapore. The other way is on the west side via the the Second Link bridge linking Tanjung Kupang in Malaysia and Tuas in Singapore.

Motorists with foreign-registered vehicles are required to pay tolls and Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) at the border checkpoints when they drive into Singapore. Payment for tolls and VEP have to be made using Autopass Card, an electronic smartcard, which is sold at the checkpoints. The VEP fee costs SGD20 a day, Monday to Friday, from 0200 hours to 1700 hours. It is not required on Saturday, Sunday, public holidays and weekdays from 1700 hours to 0200 hours. Tolls are only charged at the checkpoints. The Autopass Card can be topped up at convenience stores, ATMs, petrol stations and Autopass Card topup booths.

• More information on driving into Singapore

By Bus

Buses frequently drive between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur as well as other Malaysian destinations. The trip from Kuala Lumpur takes roughly five hours, depending on the operator and traffic condition. The quality of the buses is generally very high and prices are affordable. Unfortunately, there is no central bus terminal in Singapore and the various operators stop in different parts of the city.

By Boat

Ferries connect Singapore to the Riau Islands in Indonesia and Johor in Malaysia.

To Johor, there are frequent bumboats leaving for Tanjung Pengelih by various privately-owned companies. Ferries leave when full (12 people). Daily boat services between Changi Point and Pengerang (Johor); Tanah Merah and Sebana Cover Resort (Johor). Ferry Link offers boats between Changi Point and Tanjung Belungkor.

Penguin Ferries offers frequent ferry services between Singapore and Batam, Sekupang, Tanjung Balai, Tanjung Pinang and Lobam.

Getting Around

StreetMap@Singapore is a free service provided by Singapore Land Authority to find a location map using address, postal code, road name or the nearest MRT/LRT stations.

By Plane

Although of course there are no internal flights, you can do a sightseeing tour in small plane or helicopter with the Singapore Flying Club.

By Car

A valid national driving licence or international driving permit is required for driving in Singapore. Vehicles in Singapore are driven on the left side of the road.

Electronic Road Pricing
The Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) is a scheme to help reduce congestion on Singapore roads by charging a fee on vehicles in the zone. Certain major roads, particularly those in the Central Business District, and expressways in the city state fall under the ERP.

By Public Transport

Singapore has an advanced and efficient public transportation network of trains, buses and taxis. SBS Transit is the largest bus company in Singapore. SMRT operates the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) trains and also buses on the island city.

For the convenience of frequent commuters, a stored value ticket known as the EZ-Link card is available. The EZ-Link card can be purchased from any ticket office at most MRT stations for S$15, which is inclusive of S$5 non-refundable deposit, S$3 refundable travel deposit, and S$7 stored value. The stored value can be topped up at many locations. Alternatively, if you are going to use the public transport extensively during your stay, you may opt for The Singapore Tourist Pass instead. This pass offers unlimited travels on all MRT trains and basic bus services. It comes in the options of 1-, 2-, or 3- day pass, at S$8 per day. A S$10 deposit for the card will be charged and is refundable if returned within five days. The pass can be extended, if required, by simply topping up S$8 for each day.

Train
The ultra-modern Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train network connects the whole island quickly and efficiently. A cheap, convenient and comfortable way to travel, tickets can be purchased on the spot at all MRT stations around the island via a machine for immediate travel. For longer term use, stored value cards can be purchased at selected stations and topped up at any station for further travels.

Bus
Singapore is connected by an efficient bus network - the same MRT stored value cards (EZ-link cards) can be used for bus rides (through tapping on card readers positioned at the entry and exits of buses). Alternatively, the fare can be paid by cash (ask the driver how much it is to the destination) and no change will be given. Normally bus routes and stops are posted on a display board at bus stops. Bus and train guides can be bought cheaply at virtually all news stands and bookstores around the island. Buses operate from 0600 hours to 0000 hours.

Bus Fares^[6]

• Non air-conditioned buses: S$0.70 to S$1.40
• Air-conditioned buses: S$0.80 to S$1.70

Taxi
Taxis are a very nice way to get around Singapore. To be a Taxi driver in Singapore, you must be born in the country, speak English and pass some sort of certification tests that include driving skills and knowledge of the city/country among other things. It is a very sought after job there. Due to this taxi drivers are very personable, knowledgeable and eager to please tourists. It is not uncommon for tourists leaving Singapore to realise their favourite local they met was their taxi drivers. Like anywhere they may take you a slightly longer route, but you won't need to deal with the questionable practices that you will encounter in that profession elsewhere in the world.

Taxis are available at reasonable cost. Fares are charged according to the meter. The following are the rates of a standard taxi:^[7]

• Flag-Down (inclusive of 1st km or less): S$2.80 to S$3.00
• Every 385 metres thereafter or less, up to 10 km: S$0.20
• Every 330 metres thereafter or less, after 10 km: S$0.20
• Every 45 secs of waiting or less: S$0.20
• Peak-hour Surcharge (Monday – Friday: 7.00am to 9.30am; Monday – Saturday: 5.00pm to 8.00pm): 35%
• Midnight Surcharge (Midnight – 6:00am): 50%
• Central Business District (CBD) Surcharge (Monday – Saturday : 5.00pm to Midnight): $3.00
• Public Holiday (major ones only) Surcharge: S$1.00
• Airport Surcharge: S$3.00 to S$5.00 (depending on time)
• Booking fee: S$2.50 to S$5.20
• Toll: According to charged rates

By Foot and Bike

The city of Singapore itself can be explored on foot easily, although taking a taxi, bus or train once a while is recommended in the hot and humid weather. Renting a bike is a possibility as well. There are also rickshaws, mostly catering to tourists in Chinatown and several city centre streets.

By Boat

The Singapore Cruise Centre is located at the World Trade Centre, a short taxi ride from the city centre. There are both leisurely harbour cruises as well as ferry services to Singapore's islands. There are also ferries from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal at Changi. A ferry for Sentosa leaves every 20 minutes starting at 7:30 am. Pulau Ubin is another popular place to go from the latter terminal.

Both motorised sampans as well as luxurious junk tours are a nice way of travelling along the Singapore river.

Red Tape

Most travellers can enter Singapore without a visa. Social visit passes valid for 14, 30, or 90 days, depending on citizenship, are issued to foreigners who do not require a visa.

Citizens of the following countries will require a visa to enter Singapore:^[8]

• Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Commonwealth of Independent States (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan), Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Myanmar, People's Republic of China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen.

Visitors holding these travel documents also require a visa to enter Singapore:^[8]

• Hong Kong Document of Identity
• Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Travel Permit
• Palestinian Authority Passport
• Refugee Travel Document issued by the Middle-East countries
• Temporary Passport issued by United Arab Emirates

Money

See also: Money Matters

The Singapore Dollar (S$) is the official currency, and Singapore has a currency interchangeability agreement with Brunei so the S$ is pegged 1:1 with the Brunei Dollar. One Singapore Dollar is divided into 100 cents.

• Banknotes: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, $1000, $10 000.
• Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, $1.

Work

Work Holiday Programme

Singapore has a Work Holiday Programme which allows one to live and work in Singapore for up to six months. This program open to university students and recent graduates, between 17 and 30 years of age, in Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Study

Language

See also: Malay phrasebook

Singapore has four official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. English is the medium of instruction in schools, and is widely spoken. However, the national language of Singapore is Malay and is used in the national anthem "Majulah Singapura" (Onward, Singapore). As the majority of the population is ethnic Chinese whose ancestors came from southern China, several Chinese dialects from that region such as Hokkien (Min Nan) and Teochew are also in use. Most Singaporeans also speak a localised version of English known as "Singlish", which is easily identifiable by terms such as "lah" and "lor" at the end of sentences.

Eat

Sleep

Budget

Mid Range

High End

Drink

Look into the age restrictions at any bars you are planning on going to. Most allow women from ages 18-21 and up, but many limit the age of men to 23-35 and up, depending on the place.

Go to the Raffles Hotel and have a Singapore Sling where it was first sold.

Health

See also: Travel Health

Safety

See also: Travel Safety

Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world. Even so, travellers should still use common sense for their own safety and security.

The emergency numbers to call:

• 999 – Police
• 995 – Civil Defence (Ambulance, Fire Engine)

• 1777 – Non-emergency Ambulance

The country lives up to its name as a fine country, a local joke. Law enforcers will not hesitate to slap fines on those who flout the rules. So be aware of sign boards with strict rules against smoking, jay-walking, littering, spitting, drinking and eating (on public transport), etc.

Vandalism comes with caning as a punishment. The most famous case of caning for vandalism is the one in 1994 involving American teenager Michael P. Fay.^[9] Caning is also sentenced for corruption, illegal entry, overstaying for more than 90 days and sexual-related offences (e.g. rape, sexual assault, etc).

Singapore prescribes capital punishment for very serious offences. Drug trafficking is punishable with a mandatory death sentence by hanging upon conviction.^[10][11] Possession of illegal drugs over a certain amount, depending on the category of drug, will be classified as trafficking.^[12] Other drug-related offences (possession, abuse) come with severe punishment of imprisonment or caning, or both.^[11]

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

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