Singapore Travel Planner

Ideally located at the heart of South-East Asia, Singapore’s captivating appeal is enriched by her old world charms and exciting new world appeal. One of the wealthiest and most well organised countries in the world, Singapore offers visitors a colourful and exciting destination rich in culture and tradition in a modern well organised setting.

Culture and history

Once a simple fishing village, Singapore was founded as a trading station in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles, an official of the British East India Company. Since then, Singapore’s ideal location, thoroughly modern facilities, intriguing ethnic and cultural blends and top rate tourist attractions have contributed to its success as a super popular destination for a holiday or for business.

A curious blend of ancient and modern, the city is now home to an ethnic mix of Chinese, Malaysians and Indians, as well as ex-pats from all over the world, in a predominantly English-speaking society. This great diversity of lifestyles, cultures and religions thrives within the framework of a well-ordered society. Visit some of the ethnic regions of the city—Arab Street, Chinatown, Colonial District, Orchard Road and Little India.

Natural attractions

Singapore is a spotlessly clean and modern metropolis surrounded by green, groomed parks. There are several islands nearby, each offering a different experience. Outlying islands such as St Johns and Kusu offer the perfect peaceful environment for swimming and sunbathing in natural surrounds.

The Indonesian isle of Bintan is easily accessible from Singapore and offers endless beaches, a choice of international resorts and a host of tropical holiday activities. It is also the main hub for amazing Asia cruises such as the SuperStar fleet.

For yet another island escape from the city, but with a difference, Sentosa Island is a 390-hectare themed attraction, tropical resort, nature park and heritage centre all rolled into one! Sentosa is just minutes away from the city by cable car or road.

For animal lovers, Singapore is alive with wildlife! Start with Jurong BirdPark, the largest and most impressive bird park in the Asia Pacific, with around 8000 feathered friends from more than 600 species. Get up close and personal with more than 2500 mammals, birds and reptiles and fish at the spectacular 28-hectare ‘open’ Singapore Zoo, or have your fix of life under the sea at the fabulous Underwater World on Sentosa.

At Singapore’s Night Safari you can experience the night time habitats of some 1000 animals representing 120 exotic animal species. Eight different habitats have been simulated including an African Savanna, Rainforest typical of South-East Asia, the Nepalese river valley, Burmese Jungle and South American pampas. It is a very different kind of Zoo and offers an unusual look at the nightime habits of the animals.

Dining

Singapore’s varied cultural and ethnic influences and a willingness to embrace on the latest trends in gastronomy make for a fantastic destination for those who believe that food is a key aprt of travel. There are tiny cafes, high end restaurants and streetside stalls everywhere. Anything can be found in Singapore from Cantonese to sushi, Korean barbecue to Indian curry, and get a New Zealand rack of lamb in the mix. For an entertaining local atmosphere and extremely affordable food, the hawker stalls and kopi tiams (coffee shops) are the way to go. Try some local specialities such as a rich frangrant laksa, Indian pancakes with curry, fried noodles and dozens of varieties of satay.

Singapore has some fabulous dining precincts to discover. Boat Quay, with excellent river views, offers some of the best al fresco dining to be found. It was once one of Singapore’s busiest ports. For a more upmarket experience, head to Chijmes which embodies old world charm with modern style. Chijmes is now regarded as a premier wine and dine destination in its own right. If you want to escape the city try East Coast Parkway by the East Coast Beach. Here you will delight in some of Singapore’s freshest seafood while taking in the beachfront views. In Singapore during July? Get set for a mouthwatering good time at the month-long Singapore food festival.

Shopping

When Singaporeans tell you that shopping is the national sport, they’re only half joking. This is an island with ‘1000 shopping malls’, or so they say. The best of South-East Asia’s handicrafts can be bartered for in Singapore’s famous shopping districts, such as Orchard Road. Or get wrapped in a sarong on Arab Street or a sari in Little India. Shopping junkies should consider a holiday to Singapore from May to July during the Great Singapore Sale, when you can find bargains and receive discounts of up to 70 per cent on just about everything imaginable. Thankfully where there are shops there are cafes!

Get in the know...

You’ll be chomping at the bit to get back to Chomp Chomp once you’ve had the experience. One of Singapore’s best-loved hawker centres, Chomp Chomp is housed in one of the city’s oldest housing estates (built in the 1950s) and is THE place to buy authentic local food. Barbecued stingray, fried carrot cake, laksa, won ton noodles and sugarcane juice are on the menus of the 20-odd stalls. And you’ll love the laid-back local vibe. Ask any cabbie or local how to get there.