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The country’s rich cultural background is best seen in its ethnic districts in Arab Street, Chinatown and Little India. It ranges from legacies of the island’s colonial past and multi-cultural heritage to the most modern and entertainment facilities. Historical landmarks such as Alkaff guesthouse and Raffles guesthouse have retained their colonial charms.

Singapore has a world of attractions to offer you. It includes from dining along the Singapore River to sun bathing in the golden beach of Sentosa, and enjoying the water rides in Fantasy Island. Other attractions includes the beautiful and unusual wildlife in Night Safari to the world’s largest fountain, to the ground-breaking venture into the realm of 3D film-marking, to the unique blend of historical architectural and modern restoration andtothe spectacular three-dimensional laser images on Fountain screens all happening in Singapore.

Enjoy the spectacular “Rise of the Merlion show”. Standing at 37 metre, the Merlion tower is the tallest structure in Singapore. From the mouth of the Merlion, you will see the wonderful panoramic Singapore skyline with her towering modern skyscrapers glittering in a distance. After that, you may enjoy the lovely luminescence of the lighted fountains during the eight-minute show which uses dancing water fountains, special lighting and sound effects to create spectacular three-dimemsional laser images on the fountain screens. At the climax of the show, the Merlion’s eyes emit laser beams into the night.

Suntec City’s Fountain of Wealth is a combination of high technology and metaphysical symbolism, designed like a giant hand. Four 45-storey office towers form the “fingers” and 18th storey Suntec Tower Five forms the “thumb” of this giant hand, while Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Center is the wrist. In the centre of the “palm” of this hand, lies a precious “ring” from which fortune flows, the Fountain of Wealth. This fountain is the world’s largest fountain with a base area of 1,683 square metres. The water shoots up to 30 metres with a bronze sculpture weighing a hefty 85 tonnes.

E3D weaves live action into the best of computer graphics imagery to pack in over 100.00 hours of digital effects. This is a world-class attraction that offers fun and entertainment through high-tech and interactive exhibit that showcase Singapore’s milestones and achievements. Experience Singapore’s turbulent past, growth and development in the Singapore Dynamics Gallery. Discover the sophistication of advance technology at the Technology Gallery and see the great tacticians come to life at the Tactics gallery.

The world’ first and only Night Safari is a must. This is an exciting adventure that combines the comforts of a 200 environment and the experience of a national wildlife park. It welcomes you to the world of nocturnal creatures and discovers the beauty and enchantment of the animal kingdom. Visitors may choose to wander along the trails to see some 1,200 nocturnal animals under subtle artificial lighting.

When night fall in Singapore, an air of anticipation arises. Entertainment of all forms awaits you a CHIJMES. Formerly a convent, CHIJMES is a unique blend of historical architecture and modern restoration. The Gothic chapel erected in 1890 is a showcase of plaster work, delicate wall frescoes and stained glass. The grounds of CHIJMES are home to art galleries, boutiques, and a lavish selection of fining dining restaurants, wine bars, pubs and cafes.

Stop your way down to Crazy Elephant for a true audio treat. With its timber decore and a raw stage, you can be assured of the most relaxing ambiance to enjoy their music. Catch Heritage, their resident band and enjoy the energy they display on stage with their suave movements and a special mix of music such as rhythm and blues, classic rock and roll. If you feel the rich to join in, there is a jamming session every Sunday. Potential jammers are welcome and you might just earn yourself a chance to perform here at Crazy Elephant.

Romancing the Past – Enjoy dining on a hilltop with all the magical splendor of the 1920s. Once the weekend retreat of the wealthy Alkaf family, the guesthouse is now a conversation property with original blueprints, restoring ornaments, antique and art pieces. For a find dinning experience unlike any other, try the unique Dutch-Indonesian Rijsttafel cuisine, served by a procession of graceful kebaya-clade ladies.

Coming up in the year 2001 is the 2nd World Beer Festival. The 1st World Beer Festival was held at World Trade Center in Singapore on the 14-17 April 2000 for the 1st time, with the theme of 2000 Millennia Special 1st World Beer festival. There was beer sampling and showcase of different beers from all over the world. Also, there was an international Cultural Showcase from USD Gathering of nations (POW POW) and Japan: AWA-ODORI Dance. Other pocket shows included performances by Black Irish band, Island Winds. Saddle Tramps, Singapore Stompers and Calico & Boots.

Also, there will be a new place opening up at Time2 at Millennia Walk. All 11 restaurants forming the L-shaped private street will offer a unique park and dine concept. Diners can drive right up to the entrance of the restaurant of choice. The restaurants cover a range of cuisine including Japanese, German, Thai, American, Italian and Mediterranean. Nine of the 11 restaurants will be fully operational by end July 2000.

What is not new is the fact that Singapore continues to be extremely popular with tourists worldwide due to a combination of excellent hostels, interesting tours, good food, friendly service, excellent shopping, all at most attractive prices. Some events such as National day Parade, Ching Gay processions and Christmas decorations and light-ups at Orchard Road are yearly activities of the nation. Singapore is also known as nightlife city and is always filled with an air of anticipation. The night scene in Singapore is not to be missed as you can certainly find a lot of pubs, cinemas, plays, cultural performances, jazz club, discos, all awaiting for you.

You may want to travel at anytime of the year as Singapore has different festivals and event happening all year round. With the perfect weather like Singapore, you need not have to worry about traveling and still enjoy the festivals. Testimony to Singapore’s rich tapestry of cultures is a bustling calendar of colourful festivals and events such as Lunar New Year, Hari Raya Puasa and Thaipusam. Events ranging from the Singapore food Festival to the World Invitational Dragon Boat Races are also part of Singapore’s busy calendar.

Singapore’s climate is warm and humid with only slight variations between average maximum of 31C and minimum of 23C. Rain falls throughout the year, with more consistent rain coming during the monsoon season from November to January. Showers are usually sudden and heavy, but also brief and refreshing.

Singapore is one of the safest countries worldwide and it is absolutely safe to travel to any parts of the country, also, for women travelers. Places to avoid are unlicensed jewellery shops selling fake merchandise at exorbitant prices.

Generally, foreigners who do not require visas for entry and are visiting Singapore as tourists, may be given up to a 30 day social visit passes upon their arrival. If you are holding traveling documents issued by the following countries, you will require a valid visa to enter Singapore. Application of visas is to be made to the nearest Singapore overseas mission or submitted by your local sponsor on your behalf at the Singapore Immigration & Registration (SIR): Afghanistan, Algeria, Almenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Cambodia, China, Georgia, Hong Kong (Document of Identity), India, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Krrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Middle East countries (Refugee Travel documents issued to Palestinian refugees), Moldova, Myanmar, Russia, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, and Holders of Palestinian Authority

It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tab in Singapore. However, for those who perfer bottled mineral water, they are easily available throughout the country in supermarkets. Food centres are generally the places for eating as you can hardly find any food stalls around.

Pedestrian crossing a road within 50m of a pedestrian crossing risk an S$50 fine. Splitting in public places is an offence and subject to a fine of up to S$1000 for 1st offence and S$2000 for repeat offence.
US$ in cash and traveler cheque are preferable, but credit cards are just as acceptable. Money changers and banks could be found throughout the country. ATM’s are found almost everywhere. It is advisable, however, to carry along local currency in small denomination ($2, $5, $10, $50).

There are 4 official languages in Singapore: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. English is the language of business and administration, and is widely spoken and understood. Most Singaporeans are bilingual, and speak their mother tongue as well as English. Foreign language translation is also available such as Spanish, French, German, Japanese and many more.

Singapore requires no vaccinations from foreign visitors and the standard of hygiene is high throughout the country. Singapore’s medical facilities are among the finest in the world, with well-qualified doctors and dental surgeons. Pharmaceuticals are available from numerous outlets, including supermarkets, department stores, hostels and shopping centres.

Singapore has always been well known for being one of the gourmet capitals of the world. Variety is the essence of the Singapore food experience. Not only do the different races offer a wide range to choose from, there is dizzying diversity with each ethnic group, depending on the origins of the dish. These ranges from five-star restaurants to outdoor eating stall, to fast food outlets. Food centres selling excellent and inexpensive local dishes are a “ must ”.

Most Chinese food could trace their roots to Fujian province in China, but the predominant style of cooking is Guangdong or Cantonese. Classic Cantonese dishes include Dian Xin (Dim Sum), steamed or deep-fried tidbits normally served at lunch. There are also simple noodle dishes with roast meat as well as double boiled herbal soups with distinctly Oriental names like “ Buddha jumps over the wall ”

The Spice of life is what Malay and Indonesian Cuisine is all about. Mild curries, coconut-based rich flavours and interesting cakes and pastries. Peanut paste is generously used in most Malay dishes such a “Gado Gado” (a salad dish topped with peanut sauce) and “Tauhu goreng” (dried tofu and vegetables topped with peanut sauce) Satay- skewers of succulent pieces of seasoned mint

or poultry cooked over a charcoal flame- are a favourite with both locals and visitors.

Singapore’s Indian fare reflects the many faces of the nation. Fiery curries eaten off a banana leaf, the less spicy dishes of Kashmir and the yogurt-based Punjabi delicacies are all available. Indian-Muslim also have created their niche, selling mouth-watering “Nasi Briyam” (saffron rice with spicy chicken or mutton accompanied by curry gravy) and “Muriabak” (pizza, Asian-style, with mincedmeat and sliced onion encrusted in a crispy bread-like dough).

Nonya or Peranakan food is the closest Singapore has to an indigenous cuisine. It is a good example of how 2 different culinary styles can blend to creat an exquisite and unique taste, The Nonya and Babas are descendants of Chinese Straits settles of Malacca, Penang and Singapore who integrated with the indigenous Malays. Chilies, “belachan” and coconut milk are central to the unique flavour of the Nonya dishes. Peranakan food like “Laksa” (noodles in a savoury coconut-milk gravy with fried tofu and beanspouts) or “Mee Siam” (rice vermicelli in a spicy-sour gravy) at entres.

Crabs, lobsters, prawns, stingray, squid, mussels, oysters, scallops and fish are plentiful and fresh in Singapore. Many visitors go through a seafood initiation by trying Singapore’s popular chilli crab-crab cooked in a rich tomato and chilli sauce. Other seafood specialties are drunken prawns; crispy

fried baby squid and buttered crab or prawns.

Singapore also offers an array of other Asian food like Japanese, Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese. Korean and even Mongolian restaurant. As for the western cuisine, it ranges from counter snacks bar to elegant dining from all over the world-Mexico, Spain, France, Italy, the Middle East, Russian and United States. Fast-food like Mac Donald’s, Burger King’s, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC are all easily available.
Singapore has long been a shopping city. It’s own inhabitants regards the gentle art of shopping as a way of life and visitors can find attractive goods from all over the world at competitive prices. Shopping is not just a hobby of the Singaporeans; it has become like a full time job. People will spend hours on shopping.

Singapore is a very modern city but in some places bargaining is still practiced. Shoppers need to understand the price range of the goods they are seeking so that they can enjoy the bargaining process to the fullest.

From mid-July to mid-August, there will be bargains galore during “The Great Singapore Sale” where shoppers can enjoy remarkable markdowns on a wide range of merchandise, including designer goods.

The major shopping places are at Orchard Road, Chinatown, Little India, Marina Square, Bugis Junction and many more.

Orchard Road, it is divided into up market shopping as well as bargain shopping. For up market product, it is best to step into Delfi Orchard complete with art galleries or Palais Renaissance and the Hilton Shopping Arcade., Book lovers would appreciate Borders, America’s second-largest bookstore, at Wheelock Place. For bargain hunters, the best place to stop would be in Lucky Plaza especially for sports goods. Lacoste and World of Sports shares floor space with high-end boutiques like Guess?, Fendi and giant Japanese retailer, Isetan at Wisma Atria. Ngee Ann City also has “ everything under one roof ”. You will find Takashimaya, another Japanese retail giant. Centrepoint is another, which houses Robinsons, Singapore’s oldest and award-winning department stores. Paragon in another high-end market where you could find flagship stores of renowned brand like Escada, Gucci, the Heeren, which is home to HMV, a mega music store, watch shops as well as electronic superstore.

Chinatown offers a wonderful variety of goods, some totally surprising like spittoons and Collectors’ items such as pipes for opium smoking and a wide selection of local arts and crafts. Other favorites include wooden clogs, waxed-paper umbrella, porcelain dinnerware and jade.

Little India offers almost everything from handicrafts and Kashmir silks and floral garlands, Saris, brassware and Indian’design jewellery.

Marina Square, a mega-mall of 668,000 sq. Ft., featuring K-mart department store, 2 cinemas, 2 family entertainment centers, an indoor and outdoor hawker centre and more than 200 other specialty outlets. Marina Square is a good place for cloths, shoes, souvenirs, children’s toys and cloths, infant products, sporting goods, watches and leather products.

Bugis Junction with its anchor tenant-Japanese store Seiyu. It also houses a host of boutiques, retaurants, cafes, a Cineplex and an amusement center. Bargain hunters might want to try the “ Pasar Malam (night market) in Bugis Village.

Shoppers are encouraged to patronize shops, which are members of the Good Retailers Scheme (GRS). Membership to the scheme is approved by the STPB and the Consumers Association of Singapore. Here, customers can be assured of quality goods and fair pricing. These shops can be identified by the red and white Merlion stickers, which are displayed on their doors or windows.

Tipping is not encouraged as most hostels and restaurant in Singapore already levy a 10% service charge on the customers’ bills. Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore and it prohibited at the airport.Tip on things in Singapore.

Rub the tummer of the happy Buddha at Haw Par Villa Tiger Balm Gardens for good luck.!
Explore the streets of Singapore on a trishaw.
Stroll down Orchard Road, Singapore most “ happening ” street form the Great Singapore Sale.
Sip the famous Singapore Sling at the Long Bar, Raffles guesthouse.
Ask your taxi driver to take you to a 24 hour coffee shop for a late night supper of roti prata.
Have your fortune told by an Indian fortune-teller and his “ psychics “ parrot in Little India.
Enjoy the sea breeze while you tuck into mouth-watering seafood at the East Coast Seafood Centre. Black pepper crab and barbecued stingray are local favourites.
Visit the temples at Waterloo Street where Hindu and Buddist worshippers converge for religions reflection
Enjoy a Rijsttafel dinner atop a hill at the Alkaff guesthouse
Visit Arab Street and be overwhelmed by the stunning variety of glorious fabrics in every imaginable texture and colour
Take the MRT into the suburb and shop for goods at bargain prices
Rollerblade at Pasir Ris Park and then quell those hunger pangs with dinner by the beach Fisherman’s Village.

Orchard Road, is the main shopping and entertainment area of Singapore. It is where many hostels are located. The central shopping area is concentrated here. It rivals all other areas in terms of sheer volume, quality, and choice. Many of its shopping centers are filled with a variety of products from around the world. Most malls carry the concept of "everything under one roof". Virtually everything that is desired can be found in these shopping centers.
Changi Airport SingaporeChangi, approaching Singapore by air is an exhilarating experience. The myriad twinkling lights of runway and terminal building reaffirm Changi Airport's status as one of the world's ten busiest airports, and a regular recipient of top awards for efficiency and facilities in trade journals of the travel industry. Pursuing a liberal aviation policy, Changi handles more than 1600 flights to and from 109 cities in 54 countries each week and reinforces Singapore's strategic position as gateway to the Asia Pacific.

Chinatown hostels SingaporeChinatown, heritage runs the gamut from the natural to the preternatural, since face-reading, palmistry, numerology and astrology are part of the cultural baggage of Singapore's Chinese and Indian communities. Although the essence of mysticism remains, as in the Oriental charts of physiognomy and the Hindu peacock feathers, the arcane truths of the Chinese palmist are now packaged in a bilingual format. Professional letter writing dates back to a time when the wave of illiterate workers from China needed ghost-writers to articulate the 'home thoughts from abroad'. Although their breed is dying out with the ineluctable progress in education, some scribes still play their trade in Chinatown.

Tanjong PagarTanjong Pagar, roof tiles are merely one element among many, structural and ornamental, that needed replacement in the conservation of old shop houses within a 4.1 hectare area of Tanjong Pagar designated as part of the Chinatown Historic District. When their exquisite facades have been remoulded, their timber fascia beams replaced, their fanlights and ceramic friezes restored to their former glory, these neat rows of two-and three-storey terraces (dwelling houses for a nutmeg plantation back in 1856) would provide a unique precinct for such trades as Asian antiques and objects d'art, traditional Chinese teahouses and medicine shops, all of which would benefits from its inimitable ambience.

Pasir Ris Park SingaporePasir Ris Park, an interesting play on geometrical shapes is effected by the contrast between the cylindrical edifice of the Singapore Treasury Building and the angular roof of its vestibule. Function makes way for flair in this sculptural tableau at Pasir Ris Park, whose 18-metre high chrome pillar reflects a chiaroscuro of clouds and dwarfs a distant palm.

Kampong Glam SingaporeKampong Glam, was one of the neighbourhoods which Raffles designated along ethnic lines, and which still remains a uniquely Malay/Arabic bastion, where merchants engage in trades traditionally associated with them, of which fabrics is a quintessential example. The Basharahil brothers, dealers in batik cloth, are of Yemeni stock, their forefather numbering among the earliest pioneers to Southeast Asia in 1272.

Seaport Export ImportSingapore Seaport, with a string of superlatives to its credit (Best Seaport in Asia, Best Seaport Terminal Operator and Best Warehouse Operator at the Asian Freight Industry Awards 1988 and 1989), the Port of Singapore has no difficulty measuring up to its reputation as the busiest port in the world in terms of shipping tonnage, with 600 ships in anchor at any on time! Apart from world-class infrastructure, what also sustains its popularity as a major shipping centre is the Singapore Distribelt, which defines an area contiguous to the PSA's five terminals, that harbour resources for both general and specialised storage and distribution.

Yio Chu Kang SingaporeYio Chu Kang, heritage expressed as continuity is epitomised by Sam Mui Kang Pottery Works, a family concern founded in 1937 by Chua Eng Cheow, who transposed his expetise at the kiln from the Teochew district in China to Jalan Hwi Yoh in Yio Chu Kang, Singapore. Barrel-making was another family skill transferred to Singapore.

Do's and Dont's

Career Abroad is the ideal guide to facts on work culture abroad. Do's and don'ts on etiquette, work ethics and conversational pleasantries, find them all here.

At Home in Singapore

An Indian going to Singapore should feel quite at home there, especially if he's a Tamilian! Tamil happens to be one of the four official languages of Singapore (the other three being: Mandarin, Malay, and English.) Singapore is a multi-cultural country and has a large population of indigenous Indian people. Here are a few things you must know before you travel to Singapore.

• Greetings

Handshakes are the most common business greeting in Singapore. Wait for your Singaporean counterparts to initiate the handshake before you extend your hand. It is acceptable for women to shake hands with both sexes, but they are expected to initiate the gesture. Alternatively, they may simply nod politely when introduced.

• Corporate culture

Be punctual for business appointments. When Singaporeans meet foreign business people for the first time, business cards are exchanged. Hold your card with both hands when you are giving it (it should face the recipient so he can read it) on receiving it. When someone gives you his card, read it carefully before putting it away. Put your card in a cardholder. Keep the card on the table during discussions. Try to give a card to everyone in the group. You'll need to keep a large reserve ready.

In Singapore, hierarchy reigns (People even enter a room in hierarchical order!) Singaporeans are reserved in nature and very polite, especially in business settings. Never raise your voice, lose your temper or appear to be aggressive. Speak in calm, quiet tones. When asked a question, don't answer straightaway! Pause and appear to give it sufficient thought before you answer.

• Diplomacy is a valued trait in Singaporeans.

They rarely say give a direct "No". "Yes" can mean everything from "I agree" to "maybe". Giving an evasive answer, silence or completely ignoring your question may indicate a negative answer.

• Social etiquette

When invited to a Malay or Indian home, remove your shoes before entering. If you are unsure how to properly eat a dish or which utensils to use, follow someone else's lead. Learn how to handle chopsticks before arriving in Singapore. You may be offered the option of a fork but asking for it may be interpreted as a lack of effort to adapt to the surroundings. When you have eaten your fill, leave a little on your plate. A thoroughly empty plate suggests that you are still hungry. Avoid discussing religion, sex politics and human rights. A few things to remember :

- As a general rule, avoid touching anyone, especially those of the opposite sex. In Singapore it may be seen as aggression or flirtation.

- Pointing with a finger is considered rude. Use your entire hand with the palm up to bring attention to a person or an object.

- Displaying the sole of your foot or the bottom of your shoes is considered disrespectful and rude to some Singaporeans. So try to avoid crossing your legs unless you are seated behind a table or desk

- If you plan to host a party and there are Muslims in the group - select a restaurant, which serves halal food.

- Never chew gum in Singapore. This could get you arrested!

- Don't smoke in shopping centres, restaurants, and cinemas or in places like buses, lifts etc. A maximum fine of S$1,000 is imposed on first offenders.

- Don't litter (or spit in) public places. Singapore has very stringent laws on cleanliness, to say nothing of very heavy fines.

- At customs, be specific when you declare the number of items you're carrying (Don't say a 'couple' of bottles of whisky when you are carrying three or four). A couple means two!

- By being well informed about this fascinating country and by speaking of it favourably- you can create a lasting impression on your Singaporean business associates and help you clinch that coveted deal!